Actually, that was untrue, he thought, as he stepped through the door. At least half of those present, including the president, seemed to be smoking cigarettes. Clouds of smoke drifted from their glowing tips, burning his eyes and throat.

The locals backed away toward the rear of the room as Kolhammer’s people surged in quietly, nodding and smiling uncertainly. They took up positions, standing at ease, in the corner to his left.

“I’m sorry we can’t offer more in the way of hospitality, Admiral Kolhammer,” said Roosevelt, “but I’m afraid that’s my fault. I insisted on coming out here to meet you. Couldn’t stand to wait in that hotel.”

“It’s really not a problem, Mr. President.”

Kolhammer wasn’t sure what to say next. He’d expected to have another hour or two to compose something appropriate. He’d also been thrown by the presence of Eisenhower, and had to fight an impulse to address him as Mr. President. He really hoped he wouldn’t have to deal with a young John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, or George Bush anytime soon.

Before he could blunder into a morass of fatuous small talk, Roosevelt surprised him by saying, “Please accept my condolences for your losses at Midway, Admiral. I know they weren’t as serious as ours, but we don’t measure out our grief in teaspoons for the purposes of comparison. I’m sure you don’t, either.”

“No sir, we do not. And thank you. We lost some fine men and women. As did you . . . or, uhm . . .”

He was about to clarify that inaccuracy, but Roosevelt waved it away.

“We know what you mean, Admiral. Since you’re here, you’d best meet everyone now. General Eisenhower, could you do the introductions? I’m afraid I’m not as familiar with everybody, particularly the scientists, beside Professor Einstein.”

Eisenhower looked stumped for an instant.

Roosevelt grinned wickedly. “You’re not president yet, young man. You still have to work for a living.”

A small but genuine wash of laughter ran through the room.

They must know about Ike, Kolhammer realized. Word travels fast.

Eisenhower had put together the short list of scientists, with the help of Professor Einstein. But he suspected the president had asked him to do the introductions because Roosevelt and one of the scientists, Professor Millikan, loathed each other. Eisenhower had joked to King they needed the rifle squad inside the building to keep the two men apart.