A Nanotech Fountain of Youth

“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.”

“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.”