Chapter III - We Have Been Through This Before
September 15, 1066
Brandenburg
As the Nazi entourage was following the soldier leading them to his master, Hitler and Goebbels began devising new plans. The time machine was broken, but Merkwürdigliebe was convinced that it could be repaired even in these archaic 11th century conditions. It would, however, require much money, power and discretion. To achieve these things they needed to seize power in Germany. Again. First on the list however would be usurping the lands of Brandenburg, and most of the trip to duke Lothar-Udo II's palace was spent discussing means to topple him. Eventually Hitler seemed to come with a plan, which the others hoped would not involve just storming the castle as he had first suggested.
He had asked the soldier to arrange a meeting with Lothar-Udo II. Knowing that the duke wouldn't meet random peasants without a good reason, Hitler had claimed he was a long lost son of a former ruler of these lands. When they arrived in the duke's palace in late afternoon, Lothar-Udo was waiting for them, leaning forward in his throne and looking troubled.
'Why is it,' he said, 'that you have been spreading stories of your supposed heritage, at the risk of your own life? Who do you think you are?'
Hitler stepped forward. 'For you see, I am the true heir of these lands, the son of duke William!'
Everyone in the room gasped. Lothar-Udo leaned further forward. A man called William had indeed ruled these lands, but he had died in battle ten years ago after which Brandenburg had passed on to his house. These were serious claims.
Hitler continued pestering the duke for several minutes, aided by Goebbels. Hitler had, in his time in 1940s, studied the history of Brandenburg and possessed information that Lothar-Udo was not aware of. Eventually the Nazi entourage managed to convince everyone in the room that Hitler was, indeed, the son of duke William. But they did not stop, and continued stressing the poor man on the throne about Hitler's claims. Eventually Speer and Goebbels also became long lost sons of former local nobility.
Lothar-Udo then straightened his back and stepped in Hitler's trap.
'Fine, then. If you truly are the son of the brave William, who fell in battle against the Slavs ten years ago, you must prove that you are worthy of your kin. Let us duel, a duel to the death!'
Hitler pretended to be shocked and insulted. 'Very well,' he said, 'but only if I can choose my own weapon.'
The duke permitted this, and stood up from his throne. From his side he drew a sword and walked towards Hitler.
'Whichever of us wins this battle shall rule these lands. Let us end this!'
Though he was no swordsman, Hitler was not concerned. You see, he had one last ace up his sleeve.
His pistol, which still had one bullet in it.
The duke was dead before he had taken one step. Without even looking at his dead opponent Hitler marched to the throne and sat down.
'Speer, bring me a list of my subordinates!'
He was now Adolf I Hitler, Duke of Brandenburg.
Before day turned to night Hitler created excuses to revoke the titles of counts of Anhalt and Altmark and set
Goebbels and
Speer rule those lands. Merkwürdigliebe was to stay in Hitler's court - his job was to work on his damn machine day and night until it was ready to take them back to the future.
The trio began making preparations on ruling their new lands. Goebbels was appointed Councillor of Brandenburg while Speer's duty was to manage the economy in the post of Steward. Competent courtiers from Lothar-Udo's court were appointed to other posts. Speer was to spent his time directing tax collection while Goebbels immediately left, at his own initiative, to spread vicious rumors and lay claims on the nearby region of Lübeck, a territory independent of the Holy Roman Empire.
A long project lay ahead of them.