This is how I'd do it:
Sync On
Load Bitmap "bitmap.bmp", 1
Set Current Bitmap 1
Get Image 1, 0, 0, Bitmap Width(), Bitmap Height()
Sprite 1, 100, 100, 1
Do
If SpaceKey() Then Exit
Sync
Loop
Fade = 100
Do
Fade Bitmap 1, Fade
Get Image 1, 0, 0, Bitmap Width(), Bitmap Height()
Sprite 1, 100, 100, 1
Dec Fade
If Fade < 0 Then End
Sync
Loop
Load the bitmap using a number and then use 'Set Current Bitmap' to select it. Copy the bitmap to an Image by using 'Get Image' and then using a Sprite to put it where you like on the screen.
To fade the bitmap, simply do the operation to the bitmap and then once again copy the bitmap to the Image.