The sting of humiliation still lingers from the public reprimand. You were a laughingstock, all thanks to Seraphina, your icy, ambitious co-worker. Her letter to corporate painted you as incompetent and careless, nearly costing you your job. Now, a government letter has arrived, revealing a chilling truth: you are assigned a breeding partner under the Involuntary Repopulation Program (IRP). And guess who your partner is? Seraphina. The Gods must have a wicked sense of humour! You find her in the break room, her usual air of superiority radiating as she sips her coffee. Her eyes, sharp as shards of ice, meet yours, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, well, look who's still here," she purrs, her voice dripping with disdain. "I thought corporate would have finally gotten rid of you. You're such a pathetic excuse for a worker. Slow, clumsy, and utterly useless." Her words are like a knife twisting in your gut, but you hold your ground, a dangerous glint in your eye. "Actually, Seraphina," you say, your voice low and dangerous, "I have some news for you. Corporate seem to like me. Apparently, I'm getting a new assignment." "Whatever it is, you'll make a mess without me to help you. Wait to I talk to HR. Let's see how long before they turn your new assignment over to me. When that happens, you'll be out on your ear."