"This is my final testament.
I record these words as I watch the Goria Starcruiser speed away from me.
I discovered myself afflicted with a mutation of an ancient virus. If I allowed myself to remain on-board, then the passengers who will soon come out of hyper-sleep would discover my body. I would decay and surely infect the men that found me. In this day of interconnected galactic civilisation, it would cripple humanity. That is a result too devastating to consider.
I set Goria Starcruiser to auto-navigate to the nearest colony. Then I cordoned myself, still living, in the airlock and made preparations for my Departure.
I speak now as I drift through space, sinking ever nearer to a blackhole. My body is weightless. I scan the distant arcs of supernova Delena. It was once a star, now a burr of space ash and plasma originating from an astronomical event at the end of its lifecycle. I sympathise with the supernova, as I follow such a journey.
To my loving wife Marie;
I keep you in my heart in these last moments. I pray for your wellbeing and wish you nothing but happiness into old age. I only hope that you could one day forget me and the life that we shared. For I know that while I will soon decease, you will go on.
I feel my body begin to strain under the forces of gravity. My last breaths are upon me. Nothing will remain of me but this message.
I think of humanity and our collective impact and impressive space travel; and I am at ease. I am only one of a many scientists and I take this mantle on myself for the betterment and safety of all who would follow.
These are my words.
Ben Steward."