Accept no substitutes

"Accept No Substitutes" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction tale set in a future where humans have spread to other planets, focusing on Ralph Garvey's quest to bypass Earth's strict laws by acquiring a forbidden sex surrogate. Garvey's journey involves evading authorities and smuggling the surrogate onto his spaceship, only to discover that his purchase is far more than he bargained for; a powerful and dangerously instinctual being. A wild fight for survival unfolds as Garvey grapples with the consequences of his choices, leading him to realize the emptiness of artificial replacements and the value of authentic human connection, inspiring him to seek real relationships amongst the women of Algol. The story blends suspense with comedic elements, offering a lighthearted and thoughtful look at the essence of humanity through the exploration of identity and the pitfalls of seeking substitutes for what truly matters.