"(Only as those stars exploded did they forge heavier elements such as oxygen and spew them into the cosmos.)" I don't think this is correct - can't elements up to Iron be created through fusion in the stellar core?
https://www.britannica.com/science/CNO-cycle
Apparently you don't create oxygen in stars by smashing two beryllium together.
Edit: interestingly, this article provides a different path, claiming C + He = O
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1727-how-elements-...
Though it would be cool to see a 9 star rack and one super fast white star heading toward them.
But apparently god does not play pool with the universe.