But over the years, more and more German scientists were brought across the Atlantic. And as the size of the team expanded, their privileges expanded too, until the Germans lived and worked on base but were free to do as they pleased. Calvin protested this fiercely—but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
“So…will these men still face trial once they finish sharing their knowledge with you?” I asked Calvin one day.
“I thought that was the plan, but…it’s looking like they’ll be offered permanent jobs. Maybe even citizenship.”
“But you said…you said some were probably party members. Some might even have been SS officers!” I exclaimed furiously. “We can’t just let them become Americans. What happened to justice for their victims?”
“I’m not thrilled about it either, Lizzie. But these men really can change the world. Their skills and knowledge can be the foundation of a space program. Space! One of the senior scientists is convinced we can get a man to the moon, and you know what? I’m starting to believe him.”
“The moon?” I repeated, staring at him in disbelief.
“Working with these men? Yes. This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said passionately. “I’ve done nothing remarkable with my life, Lizzie. We don’t even have children. But if we can learn to accept the moral compromise of working with these Germans, I could go down in history as the man who took this country to space. This could be my legacy. Tell me you understand.”
Ours was a complicated relationship, but I adored my husband and I wanted to please him. I could see that he wanted my approval, but I couldn’t give that to him—and it turned out, he didn’t really need it.
I begged him to look for another job, but he stayed with the program anyway. And for the first time in over eleven years of marriage, we found ourselves on the opposite sides of a moral divide, with no common ground to be found.
15
Sofie
Berlin, Germany
1933
We were eating dinner when a knock came at the front door. The children had been fussing, and Mayim and Jürgen had taken turns tending to them, but I’d just finished my meal, so I motioned toward my plate as I rose.
“I’ll get it.”
“Are we expecting anyone?” Jürgen asked. I shook my head and pulled the front door open. I was startled to find Karl on the doorstep, carrying a small model rocket mounted on a stand. A few days had passed since Jürgen told Karl he would not take the job. We’d both been surprised at how easily Karl accepted the refusal—but my heart sank now, realizing he hadn’t accepted it at all. Karl flashed me a charming smile.
“Mrs. von Meyer Rhodes,” he said playfully. “How are you this evening?”
It had been reasonably easy to keep Lydia and Karl out of our house since we’d laid off the staff. The park between our homes was usually a better option anyway, given our house had only the small courtyard, and Hans and Georg both loved to run. When that approach failed, I always suggested their house. It was easily twice the size of ours, set on acres of gardens, and Lydia was always happy to host.
I knew that Karl and Lydia would find out about our financial problems sooner or later, but I was determined to put it off as long as possible. With Karl arriving unannounced for the first time ever, I feared the moment had finally come.
“Karl, we weren’t expecting you,” I said. His charming smile did not shift one bit.
“I know. And I am sorry to just drop in unannounced like this. I was hoping you and Jürgen might give me a few moments of your time.”
“The house is a bit of a mess, Karl…”
That much, at least, was true.
“Sofie, please understand that I’m here as a friend first and foremost, even though I am also here on official business. I wasn’t permitted to offer Jürgen the job until he was thoroughly investigated. I was as surprised as anyone to learn of your financial problems.” At my look of alarm, he raised a hand as if to pacify me, and his gaze softened. “I’m here to help, my friend. We both know you cannot afford for him to refuse this position.”
“Why don’t you go wait in Jürgen’s study?” I said heavily, motioning toward the doorway off the hall.
“Hello, Karl,” Jürgen said as he appeared behind me.
“I’ll go make some tea—” I started to say, but Karl stopped me.
“Actually, Sofie, I was hoping you’d join us.”
I frowned, glancing between him and Jürgen, who gave me a bewildered shrug.