The skies above Berlin were a pale gray.
Along the wide boulevards from Anhalter Bahnhof to the Reich Chancellery, banners unfurled in the wind.
Red swastikas interlaced with black fasces waved from balconies.
German youth in uniform lined the curbs, standing at perfect attention.
Benito Mussolini descended from his armored train in full ceremonial attire.
Black-gloved hands adjusted the folds of his coat.
Cameras flashed.
The click of typewriters had already begun in the media corner.
Adolf Hitler awaited at the platform's edge, surrounded by an honor guard from the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.
A military band struck up "Giovinezza" as Mussolini stepped forward.
"Il Duce," Hitler greeted, offering a tight, measured nod.
"Führer," Mussolini replied with a faint smirk, grasping Hitler's hand.
Their handshake was firm.
"Europe watches."
"Then let it see unity." Hitler returned.
Photographers clustered around them, flashes popping.
