“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.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“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.”