Page 186 of Claim Me
Dallas has a lot of negative things to say about the entire program. Well, as a beta, he’s probably a more obvious candidate to criticize a program where scientists aim to awaken beta fertility.
Blue responds surprisingly diplomatically, emphasizing that the program involves only volunteers.
Dallas, stubborn as ever, continues, "There were some strange things happening in one of your facilities. There were rumors that betas were forced into some really nightmarish agreements, not exactly consensual."
Blue’s expression doesn’t change.
"That matter has already been clarified publicly. The official statement is available on the facility’s website. Any actions that did not align with the program’s policies—"
"Apparently your safeguards had holes, if violations occurred."
Blue makes a small adjusting movement of his head, and I can clearly sense a flicker of irritation in him.
"I’d wish to have control over every stage of this program and the actions of every employee, but you have to keep in mindthat I am not its owner. I'm only its chief appointed expert and the architect of the concept."
Dallas purses his lips. "Only… maybe it simply needs more oversight or redesigning," he mutters. "Or closing altogether."
Blue narrows his eyes. "Let me give you an example. About two years ago, there was a scandal at your college involving a professor, Gorgone, who was taking money to write students’ master’s theses, correct? Does that reflect on the chancellor himself? The professor was dismissed, and I did the same. The warden of that BA facility is currently in prison. A system is made up of people, and people are imperfect. One bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch. And what happened with Gorgone surely does not reflect badly on other people associated with your college, would you agree?"
The last sentence is said with a subtle emphasis.
Dallas gapes.
A brief silence falls over the table, because Professor Gorgone was also my brother’s advisor, and although my brother didn’t pay for his thesis, many of his peers suspected him anyway, so the topic is… sensitive.
Personally, I’m a little shocked that Blue even knows about it, but remembering how his mind works, he must have prepared before coming here, and of course he could easily look things up in real time through the display in his glasses. Reading up on information and gossip about my brother’s college wouldn’t be a problem for him.
I guess the sharp side of Blue is always there, ready to fire back whenever people make jabs at him…
Dallas opens his mouth, but…
"Maybe we should talk about something more pleasant," my dad says, sensing the mood. "Marlow, I heard your exam session is going really well. Your last semester is coming up soon!"
Marlow flinches as if startled that someone addressed him. His exhausted face turns toward Dad.
"There’s nothing to talk about. I just study."
"I’d like to add that—" Dallas tries to continue, but Dad raises his voice slightly, cutting him off.
"Marlow, I heard that Mr. Lowen, in his kindness, offered to help you find a job," Dad continues in a very deliberate tone, clearly signaling to Dallas that antagonizing Blue is not the best idea.
Fortunately, Marlow answers before Dallas dares to interrupt again.
"I’m really grateful for Mr. Lowen’s offer, Dad," he says, giving Blue a slight nod, "but I honestly don’t know what I’ll be doing after graduation yet."
"Nonsense, sweetheart, of course you’ll work at a veterinary clinic. What other path could you possibly take…?"
Marlow clenches his jaw. "We’ll discuss that another time, Dad. And while I appreciate Mr. Lowen’s offer, I still don’t know how everything will turn out, so let’s drop the subject for now," he mutters.
It feels like every topic we touch on turns out to be uncomfortable for someone.
Dallas, however, doesn’t seem ready to stop taking jabs at Blue.
"So. What’s it like, being a genius?"
Blue doesn’t lift his head from his plate, but he answers,
"It’s a bit like being jealous. If you can’t control it, it destroys you and eats you from the inside. If you can, you channel that energy into improving yourself and matching those you envy."
