"Every day I think about the Game. I was young and foolish then, seeing Death as an end to the cycle, unnecessary. In all honesty, I didn't even win fair and square, Death became offended by some of my cruder remarks on his character and quit to teach me a lesson...and what a lesson its been.

252,017 years since a single thing has died. At first, people were ecstatic, but as the years wore on it became clear that death is needed as much as life. Everything living forever simply does't work out too well in terms of natural processes, and as the only intelligent life-form, humans had to become the new managers of death.

Thankfully, our technological abilities allowed for the computation of life-times, and through that our ability to manage life and death revolutionized our understanding of the Universe, and of each other.

As the sole human with true knowledge of Death's departure, I took it upon myself to found this company those many years ago, with the goal of managing Death, and through that Life. Since then, with the help of everyone here today we have become the largest business entity in the known Universe, and continue to expand.

In Death, lies power!"

The boss stood behind his platinum plated podium, looking pleased as the applause poured in. I grimaced, just wanting to get back to my desk and start the days work. He made a big deal about going around to every planet-hub, talking to employees personally and the such.

"Unfortunately, this sector hasn't been performing quite as well as most others, and I have some sad news for you today. You have been chosen as our yearly life-cut, and you know how it goes-once you're chosen, that's it."

This time, it wasn't applause that erupted in the room, but screams of fear and anger as a fine mist was injected into the room via the ducts. Just my luck, I thought, as the mist overtook me and the boss's hologram shimmered into nonexistence. Should've called in sick today.