Scott Kenemore - Zombies vs. Nazis: A Lost History of the Walking Undead

January 11, 1940

From: Gunter Knecht

To: Reinhard Heydrich

Obergruppenfhrer ,

It is with considerable satisfaction that I report our successful arrival in Port-au-Prince, upon the island republic of Haiti. My colleagues, Inspectors Gehrin and Baedecker, have quickly established communications with their contacts in the biology department of the University of Haiti, and their position as visiting lepidopterists does not seem to be in any question. (The amount of field time a visiting researcher devotes to capturing and examining live specimensin this case, the Danaus plexippus , or Monarch butterfly of Haitiis typically very considerable. Thus, it should arouse little to no suspicion if they are observed in the Haitian countryside, and that they devote little time to being present at the actual university itself. )

Though I have yet to make contact with any of the local religious officials, my own position as a member of the clergy does not seem to be in any question. I am adjusting to the collar and cassock, and hope they may seem as natural as a second skin before much time has passed. (Though, in truth, I tremble at the thought of their effects during the tropical Haitian summer. The heat, Im told, can be intolerable here. And yet, as the Fhrer reminds us, we all must sacrifice for the good of the Reich.)

As arranged, the university has supplied for us an acceptable dwelling on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. It is a modern home of substantial proportions with a spacious study and an imposing mansard roof. The house is set apart from its neighbors and insulated from view by rows of trees that join with a thick forest at the back of the house. Inspector Gehrin has advocated forcefully for the additional construction of a research camp or outpost in the Haitian wilds. (He is concerned about the possibility of interruption or discovery.) As the leader of our group, I have filed this under advisement. Gehrins suggestions are usually levelheaded and sensible, as is the man himself. I sense from him a great and earnest desire to be useful in furthering the purposes of the Reich.

Inspector Baedecker, on the contrary, continues to remain a source of concern. I do not hastenthough neither do I hesitateto remind you that it was against my better wishes that he was selected for this assignment. My understanding is that his family is considered to curry favor with the party (though I can, of course, comfortably assert that no one could be in more favor with the Fhrer than you, my Obergruppenfhrer ). And while Inspector Baedeckers natural bookishness, awkwardness, and propensity toward indolence may help him pass as an academic of some accomplishment, his lack of self-control (particularly when it comes to his consumption of sausage and beer) remains a constant source of worry. His girth makes him conspicuous in situations where remaining nondescript would seem preferable. His attitude, also, remains consistently negative in almost every endeavor.

Yet perhaps this is neither here nor there.

Per your directive, you can expect to receive regular field reports from Inspectors Gehrin and Baedeckeralongside my own, of courseregarding any salient elements we uncover. Despite my concerns regarding Baedeckers attitude, I believe we are excellently positioned to conduct a fruitful and productive study of the Haitian Voodoo faith, its supposed powers, and the possibility of adopting these powers for use on the battlefields of Europe (and, indeed, the world).

I will make it my foremost preoccupation to keep you updated on our impending successes.

Respectfully,

Gunter Knecht

COMMUNICATION 2

January 29, 1940

From: Gunter Knecht

To: Reinhard Heydrich

Obergruppenfhrer ,

Warm greetings once again from the Republic of Haiti. Today, I am pleased to be able to report some early progress in our tasks.

Using the academic contacts of Inspectors Gehrin and Baedecker, I have made myself familiar with the religious studies department at the University of Haiti in Port-au-Prince. Through a minimum of inquiry, I subsequently secured introduction to one of the European religious representatives performing missionary work here in the city.

In the heart of Port-au-Prince, there is a cadre of several Irish priestsled, unfortunately, by a drunken oaf named Gillcharged with making large-scale conversions on behalf of the Holy See. In my initial meeting at their modest residence in the central district, they did not question my qualifications or mission as a Bavarian Jesuit. (This pleased me greatly, and attests to the skill of our research department in preparing an easily digestible dossier for this mission.) None of the Irishmen seemed inclined to express any open unpleasantness regarding current European tensions, either. I was welcomed warmly into their modest residence and given a tour of the city neighborhoods where their charitable and conversion work is performed.

Through Gillwhose tongue is regularly loosened, I gather, by the application of spirits from the Scottish HighlandsI learned that Catholics comprise the dominant European religious body in the country. However, there are also representatives of the Muhammadan and (alas) Semitic faiths. Then something intriguing! Taking me aside privately, Gill disclosed thatwithout the knowledge of his Roman overseershe convenes a monthly meeting of officials from all three religious faiths. At this meeting, Christian, Muhammadan, and Jewish leaders gather as equals and speak frankly and casually about their efforts to reach out to the native population. In particular, they share schemes and strategies for turning Voodooists away from their native religion and toward more respectable faiths. (While there is, of course, some irony in Jewish mongrels converting Negro mongrels, I forced myself to nod along with Father Gill, as though it were a completely reasonable idea.) I am pleased to report that before our conversation concluded, Gill extended to me an invitation to join the next meeting of this secret council. As you will have deduced, it will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Voodoo religion, how its effects can be distilled and brought to our purposes, and the most expeditious way of reaching out to the local practitioners.

Efforts to ingratiate myself to this man Gill, however odious he may be, will obviously prove fruitful, and I shall continue to make them my focus in the coming days.

I am also pleased to report that Inspectors Gehrin and Baedecker have begun their own investigations in earnest, taking a somewhat more direct approach. (Updates from them should follow presently and provide you with greater detail.)

Respectfully,

Gunter Knecht