“Now turn to the left, hip out,” Haley said.

“Query: how many degrees which quadrant verso—“

“Stop Lem stop. You’re missing the point. You’re learning how to pass as a human girl. Remember what we talked about. You have to be confident but not pushy. Attractive, independent, and friendly. You need to do makeup and clothes that compliment your figure….”

Haley’s voice trailed off. The dressing room mirror reflected them. Her face and Lem’s well muscled back, the image chased her words away. Haley had wanted her friend to be safe to blend in. No one knew about the crashed spaceship or its sole survivor.

“Haley your lacrimation suggests a high probability of sadness. Query: why?” Lem asked, stroking her friend’s face.

Haley hugged Lem. The alien stiffened but gradually softened in confusion.

“Should I try to be a boy?”

“You know you didn’t say ‘query,’ pal.”

“I know. I’m learning.”