What could be worth missing every moment of my family’s life? I knew what was waiting for me – an eternity of loneliness.

Yet I persisted. If I succeeded, with my legacy secure and all those who would benefit after I was gone, it would be worth it.

Years of research were spent looking down microscopes at countless bacteria and enzymes or scouring the ocean depths for exotic creatures that might have the fountain of youth nestled away. Not once did it occur to me to look upwards instead.

“We’ve been watching you, Dr. Bowman. Your work thus far has been most impressive. But we are here to offer some assistance.”

I stood there, mouth agape, shocked by the sight unfolding in my backyard. Three alien beings had emerged from an egg-shaped vessel and were descending down the landing ramp, dressed in elaborate robes. One offered its hand in greeting.

“We are the Gorolak. Would you like to live forever, friend doctor?”

It was all I needed to hear.

———

A decade (perhaps more) went by, but time never touched my face. Through a combination of their cybernetics and our genetic engineering, my dream was finally close to fruition. Only one problem was left to puzzle over that would extend the effects to infinity.

And today I discovered it.

“Take a look at this.” I slid a hologram towards the Gorolak captain, resisting the urge to smile.

“My, my.” Their words were always cold, but at this moment there was an even darker vacuum behind them. “Humankind’s affinity for self-preservation is quite respectable.”

Before I could respond, it signaled to the flanks of engineers lined up along the hull, and a cascade of commands began unraveling. Flashes of light exploded behind me. As I turned to witness what was happening outside the viewport, my knees gave out.

Where Earth once endured, only clouds of cosmic dust.

I stared out into the nothingness. “Countless lives…ended.”

“Yes, friend doctor. But not yours!” Its voice was suddenly happier.

I turned, eyes vacant. “What do you mean by that?”

“What we mean, friend doctor, is your value just shot up! The last human alive, made to last. It sells itself.”

Reality settled in at last- the Gorolak weren’t scientists, but collectors.

“Stop calling me friend.”

“Ah, apologies. The translator is wrong sometimes. It won’t be so bad, pet doctor. We made great pains to preserve you as the excellent specimen you are. You’ll enjoy a luxurious, never-ending existence with us, and then whoever is the highest bidder.”

It let out a horrible sound that must have been a laugh and placed a scaly claw on my shoulder, pointing out at the billion dying suns.

“Think of it,” my new owner said, “to live forever among the stars!”