You're right. Neither of them wants a permanent relationship, at least at this point. Stella is not going to be on Sim Earth forever, so they should enjoy it while it lasts. I have no doubt that they would continue their arrangement indefinitely, if they had that option. It would be a happy medium for Ripp. Something sort of stable and permanent, but not solely dependent on him to be everything for one person.

Stella is a pretty progressive and thoughtful pollinator, but she's also very dedicated to succeeding at all costs, when it comes down to it. It will be interesting to see how she deals with the changing situation with the alien's project.

Thank you.