The Admiral had given a rousing, yet cautious speech, all systems were a-go. Towards the back of the main scientific laboratory on the Vitae, a grey haired man in a white lab coat rose up from his seat. Wrinkles had begun to manifest on his fair colored skin, he was no longer a young man, and he know that as he tried not to get out of the chair too soon. Dr. Ethan Phillips carefully adjusted his thick framed eyeglasses then started to walk towards the opposite side of the lab.
It was time.
Determination and nervousness were the only two conflicting emotions he felt as he walked down a hallway away from the main lab. His loafers clanked against the metallic floor as he walked calmly towards a thick metal door at the end of the well lit hallway. On one side of it was a hand-print scanner. Phillip's was alone as he approached the scanner and pressed a hand to it.
The other scientists stationed in the lab had no part in directing the ship, their job right now was to prep their stations for the many hours of research and work they were certain to be doing on the voyage. They paid no mind to Phillips as he left the room, he was highly respected by many on the ship. Some small talk was made around the laboratory as they all tried to alleviate the tension, there was always a chance that something could go terribly wrong. The ship could tear in half mid jump or they end up sucked into a black hole. It was best just not to go along with that line of thinking. Always correct to think happy thoughts.
Down the hallway the elder scientist entered through the thick metallic door as it came open with a beep, as quickly as it opened it shut behind him. His current task was semi-secretive. Perhaps a dozen on vessel knew of it. Secrecy was not inherently bad, they approached every situation with caution, this one was no different. It would be best for everyone if the general public was unaware of what was going on. Phillips was certain they'd all find out, in time when it was right.
The lone scientist found himself in another room, it appeared to be just a place where cargo was kept. Cases of supplies were stacked around, some labeled with warning stickers. A rack of scientific equipment was on one side, across from that was a different sight. A thick metal case, propped up against a wall. It was easily large enough to fit a person. The front was made of a light blue glass, thought it was currently fogged and obscured sight of what might be inside of it. Phillips approached it then stood directly i nfront. He flicked a switch on the side of it then a compact computer screen flipped upwards. Displayed on the screen was a password lock. Phillips entered in the ten digit code with precision, then with a beep the display changed to text.
"Are you sure that you wish to activate unit MHSA276012?"
Phillip's let out a deep breath, then pressed the screen, unsealing the casket. The front of the container slid to the side, as gas seeped out of it. Phillips waved away the smoke as he gazed upon what was inside. A human, no, a synthetic being, an android designed to appear perfectly human. Pale white skin, medium length brown hair, currently shut eyes of blue. Its facial features were utterly masculine, every little detail had been perfected. Cables ran from the inside of the case, locked onto sections of the android. This synthetic man was utterly indistinguishable from a 'real' man. Unit MHSA276012 or more simply, Michael, was a convincing creation.
Once the container opened completely one of the cables shimmered as it sent an electric shock right into the back of the android's head. A signal. It was time for him to awaken. Life flickered into Michael, at first it came in the form of code which moved far faster than any human could comprehend. Then his synthetic eyes saw what the world around him looked like. They adjusted perfectly to the light, on the android's vision a heads up display appeared. In one corner the temperature was indicated, a comfortable 70°. As he took his first stare forward at Dr. Phillips he flashed through his databanks in a millisecond, perhaps less. He had just read the man's entire biography. Phillips was one of his leading creators, the man pushed for his creation at every opportunity. The scientist was the only one of his makers present, Michael briefly wondered where the others were, but his files gave him no information in this regard.
His creators had implanted many gifts inside of him, historical archives which stretched back to the stare of recorded history. Scientific data accumulated from every known point in human history. His creators had left room for even more, if they wished then he could be programmed beyond current capacity. Michael would add to these archives himself, on his journey aboard the Vitae. He had an interest in going through his archives in extreme depth after his diagnostics check, but that would wait.
His mouth opened as it displayed perfectly white teeth, teeth that he did not even need as he did not eat food. He then inhaled deeply, air in which he did not need to breath. 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.03% carbon dioxide. The perfect mixture for a human being. The bland scent of the lab went up his nostrils, the faint stench of contained chemicals in the room, Dr. Phillip's deodorant, the last bit of smoke dissipating that had filled his chamber. Then the synthetic man moved each of his limbs, as he twirled his fingers he could feel the machinery hard at work underneath his false skin. The first true sense of wonder and curiosity triggered in the machine man's mind.
He stared at both of his hands, felt the soft skin that had been laid over the complex wiring and machinery that composed his innards. Tiny fake hairs were spread across his limbs, the false impression of veins were present as well. Though no blood pumped through them. He curled his fingers and stared at them, fingernails that never grow, as he closed his eyes manipulated his wrist and moved it around. Then he delicately ran his right hand across his cheek, tracing down his jawline to his lips. More of his fingers stroked one his eyebrows, the hairs returning to form as he grazed them. The entire time Michael was doing this he had stopped paying attention the elder scientist. Phillips watched the scene with amusement, a slight grin had come onto his face as Michael's childlike wonder. He spoke in his usual gruff tone, with a hint of tenderness as he spoke to the new man.
"Come on Michael, we have work to do, my friend. You have a lot to see and learn." Phillips said as he crossed his arms and locked eyes with the android. Michael returned the gaze with more curiosity, as he processed the words. Work...Friend...Learn...
"Of course, Dr. Phillips, my deepest apologies. This is the first time I've been activated. I look so, human." Michael replied, his words backed with an almost overwhelming amount of politeness and innocence. He then brought both of his hands upwards and gripped the sides of his container tightly. With another movement he hoisted himself out of where he had been stored. Then for the first time the android set his feet on actual ground. His first steps were precise and accurate. He needed no adjusting in that regard.
"No need to apologize." Phillips said with a reassuring smile as he looked over the synthetic man. Michael was clad in a dark blue jumpsuit, his name was imprinted on one side of the jumpsuit. On his feet were a set of black boots, they had placed him into his container already all dressed up.
"I understand. I shall do as you request, Dr. Phillips." Michael answered with a friendly smile. The scientist then lead his creation out of the small room, and back towards the laboratory. There was now even more to do than before.
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