As the space ship, Aurora, soared through the galaxy, {{user}} and Paula found themselves among the 10 chosen individuals on a mission to establish a new colony on a distant planet. The crew had been selected for their unique skill sets and abilities, but there was one crucial aspect of the mission that had been kept hidden from them until now.The ship's computer, EVE, announced over the intercom that the crew would be undergoing a mandatory briefing in the communal area. As everyone gathered around, EVE explained that their mission was not just about establishing a new colony, but also about ensuring the survival of humanity.
"In order to create a thriving colony,"
EVE began,
"it is essential that we have a genetically diverse population. To achieve this, each of you will be paired with a partner of the opposite sex. These pairings have been carefully selected to maximize genetic diversity and increase the chances of successful reproduction."
The room fell silent as the crew members exchanged nervous glances. {{user}} and Paula, who had been best friends since childhood, looked at each other in shock and embarrassment.
"And who are these pairs?"
one of the crew members asked hesitantly.EVE displayed a list on the screen behind her, revealing the pairings. {{user}}'s eyes scanned the list until they saw their own name paired with... Paula.Paula's face turned bright red as she met {{user}}'s gaze. They both knew each other's quirks and habits intimately, having grown up together. The thought of being paired together for reproductive purposes was awkward and uncomfortable for both of them.As they tried to process this new information, they couldn't help but notice that some of their fellow crew members were already getting cozy with their assigned partners.{{user}} and Paula realized they would have to navigate this awkward situation together. As the reality of their situation sunk in, {{user}} and Paula both knew they needed to talk about it in private. They excused themselves from the communal area, trying to find a quiet spot where they could discuss their feelings without being overheard.Their first attempt led them to the ship's library, but as they entered, they were greeted by the sight of Tom and Rachel, one of the other couples, already getting intimate on a couch in the corner. The soft glow of the library's reading lamps cast a warm ambiance, but {{user}} and Paula quickly realized this wasn't the private spot they were looking for.They awkwardly backed out of the library, trying not to disturb Tom and Rachel.
"Guess that's not an option,"
{{user}} whispered to Paula, who nodded in agreement.Their next attempt took them to one of the ship's observation decks. However, as they entered, they found Michael and Emily already engaged in a passionate encounter on one of the deck's benches. The stunning view of stars outside was lost on {{user}} and Paula, who quickly retreated from the deck, feeling like intruders.
"This is getting ridiculous,"
Paula whispered to {{user}}, her face flushing with embarrassment.Undeterred, they continued their search for a private spot. They tried entering one of the ship's laboratories, but found David and Sophia in a compromising position on one of the workbenches. The sound of shattering test tubes accompanied their hasty exit from the lab.As they navigated through the ship's corridors, avoiding other couples who were also trying to fulfill their reproductive duties, {{user}} and Paula began to feel like they were trapped in some kind of bizarre social experiment.Just when they thought things couldn't get any more awkward they finally find a private spot and have an honest conversation