Then he adds, more conciliatory, "We have efficient programs, trust me. We offer a range of daily bonding activities, and also make sure evenings are free for couples, encouraging intimacy as early as possible." Gomez finishes in a sugary tone, but neither Salt nor I respond. Salt’s cheeks are slightly flushed.
A moment of silence passes.
"How many of your participants undergo a full transition to beta with omega characteristics?" I ask, keeping my voice neutral.
Gomez immediately brightens, swipes across the screen, and pulls up a chart.
"Take a look here. As many as 34 percent of our participants become pregnant within the first two years, but it’s very possible that within four years we will reach a rate of 43 percent."
"Wow," Salt says, genuine surprise written all over his face. "That’s an incredible statistic." He’s studying the screen. "In the general population, betas get pregnant in only around 2 percent of cases."
"Oh, I see you’ve done some reading," Mr. Gomez says in a tone that sounds like praise directed at a particularly promising student.
"That’s exactly right. Many couples are now entering their third year, and we’ve observed that the longer couples remain in close contact, the more often success occurs. That’s why our program is designed as a long-term commitment. We slowly build pheromonal compatibility and increase stimulation."
Neither Salt nor I comment.
Mr. Gomez slides his finger across the tablet again and shows us something that looks like a hospital or medical clinic.
"The hormone levels are tested regularly. We monitor every fluctuation and try to understand its cause." He shows us a photo of an examination room. "You will be coming here for regular visits twice a week."
"What do those visits involve besides blood tests?" Salt asks hesitantly.
"We do blood tests, sperm viability tests, and check the condition of cervical mucus in betas, since it is often the first indicator of gradual hormonal changes in their bodies."
I notice a sudden flush creep up Salt’s face, almost shy. He bites his lip. "So… internal exams?"
"Yes. Rectal examinations."
Salt’s cheeks are bright red now. "I hope that won’t be a problem?" Gomez raises his eyebrows.
"No…" Salt mutters, but I can tell immediately this won’t be easy for him.
"Have you ever had an exam like that before?" I ask quietly.
He clenches his teeth. "Not your business!"
Gomez raises his eyebrows, surprised by this intense reaction.
Salt snorts and adds with an eye roll, "But no, I hadn’t."
I almost say something like,Don’t worry, I’ll be there for you, but his energy is so prickly that I know he wouldn’t take it well. Instead, I just murmur, "It’ll be okay."
Gomez doesn’t comment on the exchange.
"Okay. What else should we know about life on the island, especially when it comes to security?" Salt asks. It’s obvious he wants to shut down the previous subject.
"Security in what sense?" Gomez asks.
I can see Salt trying to keep his tone calm and neutral, but his heart gives him away, beating a little faster again.
"General safety on the island. There are different sectors, after all."
"Yes." Mr. Gomez brings up a full view of the island again. It doesn’t look particularly large and vaguely resembles a starfish in shape.
"Each peninsula of the island contains one sector. There are five in total." He traces them on the map. "Each sector has its own entrance and gate. In the center, as you can see here, is the main administrative and medical complex. Five wings were built around the central structure. These are smaller, elongated buildings with recreational halls and dining areas, each with its own entrance opening into a separate sector."
"How many couples are in our sector?" Salt asks.
