The man returned to the back room to get the uniform and everything else necessary for the ID picture.

  “How do you know him?” Andrea asked, wondering why he would do Gem this favor.

  “We ran into each other a while back when both were pretty new to Earth. His name is Lotto and he’s half Canevean half Nevian, not sure if that says anything to you though.” Gem explained. “Anyways, you gotta lose your earrings and redo your hair and makeup,” she continued to signal that they didn’t have all the time in the world. 

  “Really?” Andrea raised one eyebrow. However, it made sense to match the look of a military specialist when that was what she was going to disguise herself as so she didn’t protest. 

  “Just go to Lotto. There should be a bathroom in there or something.”

  No bathroom was to be found, but there was a toilet. Andrea washed off her makeup and brushed out her messy bun. She took off her silver colored hoops and the three rings that normally were decorating her fingers. Because Andrea hadn’t done any research on what hairstyles and makeup was accepted or common in the military, she let Gem do the makeover for her. 

  “Ouch.” Andrea touched her sore head as Gem was pulling her hair into a tight low bun.

  “Just sit still,” Gem said as if in a promise that it wouldn’t hurt as much then.

  “I’m trying.” Andrea said just as Gem combed out a tangled knot which made her head jerk in the direction of the comb. 

  After the hairdo was completed with some hairspray to make everything look tight and neat Gem started with the makeup. The result was a natural look, where Andrea’s fake lashes, mascara and eyeliner had to go. 

  The uniform had been placed outside the toilet by Lotto and was ready to be put on. For the first time in many weeks, or maybe even years if only counting casual clothing, Andrea changed out of her gray hoodie, skinny jeans and white sneakers. She then put on the navy colored uniform consisting of long pressed dress pants, a blazer, black lace up shoes and a beret. 

  Andrea walked hesitantly out to the boutique area where Gem and Lotto were waiting. She held her old clothes in her arms to her chest, covering large parts of her new look. 

  “What are you doing? Just here, give me the clothes.” Gem reached out her arm impatiently. 

  “I’ll need them for later,” Andrea said as she slowly gave them over to Gem.

  Gem grabbed the bundle of clothes and put them in a bag on the wagon. She then turned to observe Andera’s new look. From the moment Gem first had laid her eyes upon Andrea she had found her attractive with big gray eyes and a sharp face which nicely contrasted her other softer womanly features. But this was the first time she had seen Andrea without hiding behind her messy hair, heavy eye makeup and baggy hoodie. 

  “Nice, that will do for a disguise,” Gem said. She then walked up to Andrea to do some small adjustments to the beret for the photo. “There, even better.”