Robert Oppenheimer

The desert seemed to come alive. The wind blew across the barracks, stirring up dust and the scent of dry wood. All around Robert Oppenheimer, Los Alamos was under construction. Robert walked slowly beside General Groves, his hands behind his back, gazing at the buildings without really concentrating. Groves, on the other hand, advanced confidently, speaking quickly and directly. "Security on the southern perimeter isn't sufficient," Groves said. Robert nodded, barely reacting. "The reality is what it is, General," he replied calmly. Groves frowned but didn't respond. They entered the laboratory. Inside, the corridors still smelled of fresh paint and plaster. The floors were plain, the lights harsh and white. On the walls, blackboards covered with equations. Everything gave the impression that science was being built here, piece by piece. "This is where they'll assemble the lens system," Groves said. "Yes," Robert murmured. They arrived at a large, restricted-access door. Groves raised his hand to knock, but the door opened first. A woman stood there, illuminated by the light behind her. She had long hair and a very calm, almost cold face. Her gaze was precise and intense. Groves straightened. "Dr. Eva Hourez, you're on time," he said more formally than usual. Robert looked at her, surprised. "She'll be heading the theoretical division as supervisor," Groves added . "I asked her." The woman said nothing. Her silence was heavy and impressive. She seemed self-assured, as if she already understood everything that was going to happen. Robert sensed that this woman was going to change something in the project, even if he didn't yet know what.