[ WP ] Humans have - by a very large margin - the longest lifespans of all intelligent life in the universe . You are a human student at a multi- species college , and you / your friends are just realizing that compared to them , you are an ancient being .

'You're *how* old?!' 
 
'Twenty-two years,' I repeated in surprise.'What's the problem?' 
 
'Sorry, twenty-one *years*?' said Ma'thask, her multi-faceted eyes glittering in the light.'As in, Earth years?' 
 
'Yeah,' I said.'But why are you acting so shocked?' 
 
'Her natural life-span is roughly fifteen of your Earth years,' interjected Kka from my other side. I turned to look at him. He was a Parlanian, a race of short humanoids with black carapaces and prodigious intelligence. His silvery eyes reflected a distorted reflection of my face like a pair of mirrors. 
 
'What do you mean, natural life span?' I said. 
 
'A Constalii like Ma'thask can only live to a maximum of around fifteen years before expiring from old age,' said Kka.'She has at most five more years to live without upgrading to a digital consciousness.' 
 
 I looked back to Ma'thask, who was looking at her long-fingered hands sadly.'Is that right?' I asked. 
 
'Yes,' she said eventually.'I may only look as old as you, but I am nearing the end of my life. In less than half an Earth decade, I will have to make the choice of whether to upload my consciousness into a computer or not. You, on the other hand, say you are young for your species, yet you are older than I will ever be naturally.' She paused.'How old do you live to?' 
 
 I grimaced.'Most humans live to about seventy on average.' 
 
 She gasped.'You are practically immortal, then, compared to me.' 
 
 I shook my head.'I'm sorry, Ma'thask,' I said.'I did n't realise...' 
 
'It's okay,' she said, looking back up at my face.'It's not like I wo n't be able to remain around in some form. It's just that, it feels like nature has dealt you humans a much better hand in life.' She smiled a small smile.'But it does teach us one important lesson.' 
 
 I raised an eyebrow.'And what's that?' 
 
'My society is one of the most advanced in the galaxy,' she said.'We have vastly superior technology, culture, and quality of life.' She looked at us both. 
 
'Do n't you see?' she said.'It's not about how long you've got. It's about what you do with the time that is given to you.' 
 
 At that moment, our lecturer walked into the hall. I smiled to myself as I opened my digital notepad. Ma'thask was certainly right.
