"The [i]Vitae[/i] is one of humanity's greatest creations, more akin to a moving city than a spacecraft. I'll allow you free wander of it." Dr. Phillips said to Michael as they walked leisurely towards the laboratory. 

"I am appreciative of your blessing, doctor. The [i]Vitae[/i] truly is a marvel of human ingenuity and teamwork," Michael replied as he glanced towards the old scientist.  "It will be enthralling to speak with some of the many faces onboard the vessel."

"Yes, about that. I should caution you to not speak of your true nature. For all they know you're completely human. It would be best for all involved to keep it that way." Phillips said quietly as they paused in stride, he then placed a hand on the android's shoulder.

"I understand, should I lie to them?" Michael answered as quietly with a raised eyebrow. His expression soured as the last words trickled from his artificial lips. He glanced at one of his creators with an unsure curiosity.

"Well, if you have to. Consider it imperative that they only see you as human. I highly doubt anyone will think of you as anything else, but it's important for me to stress the point. They might not be ready for your true identity." Dr. Phillips spoke as a near whisper.

"That does seem like the correct way of going about the matter." Michael replied with a nod.

His programming took the creator's words deeply, secrecy was imperative. He'd forge a believable backstory that if need be he could spin as believable. He didn't like lying, but he was something [i]new[/i]. Utterly different from what anyone on the ship imagined could be reality. Some of them would very well react poorly if his status as a synthetic was revealed.
[hr]
Phillips had introduced him to a few of the other scientists that were present in the lab when he returned there. They all met Michael with kindness, a feeling he returned to them. They asked nothing of his past, the elder scientist only mentioned him as a 'promising young man' that was willing to assist them with anything. Then the ship lurched forward and surprised expressions appeared on the scientist's faces. 

"It would appear we're finally beginning our journey." Dr. Phillips said with ebullience in his words, a smile on his face. The others in the room had a wide variety of expressions, sadness, nervousness, confusion. All of these indicated negative emotions, Phillips only showed excitement. They were leaving their homes, Michael reasoned internally. He'd never set foot on Earth, or Mars, or anywhere, the [i]Vitae[/i] was his de facto home. Perhaps Phillips was as nervous as the others, but he could not allow it show. 

"Have you been to Eden yet, Michael?" Phillips asked as the other scientists went back to their work stations as the ship continued to move. He knew the true answer to the question he was asking.

"No, I haven't." Michael replied a head shake as his mind danced over the word 'Eden'. A biblical reference, the Garden of Eden where God created the first two human beings. It was also an area on the ship, the naming scheme was a clever one. A place where people could relax in an Earth-like environment. 

"You should visit there, help calm your nerves. We've got everything under control here." Phillips said with a calm look in his eyes. Then he walked away from the android to go over some data. Was that an order? A hint? A suggestion? Either way Michael decided to head there and quietly left the laboratory.
[hr]
Michael paused in his walk as he looked around the bustling Hub. There were so many new noises, movements, colors and smells. Dozens of voices speaking in unison, he could understand none as people of all shapes and varieties walked by him without a glance in his direction. With a glance down from the walkway he stood he watched an inebriated man get pushed out a tavern. He fell down hard, whispering curses to himself as he tried to regain his balance.

Alcohol was a chemical many humans willingly indulged in massive quantities. Poisoning themselves for sheer enjoyment. It would have no effect on him if he were to ingest it. Michael's gaze left the drunk as he look around at his surroundings. He inadvertently stared at two women as they were walking by him. Both noticed this and giggled, one even waved in his direction. A gesture he returned as they kept moving, disappearing into the crowd. He'd need to be less obvious with his looks, humans considered staring rude, even if those two contradicted that. Michael kept walking towards Eden, with every step more curiosity rising inside of him.
[hr]
The synthetic man stood in the grassy field, his arms extended as a light breeze blew against his false skin. Leaves rusted around him as trees swayed gently. The scent in the air was unlike anything else, it made him feel odd, natural, almost human. He shut his eyes and the wind continued to blow, it caused the false hairs on his hands to shift, the imitation follicles on his head to whip like the grass. Michael lowered his hands and strode forward towards a group of trees. Each step was composed with carefulness as he avoided crushing any leaves under his feet. 

Michael stood in front of the tallest tree in his surroundings, then reached softly towards it. He ran his five fingers and palm down it slowly, the sensors in his mind gave him feedback of what he was touching, bark, rough, yet soothing to touch. The smile on his face disappeared as he removed his hand from the tree, then leaned against it gently, the wind breezing at his knees. Sadness crept onto him, this was only a brief sample of what Earth was. Home, something he never knew and never would. The others, the real people knew this true sadness, he only knew the imitation. Michael looked downwards at the green grass as he felt artificial tears forming.