“Are you willing to take the pill, Captain Henderson?”

  “Do I have a choice? It’s a requirement for deep space voyages beyond Mars, right?”

  “Yes, but it’s permanent and very high risk. So we rarely ask for volunteers.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “It’s a nanotech fountain of youth, correct? A two for one bonus.”

  “Sure thing, Captain …”

  Approximately 175 years later:

  “How are you, Captain?” asked a cybernetics psychologist.

  “Mentally, physically, excellent as always. They keep me ticking. But … my soul hurts.”

  “Your soul?”

  “Yes, my soul. I miss them all. I can’t attach to anyone. They all die. I’m forever alone.”