The Makeover Montage
After earning the title of ‘special guest’ in the most illustrious Casino in the California sector, Indi asks an estranged crew mate to help.
Notes:
Eudora goes by the code name Dot.
Indi goes by the code name Astar.
Tess is Indi’s assigned bodyguard while on the casino.
—
Indi stared at herself in the large gold trimmed mirror. Behind her reflection, the autumn toned bedroom was starting to warm with the rising of a projected sun. Golden accents in the room’s decor caught the rays and cast beams of light across the walls, bathing the entire suite in a rosy glow. Tess had told her the Vineyard Suites were perfect for those who didn’t feel the need to flaunt their wealth. But to Indi, any room that could turn sun into gold would always be the most luxurious place in the whole of Agua Caliente.
And I look like a clump of mud that someone accidentally dragged in. The idea made her stomach drop with a feeling she didn’t like. She only had one outfit; a plain shirt, thick oversized overalls, and black boots so scuffed, the were practically gray. Normally, she had no problems dressing in the mornings, but for some reason, under the glow of a fake sun, Indi was feeling strangely self conscious. Anxiously, she dug into her small pack of essentials and pulled out the only accessory that wasn’t a weapon or tool. Her heart sank when Indi saw that the purple bucket hat not only clashed with her orange shirt, but it also made her faded hair look dirtier than it was. I look ridiculous. She thought at her reflection sourly, throwing the hat across the room. How is anyone going to take me seriously in a place like this? A softer internal voice asked if they took her seriously anywhere else. For a moment, Indi considered putting on The Bishop Suit. It was technologically advanced enough to pass in a place like this, but its circuits held memories she would rather leave behind. Prophets, I wasn’t made to do stuff this fancy. This is more Jason and Eudora’s speed anywa- Eudora!
Good morning, Dot. Hope you had sweet dreams… Do you have any clothes I can borrow? I am feeling a bit underdressed. Let me know when you wake up! - Astar
It was only after Esu to sent the message, did Indi reconsider. She had kept Eudora at arms length since Rino; the growing concern with her “mothers” and multiple poor interactions with Trent made it easy for Indi to practically avoid Eudora for most of their journey. The fiery resentment Indi had felt after Rino had been cold for quite some time, but with everything else happening, the two had never reconnected. She’s probably got lots going on, especially in a place like this. I really shouldn’t bother her with my attire. Indi began to request a second message to be sent to Eudora, when Esu read her response.
—
Eudora wore her new face with a smile when she invited Indi into the smaller suite that smelled of rosewater and sandalwood.
“I am so glad you came! I brought all my clothes with me, so I’ve got plenty to share.” Eudora said excitedly. She quickly closed the door behind Indi, and guided her to sit on a plush seat in front of a gigantic double door wardrobe. “Did you eat breakfast yet?”
The question caught Indi off guard; all thoughts of breakfast had vanished in the golden mirror. “No.” A mug of rich hot chocolate and a bowl of fresh fruit were in her hands before she could say another word.
“Good, I ordered us a pre breakfast snack just in case.” Eudora nibbled on some pomegranate seeds and leaned on the edge of her bed, eyes bright with earnest excitement. “So tell me, what type of outfit are you looking for?”
It was weird to see her like this; their interactions were more often guarded or tense. Indi wondered if this was the Eudora that everyone else saw... or if this was just another face she was trying out.
Indi sipped on her hot chocolate for a long while, mulling over the question and searching for a suitable answer. “Umm like pants?” She paused. “And a shirt.”
Eudora disappointedly sipped from a mug that smelled like coffee beans and toffee. “Well, I do have some of those. I was asking if you had a particular style you like to wear. Sporty? Or chic? I do have a few dresses that are a bit more avant-garde, if you wanted to make a statement during our time here!”
“Oh. I don’t think I have a style.” Indi admitted. “Unless, you consider my brother and my mothers hand-me-downs’ as a style.”
Eudora laughed. It was carefree and inviting. Indi remembered the first time she had made Eudora laugh, the memory was sweet and sad. “No, I don’t think that is a style.” Eudora eagurly moved to the wardrobe doors. “But don’t worry, we will find something you like.” With a dramatic flair, she swung open both doors at once, revealing a sea of fabrics of all color and texture. Small shelves extended themselves from the inside of both doors, one showcasing a dozen pairs of shoes, the other a dozen busts draped with all manner of jewel and stone. What is more beautiful? A room of golden light or a closet of rainbows?
“Oh.” Was all Indi could say. She felt the need to move very slowly as she gingerly set down her hot chocolate and fruit, moving to the open doors. Eudora was trying to show her how to open the multiple compartments within the wardrobe, but Indi wasn’t listening. The garment she reached for was the exact color of her ma’s old dress; soft blue like the morning skies on Anatolia. When she felt the smooth fabric between her fingers, the word ‘silk’ came to Indi’s mind. Her ma’s dress had been made of a scratchy linen and always tight around Indi’s shoulders. I was left at the farm because I refused to wear it to the fair. Indi lost herself in the memory of that day. That’s how I found the ship… I wonder if that dress burned with the rest.
Indi recognized the silence. “Sorry.” Indi let go of the silk dress.
Eudora shook her head. “Don’t be. I know it can be a lot to take in.” She smiled, encouragingly. “Do you… want to try it on?”
—
Indi looked at herself in the full length mirror. Distressed chiffon draped over the short tight dress, while neon coral tubes overly defined every curve of her body. The top of the garment covered her shoulders and neck, but was cut in a way that still peaked the top of her chest.
I look like a ‘check engine’ light. Indi thought miserably. She was beginning to feel less confident by the minute, despite the extragovancy of every garment. The silky blue dress had been the most luxurious thing Indi had ever worn, but the excessive cut outs had left her entire back and half her midriff exposed to the world. Eudora had listened carefully to her feedback, before she selected the next outfit to try. She had helped Indi wiggle into a dress that covered her entire back and stomach, but the leather stuck like a second skin, and Indi didn’t think the overly defined shoulders helped her already square frame. When Eudora selected a shirt and matching skirt, Indi had refused to put it on.
“The fabric hurts my teeth.” Indi knew the explanation made no sense, but somehow Eudora understood.
“No velvet. Got it.” She said, before diving back into her closet for another dress. After nearly an hour, Indi realized that none of Eudora’s clothes would suit her. Even if they did fit, the garments were too extravagant, too revealing, too much.
When Eudora finished attaching the last coral armband to Indi’s wrist, she stepped back to look at the full outfit.
“Well,” Eudora always sounded confident, and yet now she seemed cautious. “It fits. How does it feel?”
Under the woman’s green eyes, Indi couldn’t take the embarrassment anymore.
“I appreciate all your help, but I don’t think I can wear this.” Indi gestured with her obnoxious armband. “Or really any of these, to be honest. I am sure you can wear something like this but I need something a lot less… just a lot less I think.”
Eudora sighed. “You are right. You look like you are wearing someone else's clothes.” Indi fought to remind her that she was, in fact, wearing someone else’s clothes. “I am sorry, I couldn’t help.” Something about the way she said it, the way her eyes cast down to the floor, told Indi that Eudora wasn’t just talking about her attire.
”It’s fine. I know, we can figure it out.” Eudora gave a small smile before untangling Indi from the neon coral monstrosity. Her overalls had never felt so cheap as Indi found her normal self in the full length mirror again.
“I guess, that’s it.” Eudora said as she closed the wardrobe solemnly.
“I guess so.”
Sadness washed over her, as Indi realized that their time had too quickly drawn to a close. After leaving this room, they would go their separate ways and maybe not speak again in private for days. A softer internal voice said maybe never again, with the way that things typically go for us.
“Eudora? Would you, maybe, go shopping with me?” The green eyed woman gave Indi a look she had never seen before.
“Really? You want to go…” Eudora’s voice trailed off.
Indi let the words rush out of her, not daring to let the silence sit for too long. “I really don’t know what I am doing when it comes to clothes, or hair, or… anything! And I don’t want to look like a fool infront of the whole Agua Caliente. I am supposed to be a Special Guest for prophets sake! And look at me! You are the only person I can trust to make me not look or feel stupid right now, but I totally understand if you don’t want to waste you-”
Indi was almost knocked to her feet as Eudora hugged her. “Yes! Oh, this will be so much fun! We can get you some new outfits, maybe even a facial or a nail treatment. Oh! I am in dire need of a deep conditioning and I know the best salon.” Eudora’s excited chatter was interrupted by the fierce growl of Indi’s stomach. Eudora dropped her hold on Indi, the spell of excitement falling away like a dream. “Sounds like you need some actual breakfast first.”
“Tess did mention the unlimited waffles at the Berryessa Cafe.” Indi offered.
“That settles it.” Eudora hooked her arm with Indi’s and began to walk out the door. “We will eat breakfast with the rest of the crew, then we will treat ourselves to a little pampering.”
As they left the suite that smelled of rosewater and sandalwood, Indi couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. Maybe it was the new face that brought about the shift between them, but she had never felt this comfortable around Eudora. Modoc changed everything. Indi told herself. And maybe change isn’t always a violent thing.
—
Eudora took charge the moment they arrived at Quero Moda, her initial consultation with the two attendants washing over Indi in an incomprehensible blur. The store had six floors; three for clothing, one for jewels and perfume, another for shoes, and the top floor was reserved exclusively for undergarments. Each level hosted its own attendants, mini bar, styling rooms, and too many options for Indi’s preference.
“You know,” Tess’s unfamiliar voice jolted Indi out of her ogling. “My mama used to tell me that if I kept my mouth open for too long a pájaro would shit down my throat.”
”I’ve never seen this much… stuff.” Indi felt phantom eyes staring at her scuffed boots and ill fitting overalls. She should have worn The Bishop after all.
“Eh.” Tess said with a shrug. “Stuff is stuff. Ain’t the real value in this universe the friends you meet along the way?”
Indi had the unmistakable feeling that he was making funny of her.
“No, the clothes are not for me. Astar?” Eudora called for her. “Could you come here a moment? These folk need to get your measurements.”
As the shorter attendant aimed a device at different parts of Indi’s body, the taller of the two continued. “Any other requests, ma’am?” They had a strong accent that Indi couldn’t place.
“No velvet material.” Eudora said sternly.
”No worries, madam. Velvet was two seasons ago. Rest assured your…” The tall attendant paused for his next word. “Friend, will be outfitted with the best that the Agua Caliente has to offer.”
“I should hope so.” With the final measurement taken, the two attendants left at a wave of Eudora’s hand. “Now,” She smiled back at Indi, her green eyes bright with barely contained excitement. “They will call us when they are ready. For now, let's go shopping! If you see something you like, they will bring one to our dressing suite. Let the fun begin!”
—
“What do you think?” Their eyes met in the gigantic curved mirror that arched around the platform in the center of the dressing suite. If Indi hadn’t spent the earlier part of the morning playing dress up in Eudora’s clothes, the suit jacket and pants set would have been the most expensive outfit she had ever worn. But now…
”I like it.” Indi said, but even to her ears she sounded unconvincing.
“What do you like about it?” Eudora waited patiently on the lavish sofa sipping at another drink, this one smelling of grass and lavender. When Indi struggled to find an answer, Eudora was there to guide her. “Do you like the color?”
“Not really.”
Eudora nodded encouragingly. “I agree. That bold of a color washes you out. What about the fabric? Is it uncomfortable?”
“It’s not uncomfortable, but it isn’t comfortable either. And I don’t like how low the top goes.”
Eudora smiled. “A more modest look then. Do you like the pants?”
“They fit nice, but they are missing pockets.”
The short attendant stifled a snort. “That is why we have an entire section of the store dedicated to purses, clutches, and bags, miss.”
Eudora’s smile quickly turned to a scowl as she turned to the attendant. “If the Quero Moda is unable to find a pair of pants suitable enough for our needs, we will find another store.”
The short attendant dismissed herself without another word. Indi gave Eudora an appreciative smile while the taller assistant broke the silence.
“Why don’t we move to some evening attire, while my assistant finds you more acceptable day wear?”
—
“No.” Tess’s response cut through the bubbling excitement in Indi’s chest.
“What do you mean, no? This is the only thing I picked out by myself!” The gown billowed out at her waist with tiered tule in all shades of rose, blush, and salmon. It was clearly inspired by an older time, and came with a matching pink parasol and lacy gloves. Indi thought she looked like the most expensive birthday cake in a baker’s window; girly and light. “Dot? What do you think?”
Eudora took a long sip of her drink. “Well, it is certainly… pink?”
“So pink you would drink some to stop a stomach ache.” Tess muttered loud enough for the room to hear.
“What do you know, anyways? Aren’t you blind?”
”Yeh, but lucky for you my taste works just fine. Leave that dress to collect dust, kid.”
—
A soft gasp from Eudora was the only sound in the dressing room as Indi walked onto the platform. Tiny jewels in a translucent mesh started just under her collar bone and gathered together before transforming into a pale blue chiffon that draped elegantly to the floor. The long glittering sleeves waved lazily with every movement, and despite herself, Indi couldn’t stop smiling.
“This is the one.” Indi said confidently.
“Of course it is.” Eudora joined Indi in front of the mirror and had her spin. “I knew this was the one when I saw it.”
“Then why have me try on all the others?”
Eudora shook her head. “It’s a part of the shopping experience, Astar. You have to have enough no’s to know when it is a yes.”
Indi continued to stare at herself in the mirror, trying to imagine where she would wear such a gown, but a softer internal voice said it didn’t matter. Covered in hundreds of tiny stars, wearing the same color dress as her Ma’s, Indi felt beautiful.
The taller attendant cleared their throat. “Miss, my assistant has returned with some more suitable clothes for your day to day wear. Whenever you are ready, we would be happy to have this dress brought back to your suite.”
“Give it a minute, Jean-Luc.” Tess’s voice cut in. “Let her have her moment.”
The taller attendant frowned, and adjusted their name tag. “As you say.”
—
“As our retail store had no pants that would suit your… style, I went out of my way to create something specifically for you. We found the pair of dungarees from a couple seasons back in the men’s collection and tailored them to your exact size. The shirt is temperature sensitive, so you won’t have to worry about sweat or cold. And the boots are from the Amarosa collection which boasts comfort and a more… muted style.” The shorter assistant backed away slowly after fastening the leather belt around Indi’s waist. “I do hope it is to your liking.”
Indi looked at herself in the mirror once more. The high collar didn’t suffocate her neck, the black shirt was snug but breathable, and the simple silver lining around her hands added a level of sophistication that Indi wasn’t expecting. The brown overalls were equally comfortable with deep pockets and a belt loop that was perfectly suited for her tool belt.
“Yes.” Indi said at last. “This is perfect.” Both assistants let out audible sighs, but Eudora looked unconvinced.
“Are you certain? It looks lovely but, it isn’t much different then what you already had. Wouldn’t you want to… switch it up a bit?” She was choosing her words carefully, but Eudora’s new face couldn’t hide disappointment as well as her old ones. Indi didn’t take it personally.
Tess’s voice cut in before Indi could reply. “Jean-Luc, didn’t ya’ll get a shipment of those alpaca cloaks three nights ago? Bring ‘er the navy one with the white flowers.”
The tall assistant’s ears reddened. “Sir, please. My name is Bin. We’ve met before-”
“Go on now, get! Don’t keep the Special Guest waitin.”
The assistant did as they were told.
When they returned, Indi was assisted into a navy poncho with small white flowers that danced across the edges. It was a bit large, but Indi liked that the lowest piece draped over her right hip, concealing anything that might be held beneath… like a Daemon gun.
“There ya go.” Tess said, as she showed off the final look. “A mix of the old and new.”
“Alright.” Eudora conceded. “As long as you feel comfortable.”
“I do, Dot. I really do.”
“Then that settles it. Have the dress and five more of those thermal shirts in varying color delivered to Astar’s room. I think one black, two gray, a brown like her eyes, and and-”
“Dark blue! If that’s alright…”
“Well said. Thank you Bin for your assistance. We have another appointment to get to.”
—
She had been promised pampering and refreshment, but Eudora's version of relaxation was an overstimulating nightmare to Indi. Their “time in paradise” began with a full body massage which required them to dress down and lay across the tables like a winter harvest roast. Eudora seemed to have no trouble at all, allowing complete strangers to dig their oiled fingers into her back, arms, and legs; afterwards, even claiming she fell asleep! Indi thought the experience bizarre, invasive, and not the least bit refreshing, even if they managed to soothe the tension in her left shoulder.
Their massages were followed with facial treatments that scrubbed, scorched, cleansed, and cooled Indi’s pores. She tried to imagine it was Astar drawing creek clay across her face, and the happy memories relaxed her mind a time. But as the seventh rich cream was smeared into her face, all Indi wanted was a cold stream to rinse the oils off.
Once dressed in her own clothes, Indi had been sat in a chair before an assortment of tools on a small desk. More scrapping, gouging, and filing took place as the attendant did her best to make Indi’s nails uniform; but no treatment would ever soften the calesous of a farmer’s daughter turned ship mechanic. And she was content with that, until Eudora’s attendant began whispering in a language Indi didn’t understand. The two nail designer’s laughed together and Indi felt the bit of confidence she had started to build, waiver and crack.
“I would rather have hands as hard as hard as rocks, then ones softened by dirty foot water.” Eudora spoke in an icy tone. She followed with a statement that Indi didn’t understand. But, the attendants blushed and hastened their work with silent resolve.
“They forgot to charge us, I think.” Indi let Eudora guide her steps as she continued to marvel at her almost uniform nails. “Should we turn back?”
“To those bitches? No, I think I will be finding a new nail parlor on this moon. Come, we have one more stop.”
—
”So, he said he had a sister but everyone thought Ryder was cheatin’?”
”Well, of course he said she was his sister! But after surveillance footage found them making out, Ryder was forced to come out with the truth.”
“… So, she wasn’t his sister, right?”
“Ew, no! But Ivette was later caught having dinner with Ailwin Crawford, who is very well known to have a huge feud with Ryder, obviously!”
“Obviously.”
“And then! Ryder’s girlfriend-“
”Melyssa?”
”No, Miriah. Miriah announced her new memoir called ‘The See Slug”. Which is such an obvious reference to-“
Indi couldn’t take the overload of ridiculous information anymore and burst into laughter. “Eudora, why do we care?!”
Her bewildered face made Indi laugh all the more. “Because I am explaining to you why we will never be using Frye beauty products in our hair. This is a very serious business!” But Indi only shook her foiled head and flipped to another Ms. Starlight article on the holographic tablet between them. The new article was titled Mining Company Files for Bankruptcy! and featured an image of a dignified businessman, next to his aged freckled father. “Oh, I know that man.”
“What!? When?”
”Oh, it was a very long time ago. I was hired to… convince Mr. Wilcox into a contract with my client.”
“Ah.” Eudora didn’t talk about her past often; the business of secrets seemed so distant from the green eyed woman that smelled like rosewater and sandalwood. Indi carefully crafted her next words. “At least he isn’t that bad to look at, right?”
Eudora grimaced. “Mr. Wilcox Sr still managed most of the company even into his eighties.” Indi tasted bile in her mouth as the finer details of the old man’s wrinkled, skin tagged face became clearer in her mind.
“Yuck.”
“Yes, exactly.”
“You must have been paid a fortune to do that!”
“It wasn’t as much as you would hope. Truth is, his secrets were not worth the price I charged. A couple bastard children and a totally avoidable mining accident was all I could gather. But according to my client, that was enough to keep Mr. Wilcox paying in monthly installments just to keep the truth from coming out.” Eudora stared at the article, her eyes unmoving across the page. “It feels like a lifetime ago.”
A chill ran up Indi’s spine as she fought the urge to scratch at her scalp. “Dot, how did you know how much a secret was worth? Like, how did you know the value of your information?”
Eudora’s brow furrowed slightly at the question. “There are a lot of factors. How much did it cost to discover the truth? What use is it to the client? Who could get hurt if the truth was shared? Who could be saved?”
“Oh.” Was all Indi could muster. That wasn’t an answer that easily answered her real question.
“Is everything alright, Aster?” No, Indi thought. No, everything is not alright. I don’t know who or what I am anymore, but telling someone could put them in worse danger. I don’t know the cost. I don’t even know the secret I carry. “Astar?”
“Yeah, sorry. A lot has happened since our last stop. It’s hard to process all the pieces at once, that’s all.” Instinctually, Indi braced her mind and prepared for Eudora to wrestle the truth out of her.
Eudora set her perfectly manicured hand on Indi’s and gave it a squeeze. “I understand. We don’t have to talk about it here, but I will listen, when you need it.” She had said those words in the past, but with them had come a pull; a trap being set, one that Indi would always fall right into. Indi recalled a conversation she had had with Trent. Something about smell, and manipulating emotions. But the chase, the fight to keep from spilling her guts was gone. All that remained was Eudora’s earnest smile before she turned to another article on the hologram.
Maybe change isn’t always a violent thing.
—
Indi hadn’t stopped looking at the mirror. Her hair had been trimmed and treated, the last inch a dulled purple hue that curled under her chin. And now that the oils had settled into her face, she glowed. The longer Indi stared the more she saw her ma’s eyes, Astar’s nose, Dahlia’s dimples peering back at her. And all she had to do was look down and see her Da’s hands. She felt...
“Beautiful.”
Eudora scoffed, but not in an unkind way. “Of course you are. But no oil or cracked nails would change that. Come, it looks like Tess is waiting for you out front.”
They were greeted with a tilt of the hat and an increasingly familiar cheshire smile.
“Now ladies, don’t mean to cut in on your pamperin’ but our Special Guest does have a meeting and we do run a tight ship round here.”
Eudora smiled at Indi. “I am off for a couple meetings myself. This was amazing… I had a lot of fun! If you need anything, don’t hesitate to-“
Indi’s body moved before her mind, as she wrapped Eudora in a fierce hug. “Thank you Eudora.” She whispered. “Thank you for helping me.” Indi felt Eudora’s arms wrap around her.
“You are welcome, Indi. Don’t be a stranger, now.”
