In a continually regenerating universe, the universe contracts, leading to another big bang. An identical universe is created, composed of the exact same events on the same timeline. Then, the cycle repeats itself. Upon discovering this repetition, humans experience a mass existential crisis. They interpret the rules of the universe as a deprivation of their agency. Joyful events are greeted with the disappointment that accompanies the knowledge that such events are far from unique. On the other hand, somber events are met with the additional anguish of realizing the pain of these events will repeat itself and therefore solidify its eternality in the universe. 

But everything changes with the conception of the Center for Compressible Matter (CCM). Intent on altering the course of the universe, the CCM craft a capsule that can withstand the compression of the universe. It contains a list of human accomplishments, which will aid the next humans in advancing their universe prematurely. At first, this mission seems to fail, as the CCM begin to find various capsules from previous universes. All listed accomplishments have already been achieved. However, it soon becomes clear that the accumulation of the capsules in the present universe will alter the next big bang. Humans adopt the same mindset they harbored prior to the discovery of the repetitive cycle of the universe. But this time they are comforted by the additional knowledge that they may be the last people to ever experience life as they are experiencing it.