Mass Effect: Observing Gains

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I began posting those chapters on writing.com, however that site provides little opportunity for feedback and I most definitely could use some constructive criticism. I could use information what can be improved or if I should even continue to write that drivel. 😁.

Please bear in mind that it is my first attempt on writing and English is not my native tongue.

Idea of initial setting - ThatOneGuy101 from writing.com. First chapter is heavily inspired by his work.

https://www.writing.com/main/interactive-story/item_id/1906246-Mass-Effect-Female-Weight-Gain-Redux/map/1232

 

 

Chapter 1: The Observer

 

Nothing added up.

 

Liara had been tracking down records and traces about The Observer, an agent of the Shadow Broker, for months. Hacking terminals, tracing logs, even narrowing the list to 5 species, thanks to the information Nyxeris gave her.

 

Since establishing herself as information broker on Ilium, she was spied on by various individuals. Yet none of them was potentially as dangerous as dangerous as The Observer. He or She was direct subordinate of most powerful information broker in the galaxy, broker she was currently trying to track down and get revenge on. Which given him ample reason to eliminate her.

 

Liara had located dozens of potential suspects, subjecting them to various means of investigations, interrogations and bribery but none of them had been The Observer or had information about him. She hated to admit it, but she was getting nowhere, and she desperately needed to rest.

 

“Liara? Are you alright?” Her assistant, Nyxeris asked with worry in her voice.

 

“Yes, I’m fine,” Liara stated, although it was far from truth.

 

"I doubt it ma'am" retorted older asari with shake of her head.

 

"Do you have problems with your hearing Nyxeris? I said I’m fine" snapped Liara, but then closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

“I'm sorry I have been awake for over 40 hours, but I’m not any closer to finding The Observer, than I was before. I’m going to get some sleep I can, call me if you find anything”

 

“Of course ma'am” Nyxeris bower her head.

 

“Thank you, Nyxeris have a good afternoon,” Liara said as she exited her office and began driving to her apartment. She walked in and despite her state quickly checked her security devices. When she made sure everything was in order she took a quick shower and immediately went to bed. Sleep took her immediately, but didn't free her from The Observer. He tormented her in dreams where he captured and torturing her, subjecting her to all sorts of horrors.

 

Liara awoke in a cold sweat. Goddess... that was awfully. Fortunately the experience of being put thought meatgrinder wasn’t real. She sat on the bed and looked at the clock - 6:30, world outside was still dark, save for multiple lights from windows and cars. She did nor even manage a full night’s sleep, because of her fear, but she was sure she would not be able to fall asleep again.

 

She took a cold shower and put a fresh dress and slowly began performing her morning routine. Liara was about to head out, but her doorbell rang before she could. Liara was more than cautious while on Illium, she was borderline paranoid. Anybody could have just rung her doorbell, starting with ordinary thieves, ending with Reapers puppets and Shadow Broker operatives. She readied a biotics and a pistol, before checking the camera outside. She was surprised to see...

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Chapter 2: Unexpected gifts?

 

A volus delivery man holding bouquet of red roses and a purple package.

"Delivery for ... huff ... Liara T'Soni" proclaimed short alien, while holding gifts in his hands.

 

"Can I… get an ID first?" replied bewilder asari, that certainly was not turn of events she was expecting. However could not allow herself to lose focus, she seen more ridiculous things than volus assassins.

 

"Kon Narlan from EEzio..bzz...Ilum fastest and most reliable delivery service" said short humanoid as opened hi omnitool and showed his documents to camera. Clearly he was used to replaying those words over and over again. Liara quickly checked information and other security devices, everything seemed to be in order.

Liara opened her door and took items from deliveryman

 

“Thank you Mr Narlan” volus only nodded and handled asari holopad from his pouch.

 

"Please sign here to …huff…confirm receiving package" continued smaller lifeform.

 

Liara forced herself to show her best professional smile and took holopad. She glanced on text apparently it was pre-paid delivery from anonymous sender. She filled all forms and gave device back to delivery man. "Is that all?"

 

"Yes...huff..good night" replied volus and started walking away.

 

Asari keep watching until he disappeared behind the corner. She closed door and breathed out. The Observer must be getting to me if i react like that to a doorbell. She looked at gifts. Both roses and package seemed harmless, but in her situation she could not allow herself to become careless. She carefully took items and placed them on station capable of scanning and identifying dangerous substances and items. While machine was working she sat and ran quick search. Company was real enough, Liara herself used their services in the past and as she learned they indeed employed volus under name "Kon Narlan", details of delivery seemed to be correct as well, but there was no information about sender, even account which he used to pay for delivery was not listed.

 

That's suspicious, but then again not a lot of people likes to be linked to information brokers, even though they try to keep in your good graces She looked away from desktop and a scanner. While she was browsing machine finished scanning gifts.

 

"Let's see" Liara looked on device's screen. According to its reading roses were expensive, but besides that completely ordinary and available in most of better shops with flora.

 

Shepard liked roses She thought to herself with melancholy. She remembered how Commander had bought bouquet of those for her not too long after battle for Citadel. It was first time she saw those flowers and took liking to them as well. Elizabeth explained that roses were considered to be a symbol of love.

 

Asari smiled to herself briefly, but then scolded herself. Deal with possible danger first, ponder on past later.

 

According to machine, package didn't contain, explosives, traps or any substances that may be harmful to asari.

 

Better check it now and be sure than wait with it until morning decided Liara and began to carefully unwrap package... only to reveal a box of chocolates and small slip of paper. A paper letter? Asari had not used paper for writing since millennia, nowadays only humans used it sometimes.

 

She took it and read:

 

"Dear Miss T'Soni

 

I apologize for secrecy, but due to your occupation questionable reputation I rather not be linked to your company.

At the same time I simply must send those modest gifts to thank you for help with my problem and tell you that I hope that we meet again under more pleasant circumstances.

 

Yours sincerely

Adam Constantine"

 

 

Adam Constantine... She remembered him. A middle age human male businessman that need help looking for few people that knew about his less than law abiding past. He was bit eccentric and left Earth not that long ago, what more he seemed to be enamoured with her. Yes, expensive flowers and chocolates, it is something he would do. Unfortunately for you Mister Constantine, there is only one human for me

 

Now she inspected chocolates, they were vacuum sealed with no sign of tampering.. I recognise that brand. It's the same one Ashley got on her birthday from her sisters. It is different type, more expensive one. Huh... Garrus got allergy after eating one of those on a dare, he didn't leave medbay for days. It was also day when crew learned that she had a large sweet tooth. Both Garuss and Wrex joked about it.

 

She looked at gifts once aggain.

“Goddess” she sighed loudly, sat heavily on nearby chair and put her face in hands. It was too much, knowledge that her lovers body was in Cerbeus hands, the looming threat of Reapers, her failure to help Feron and most importantly imminent threat that haunted her dreams, The Observer. If she don,t catch him he or she will dispse of her sooner or later.

 

"No" she said and took a deep breath. "You fought against enemies more dangerous than The Observer and won. At the very least you must stay alive to help Shepard fight against Reapers" she reassured herself.

 

She glanced on box once again. She did love chocolate.

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Chapter 3: A small treat

 

Former archaeologist stood up, took the box and relocated to one of couches in living room. She opened it, inside there was several rows of very appetizing, but ordinary chocolates.

 

It's unhealthy to eat sweets that early, but I need to relax. I am already going to be a bit late, but since everything checks out I might as well eat a few chocolates. Liara thought to herself. She put open box beside herself, leaned more comfortably, picked single chocolate and examined it. Nothing out of the ordinary.

 

"I am getting too paranoid" she said and popped chocolate into her mouth.

"Mmmm" she moaned quietly. It was really good, not too sweet like many treats tended to be. She looked through window and admired rising sun while taking another piece of chocolate.

 

When was the last time I allowed myself to truly relax mused Liara and chuckled sadly. Probably on that party before Normandy set out again on its last voyage. She remembered it well, Garrus and Wrex bickering, hilariously buzzed Tali, a drinking contest between Chief Williams and Doctor Chakwas and of course Shepard. Commander was there, smiling, joking and flirting shamelessly with her. Most importantly she was alive and right beside her. Our own makeshift family

 

Liara shook her head. It was nearly a year since Normandy’s destruction. If Cerberus was truthful they may be able to bring Shepard back. Galaxy at large needed her, despite Councillor Anderson efforts all other representatives kept denying existence of Repairs and refused to do anything about threat.

 

"Then again since when did they were any help" thought asari and checked time on her omnitool. 8:30 am she need to hurry if she wanted to be in her office along with Nyxeris.

 

She trusted her assistant, to a degree. Not enough to usually let her arrive before her and possibly plant a bug or hack her terminal and look on her files. It was common sense really. She had enough enemies old and new willing to pay considerable sum for her death.

 

She stood up and realized she is quite full, significantly more than after breakfast. She checked box and realized that she ate over half of its content.

 

That much!? I should have noticed, I guess i got lost in thought but still... thought asari, but chose not to dwell on it. She looked in the mirror and at her hands. She notices small smudges of chocolate at her fingers and mouth. She needed to clean herself... but it was such good chocolate.

 

Before she could stop herself she started licking it from her fingers and mouth. Get a hold of yourself T'Soni she scolded herself and went to clean herself in bathroom.

 

"I really need to get some decent sleep" commented Liara as she exited her apartment. While she worked well under pressure a constant threat of The Observe and nightmares prevented her from getting any peaceful sleep and rest. In result young T’Soni was barely able to properly function.

 

If I don't find him soon my sleep deprivation and nerves will do his job for him

 

Unknowingly to her chocolates she just have eaten were far from ordinary. While its extra ingredients were anything but harmful they indeed had rather unique effects on asari physiology.

 

She was also unaware of well hidden presence that observed entire incident form one of skyscrapers.

 

It was...

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Chapter 4: Nyxeris, The Observer

 

In one of the skyscrapers seen from Liara's window was rather unusual apartment. Besides typical furniture it was filled with extremely advanced spying equipment. It was being used by Shadow Broker agents to observe on asari archaeologist

 

Right now it was occupied by one person, Shadow Broker top operative on Illium, The Observer better known as Nyxeris, assistant to none other but Liara T'Soni. Usually she didn't participate in grunt work, but in this case she had to make sure that operation was successful while keeping all scrapes of information away from Benezia's daughter.

 

Despite sophisticated equipment, due to distance and various anti-spy devices used by Liara all she received was decent view of her target's living room and bits of sounds. Fortunately, right now it was enough.

 

Nyxeris watched as her official employer sat on her coutch. After seeing Liara eat first chocolate she turned off devices and smirked sweetly to herself.

 

"Now the real fun begins" said asari to herself, while opening special secure channel on her omnitool and begin typing:

 

"First phase of operation "Ocean" proceed as planned, beginning phase two"

 

"Acknowledged, continue with operation"

 

Still smirking Nyxeris shut down her omnitool and began walking to exit, she needed to be punctual after all.

 

Preparing everything was not easy, finding method of implementing the plan took some time. Liara never ordered food while at work, having prepared meals herself and bringing them for later to her office. That human Constantine provided unexpected opportunity, he simply contacted her one day, asking her "in secret" what kind of gifts Liara liked. Thanks to Shadow Broker database she was able identify objects that good doctor had weakness for. After that only thing left was to fabricate chocolates according to her needs and swapping them with original.

 

Nyxeris know about device Liara used to scan items, however she had no intention of poisoning or even drugging her fellow asari so it posed no problem. Substances inside chocolates had other, non-threatening but still quite interesting effects. They speed up digestion process while making it more effective, reduced feeling of fullness, make stomach more prone to stretching. Most importantly they induced feeling of hunger.

 

Dose of drugs which Liara ate along with chocolates should give her opportunity feed archaeologist more of them as well as introduce more aggressive and invasive substances.

 

Reason behind all of it? Miss T'Soni posed a threat to Broker's operations as well as to Nyxeris own safety, not to mention her past meddling’s with his operations. Of course she could kill Liara, despite her paranoia and various security measures it was doable provided she caught her off guard. However it would not be without consequences, Normandy's remaining crew while estranged would most likely come looking for one’s responsible , which would cause further problems. At the same time she was valuable resource having contacts and connections Nyxeris had no chance of acquiring by herself but having access to as Liara's assistant.

 

What's better way to increase Liara trust in her while limiting her ability to perform certain activities and not taking away too much of her mental process which made her such useful asset in the first place? Dutifully taking care of her and other task she shifted to her assistant as her weight and hunger keep increasing. Perhaps with slight help from compliance drugs in later phases.

 

Plus thought The Observer to herself as she drove to work turning T'Soni into a whale is reward in itself

 

Nyxeris enjoyed fear and power she had over Liara as The Observer. Manipulating her to gain weight only added to that feeling.

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Chapter 5: Ordinary day at work

 

Despite surprise this morning, today so far was quite normal for Liara. She even managed to arrive just before her assistant. Unfortunately Nyxeris, besides a few clues and new suspects names, have not been successful in finding anything that could lead her to The Observer or Shadow Broker, still it was better than nothing. As much as she would like to go through data concerning her personal goals she had more "routine" work to do.

 

I am digging through lies and useless data, connecting scraps of information to see a bigger picture mused young asari. Not too different from my work as an archaeologist. Then again menial workers were used to help remove rubble not to shake somebody for information. Fewer death threats and bodies were underground not in the closed while still warm.

Despite Liara's extreme proficiency she didn't enjoy her current profession. However she needed to locate Shadow Broker and avenge Ferron, not to mention her position as information broker allowed her to gain contacts and influence that may be later helpful against the Reapers.

 

Liara was in the middle of searching through information about young, populist turian politician on Citadel looking for any useful Intel when she heard a low growl that snapped her back to reality. For some time she was aware of the hollow feeling in her middle but deep in thoughts she paid it no mind. Former archaeologist looked and realized the cause of both unexpected interruption and uncomfortable feeling - her stomach. She was positively starving.

 

What? Between breakfast and half box of chocolates I shouldn't be that hungry thought confused asari and checked time, it was 01 p.m. Well...it is time for lunch and last few days have been quite draining Around that hour she and Nyxeris took a break. Her assistant usually went to one of the buffets just outside the trade district while she stayed at the office eating meal she prepared earlier at home, looking briefly over any new information on Shadow Broker and The Observer.

 

She was about to open a hidden fridge where meals were kept when she realized one more thing. Yesterday she no time to prepare the meal and in the morning she was too concerned with unexpected visit and gift so she didn't take anything else.

 

"Goddess, I could use real vacation" sighed heavily Liara, winced and rubbed her stomach trying to soothe hunger pangs. She, of course, had stashed nutrition bars, even military rations, however she preferred not to open supply unless there was an emergency. Not to mention taste, even though Liara have eaten even worse meals both as an archaeologist and when traveling with Shepard it was not something she enjoyed. It would not lift her spirits to eat a dry ration while drinking water.

 

Let's think what are my options? she thought to herself as she heard yet another grumble from her stomach. She could ride back home and make herself something. However ride there and back would cost her a lot of time, especially since a rush hour just started.

 

Two, most buffets and restaurants provided takeaway. She could ask Nyxeris to buy something for her. She would not have to waste time in the car or even preparing meal. The definitive downside of that plan was the lack of her usual inspection of meal safety.

 

Lastly she would content herself with what she has had in her office. Young doctor shivered at the thought.

Texture of cardboard or sand and that terrible bland taste winced asari at the memory.

I cannot have my fear of The Observer prevent me to function properly, besides Nyxeris is far from careless reasoned Liara.

 

It's true. While her assistant didn't quite share her caution she was aware of the danger involved in their activities. From time to time she reviewed actions of her subordinate to see if she took the necessary precautions and she never disappointed. While less vigilant than asari doctor she was careful and thorough.

 

Then again she doesn't have the same target on her back as I do thought Liara and pressed a button to call for her assistant.

 

"Nyxeris could I see you here for a moment" she called over the intercom

 

"Of course" came the reply. After a short moment door opened and her assistant entered.

 

"Is something the matter ma'am?" asked Nyxeris.

 

"No, nothing serious at least" replied Liara with a slight, reassuring smile " I simply forgot to take my lunch from home, tell me could you bring buy me something from the place where you eat while I look over data you brought me earlier. I know that is hardly part of duties but I would be grateful if you do. Of course, I will fully compensate you for the meal"

 

"Of course ma'am, I am happy to help” replied older asari with a smile.

 

"But please be even more cautious than usual, maybe I am needlessly worried but I rather avoid being poisoned by one of Broker's agents"

 

"Of course Liara" confirmed assistant with small smile and a slight nod "I infrequently change locals and it is always restaurant with open buffet. It's hard to poison a specific person without drawing attention when everybody eats from one container. Also, I scan meals with my omnitool just to be sure."

 

"Forgive me, I do not wish to question your competence, but I prefer to play it safe" reassured the information broker, trying to hide another growl from her stomach.

 

"Thank you, that will be all for now" she dismissed her assistant who nodded and exited her office.

 

After doors closed she relaxed a little and rubbed her belly trying to soothe it.

 

I hope Nyxeris will return shortly because I doubt I will be able to focus properly like that she thought with a grimace and opened file containing all data collected about Shadow broker and The Observer. She needed sort out new data.

 

She was unaware of the fact that her assistant did hear her stomach or wide smile that formed on Nyxeris face at the same moment.

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Chapter 6: Lunch

 

 

--Liara's office, noon--

 

Despite surprise this morning, today so far was quite normal for Liara. She even managed to arrive just before her assistant. Unfortunately Nyxeris, besides a few clues and new suspects names, have not been successful in finding anything that could lead her to The Observer or Shadow Broker, still it was better than nothing. As much as she would like to go through data concerning her personal goals she had more "routine" work to do.

 

I am digging through lies and useless data, connecting scraps of information to see a bigger picture mused young asari. Not too different from my work as an archaeologist. Then again menial workers were used to help remove rubble not to shake somebody for information. Fewer death threats and bodies were underground not in the closed while still warm.

Despite Liara's extreme proficiency she didn't enjoy her current profession. However she needed to locate Shadow Broker and avenge Ferron, not to mention her position as information broker allowed her to gain contacts and influence that may be later helpful against the Reapers.

 

Liara was in the middle of searching through information about young, populist turian politician on Citadel looking for any useful Intel when she heard a low growl that snapped her back to reality. For some time she was aware of the hollow feeling in her middle but deep in thoughts she paid it no mind. Former archaeologist looked and realized the cause of both unexpected interruption and uncomfortable feeling - her stomach. She was positively starving.

 

What? Between breakfast and half box of chocolates I shouldn't be that hungry thought confused asari and checked time, it was 01 p.m. Well...it is time for lunch and last few days have been quite draining Around that hour she and Nyxeris took a break. Her assistant usually went to one of the buffets just outside the trade district while she stayed at the office eating meal she prepared earlier at home, looking briefly over any new information on Shadow Broker and The Observer.

 

She was about to open a hidden fridge where meals were kept when she realized one more thing. Yesterday she no time to prepare the meal and in the morning she was too concerned with unexpected visit and gift so she didn't take anything else.

 

"Goddess, I could use real vacation" sighed heavily Liara, winced and rubbed her stomach trying to soothe hunger pangs. She, of course, had stashed nutrition bars, even military rations, however she preferred not to open supply unless there was an emergency. Not to mention taste, even though Liara have eaten even worse meals both as an archaeologist and when traveling with Shepard it was not something she enjoyed. It would not lift her spirits to eat a dry ration while drinking water.

 

Let's think what are my options? she thought to herself as she heard yet another grumble from her stomach. She could ride back home and make herself something. However ride there and back would cost her a lot of time, especially since a rush hour just started.

 

Two, most buffets and restaurants provided takeaway. She could ask Nyxeris to buy something for her. She would not have to waste time in the car or even preparing meal. The definitive downside of that plan was the lack of her usual inspection of meal safety.

 

Lastly she would content herself with what she has had in her office. Young doctor shivered at the thought.

Texture of cardboard or sand and that terrible bland taste winced asari at the memory.

I cannot have my fear of The Observer prevent me to function properly, besides Nyxeris is far from careless reasoned Liara.

 

It's true. While her assistant didn't quite share her caution she was aware of the danger involved in their activities. From time to time she reviewed actions of her subordinate to see if she took the necessary precautions and she never disappointed. While less vigilant than asari doctor she was careful and thorough.

 

Then again she doesn't have the same target on her back as I do thought Liara and pressed a button to call for her assistant.

 

"Nyxeris could I see you here for a moment" she called over the intercom

 

"Of course" came the reply. After a short moment door opened and her assistant entered.

 

"Is something the matter ma'am?" asked Nyxeris.

 

"No, nothing serious at least" replied Liara with a slight, reassuring smile " I simply forgot to take my lunch from home, tell me could you bring buy me something from the place where you eat while I look over data you brought me earlier. I know that is hardly part of duties but I would be grateful if you do. Of course, I will fully compensate you for the meal"

 

"Of course ma'am, I am happy to help” replied older asari with a smile.

 

"But please be even more cautious than usual, maybe I am needlessly worried but I rather avoid being poisoned by one of Broker's agents"

 

"Of course Liara" confirmed assistant with small smile and a slight nod "I infrequently change locals and it is always restaurant with open buffet. It's hard to poison a specific person without drawing attention when everybody eats from one container. Also, I scan meals with my omnitool just to be sure."

 

"Forgive me, I do not wish to question your competence, but I prefer to play it safe" reassured the information broker, trying to hide another growl from her stomach.

 

"Thank you, that will be all for now" she dismissed her assistant who nodded and exited her office.

 

After doors closed she relaxed a little and rubbed her belly trying to soothe it.

 

I hope Nyxeris will return shortly because I doubt I will be able to focus properly like that she thought with a grimace and opened file containing all data collected about Shadow broker and The Observer. She needed sort out new data.

 

She was unaware of the fact that her assistant did hear her stomach or wide smile that formed on Nyxeris face at the same moment.

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Chapter 6: Lunch

 

01:50 p.m. showed the clock on Liara's terminal. Young asari winced and shook her head, trying to focus. Despite what she had planned she was unable to do almost any work. Her hunger was to blame. Feeling in her stomach had gone from uncomfortable to almost unbearable.

 

That's what I get for allowing myself to get distracted she thought to herself and rubbed her eyes. The last time she was that hungry was when Normandy's crew rescued her from a prothean security device she accidentally triggered.

 

I almost fainted after meeting with rest of the crew, I guess those last three days affected me more than I thought. During her latest erratic search for Shadow Broker hardly allowed for frequent and full meals combining that with 40 hours sleepless and it's no wonder her body was exhausted.

She was about to take a sip of water when she heard the sound of intercom. She clicked on the button and asked

 

"Yes?"

 

"Ma'am I am back, may I come in?" A quick look at cameras and scans showed that it was indeed Nyxeris.

 

"Please come in" said Liara. At the sight of her assistant her eyes widened slightly. Nyxeris appeared to be a little out of breath, most likely because of two large plastic bags she was holding and that shocked Liara.

 

"I was unsure what you would like ma'am so I took a few different things" huffed her employer and set both containers on her desk.

 

"A few?" asked Liara forcing herself to smile.

 

Nyxeris blushed faintly "I realized just how much, a little too late" she replied apologetically, then straighten up and added with a confident voice "I took all necessary precautions, all dishes were tested and scanned. No harmful elements or effects were found"

 

"Thank you Nyxeris I trust your expertise, now before you return to your duties check for any new information about Joram Talid"

 

"Of course ma'am, enjoy your meal" her assistant nodded with a smile, turned around and left her with two bags full of food.

Liara began removing boxes from bags. While asari had quite large energy requirements despite their size, she was still looking at a meal for about two or three members of her species.

 

That's hardly a problem, I am starving and all leftovers I can take with me to home thought former archaeologist when opening the first box. It was fried fish, one native to Thessia and surrendered by boiled vegetables. She cut piece and tasted.

 

Hmm... delicious said young asari and began to eat rest. Next box, two slices of pizza, that hardly surprised her, human cuisine was a big hit among asari, especially younger ones. She, herself was quite familiar and found of it thanks to her time aboard Normandy.

 

She began devouring dish after dish like an automat, steadily and carefully but fast and only with small breaks for Thessian tea. Fried octopus, those little sausages Liara often eaten as a child, crepes filled with meat and other examples of asari and human cuisine. A relatively small size of portions was misleading, making young doctor think that she ate less than in reality. Liara didn't register when she started to be full nor when her stomach began to swell and stretch. Her hunger and excellent taste of dishes suppressed those feelings. Her face was being smeared by drops of sauces and juices, but she paid it no mind as she kept eating with a blissful expression. Everything was delicious, much better than what she prepared for herself.

 

After 20 minutes feast came to an end. She put the last empty container back to the bag and wiped her face with napkins.

 

Goddess she thought as she leaned back in her chair and began rubbing her belly with content. I had been starving, but still I cannot believe that I managed to eat that much. Liara looked at her stomach and frowned slightly, her skin-tight dress did little to hide her food baby.

It's extraordinary situation, I'll do some shopping and prepare meals for the following days she promised to herself without enthusiasm. She felt good, probably the best she had been in weeks. The former archaeologist was still very aware of her troubles and enemies, but they felt more distant at the moment. She felt almost...optimistic.

 

I guess that are advantages of a full meal prepared by actual cooks mused Liara. While she could cook she was no chef and limited time she had for that activity didn't allow for too complicated dishes. The meal she just ate, was by no elaborate but still leagues above what she usually ate and was much fresher. Another inconvenience caused by The Observer

 

She signed, cleaned remains of food and hid bags to dispose of them later. Then she reluctantly returned to her abandoned work on turian politician. She had much to do.

 

***

 

Nyxeris closed feed on her terminal and saved entire footage to secure external drive, corners of her lips moved up just so slightly. Despite giving no outward signs she was extremely pleased. She just witnessed great Liara T'Soni make glutton of herself.

 

Then again it's nothing compared to what We have planned for her thought asari smugly to herself. Her “employer” entire meal was spiked with the same mix as chocolates but with slightly stronger appetite enhancers and few new ingredients that could not pass scanning at Liara's house. A concoction that causes pleasure and feeling of relaxation, nothing strong as she could not raise any suspicions, even though by Illium standards it barely registered as a controlled substance. It was a coupled with a rather unique and short-lasting substance that encouraged mental conditioning, after all the faster Liara start identifying eating with comfort and pleasure the better. The last substance worked in two stages first making the subject gradually tired then sleepy, it was coated in special nanocaspsules which should dissolve in about 3-4 hours after she retired from work. It should force Liara to return home early without allowing her to do much headway in her personal projects while giving her just enough time to do basic chores, eat a hearty meal after a tiring day at work before heading to sleep and prevent her from burning too much of precious calories.

 

Earlier The Observer entertained the thought of lacing products that Liara bought by herself. However that would cause its own set of problems. Liara, much like herself, changed the provider of ingredients quite often and sometimes she went to buy groceries by herself also in many different stores. Adding something to younger asari food without creating an accident was extremely difficult, not to mention scanner at Liara home prevented her altogether from using certain substances. Another problem was caused by her victim's cooking, it was well balanced and low fat. She wanted Liara became sedentary as quickly as possible, but while using a limited arsenal of drugs merely increasing Benezia's daughter intake of her usual meals wound not fatten her nearly as fast as she would like. She needed to introduce more "hearty" meals into young asari diet.

 

While she did buy meals from the same buffet she was in, it was not what she fed to Liara. Everything that just went into younger asari gullet looked and tasted indistinguishable from original, but had one major difference besides earlier mentioned substances. It was incredibly high packed with calories, much more than it was possible to get through normal cooking. It served two purposes, the most obvious one was the fact that it would pile much more fat on Liara than the original. The second reason was less obvious but more important. When doctor T'Soni's body grows accustomed to consuming that many calories in one go it will still crave more even if she was full of lighter food, adding to her hunger and tricking her to further stuff herself. While she could not provide Liara with similar meals every time she eat, at least for now, it would at least strongly encourage her to switch to more calorie-heavy meals.

 

There is still much work to do, even today thought Nyxeris, she had to arrange events so today would not be single occurrence. She was going over plan when she nearly burst with laughter at the sudden thought Commander Shepard, if she truly is alive, is in for a really big, blue surprise

[xXWWhiteXx]

Chapter 7: Conversation

 

--Liara's office, afternoon--

 

Liara and Nyxeris were sitting together in the information broker office and going over the most important pieces of gathered Intel, list of possible new clients as well as checking if they needed to deploy some of the mercenaries working in doctor T'Soni employ to deal with something directly. It was their last activity together, as it was the end of older asari working hours, and unless there was something extremely important or time-sensitive she left for home. There was nothing of that sort that day. As always, the last and most widely discussed was the issue of Shadow Broker and his agent The Observer. Unfortunately today did not bring any significant revelations. They sorted new data, noted which leads to follow, discarded useless ones, and prepared plans for the following days. Unfortunately they still had nothing concrete besides the register of races provided by Nyxeris. It narrowed the list of suspects significantly, but not nearly enough and the only other concrete information was the fact that The Observer was personally interested in Liara.

 

There has to be something, some piece of information that The Observer did not erase or a pattern we can use to track him down thought young asari with anger, but mostly with tiredness as she kept looking over data.

Ultimately, finding him and his employer is a matter of time, but time is something Ferron does not have. She was painfully aware that chances of drell being still alive in Shadow Broker captivity were slim at best, but she could not abandon him.

 

Liara looked at her assistant sitting opposite, who also searched data on her datapad, and looked at the clock. Nyxeris shift, in theory ended 15 minutes ago. She took a deep breath and said:

 

"Nyxeris I think that will be all for today. Thank you for your help" as much as she would like to keep her assistant longer with her, she could not. From a purely formal standpoint she would rather not being bothered by law enforcement on the ground of worker exploitation. More importantly having her employees angry and disgruntled at her was bad for business and health.

 

"Ma'am there is something I would like to talk about before I go," said Nyxeris while rubbing her hands nervously and added "I may be overstepping my bounds, but it is important"

 

Liara tensed, that was most unusual, her assistant was almost always strictly professional, save perhaps for a few occasional jokes in private, and she never talked on personal matters. In one moment she was prepared for a direct fight, betrayal, and air attack. She reminded herself where she hid weapons and had her biotics were ready for action. On the outside none of that was noticeable, she gave her assistant a questioning look and leaned slightly on a chair, all while maintaining perfect, professional composure.

 

"If you consider something to be important then it is. Please, speak freely" responded prothean expert.

 

Nyxeris a took deep breath and said:

"Ma'am with all due respect, but you cannot continue like that"

 

Well, that's a bold statement

 

"What, exactly do you mean Nyxeris?" asked Liara with a steady but firm voice.

 

"Your yesterday's bout of constant research was not the first, but the longest one, that's not healthy or even productive. While I only guess I am sure that even under "normal" circumstances you don't get nearly enough sleep. You maintain perfect composure with our clients and contacts, but I have worked with people suffering from sleep deprivation, I recognize certain signs" said older asari, took a deep breath and continued.

 

"I also saw enough of your usual meals, they are bare minimum not to mention they are rather bland and repetitive. You are in constant tension, even more so than other people of our profession"

 

Nyxeris took few calming breaths, lowered her head a little and added:

"I worry Liara. All of this is bad for you, if it continues you will burn yourself out. You need to relax a little, rest"

 

Well it's not quite what I expected thought to herself Liara after hearing her employee explanation. She must have been slipping if Nyxeris was noticed her bad habits, then again her observation skills were one of the reasons she hired her in the first place. As much as she would like follow that advice there were certain obstacles.

 

"It is an occupational risk, besides you are aware of my goals as well as that The Observer is constantly monitoring us. I cannot allow myself to relax back, because I would risk being caught off guard. I do not have too much free time anyway"

 

Nyxeris shook her head.  "Ma'am if you continue like that you will be too tired to remain vigilant or work effectively. The Observer is monitoring all persons of interest on Ilium. I agree that he pays special attention to you, but considering circumstances it is nothing unexpected. Between being the sole heir to house T'Soni and your...involvement with Commander Shepard, he would focus on you even if you weren't actively trying to hunt down his employer" reasoned calmly older asari while looking Liara directly in the eyes.

 

"Besides you saw data, those fragments of orders and reports that we managed to acquire. Both Shadow Broker and The Observer stress that you need to remain being observed without being harmed in any way. All other sources seem to confirm it"

 

"Yes I am aware, however, please remember that my ultimate goal is Shadow Broker himself. We cannot count to him to continue with this policy as we progress" responded Liara with a slight shake of her head.

 

Nyxeris nodded "When he decides he is being threatened he will respond, but this is to our advantage. I saw how you work, during the short time we work together you managed to learn about Broker than I thought possible in such a short period. I work in this area for some time already. I know of people that also hunted him, but to get that close as we are now they spend decades even with more resources. Shadow Broker knows this as well, he cannot suspect us to become a threat that soon" reasoned further her assistant. She, once again had a point, but it was not enough.

 

"Then you also know they got overconfident and were disposed of. We cannot allow ourselves to repeat their mistakes by growing lax" pointed out Liara, still not convinced.

 

"That brings me to another matter" replied Nyxeris undeterred. "While I do not know all resources available to you, I am certain we currently do not have the means to directly confront Shadow Broker. We may be able to deal with The Observer and his direct subordinates here on Illium. But even if we were to find Broker's location today we don't have influence or resources to deal with him".

 

Liara was silent for a while, pondering on her subordinate's words. All of it was technically true and she knew that exhaustion lead to mistakes. If her assistant had noticed her state it was only a matter of time before somebody less friendly does it as well and exploits her weakened state.

 

Besides, she is right, I will not be able to do anything if I need to focus mainly on not closing my eyes and falling asleep. At the same time young asari was still unenthusiastic to do anything that would slow down her hunt on galaxy's most feared information broker and her fear of The Observer was still present.

 

"I see that you put a lot of thought behind it, but tell me Nexeris where did that sudden concern with my health come from?" asked Liara calmly.

 

Nyxeris didn't waver only smiled a little. "It is not sudden ma'am. You know that I always try to reason with you when you spend too much time working and as your assistant, it is my job to help you. That includes making sure you are able to function properly. Besides you are my best employer yet, not to mention the famous Liara T'Soni, one of the Citadel heroes. Working with you is doing wonders for my resume. I would not like to lose that"

 

You would not like to lose my contacts as well thought younger asari and smiled as well. She of course knows that Nexeris was not helping her purely out of the goodness of her heart and that now and then used Liara's contacts outside of her job for private gain. Liara accepted it, seeing as all those activities were neutral or even beneficial to her operations. If anything it makes Nyxeris concern more true. After all her success and new resources provided Nyxeris with the same.

 

"Well, you were right, you most definitely are testing your boundaries today" sighed Liara. "At the same time everything you said is true. Before I decide anything, I assume you have propositions how to resolve my situation?"

 

"Yes, a few in fact" replied older asari and picked up her datapad to look over her notes. She was visibly relieved that she didn't need to argue with her boss any further.

 

"Seeing as The Observer is the immediate threat we should keep investigating as we did before, but maintain a small but precise strike force that can remove him as soon as he is discovered. As you know human terrorist group, known as Cerberus lately has been investigating everything related to Commander Shepard and the Normandy. I think we should use them as a smokescreen, so to speak. We decrease the number of direct inquiries about Shadow Broker whereabouts while giving the impression that we shift our attention toward Cerberus as they pose a more immediate risk. At the same time we would focus on targets that are likely to provide Intel on both, Shadow Broker and Cerberus. It should provide us with some breathing room for time being, hopefully enough for us to expand our influence and resources to make attack at Broker feasible” Nyxeris began explained her plan carefully

 

"Hmm... if executed carefully that could work, for a while at least. Very well, I give some basic instruction and inquiries according to that and expect you to the same as well. Try to specify what exactly you can do to make it as believable as possible. We will hammer details tomorrow and I expect immediate reports should something happen. What else you thought of?" questioned Liara. She was still not fully convinced but her assistant ideas had some merit.

 

"Well the most obvious way to lighten your workload is to, well...reassign some of your tasks to me, ma'am" said Nyxeris a little bashfully.

 

That gave Liara a pause. She was aware of that possibility, but in that case, she would have to give her assistant access to Intel she did not have before. That was risky, but if to give her something non-essential and not connected to her personal projects... She started typing commands on her terminal and replied with a shadow of a smile.

 

"Seeing as you gave that proposition by yourself, Nyxeris I assume you have nothing against it. I am sending you information about a few cases, I expect reports and will be review your efforts every week. If they are handled to my satisfaction for a month I will continue to so and give you a raise. If not you will have to deal with the fallout, is that clear?" commanded Liara with hard look. She needed Nyxeris to understand full ramification of such decision.

 

"Of course, ma'am" replied assistant and nodded slightly. "There is one suggestion left. I saw your meals a few times, ma'am. Those are meals soldiers prepare when the only alternative are rations..."

 

The sharp look Liara gave her employee could pierce right through Destiny Ascension.

 

"I'll have you know Nyxeris, that they may be simple, but perfectly well balanced"

 

"Ahem...I do not deny that" replied fast Nyxeris and held her arms as if to defend herself. "This is simply not a kind of meal I would serve somebody unless I had no other choice. I understand your security concerns, but a good meal can quite beneficial for one's mood"

 

If you only knew she remembered when Elizabeth prepared "home cooked" meals for crew for a week, just to prove she could. She still wondered how they managed to avoid mass mutiny. It was only time in my entire life when I regretted that asari are not dextro-amino species. Commander Shepard had many talents, cooking was not among them.

 

"So what do you propose?" she asked, her stare softening a little.

 

"Maybe similarly to today's situation, only I would start going earlier for lunch so you will not have to wait that long" replied Nyxeris. "That way your meals, ma'am will not only taste much better what you usually have, but you save some time for sleep. Besides this is Illium, if any food cause negative effects, local is as good as closed and as far as I know, Shadow Broker does not poison his enemies"

 

Liara closed her eyes for a moment and rubbed her temples. No poison is not Broker usual style. He, and by extension his operatives were discrete when removing any potential obstacles, but they did so all important parties know who exactly is responsible. Just a little bit of warning.

 

"Very well, I approve" agreed Liara and took a deep breath. "I expect basic of those to be implemented as fast and as carefully as possible. Should something compromise operation I require imminent notification. Is that all?"

 

"Yes, that is all I had to say" replied Nyxeris and got up from a chair. "But please ma'am use some of that time to rest, you will help nobody if keep pushing yourself like that"

 

"Thank you for your concern Nyxeris, I'll try" promised young information broker with sad smile.

 

"See you tomorrow, ma'am" assistant bid farewell with a polite smile and small nod before she left the office.

 

Liara watched as her employee left and sighed heavily. Once again somebody has to remind me to take better care of myself. As archaeologist she often forget to eat meals when she was deep in study, so often that her colleagues needed to remind her to eat so she does not feel faint. Similarly aboard the Normandy, but then it was usually doctor Chakwas or Commander.

 

Shepard once proposed to feed me by herself thought Liara to herself and blushed. Then she snapped her attention back to reality. She promised to rest, but it was still quite early. I'll stay for another 3 hours decided Liara and returned to work.

 

--Later--

 

She hadn't managed to work for 3 hours. After first hour one her stomach reminded once again of itself and after another 30 minutes she had a problem keeping her eyes open.

 

I guess that's punishment for working 40 hours straight yesterday thought Liara with resignation as she entered her apartment.

 

Her first destination was the kitchen where she ate what supposed to be her lunch. She noted once again that compared to what Nyxeris provided, her current meal was all but tasteless. Then she reminded herself of the remaining half box of chocolates.

 

I am supposed to be relaxing, after all she excused herself as she headed to the living room. She ate the remaining candies, not even caring how much she consumed. Half-consciously she bathed herself and went to bed. She fell into sleep unaware of what the future had in store for her.

[xXWWhiteXx]

Chapter 8: Unexpected guests

 

Two weeks later

Liara’s apartment

23:15 p.m.

 

The former archaeologist was lying in a steaming bathtub, only with her head remaining above water. She practically felt the tension of the entire day leaving her, although it did not change fact that she was terribly tired.

Then again that still is an improvement. It has been a while since I could allow herself to soak like that thought Liara. It would seem that Nyxeris suggestions are yielding results. Even though young asari's days were still long and incredibly intense, she had stopped feeling like a textbook victim of sleep deprivation. According to the latest intel, Shadow Broker operatives seemed to reluctantly accept her "change" of priorities and that she posed little to no threat to their organization at the moment. In exchange, nowadays she was spending even more effort and time gaining favours, resources and playing nice with many "highly esteemed" figures. She never was an overly sociable person, save perhaps for her close friends, and she preferred to keep things professional at work, constant posturing during social events was annoying, not to mention tiring.

 

Still it is somewhat preferable than being constantly worrying for my life thought Liara as she exited the bath and started dry herself with a fluffy towel. The effects of Nyxeris ideas were undeniable in more ways than one.

 

"I will have to tell Nyxeris to decrease meals she brings me" sighed young asari with dismay as she was running her hands over her body and looked at herself in the mirror. Her breast and butt appeared to be a bit bigger than she remembered and a small, but noticeable layer of adipose formed over her lean muscles. Dishes her assistant kept bringing her were plentiful and delicious, with her lately, big appetite and focus on different matters, Liara devoured everything she was being served, every time.

Then again I don't have to stuff myself, but nowadays I just keep being peckish, even her normal meals had increased in volume lately due to her bouts of hunger. However she attributed it to the fact she was not in constant tension anymore.

 

She hasn't weighted herself in months, she had far more important things to worry about, but since she was already in the bathroom she decided to check it. She stepped naked on the scale. When she was buying it after her time on the Normandy she purchased a model that scaled in units typical for humans, she got used to those. Of course like all modern devices of that type it took account of the gravitational pull of planet it was located still. Still the number she read startled her.

 

162.6 pounds, that is over 10 pounds gain realized Liara and blinked in disbelief. She had gained considerable muscle mass when she was fighting against Saren and geths, but considering her current lifestyle and her appearance in the mirror she doubted it was muscles in this case.

I guess with what a little exercise I had during last months even with my usual portions I have been gaining weight and latest meals did not help the case mused young asari as she clothes herself in a nightgown and went to the bedroom. To be fair, she did try to maintain a certain level of physical activity, but she simply did not have time for regular exercises. That and she did not know that all of her latest lunches contained enough calories to sustain an adult asari for a nearly week.

 

Still, I need to cut back Liara took a mental note as she went to bed. While she was anything but vain and Liara personally was not horrified or disgusted by those extra pounds, however she needed to remain in relative shape despite her stationary work. Appearances were important in her line of work, not to mention sooner or later there will be a situation when she needs to fight directly. Also, there was small of her, remains of a shy, insecure archaeologist, that worried that Shepard would not loved her with extra weight.

 

A sudden thought came to her as she was drifting to sleep. Few more pounds and I try to pass as over pampered matriarch Liara smiled faintly and finally fell asleep.

 

***

 

Liara was in the middle of a wonderful, peaceful dreamless sleep when she was woken by the doorbell. She immediately snapped awake and scanned her surroundings, everything seemed fine even though the doorbell kept ringing. She sat on her bed, switched on near terminal, and took out her handgun, just in case. She looked and display and her eyes widened slightly.

 

"Nyxeris, but what she is doing here and at that hour" whispered Liara to herself. She gave her address to her assistant but had forbidden her to go here save for emergencies. She took a closer look at her employee. Nyxeris was visibly nervous, taking fast, shallow breaths and constantly hitting the doorbell button. She was wearing more casual clothes than Liara usually saw her in. More worrying was a fact that both clothes and asari herself was covered in smudges of dirt and signs of smoke. Another unexpected element was a large bag Nyxelis had under her feet.

 

Not good summarized Liara. Everything about this situation screamed "DANGER", but she had to do something. She looked through other cameras and checked various security devices. Everything seemed in order. She activated scrambling and completely cut off her apartment communication, if Nyxeris bag contained a cleverly hidden bomb, at the very least she prevent it from being detonated remotely. Finally, with all safeguards, she could think of she answered.

 

"Hello Nyxeris, what brings you here?"

 

"Ma'am, there was an emergency, I have data banks with me in the bag. It's important." Nyxeris was clearly trying hard to speak steadily. However, there was no save words or phrases they set up in case of an emergency. Voice sample matched Nyxeris too.

 

"A moment please, I'll open the door". Liara put on a bathrobe, checked her gun. She carefully made her way downstairs and near the door. She quickly looked at the security terminal near the entrance, but once again found nothing. She took a secure position near the door and opened it.

 

"Nyxeris, please come in" Liara invited calmly.

 

"Thank you Liara" replied older asari as she took her bag with clear effort and hastily went into the apartment. Liara watched her enter and quickly closed and secured the door.

 

Her assistant visibly shaken, stood in the middle unsure what to do.

 

"Please put the bag in the scanner and stay still for a minute I would like to check for bugs" commanded Liara. Her assistant compiled, no foreign devices were detected, her bag indeed contained hard drives and few other harmless items.

 

"Now sit down and explain exactly what happened. Would you care for some tea?" Liara gently, but firmly steered her assistant to the chair in the kitchen and started water heater. She was still on alert prepared for an emergency. Nyxeris took a few deep breaths and began her tale.

.

"Around midnight I got a message from one of my informants. A large squad of Blue Suns had been dispatched to my apartment. I downloaded all essential data to portable drives and put them in the bag along with other important items" she paused when Liara handed her cup with steaming tea and took a few sips.

 

"In the end, I rigged console to bury it their network with junk data and explode. However, I underestimated how fast they moved. I barely managed to hide in a nearby empty apartment when they showed up in my hallway. I tried to keep quiet while listening passively to their radio chatter. As I had predicted they tried to access my data. However, they had to have some kind of explosive with them, because that explosion could not be caused by terminal alone. I was in a completely different apartment but I still was knocked over by shockwave. I managed to open the door, all nearby mercenaries were dead or badly injured..." Nyxeris shook and drank some tea. After a few breaths, she continued.

 

"I used that diversion and made my way to a car while listening to their coms to avoid remaining Blue Suns. I almost succeeded but two of them were in the garage. They noticed me but I threw them at the wall with my biotics. I knocked out a turian, but the other one, a human did not have helmet I... I watched as bits of his brain were dripping from his skull" older asari sniffed, her hands were shaking.

 

To this point she was going on adrenaline, now she calmed down and is going into shock thought Liara while quietly listening to her assistant explanation. I'll have to wrap it up soon

 

"I took my car and set it on autopilot while I checked for tracking devices, I found nothing. When I was sure I was not followed I ditched the car and took a cab just to be sure. It's how I got here"

 

"I see. Perhaps you overheard who hired them?" asked Liara softly. Nyxeris nodded.

 

"Y..Yes, I think so. Somebody by name Rendon Howe" by that point older asari was visibly shaking. Liara smiled faintly and put her hand on Nyxeris shoulder.

 

"Thank you Nyxeris. How about a shower? Take some of my clothes from the cupboard in the bathroom they should fit well enough. I prepare you a place to sleep in the living room" said Liara softly as she gently helped her assistant to stand up and pointed her towards the bathroom. When Liara heard shower she opened her omnitool and quickly checked Nyxeris relations. It wasn't hard, seeing as even ordinary information sites wrote about it and more "exclusive" sources confirmed it. After that, she indeed went to the living room and transformed one of the couches into bed for her assistant. While she could use the couch in her bedroom, it was more secure, but stairs had a few motion sensors that would wake should her guest started climbing. It was a necessary precaution given situation, besides employer and employee sleeping in one room could give somebody a wrong idea, one needed to maintain the reputation of an upstanding citizen. Liara still had a lot of questions but considering state her assistant appeared to be in, she decided to wait with them until morning. I were and people in similar situations, usually after some rest one remember more details

 

She went to her office and began more extensive research while waiting for Nyxeris and sent orders to some of her hired muscle to investigate the destroyed apartment.

Rendon Howe... I remember that name but from where? wondered former archaeologist as she went through various data. Finally, she found what she was looking for. A business man from an old rich Earth family. Relatively successful tries to appear polite and sophisticated, but there were instances where his pro-human views were publicly shown. Prone to rash and a rather violent action when something goes against his agenda, no actual remorse when dealing with non-humans. Suspected to be Cerberus supporter or member, albeit not high in hierarchy Liara summarized and nodded. Profile fit with modus operandi at Nyxeris apartment, especially that lately, they had been investigating leads and people that were connected to Cerberus as part of their cover. She was finishing sending inquiries about the current activities of human businessman when her assistant came out wearing one of her bathrobes. After a hot shower and in clean clothes she looked better but still shaken.

 

Liara stood up and smiled as reassuringly as she could.

"I prepared a bed for you, we get some sleep and plan what to do in the morning" said Liara. Nyxeris nodded and sniffed slightly. But instead of going to the living room she went to the younger asari. Prothean expert tensed when her worst predictions seemed to pass but instead of attack, she was caught in her assistant tight embrace.

 

Well... that's not exactly what I expected thought Liara as she was awkwardly trying to return the hug. Never be said that her social skills improved over the last months. Interrogations, death threats, fighting, and killing she could deal with just fine, with honest emotions and friendly physical affection most definitely no. Also, older asari was squeezing her bottom and waist a little too tightly but she brushed it off.

 

"Of course Nyxeris. After all, we are in this together" reassured Liara and patted her lightly. After a short while her employee released her, nodded once again and went to bed. Former archaeologist shut down terminal and went to her living room. She activated sensors in her stairs and camera overlooking the living room. After roughly fifteen minutes, when she was sure Nyxeris was asleep she allowed herself to rest as well.

[xXWWhiteXx]

Chapter 9: New Wonderful Day

 

Liara awoke, hearing sounds of her alarm clock. She turned it off and stretched. Suddenly she realized that she is smelling something sweet and reminded herself that she had a guest.

 

Nyxeris is making breakfast? wondered young asari. She sat on the bed and opened her omnitool. Her assistant indeed was doing something in the kitchen. She checked security devices and cameras, no sights of attempts to access her computers or her livingroom apparently, her employee has woke half-hour earlier and decided to prepare a meal. That was a bit unexpected, but not shocking. As there were no signs of foul play Liara put on clothes and went to join her guest.

 

"Good morning Nyxeris" said Liara as she entered the kitchen and smiled. Older asari flinched slightly and turned away from stove with a slightly embarrassed expression.

 

"Hello, Liara. Sorry for waking you up, but I thought that making breakfast is the least I can do given circumstances" Nyxeris explained herself while wearing a small blush. Liara examined her, her employee seemed to be slightly distracted and embarrassed, but overall she was composed. She seems to be in much better shape than when she came here, still it could be bravado or denial. I need to be gentle with questions thought younger asari with concern, Nyxeris proved herself to be a good assistant and while she needed more info, she would rather avoid her breaking down with tears. Outwardly Liara smiled.

 

"It's no problem, I am not much of chef anyway"

 

Nyxeris narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled with pity.

 

"Ma'am I saw your homemade meals and content of your fridge. Forgive my boldness, but I am surprised that you didn't die from starvation or food poisoning"

 

Liara gave her a flat look "You are forgiven, but I have you know that I can cook just fine if a little bland. Speaking of which..." she glanced on the counter and at a pile of steaming brown circles "...what are you making? Those seem familiar but I cannot say that I have ever eaten it"

 

"I found just the right ingredients or replacements to make pancakes. It's a simple human recipe, I learned it from a former roommate. I think you will enjoy it"

 

 

"I'm sure I will. Can I help you somehow?" Liara asked warmly, but she was a little worried. She preferred to not embarrass herself in front of her employee by messing up a "simple" dish.

Thankfully older asari shook her head.

 

"No, all left to do is pouring liquid cake on pan and cooking, but its job for one person. Please take a seat, I will give you first portion in a minute after they cool down a little" replied Nyxeris and turned back to the stove. Liara did as asked but positioned herself so she could observe her assistant.

 

"I don't want to bring up unpleasant memories, but there are a few things I would like to ask," said younger asari softly and carefully. Nyxeris stopped for a bit and sighed.

 

"Yes, I thought so" she replied. She went to Liara and placed a tray with few pancakes arranged in a tower and covered in a dark liquid. Apparently, her guest had found her stash of a dark chocolate sauce. She cut fragment out of a "tower" and tasted it.

She barely contained a moan. Pancakes were delightful, sweet and fluffy, covered in her favourite liquid. She quickly began devouring rest of it.

 

"What exactly you want to know, ma'am?" Nyxeris voice brought her back to reality. Her assistant already went back to the stove. Liara swallowed quickly and answered.

 

"What do you think caused Howe to react like that and why exactly they come to you, not me?" asked Liara and promptly put another piece in her mouth. She just realized how starved she was.

 

"I'll have to check it to be sure, but I think we recently come across information about his latest drunken escapade. That alone can be damaging to his reputation, but he also let slip a few bits of rather sensitive information. Nothing relevant to us, but I can think of a quite few people who would be very interested in them" Nyxeris reported and put another sizable portion of sweet, chocolate soaked cakes on Liara's platter. Her employer nodded with gratitude and once again begun to inhale sweet treats.

 

"I learned about it from one of my local informants. He was in contact directly with me, but while he provides reliable info he is not loyal" older asari paused and looked at Liara. Her employer was consuming in record speed, few chocolate stains were visible on her face. She was still listening and glancing at her, but her focus was steadily shifting towards food. Very good.

 

"If Howe suspected something and confronted him, he most likely confessed everything as soon as he was threatened or presented with an appealing deal. I used various security measures, but once he knew my contact data tracing me down was only a matter of time for somebody with his resources" Nyxeris kept on speaking as she went to refill Liara's platter once again.

 

"Should we expect *nom* response from Cerberus as well *nom*" this time Liara didn't stop eating during refill or speaking, she just kept shovelling pancakes in her mouth. Nyxeris quickly examined her handiwork. Her "employer" face and hands were covered in droplets of chocolate, her cheeks full of food and her midriff significantly more pronounced than before. She smirked slightly, Liara seemed to be completely enthralled in her gluttony, but just to be sure...

 

"I do not think so. Gathered data is rather of personal nature or concerns his "business" partners. What little he let slip about Cerberus serves only to confirm his connection to them, nothing that could be used compromise their operations" Nyxeris's voice was far, background noise to Liara. She tried to listen, really but that human dish was just too tasty. She began to slow down due to tightness around her stomach, but at the same time, she kept cramming her mouth full with pancakes. She tried to enjoy and chew each bite slowly, but she also wanted to consume fresh, chocolate-covered slices as fast as possible. It resulted in her checks distended by food and sauce dripping slightly from her mouth. She closed her eyes as she swallowed the latest bite, a visible bump went down her throat. She opened her eyes and was about to impale another piece with a fork when she realized that her plate was empty, save for remains of chocolate sauce. She was shocked that she already ate the newest portion, but the feeling was quickly replaced by disappointment, sadness and some craving for more.

 

"...Cerberus members and carefully worded message directly to Howe would be a good course of action for now" Nyxeris voice snapped her out of the daze and she realized that her assistant was standing near her with another full tray. She blinked and reached for a paper towel while trying to remind herself what older asari had said.

Instead of violent response, a discrete message to known, higher-ranked Cerberus operatives to reassure them that we will not act against them, provided they rein Howe. Considering, my "connections" to them that should not be too hard. Simultaneously we give a message to Howe that we would be willing to dispose of incriminating information, but also warn him that we will retaliate if he remains hostile. If he does we will expose him and hinder his ability to act against us, if necessary remove him permanently summarized Liara as she removed the sauce from herself. She then glanced at Nyxeris I need to wake up, I didn't even realize when she approached me.

 

"I approve, but we need to be gentle about it" replied Liara when she was free of sauce "We do not need to antagonize him further" then she looked at Nyeris still holding tray.

 

"You are not going to eat, Nyxeris?"

 

"Oh, I will, but I splitted in two portions and this one is still for you. Besides I need to bake rest of them, then I'll eat" explained Nyxeris.

 

"Thank you, but I am full" Liara glanced with desire at the dish, as much as she would like to eat another portion she was stuffed. Besides she promised herself she would cut back on food. Her actions had not gone unnoticed. Nyxeris smirked briefly and put on a thoughtful face.

 

"What remains and that plate will be too much also for me. I suppose I will put it in the fridge but reheated ones are not nearly as good" explained Nyxeris and smiled pleasantly at Liara. Younger asari sighed.

 

"*sighn*...very well. But that will be an exception. Next time do not make as much"

 

"Of course ma'am. Speaking of with, I think we need to buy groceries, I barely found ingredients for breakfast. Also, I need new clothes and few other items, seeing as most of those was lost in the explosion" said Nyxeris as she put chocolate soaked pancakes on Liara's plate. Liara thought about it, she was supposed to do it that day anyway. She nodded and asked.

 

"You are right I will send initial orders and we will go. One more thing. Your accommodations, do you have a place where you could stay?" the moment she spoke her assistant shifted and looked on the floor.

 

"Yes...but none of them would be good considering, blatant use of lethal force of Howe's mercenaries... I hoped I could stay with you ma'am until he is dealt with. You had an experience when dealing with similar situations" replied Nyxeris with a hopeful smile. Liara froze with knife and fork in midair.

 

"I thought you were in Eclipse for some time?" she remembered reading about it in Nyxeris's file. Older asari winced at the memory.

 

"Yes, as an over-glorified accountant. I never have been directly in combat situation until yesterday" explained Liara's assistant.

 

By the Goddess thought Liara with resignation. "I agree, but you will have to comply with my rules, is that clear?" stated younger asari.

 

"Of course ma'am" Nyxeris agreed with a smile and returned to the kitchen. "Also please do not bother with dishes. I'll take care of them"

 

Liara's attention turned back to the meal. It looked as delicious as the previous ones and she unconsciously licked her lips. She began eating, small pangs of pain from her stomach were overpowered by taste and pleasure. She finished far faster than she would like to and took a sharp breath.

 

By the Goddess, that was wonderful. She was painfully full but even that brought her some strange sense of satisfaction. She looked as plate, there a small puddle of chocolate sauce at the bottom. She glanced at Nyxeris, she was still turned to the stove.

 

I might as well... she quickly took the plate in her hands and poured the remaining liquid in her mouth. Some of it got on her face. She wiped herself and stood from the seat. Liara grimaced, her dress felt much tighter than she remembered it from fifteen minutes ago. I definitely need to cut back

 

She cleaned herself in the bathroom and sat near the console in her office. She was sending messages, orders and every now and then glanced at Nyxeris throughout cameras, but everything seemed to be in order. After about half-hour, Nyxeris approached her.

 

"Ma'am I cleaned everything and I am ready to head out" Liara glanced at the terminal and after a quick consideration she closed it.

 

"I sent all the necessary instructions. I'll continue when we get back, let me just grab few things" Liara went upstairs and took her pistol as well as a portable shield generator.

 

"I am ready, let's go" commanded Liara.

 

When they were driving Nyxeris discreetly observed Liara from the corner of her eyes. Once again she measured an increase in younger asari frame.

Everything is going as planned so far. She is already approaching the look of an overfed matriarch. I'll have to be careful now, it's the most critical and delicate phase. Also, the most enjoyable she smiled with one corner of her mouth. Liara, Liara I'll make sure you forget the sight of your own feet

[xXWWhiteXx]

First - thank you all for positive reactions and encouragement. Hopefully, somebody actually enjoys this work somewha 😉

On another note - I once again ask for comments, suggestions about what could be changed, improved. As much as I would like to, I do not believe that my storytelling or character portrait is perfect.

If somebody has an idea/preference how the story should progress in its intermediate chapters, it is also welcome. Although I warn that I will treat it as the suggestion and may or may not write according to it.

 

I hope you will enjoy following chapters.

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Chapter 10: Triumphal Return

 

Liara’s apartment

03:15 p.m.

 

Two asaris entered the apartment and while both of them earned their money by selling information if somebody looked at them could easily mistake them for porters. Both were carrying multiple, large bags and visibly struggled with carrying them.

With visible relief, both figures dropped sacks right after crossing threshold. Younger one carefully locked doors and began checking security devices.

 

“Everything looks fine, we can begin to unpack it” exclaimed Liara with a weary voice. Nyxeris only signed and grabbed one of the bags.

 

“I don’t suppose we could put it off for later?” asked Nyxeris as she began dragging container to the kitchen.

 

“No, we still have work to do. Besides most of it, we bought on you insistence” replied former archaeologist ending dispute even though she would rather fall on the nearest couch.

 

They have spent the last few hours on dealing with professional matters that required their personal involvement and buying foodstuffs and clothes and other items that Nyxeris required, which was even more time consuming. Her assistant managed to convince her to buy different groceries than usual and in a quantity that she would have never bought alone, motivating it with the fact they both would dine together in the nearest future and her superior dietary knowledge. They also needed to replace Nyxeris entire wardrobe and other personal items, which considering her profession and personal preferences was quite a large amount. The entire process would be time-consuming under normal circumstances, but their need to remain in close proximity and on an alert as well as need to frequently change establishments further lengthened time spent on the entire ordeal.

 

At the very least we finally got it done and there were no incidents thought Liara when she was dragging bag to the livingroom, which was currently acting as Nyxeris bedroom. She let out a relieved sigh when she sat heavily on one of the couches and massaged her neck. Young asari was tired mentally and physically. She spent last hours in a crowd and lugging around heavy bags, her head, legs and back hurt.

 

For that alone, I should kill Howe daydreamed Liara and winced due to another pang from her stomach. 

 

“Yet another reason why I should liquidise him,” said quietly young asari, voice dripping with disdain. During their outing, they were too busy and in too much hurry to eat anything, save for a few quick snacks. At the moment her stomach felt like a bottomless pit. Liara shook her head as she tried to push those feelings away and looked at the bag.

 

Should I unpack it? Inside are Nyxeris clothes, toothbrush, lingerie and other personal objects. She is going to rearrange it later to according to her anyway mused doctor, wondering if she should call her assistant and switch with her.

 

“Liara?” Nyxeris voice stopped her line of thought. Older asari was holding steaming cup and plate with a sandwich, she put both items on the table near her employer. She was smiling but too was looking weary.

 

“Yes, Nyxeris?” asked Liara trying to look as composed as she could manage.

 

“Seeing as I have nothing to do and most of it we bought most of it because of me I’ll unpack it. Besides, you said that you have work to do” replied older asari still wearing a smile.

 

“I appreciate it, but are you sure? There is quite a lot of it.” questioned young doctor and tilted her head slightly. She truly appreciated offer as she preferred to deal with current assignments as soon as possible and return to tracking The Observer and his employer. However, leaving her assistant alone with chores didn’t sit well with her.

 

“Yes. I’ll take a few necessary items out, then I’ll deal with groceries and prepare a warm meal for us as I think we are both quite famished. Unpacking rest of the clothes can wait for later” assured Nyxeris with a nod of her head.

 

“Very well, I’ll get back to work then. Thank you for coffee” approved younger asari and stood up. She took coffee as well as sandwich and left Nyxeris in the livingroom. She sat comfortably near the terminal in her office and turned it on Liara bit the sandwich, it was excellent and she finished it quickly. She opened few windows on the terminal and began sipping on warm liquid.

 

Mmm… coffee. Another great contribution of humanity to the galaxy at large thought Liara with appreciation Nyxeris deserves thanks as well, she clearly has a knack for cooking.

 

Former archaeologist began working with renewed drive. Quality of small meal managed to lift her spirits, caffeine energised her. Most importantly it managed to quell her hunger a little.

 

Hopefully, Nyxeris will make a meal as good as previous ones without overdoing it this time thought Liara as her eyes kept going over various messages.

 

She had no idea just how vain that hope was.

 

***

 

As soon as Nyxeris saw Liara sat in the office she leaned and emptied the bag content on her bed. From entire menagerie of clothes and hygiene product older asari selected few and put them in one corner. While she was going through all items she discreetly retrieved a few capsules hidden in special, hidden pockets. It was hard to arrange, but she managed to “buy” quite a few articles fabricated with few “extra” features. Some of her “cosmetics” were almost completely filled with “medications”.

 

Mostly it was substances identical to those Nyxeris had been lacing good doctor lunches with or stronger, but there were other drugs and a few special items. For example, very discreet, almost undetectable devices to measure weight, quantum entanglement based communicator and other equally interesting gadgetsAnother rather unique set of items were few articles of clothing, most of those still in vacuum-sealed containers and packed, that were in fact almost exact replicas of Liara’s most frequently worn outfits. They were already a size or two bigger than what owned younger asari and extremely prone to stretching without losing their appearance or tearing.

 

Time to get some real work done thought Nyxeris with excitement as she headed to the kitchen with supplements. While the food was ordinary, she had managed to convince Liara to stock with much more “rich” foods than usual. The amount was also quite staggering, but Benezia’s daughter was under the impression it was a supply, that supposed to last for over two weeks between two of them.

 

Poor dear. I’ll have most of it showed down your gullet under a week. In fact you are going to do most of the shovelling yourself thought The Observer with amusement as she began unpacking and arranging groceries. She was working slowly but was systematic and careful. Nyxeris was in no hurry, after all, it would do her no good if she made a mess in her “employer” kitchen.

 

Besides, I just gave her a nice snack. She must build her appetite after that. Nyxeris chuckled, she was quite hungry herself but was going to discreetly eat more substantial meal soon. Liara did receive a sandwich and a hot drink, but that was a distraction, that maintained her ability to work. Add the effects of “medications” prothean expert has been taking for past weeks combined with her stomach stretching “exercises”, all this caused young asari to be in a much worse situation than Nyxeris. By the time Shadow Broker operative was done preparing meal she would be too ravenous to care how much and what she was eating.

 

Who would have thought that I would become a replacement for Matriarch Benezia herself mused Nyxeris with a smile while she was wondering how she would fit everything in the fridge.

 

After all, isn't it a mother's job to make sure her child grows nice and big.

[xXWWhiteXx]

Agree, I like the idea behind interactive stories, but a giant stonewall "only for paid members" is more than infuriating.

[xXWWhiteXx]

My, second attempt at writing eating scene. I have mixed feelings about it, but I decided I won't be able to write anything better, given my abilities at the moment.

Please let me know what you think.

 

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Chapter 11: The First Feast pt.1

 

Two excruciating hours.

 

 

That’s how long have passed since their return home. During that time Liara has managed to perform an astounding amount of work, reading reports, cataloguing and connecting information to create one big image as well as sending orders to her commandos, informants and various "business" partners. Young asari even managed to send carefully worded “letters” to Cerberus and Howe. In other words, she managed to deal with all important assignments she had to do that day within two hours, while most of her “colleagues” would spend the entire day at least. Liara was a very good information broker.

 

 

However, despite her concentration and skill, experiencing her stomach trying to devour itself most definitely did not help with trying to manage her network and uncover operative of most powerful information broker in the galaxy. Once again her stomach appeared to be her biggest enemy as Liara’s hunger became deeper with each minute.

 

 

Nyxeris actions are not helping in the slightest thought young asari with a frown on her face and shook her head while trying to read newest leads on The Observer. Her assistant wasn’t in fault here. Every time she checked on her, Nyxeris was in the middle of some task and she kept providing her with refills of strong tea, probably the only reason she remained functional. Unfortunately, delicious smells that had been coming from the kitchen for last half an hour or so kept worsening her mood. Nyxeris was deep in the creative process, and while Liara could not recognize what she was preparing with her limited knowledge in the field, but did not stop her for salivating.

 

 

Hopefully, she’ll finish soon thought former archaeologist while trying to figure how blackmail turian official, who supposed to have reliable information about her target. Apparently, he had a weakness for hanar prostitutes…

 

 

“Ma’am?” her train of thought was stopped by her assistant voice. Liara took her eyes away from the monitor and looked at Nyxeris, standing behind her. She wore loose, especially by asari standards, casual set clothes, clearly human-based and apron with few stains on it.

 

 

“Yes, Nyxeris?” asked Liara, masking weariness and hope in her voice.

 

 

“I'm about finished, perhaps you would like to take a shower while food is cooling off” reported older asari with a small smile.

 

 

“That is one of the best news that I heard today” replied Liara with a smile of her own and secured her terminal. She stood up, stretched a little and headed to the bathroom. After undressing she entered the cabin and allowed the hot water to pour on her. Liara felt her muscle relax, stress leaving her body along with dust and sweat. Still, she was too tired to notice and care newly appeared layers of adipose on her body. Suddenly The young doctor heard artificial “knocking” and stopped the flow of water.

 

 

“Yes?” she asked with caution.

 

 

“May I come in, Liara? I brought a fresh change of clutches.” said Nyxeris’s voice. She considered it. The bathroom was constructed with a mirror placed in a specific place so she could see entrance everything, but there was no way to somebody directly attack her from there.

 

 

“Yes, but please leave it on hair by the doors. I’m not decent” replied Liara and charged her biotics just in case. Doors opened and her assistant did just as asked.

 

 

“Ma’am everything is ready, I’m just waiting for you” added Nyxeris before closing the door.

 

 

At the mention of long-awaited meal Liara quickly finished a shower and dried herself. She looked at provided clothes, it was her loose, “home” outfit, far too casual to ever wear it in the office in her assistant presence.

 

 

It unavoidable, I suppose. We are going to live together for some time, we would go crazy if we tried to act like in work all the time thought young asari while donning fresh clothes. She sighed with appreciation, her current dress was clean and most importantly much more comfortable than what she has worn previously that day. Nyxeris most definitely didn’t have any problems with switching to most casual clothes. Still, It was thoughtful of her. Putting old dress back on would be bit counterproductive

 

 

The moment she exited the bathroom her sensed were assaulted. Smells of various meats and other delectable products made her mouth flood and stomach groan with anticipation. It took her a good while to took notice of another foreign element.

 

 

Is that… music? 

 

 

Indeed Liara’s apartment was filled with sounds of calm, tasteful instrumental music. Maiden carefully approached the kitchen where she noticed two plates with steaming content and wine glasses on the table. Nyxeris was there too, near the counter with… literal mountains of food on it. Apparently, she heard her and turned to the employer. She must have noticed younger asari bewilder look because.

 

 

“I think we can treat ourselves today. Besides. I decided to cook in bulk and put in the freezer part of it all, in case we do not have the time to cook because of work” explained Nyxeris with an apologetic smile. Liara nodded, accepting that explanation, after all, she did similarly and there was two of them.

 

 

“Please Liara, sit. I took a few nibbles as taste testing, but you must be famished” encouraged older asari and pointed to the table

 

 

“Quite so. Thank you Nyxeris” replied younger asari and did as asked. On the huge plate were poultry filets covered in gravy with few vegetables and baked asari “potatoes”. Compared to human products, asari ones or those modified for them have slight blue/purplish tint to them due to element zero inside. The entire dish looked and smelled divine, Liara fought hard to remain composed.

 

 

“Please enjoy your meal,” said Nyxeris when she sat as well.

 

 

“Likewise”

 

 

Liara cut a piece of meat and tasted it. Mmmm It is even better than it smells thought The young doctor with near orgasmic delight. She began to quickly consume dish while trying to maintain decorum. With each gulp, she felt better, lighter and more relaxed, although her ravenous hunger still remained.

 

 

“I know that I am imposing on you Liara and I would like to thank you for your hospitality” spoke Nyxeris after a moment while sipping on wine. Her plate looked surprisingly untouched compared to her employer’s.

 

 

“As I already said it is no problem Nyxeris. It’s partially my fault seeing as our research into Cerberus was part of disguising my personal investigation” replied Liara quickly between bites. She was already halfway done, greedily picking remaining, gravy covered potatoes. Several second and only a few smears of liquid remained

 

 

“Still, a lot of other people would have turned me down, doing a few household chores is the least I can do” this time her assistant voice came from little above her. Her assistant was standing with the bowl. She smiled as she replaced the empty plate with it and refilled Liara’s glass with wine.

 

 

“I suspected it may be too little after such a long day” Nyxeris explained as she took the dirty dish to sink. Liara took a sip of wine to hide her embarrassment but did not argue. She bit surprised but the previous meal did little to quell her hunger. T’Soni heiress looked down, she had received a thick stew with pieces of meat and big dumplings floating inside. Unconsciously she licked her lips.

 

 

“I won’t say no to help. The Goddess knows that household duties are hardly my forte. But I do not want you to feel obliged to act as some sort of maid” retorted Liara to the previous statement and hastily returned to eating. Somehow stew seemed to taste even better than filets. She kept emptying bowl even more rapidly than before, small droplets of liquid appearing on her face.

 

 

Nyxeris laughed warmly and said “No worries Liara, I know how to take care of my interests. I simply wish to replay your kindness and make sure you are well looked after”. She kept looking at her and slowly eating her filet. 

 

 

Meanwhile, younger asari took bowl into her hands and greedily drank the remaining liquid. Her stomach already full started stretching with flowing gravy. Liara wiped her mouth with napkins afterwards and drank some wine. Suddenly former archaeologist felt pressure building and covered her mouth.

 

 

“*buuuurp*” a hearty, but muffed sound emerged from younger asari throat and echoed in the kitchen.

 

 

“Excuse me” apologised embarrassed Liara and took another sip of alcohol.

 

 

“It's fine, I am happy that you like my cooking” replied bemused Nyxeris.

 

 

When Liara looked away from the glass she noticed that empty bowl was replaced with another full of a human dish, spaghetti. Fat, long pieces of pasta accompanied by a grinded meat in almost equal amount, all mixes with red sauce and melting cheese. Even sheer size of portion was astounding, it was roughly right amount for small family. Liara bitted her lips, barely managing to stop herself from lunging on the meal. 

 

 

What’s wrong with me she was still quite starved, despite two large courses. Younger asari felt also a bit hazy. Is wine getting to me?

 

 

“Isn’t it bit much? I think I’ll call it quits for today” said Liara panting with mouth open, her eyes not leaving new meal, hands moving numerously. She was more than full but still had a desire for more. Nyxeris only smiled wider and moved bowl closed to struggling asari.

 

 

“Nonsense Liara. I consider myself to be your friend and clearly you are still hungry. Please do not stop yourself on my account, you need to eat” replied older asari in kind but firm.

 

 

“I…yes” last bits of hesitation left Liara’s mind. It was going to be her last portion, she promised herself. She ravenously dug into meal before her and moaned when the first mouthful entered through her lips. Liara chewed and swallowed, ecstasy followed as portion travelled down her gullet. She devoured another portion after another, everything to have as much wonderful mix inside as she can as quickly as she can. The young doctor still used utensils but manners became meaningless to her, smears of sauce and cheese were quickly forming around her face. Meanwhile, Liara’s shirt began to ride up as her beautiful, blue, bottomless pit of a belly began pushing forward on her lap.

 

 

“In fact, I think you can and should eat more. Your dieting habits are positively atrocious, besides there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to good meal” said Nyxeris, her voice serene, it’s clarity seemingly increased by background music. That voice removed Liara’s few remaining doubts and remorse about current actions. Younger asari could not nor wanted to disagree, food taste was amazing and kept pushing away that awful hollow feeling in her stomach and replaced with wonderful fullness. Unfortunately, she was already starting to see the bottom of the container.

 

 

However, the moment the last remains of spaghetti disappeared in The young doctor mouth, her assistant immediately put an entire platter of various steaks in place of an empty bowl. Information broker barely acknowledged her employee, with a haste nod and attacked meat like a rabid animal. She did not care that various juices were covering her face or the ever-increasing volume of her stomach resting on her legs. Simultaneously T’Soni heiress felt that somebody, likely Nyxeris, began to massage her shoulders removing their stiffness and allowing ex-archaeologist to further relax. Older asari's smile widened, shifting to full smirk while she observed Liara inhale everything. She kept on massaging and leaned until her head was but a few centimetres next to the ravenous maiden.

 

 

“We work in the office, your greatest asset being your mind. What’s wrong with extra pounds and overeating when you can outsmart everybody with your wits. Besides think of your old friends, your lover. Do you think they would prefer to see you a stick-thin but miserable or happy and with little healthy meat on your bones?” whispered Nyxeris. Liara stopped. From the mist that started to covered her mind resurfaced memories. Shepard and Chawkas insistence that she should eat better. Friendly banter with rest of their unlikely crew. Commander's love and care despite her clumsiness.

 

 

They would like me to be happy realized Liara. Food made her happy, gave her those wonderful experiences. Young asari glanced down, in place of the almost empty platter was gigantic bowl filled to the brim with gravy covered french fries. She abandoned cutlery, it has been only slowing her down and began shovelling entire fistfuls of food into her hungry maw. Even though Liara was long since full, she kept on eating with pure gluttonous desire. Her gut was gurgling and creaking as it fought to compensate for young asari's binge while expanding faster and growing heavier than ever before However, for The young doctor entire world disappeared, there was only her, the meal before her and single thought in her mind:

 

 

MORE

 

[xXWWhiteXx]

 Thank you all for such positive comments and reactions. Also, do not worry, the tone of my comments is mostly my poor attempts at humour. 😁

I did not think about Nyxeris gaining before, but it an interesting idea, I think I'll use it. Although if She does gain it won't be a lot, seeing as I have beginnings of scenario that requires her to remain relatively "fit".

I agree, there are not enough ME wg stories. What's surprising I have never found one centred around Liara or Shepard/Liara pairing. At least I do not remember finding one.😅

Please try to enjoying my mediocre attempts at contributing to that genre. 😉😁

 

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Chapter 12: The First Feast pt.2

Nyxeris smirked wickedly as she watched Liara transform into the same creature, whose shadow she had seen this morning and during lunches - a mindless, gluttonous eating machine. Various drugs and special music that made asaris mind sustainable to suggestion did their job. The young doctor was relentless, in few moments almost completely inhaling content of entire bowl.

 

 

“Good girl” cooed older asari as she began to carefully wipe food remains from her target’s mouth. She then looked down and licked her lips as she uncovered and inspected Liara’s midriff. Her “employer's” belly already swelled quite a lot and took almost a fourth of a prothean expert lap. She could swear she saw it expand on her eyes. Even from her position, she could hear sounds released by that distended sphere, it already looked taunt despite a previously formed layer of fat.

 

 

Don’t worry. Few months of my care and I'll make sure you grow too big to ever be full she promised with amusement and went to the counter.

Still, there is a lot of work to be done before that decided Nyxeris, quickly making a few preparations and headed back to Liara with chopped bits of ham covered in fat and thick gravy. It was placed in an enormous bowl, that was normally never used for direct consumption because it was too big. Right now, there was no point to moving those on plates, the good doctor was going to devour it anyway. The Observer put the container with relief on the table and pushed it towards younger asari as soon as she saw that younger asari was nearly done with fries. The moment container appeared in Liara’s small field of view she practically wrenched it to herself.

 

 

Heh, somebody’s eager thought older asari with barely contained glee.

 

 

“Eat it all Liara, do not worry. I will be always there with more” spoke Nyxeris sweetly. Liara may have been reduced to a mindless, food consuming beast, but it was important to reinforce conditioning, at all times. Nyxeris crouched next to younger asari with a special injector and a curious device in hands. For the first time she was so close to that round, gluttonous dome, it appeared to be taking just a little bit more space than before. She bit her lips with excitement and as carefully as she could melange put few implants under Liara’s midriff skin. The moment she finished an exceptionally loud growl escaped from the strained belly. Nyxeris put an empty hand on an angry sphere and caressed it gently. It let out an ominous sound and…

 

 

“*bbbbuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppppppp*” a long, deep belch erupted from Liara’s food covered mouth, young asari remained unfazed and quickly returned to shoving greasy meat into her face. Nyxeris relaxed and checked readings on the held device. It was connected to freshly injected implants. Those were quite simple and provided very few medical information to a specific device was in very close proximity. On the other hand, they were all but intractable and didn’t leave any visible marks. To be exact It allowed checking the state of “patient’s” digestive track and its immediate surroundings. Various drugs present in Liara prevented her from vomiting, however, she could simply explode from an overabundance of devoured food.

 

 

Everything’s fine. Besides Liara is a tough one noted Nyxeris as she inspected scene before her. Bits of food were everywhere, Liara was finishing meat by tilting entire container to her maw.

 

 

I think It’s time for a dessert decided older asari and went to counter.

 

 

She returned with entire tray of chocolate cake and opened earlier bottle of wine. Liara was licking her grease covered fingers when Nyxeris swiftly put end of the bottle into her mouth and titled her “employer” head with it. Liara grabbed bottle with both hand but did not fight, instead allowing a seam of cool liquid to wash down fat delicacies in her stomach. Thin streams of wine were escaping from corners of Liara’s lips accompanied with groans from her midriff. She will think we got buzzed.

 

 

 

Finally beverage run dry. Prothean expert’s head no longer restrained by older asari’s hand and with mouth free of the bottle leaned back towards table, sharp belch ripping through the air.

 

 

“That’s fine Liara. You can trust me and act feely around me no matter what” instructed further Nyxeris with sly smile and brought tray closer to young asari. The moment Liara noticed it her eyes widened, new energy in her moves. She began cramming cake into her ravenous maw. Her cheeks quickly expanded outwards, crumbs flying everywhere as young asari was not able to swallow quite as quickly as she was putting new portions in her mouth. Liara’s stomach sloshed and gurgled ever stronger, but continued its trek to her tormentor knees.

 

 

Who would thought that my spa days would prove to be so useful wondered Nyxeris, watching unfolding scene. During her time working in many luxurious resorts across galaxy she acquired various she skills she used during her current assignment. For example she was a fully trained dietician and a cook. Save for their ridiculous calorie count and “extra” ingredients meals prepared by The Observer were all well balanced and healthy.

 

 

Suddenly a frown formed on Nyxeris face. Despite clear enthusiasm, Liara’s consumption speed had decreased, pain visible on her face. It would seem that discomfort from her stomach started piercing through gluttonous haze. She went behind younger asari, their heads centimetres away. Nyxeris started to gently caress angry orb, trying to relive some pressure.

 

 

“Come on Liara…” she whispered almost seductively, but a with strict note in voice “…it’s your favourite. Did notice how scrumptious it is? If you leave it I’ll have to throw it away and you’ll never get chance to eat it all. Think what would your mother and Shepard say about wasting food? You are going to eat it all aren’t you? In fact you will always eat all food before you” Nyxeris voice was soft, but left no room for argument.

 

 

Liara’s balloon of a stomach were groaning loudly with every gulp, but young asari kept consuming cake despite its loud protests. Finally she was done, there was nothing left for her to eat. Young asari was panting heavily as if she just ran a marathon, sweat glistering on her skin. Liara’s food stained hands fell to her sides as she leaned back with closed eyes, spreading her legs to give more room to for her angry gut. Engorged doctor felt a stab of pain when food filed balloon slipped from her legs, but just after few seconds she experienced a bit of relief.

 

 

Then a strong chocolate aroma reached her nose, but it was not the cake. A loud sound right before her managed to ultimately get attention of gluttonous asari. Doctor’s eyes landed on a large pitcher full of dark, steaming, wonderfully smelling liquid. Nyxeris was standing next to her, smiling widely and with gleam in her eyes.

 

 

“It’s my personal recipe, a melted dark chocolate with Thessian spices. I made it just for you, I always will. You are going to eat it all” pressed The Observer more forcefully than before. It was as ridiculously calorie heavy as she could manage. Nyxeris was going to have all of it inside Liara’s stomach by end of that day, even if she had to pour it inside younger asari thought funnel.

 

 

Honestly, I want to do it anyway. So far she remains in firmly in daze, better not take unnecessary risks thought Nyxeris and bitted her lip, arousal throbbing inside her.

 

 

Liara was looking at container with eyes and mouth wide open. It’s sight filled her equally gluttonous desire and fear. She wanted nothing more than pour that divine liquid down her throat all at once, but pain from her middle and prospect of increasing it was preventing her.

 

 

“Perhaps a small taste first?” said Nyxeris sweetly and dipped two finger into thick liquid. She put them right in front of Liara’s mouth. Young asari watched as chocolate dripped from them slowly with open mouth, while taking deep breaths. After few seconds she brought her head closer and licked. It was obscenely good and young T’Soni began to hungrily remove liquid from older asari fingers. At the same time a satisfied smile appeared on Nyxeris face alongside a heat rising between her legs. She had her.

 

 

The moment The Observer fingers were clean of sweet substance, Liara’s attention immediately snapped back to the pitcher. She grabbed it and brought to her lips, nearly spilling liquid in the process. Then, with Nyxeris’s help, she began to tilt container and dark fluid started to flow thought Liara’s lips. A large, chocolate-filled gulps were sliding down the ex-archaeologist throat to her now purplish belly. The overstrained organ was now a lot wider than asari herself. With every portion of chocolate, it’s absolute limits were tested as it inflated further in every direction, sending sharp pangs of pain to young asari mind. Liara felt them but, in her gluttonous trance, ignored alongside small streams of liquid running down her body. She was too focused on glorious liquid running thought her gullet. Her stomach groaned and sloshed, sounding not unlikely angry varren, but it was drowned by Liara moans of pleasure and pain. Nyxeris watched it all with clenched teeth and with maniacal smile.

 

 

Yes…put it all inside. Let that poor belly grow.

 

 

 

After, what felt like eternity, jug was turned completely upside down. Few droplets landed on former archaeologist face when she was swallowing last remains. Nyxeris took away empty container and Liara’s head snapped back to a more natural position, her hands went trying to calm down a pain-filled dome. The young doctor was trying to catch a breath, she felt like her midriff could rupture any moment now. At the same time, she felt strangely good, the memory of wonderful tastes still fresh and this extreme, painful fullness was much better than this dreaded hollow feeling she faintly remembered from before. Younger asari was strangely satisfied, knowledge that she managed to finish everything filled her with pride. Suddenly her shoulders, once again, felt wonderful, as skilled fingers began working on them again.

 

 

“That’s it Liara. Remember that feeling. That’s is how you should feel after a proper meal, never settle for anything less. Do not question, do not care about fullness or pain, focus on pleasure and simply eat everything” said Nyxeris firmly. After a short while she took earlier prepared wet towel and began to gently clean Liara’s face and hands. The young doctor was still under the influence of various drugs, kept massaging her globular belly, too preoccupied with her gluttonous bliss to try to stop her. When an initial layer of grease and crumbs was removed Nyxeris quickly took an earlier prepared bag on her back and grabbed Liara by armpits.

“Now, let’s get you into bed. You need to let your belly settle down after all” informed older asari “Get up, please” she added and started trying to lift younger asari. After few seconds Liara began to rise from seat, abused pice of furniture groaned due to the sudden shift of mass. The young doctor’s food-filled sack was pushing her forward and down, but after a minute they managed to make her stand upwards, well more of less upwards. As soon as she could, Nyxeris raised Liara’s arm over her head and started to support her like she was wounded. She winced as soon as she felt a dazed asari’s weight on herself.

 

 

Well, I did just shovelled several dozen pounds of food into her

 

 

 

Both asari made their way upstairs to Liara’s bedroom. Their journey was made difficult due to younger asari's incredible cargo and her drunken stumbling. Finally, after nearly ten minutes long journey, both sat on the bed. Nyxeris freed herself by removing her “employer’s” arm and positioned her, still groaning body on the bed, began undressing Liara. After overcoming, with surprising difficulty, younger asari physical strength she managed to remove food-stained articles of clothing and threw them in stairs direction. She’ll have to put them in the wash. The Observer looked at her handiwork and bit her lips in excitement.

 

 

Liara was taking rapid, shallow breaths, her body was covered in droplets of sweat and working hard to digest enormous food load. There were traces of various calorie-heavy substances on young asari skin in places "assistant" was not able to reach before. Nyxeris noticed that a few fries, crumbs and meat parts remained between doctor shapely breasts. Finally above a widely spread legs was a crown achievement of that day’s efforts, Liara’s monstrous stomach. Noisy, purplenedd, steadily pulsing belly looked, at the very least as if like somebody had sewn shut a medical ball under younger asari skin. It still had smears of liquids on it’s surface, further spreader by Liara’s hands in her attempts to calm angry dome down. Nyxeris forced herself out of her pondering.

 

 

First things first, but.. The Observer opened her omnitool and took a holo of her engorged target.

 

 

I really shouldn't, but such a wonderful view simply must be saved for later she excused herself while licking her dry lips and once again started to gently remove signs of former archaeologist binge. Finally, younger asari was all but clean.

 

 

Nothing suspicious, at least not after a drunken afternoon. Now is the time for an equally fun part. thought Shadow Broker operative with hardly contained glee. She took one of the products acquired earlier that day from the bag. According to label, it was a skincare cream, technically it was true, but barely. It was a heavily modified version of high-quality cream used by asaris during pregnancies. Their skin was tougher, more “snake-like” than human. Overall it was extremely more resistant to sagging and breaking on its own. Thanks to it, matriarch nearing end of her natural lifespan was not much different in appearance than when she entered that stage. The downside of this feature was that their skin was much less prone to stretching, and stretchmarks were much more painful and visible than in humans case. The substance that Nyxeris was pouring on her hand was supposed to prevent that when person expanded much more rapidly than during pregnancy, making the skin much more flexible and making it heal itself immediately in case of any cracks. Additionally, it was also mild anaesthetic and pleasure inducer.

 

 

Older asari put a thick layer of cream on her hand and got to work. Liara gasped when cold liquid came in contact with her hot, taut belly and older asari began gently massaging it, making sure to cover every square inch with a white substance. Over time as the massage progressed and cream were absorbed, Liara's breathing calmed down, relief visible on her face as pleasure began to overwhelm her instead of pain.

 

 

“Isn’t it nice? That warm feeling when you rest with a full belly? You can experience it every time you want, you just have to eat, eat everything. Even when you feel like you cannot take another bite or are not feeling hungry. Indulge and make sure nothing goes to waste” cooed Nyxeris with a lustful expression. “Your lover would like to see you happy, wouldn’t she. So eat and be happy”

 

 

Liara’s eyes were fluttering as her mind was being covered by even bigger fog. She was slowly slipping into a food coma. Nyxeris finished with younger asari’s gut, wiped her hands clean and took another bottle from her bag. This time label was almost completely accurate. It was luxurious, muscle relaxing, skincare lotion. It also contained substances increased skin elasticity, not unlike the previous cosmetic.

 

 

Nyxeris repeated the previous operation with it, but this time intending to thoroughly massage the rest of former archaeologists body. She started with her shoulder, an area she was already familiar with. The Observer found next to nothing of newly gained adipose. Next, she went to arms, their situation was a little better, a noticeable layer could be found. Liara’s torso… well, Nyxeris was not able to properly measure an increase in this area due to, already quite generous for her young age, fleshy mounds, although the area around them felt most promising. Simultaneously “assistant” kept whispering sweet words to glutted doctor.

 

 

“Don’t worry about where food comes from. I will always be right beside you to make sure you have only the finest, healthiest meals for you. You trust me after all. I will give you those wonderful massages and do house chores so you can only focus on work and eating. Don’t worry about anything but those, I will take care of the rest” Nyxeris continued to relay programming in a seductive voice. She switched her position to massage Liara’s hips. Now here she most definitely detected a pleasant layer of adipose. Corners of her lips went upwards as she continued to roam her hands under younger asari belly. The Observer would love to inspect Liara’s lovely bottom, but it was firmly pressed into the mattress, and rotating her patient was out of the question. She went further down to the doctor’s thighs and calves. Here as well she found a promising beginning of a blubbery layer. Finally, Nyxeris reached younger asari’s feet. As expected nothing was found there, but she still smiled when her hands were running thought Liara’s toes.

Liara has such lovely feet. Although I will likely be seeing much more of them than she in the following months. Overall her legs will need a lot of pampering, with increasing load on them mused Shadow Broker operative. During her massage, she noticed one more thing - Liara still had a significant layer of muscle.

 

 

Contradictory to what seemed logical in this situation and her own desires, Nyxeris had to make sure Liara maintains it, at least partially. Older asari would love nothing else than have young asari stay on a single couch and gradually gorge herself into the beautiful, immobile pile of fat with completely atrophied muscles and dependency on her. It would also prevent her from tracking The Shadow Broker, but it was not the goal here. No, young T’Soni was an investment, a long-term one. She will become incapacitated with her weight and gluttony while being steered by Nyxeris away from The Broker Even if she does find reliable lead she won’t be able to follow it personally. At the same time, she would remain an exceptional information broker, additionally, through her, they would intercept valuable data and keep tabs on many significant, but elusive individuals T’Soni had personal ties to. However for Liara to remain useful she had to maintain being in relatively good health and various medications had various limitations.

It means I will have to make her exercise even as she becomes complete butterball. I was never a fan of being a coach and leading physical therapy, but with one special patient… it could actually be enjoyable. Besides I cannot afford to fail thought Nyxeris with determination. She had her own stake on this operation succeeding and it was more than just watching Liara inflate with blubber.

 

 

Older asari inspected her patient when her hands were free of lotion. Liara seemed to be deep in slumber, alcohol, drugs, and food had done their number on her, massage only sealed the deal. Her gargantuan belly appeared to had calmed down, no longer releasing sounds like angry varren, instead, it sounded like some monstrous beast deep in sleep. Nyxeris kept staring at this glorious testament to gluttony while painfully biting her lips. Finally, she carefully leaned over and put a side of her head to the top of Liara’s belly with closed eyes, her hands once again slowly stroking its surface. She listened to sounds of digestion with ecstasy, arousal again rising in her body.

 

 

“Months from now, today’s feast will be but a snack for you. You’ll grow big and covered in beautiful fat, constantly asking for more” whispered Nyxeris, voice dripping with lust, her hands wandering in an almost sexual manner. She raised her head a little and looked at distended abdomen, panting. After a few seconds, she brought her head down again and began vigorously kissing Liara’s belly, mostly around its navel. Over a minute had passed before older asari was finished "making Once Nyxeris calmed down and stopped shaking with excitement her expression shifted to gentle one and she leaned down to caress the top of food filed dome one last time. She carefully put a quilt on Liara and started to tuck her in with care. When older asari was sure that The young doctor was comfortable and safe from the cold she leaned down and put a single kiss on the slumbering patient forehead.

 

 

“Sleep well Liara. I’ll do everything to make sure you are safe and happy” declared Nyxeris quietly. Surprisingly she was sincere, she truly intended to do just that. Liara was her hero, as she was for many, especially for all maidens. Nyxeris, while older than her still very much belonged to that group. Besides, it was hard to not admire somebody who stood alongside The Commander Shepard against the army of the geth lead by a rogue spectre, it simply was something romantic about that. However fear of Shadow Broker's “punishment” in case of betrayal kept preventing her from confessing to Liara. Well… that and the fact that she was a high-functioning, perverted sociopath with various fetishes resolving around gluttony of her fellow asaris and human women. In her mind, she did the best there was for Liara given the situation.

 

 

Liara is capable, but not enough to dethrone The Shadow Broker. I would like to see it happen, unfortunately, it’s simply impossible. She would only get herself killed. Instead, I will keep her here and make sure she is safe and pampered. When she forgets that drivel about staying thin and grow covered in adipose Liara will learn happiness. Besides I am going to make sure she is too busy shoving fatty treats into herself to think about The Shadow Broker or her lost loved ones and friends reasoned Nyxeris. It was for Liara’s own good, really, besides keeping such a fine and young specimen that underfed was a sin against the universe.

 

 

Nyxeris removed the remaining contents of her bag, it was replacement clothes for Liara. She dug through cabinets and switched all items, trying to make everything look undisturbed. Finally, she took all the loose items that didn’t belong in the bedroom any longer and put them into the bag. When The Observer was done in the bedroom she checked on Liara one last time and went downstairs to remove evidence and clean up,

 

 

Well, I suppose no job cannot consist of only pleasures she thought with a sigh. She checked an hour on her omnitool, fortunately, it was still relatively early. However, she had only half an hour to finish her tasks, before cameras started recording. The entire operation would have been much harder if it was not for one detail. Cameras in Liara’s apartment, unless specified otherwise, did not record anything if it was day and the apartment owner was inside. Even though they were operating on a closed network, young asari was especially worried that somebody could learn of her actions and habits. Nyxeris managed to learn that little detail after weeks of grueling work by her subordinates, who researched Liara’s security system. Altogether lack of cameras in the bedroom also helped, but the entire place was packed tight with other, less direct sensors. That’s why she needed to keep her movements to the minimum.

 

 

After rapid bout of work Nyxeris managed to clean all excessive evidence, plant fake one in form of empty alcohol bottles and install few small devices. She still had to dispose of Liara’s clothes, but that could wait for later. Shadow Broker operative did her best to appear dunk as she walked  to the living room and loudly fallen her current bed.

 

 

Finally, dirty work’s done. I better catch some sleep, tomorrow is back to the office. Liara may be kinder and more understanding than The Shadow Broker, but she does not fuck around when it comes to work older asari thought with grimace. She reminded herself when she head tried to test T’Soni heiress a little by “forgetting” where she stored some, hardly significant data about one of their clients. Younger asari remained civil, however a following verbal “reprimand” was of legendary proportions.

 

 

She made me feel like some idiotic, little maiden she could annihilate with her little finger without threatening me or raising a voice. I don’t know if I was more aroused or terrified at that moment thought Nyxeris with lewd smile.

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure if she ordered me to bow to her and kiss her feet with that bossy voice of hers I would have done so happily. If not her appearance I would have mistaken her for the matriarch, Goddess knows some people do. That’s true, with authority and respect Liara commanded, a lot non-asari assumed she was a member of their most “prestigious” group. There were even at least two cases when fellow asari did such a mistake.

 

 

Speaking of thought Nyxeris and opened her omnitool under quilt and went to some cheesy dating site. Right after that, she activated recently acquired communication device. She had to send a report.

 

 

“The second phase of operation “Ocean” finished

 

The third phase initiated successfully, object suspect nothing.

 

Danger of deconspiration minimal.”

 

 

 

She sent the message and began to chaotically go through the dating portal while awaiting a reply. Finally, it came.

 

 

“Acknowledged, continue with operation

 

Do not fail me Observer"

 

 

Charming words of encouragement as always summarised Nyxeris and went to sleep. She switched off a quantum-based device and hid it, alongside another one that minimalized effects of hypnotic music, that was hidden on the back of her scalp until then. Her omnitool remained active. It would shut down by itself after 5 minutes, after all, she was buzzed.

***

 

 

-Morning-

 

 

Sound of the alarm pierced painfully thought Liara’s skull. Half-awake she immediately disabled diabolical device and sat on her bed. She rubbed her eyes trying to soothe throbbing in her head. Young asari remembered little from the end of the day before, but the smell of alcohol in her breath and cover of old sweat on her body painted a pretty clear picture. She opened her omitool and checked security, apparently, both she and Nyxeris spent the majority of time in the kitchen, then two people went downstairs, one went down and then went thought the kitchen, bathroom and finally went to the livingroom. She looked on a recording, beginning of it showed her assistant stumbling from the bathroom to her bed while stubbornly holding two spoons. The live feed of a messy kitchen with several empty bottles of strong Thessian wine as well as few other alcohols and Nyxeris sleeping in a rather “unique” position confirmed seemed her suspicions. At the same time, her systems showed no signs of forced entry or theft so further decreased chances of foul play.

 

 

So we have gotten drunkin the kitchen, afterward went to my bedroom, perhaps Nyxeris was helping me get here. After that, she went downstairs and partied herself for short while. However, neither cybersecurity nor her movement based on the sensor would suggest she tried to access my files physically or digitally. That’s good, perhaps she really can be trusted summarised Liara. Or she was too inebriated to think of that. Still, Nyxeris proved herself to be competent, so I doubt she would allow herself to get that inebriated if she wanted to steal something or spy.

 

 

 

Liara sighed and checked hour, it was 8:00 a.m.

 

 

I have no meetings this morning and don’t have to worry about arriving before Nyxeris. That means I can calmly clean myself and finish morning routine pondered T’Soni heiress. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stand up and did few fast stretching exercises to wake up completely. Liara was surprised when she finished and started donning nightwear. Despite, now slight, aching of her head and heaviness of her limbs she felt wonderful. She slept deep, without interruptions and whatever she dreamed about had to be nice. Her muscles felt relaxed, no cramps and she was quickly snapping of her morning grogginess. The first time in a long time she was that rested and relaxed, almost happy. A small smile appeared on her lips.

Perhaps Nyxeris staying here does have some advantages and so do her ideas. Even though some backfire on her.

 

She made her way downstairs with a change of clothes in hands. First, she personally inspected the apartment. Liara eyed disapprovingly mess in the kitchen, but besides that everything seemed to be in order. Afterward, The young doctor went to the livingroom, crouched near her assistant, and began gently shaking her.

 

“Nyxeris, wake up”

 

“Mmmmm”

 

“Nyxeris, its morning already”

 

“Five more minutes” older asari replied little more coherently.

 

“Fine but I’ll take half of your salary this month. Is that alright?” asked Liara in pleasant, but a serious tone. At that, older asari eyes snapped open and scanned her surroundings in bewilderment. Realizing the situation she heavily sat on the bed, rubbing her eyes.

 

“I’m awake ma’am” Nyxeris declared, her expression was telling different story.

 

“I see. It seems we had a small party yesterday, do you remember what happened?” asked Liara standing above Nyxeris. Older asari put her head in hands and groaned.

 

“A few flashes, but it's all muddled” replied hangover asari.

 

“Very well. I am going to take a shower now. Please try to wake yourself up and to sort what happened yesterday up. You could use a shower too. Is that fine?” commanded Liara softly. Older asari only nodded, Liara smiled slightly as she started walking towards the bathroom and added:

 

“Half of salary Nyxeris, remember”

 

“Ma’am, you are joking right…? Ma’am?!” Nyxeri's voice echoed throughout the apartment, but her employer just entered the bathroom. Liara emerged before 10 minutes passed, a quick shower removed sweat from her body and remained of headache, further improving her mood. She remained oblivious to a new layer of padding that appeared on her body.

 

Former archaeologist found Nyxeris leaning over steaming cup of coffee next to few boxes in plastic bags. Her employee appeared more awake, but still had the look of deep abomination on her face. Liara sat opposite to her.

 

“May I have some coffee as well? How are feeling?” asked Liara. Her assistant absently stood up, took a new cup filled it with coffee, and placed it before younger asari. Nyxeris sat and gave Liara a haunted look.

 

“Roughly how I look. Which means that I am already dead” she replied with a groan and pointed at packages. “I prepared meals to work, including my breakfast. I doubt I could hold anything in the stomach right now.” Liara nodded at that and smiled with understanding.

 

 

“Of course. You said you remembered yesterday… celebration. Would like to share it with me now or after a shower?” asked Liara quietly, showing mercy to her suffering companion. Nyxeris signed.

 

 

“Now, I would like to finish my coffee when it’s still warm” answered older asari. Liara nodded with approval. Nyxeris took a deep breath and began.

 

 

“Firstly I must warn I remember only bits and pieces, but I’ll try. We were eating and dinging wine. I think we were talking about work but quickly switched to stories about our previous jobs. It was nice so when we finished the meal and the first bottle I brought another one and snacks. We were getting “happier” and more talkative. When the second bottle ran out we found a batarian brandy somewhere. Halfway it, you started getting sleepy and wanted to go to bed. I helped you.” Nyxeris paused explanation and took a large sip of pitch-black liquid. She resumed after a few seconds.

 

 

“By that time we were both quite inebriated at that point and everything gets even more blurry. We managed to get upstairs. And I am pretty sure… that I gave you massage, ma’am.” Older asari face covered purple blush and she took another sip of coffee.

 

 

“Considering how well my muscles are felling today I have to thank you. Perhaps you could repeat it in the future, preferably when we are sober?” replied Liara with a smile. Nyxeris looked at her little bewildered and blinked but also smiled.

 

 

“I most certainly could, you are much more pret… polite than most of my previous clients. Ahem ... anyway, afterwards I went back down and finished brandy ... that was a big mistake. From that point onward I remember nothing, sorry” apologized older asari and finished her drink. Liara considered her words for a while, that story matched readings of her security system and so far her assistant hasn’t given her any reason to believe she was lying. Finally, she said:

“Considered events of the last days I think we both needed to unwind. As long as it does not become a norm everything’s fine. Now please take a shower, we don’t have any appointments early, but I still wouldn’t like to be late” said Liara firmly but with a smile. Her assistant returned expression and stood up.

 

 

“Of course Liara. By the way, I reheated breakfast for you, it’s in the microwave” at with that Nyxeris went to the bathroom. Liara also stood and went to the device. She opened it and immediately her mouth watered at the smell. Inside was entire platter filled with a pile of…

 

 

What human call them… tortillas?

 

 

 

Bits of fried meat and vegetables rolled within a flat cake, thought considering smells ingredients were native to asari homeword. She took the steaming meal and sat placing it on the table, her pupils were dilated.

 

 

It smells wonderful, still, it’s a bit too much for breakfast……

 

 

 

//*…eat everything…*//

 

 

 

…but...I am feeling feel quite peckish

 

 

 

With that thought she licked her lips and bit into first roll. She closed her eyes when taste reached her and all worries were thrown out of the window. Liara began to eat.

 

 

She was going to eat it all.

 

[xXWWhiteXx]

Thank you kindly. I'm happy to know that people enjoy it. 😁

About Liara's gain - I think that it will be relatively slow, at least given setting. The latest chapter is placed roughly 11 months after The Normandy destruction and about a year before Shepard gets to Illium (forgive me if it's this somehow contradicts with the official timeline 😅). By that point, Liara will be approaching ssbbw category/have just become one. However there will be significant time gaps between chapters (at least before events of the game), so it may appear to be fast. They will consist of Liara's "milestones" and events relevant to the future "plot" (or at least what passes for it 😓).

Considering my limited imagination I am most welcome of ideas that could be used to fill those gaps. 😉

At the end of this story (around the end of ME 2), she will be firmly in ssbbw category, but nothing too unrealistic.

At least that is how I envision it at the moment. I will be honest - if I'll even manage to finish this story and not turn it into a complete mess, it will be a success in itself. 😅

[xXWWhiteXx]

PS Sorry about big gaps between paragraphs. I had to edit mistake and they appeared for some reason

[xXWWhiteXx]

To anybody who bothered to read that pile of mashed words I try to pass as a story - I'm sorry for such a long wait. I had much more duties to attend to and an entire week without access to a computer.

 

Despite my numerous attempts, I'm still not too happy about this and the following chapter. I hope later ones will pick up the pace.😓

 

Now, I hope somebody will enjoy this drivel. Like always I ask for constructive criticism and ideas about how to improve or what to add.😉 

****

Chapter 13: First gains

4 weeks later, Friday

Liara’s apartment

 

A muffled scream echoed through the bedroom. The source of disturbance, young asari was stretched across the bed on the belly and wearing only underwear. Her face was firmly covered by a pillow, arms desperately clenching it. Her body shook one last time and all her limbs became limp. Above her, crouched on the bed was another, older asari with a focused expression on her face and hands on younger one’s neck.

 

“Liara?” asked older asari. After a while, her junior turned her head slightly and answered.

 

“I am fine Nyxeris. Actually, I'm feeling much better than before” replied Liara with relief. Despite unexpected pang of sharp pain, an extremely uncomfortable cramp just left that part her body which had been treated by Nyxeris’s skilful fingers. Doctor’s entire body ached, as she spend the majority of that day standing. Besides her typical duties and meetings with few clients, she had attended a private gathering, hosted by a very influential and even more rich turian by the name Timus Petadas.

 

“Then may I continue?” asked her assistant.

 

“Yes, please do” replied Liara and a blissful expression appeared on her face as young asari once again felt Nyxeris hands roam her back, relieving her of tension and stiffness. Her host had a slight obsession about his species art, so Liara and other “entrepreneurs” spent several hours admiring his collection as turian stopped by every piece, where he explained in length item’s history and meaning.

 

I truly admire Timus commitment to the culture of his people, however, he has little skill as a guide thought asari and released a relieved breath as Nyxeris hands removed another cramp from her body.

 

Well, and the topic was not particularly thrilling. Forgive me Garrus, but your species art isn’t particularly thrilling. Then again knowing you, you would agree wholeheartedly mused young asari with amusement and bit of melancholy. Yes… Garrus wasn’t a “good” turian, but he was a good person, even better friend.

 

So Liara had spent entire afternoon standing listening to a turian businessman drone about his collection. Young asari couldn’t even fault her fellow attendees as they loosed interest, some even excused themselves and fled. However, she was a veteran of various lengthy and mind-bogglingly boring lectures on the university, ever surviving an entire elcor opera once. Thanks to those gruelling experiences Liara managed to keep her attention on exposition and managed to impress turian with gathered knowledge afterwards. Combining it with few sweet words Timus agreed to co-found her latest venture.

 

While money aren’t that much of issue, but the patronage and his military connection will most definitely help thought Liara and lazily glanced at her assistant. Nyxeris was currently concentrated on her lower back, but it was her, who had given her idea for her latest private operation.

 

***

 

3 weeks earlier, Thursday

01:27 p.m.

Liara’s office

 

“Ma’am, may I have a question?” asked Nyxeris with a concerned voice as she entered office. Liara swallowed a sweet treat she had just popped into her mouth and looked at her assistant from above the console. Nyxeris had put a sizable container of chocolates with a sweet filling, she had gotten as a promotion in one of the shops, with her food containers.  Liara was more than happy to slowly eat them as she waited on the next meal of the day.

 

“By all means” allowed younger asari and leaned back on the chair, sweet taste lingering in her mouth.

 

“I looked through dossiers of individuals you had asked me to contact and I am a bit surprised” said Nyxeris as she sat opposite to her employer, holopad in hands.

 

“Viteltina Varirius, former turian field officer, forced to retire due to injuries during geth’s attack on the Citadel. Agon Haejae, officially a marine scientist, “rumoured” to be a retired STG operative” listed Nyxeris looking at holopad, a slight frown on her face. “And finally Zaeed Massani, a rather famous human mercenary, former co-founder of the Blue Suns. Not to mention numerous weapon and ship manufactures” older asari finished and looked at Liara.

 

“Ma’am, why we are sending those invites? I do not wish to dispute your decisions, but it’s much different from our usual operations” asked Nyxeris with confusion. Liara nodded and leaned on her desk.

 

“That’s a valid concern. To put it simply I decided to follow with your advice” replied younger asari looking her assistant directly in eyes. Nyxeris blinked.

 

“I don’t quite understand…?” asked Nyxeris with confusion. She had several suspicions, but nothing concrete.

 

“Of course. You said that we lacked the manpower to challenge the Shadow Broker and you are right. Attack on you further showed that flaw. We, of course, could enlist mercenaries, but their loyalty and discipline are questionable at best” explained Liara steadily and bitted into another chocolate. Nyxeris eyes were widening as her thoughts became reality.

 

“You decided to assemble your own military” it was a statement, not question this time. Liara only swallowed treat and smiled.

 

“I think the term “private security force” would be more fitting, but essentially you are right. Provided personas you just listed agree to cooperate they begin to hire necessary personnel and train recruits” said younger asari. Nyxeris only nodded at that.

 

“But what about your commandos? Surely they could do this as well?” asked still bewilder assistant.

 

“Yes, I do intend to assign some of them to this task, but we cannot remove a significant number of them from the field” continued Liara with the explanation. “Additionally they can only effectively train other asari and only in their way of combat. Currently, the most viable option for maidens who want to join non-government affiliated combat group is Eclipse and we both know how they operate” Liara paused and ate another treat.

 

“While I think most enlisted will be asari, but I’ll place no race restrictions. Besides overspecialization equals failure, so we need experts from different backgrounds.” finished young doctor, another chocolate flinging way to her mouth. Nyxeris only nodded, deep in thought. After a few seconds, she asked.

 

“Forgive me ma’am, but isn’t it a little much? Besides, isn’t Massani reaching limits of the human lifespan, wouldn’t somebody younger be better?”

 

“No, it is not, besides the Shadow Broker isn’t the only adversary out there, he isn’t even the most dangerous one. I rather start preparing for what is to come and “branching out” may confuse some of our “competition”. Massani, he was alive when humanity considered themselves alone in the universe. Since the beginning of his career, he fought and killed almost every type of enemy out there. He has a wealth of unique experience and can introduce recruits to a more unregulated aspect of this trade. Not to mention he started one such group from scratch. According to my Intel, his mind is still sharp and this is what I need.” Liara answered and added “Besides I have something that should ensure his cooperation. Is there something else?”

 

Her assistant was digesting new information for some time. Finally, she nodded.

 

“No ma’am. I vary of this venture, but I trust you to guide us thought it successfully” replied Nyxeris with a small smile and stood up.

 

“I will begin forming inquires and look into securing facilities as well as staff” with that she bowed slightly and went back to her desk.

 

Liara watched as doors closed behind her assistant. She was feeling a little guilty about dragging older asari into her mess, but she had made sure Nyxeris knew risk at the beginning of their cooperation. Her hand went to the box but found nothing. Liara’s eyes narrowed and with disappointment looked at the empty container.

 

Candies were delicious, what’s more, a dreaded, hollow feeling had resurfaced in her stomach. The young doctor checked an hour and smiled with relief. It was late enough for the third meal of the day. Lately, Nyxeris convinced her to split her 3 meals into 6, reasoning action with bits of dietary knowledge.

 

Liara took out containers and unwrapped food. The first plate contained several big lamb chops, the second was filled with a type of grey pasta with gravy, Liara was unfamiliar with this dish but it smelled quite good. Finally a smaller container with several medium-sized pastries inside and about a litre worth of thick, creamy, coffee smelling liquid.

 

Milkshake her mind supplied and desire appeared in her eyes. Big size of portions didn’t bother her in the slightest, despite receiving enough food for at least two people. Liara quickly reheated meat and pasta and began to eat. As soon as the first bite disappeared behind her lips a blissful feeling spread through her.

 

Young asari relaxed, right now it was only her and delicious meal before, everything else ceased to exit. Every bit moving down her gullet felt heavenly, taste brought delight. When Liara finished with a hot part of the meal she was no longer hungry, however, thought of stopping was alien to her. Ex-archaeologist attentions shifted to the pastries, she took one of cram filed pastries and carefully bit into it. However, as she ate she wasn’t able to prevent from getting sweet cream on her face. When last of treats found its way into doctor’s belly, instead of cleaning herself normally, Liara licked remaining filling from her face and fingers clean. Finally, her eyes landed on the container with a caffeine-laced liquid. Young asari took off the lid, placed straw inside and took a small sip.

 

“Mmmm…” 

 

 

Yummy thought young doctor as the liquid began to pour into her. The drink was sweet, tasted similar to coffee but had none of the bitterness and a wonderful creamy texture. Liara began quickly sucking milkshake into her eager mouth and to her tummy. After almost a minute delicious drink ran out.

 

Liara leaned in her chair and put a hand of her, now, swollen belly. She was stuffed, tasty meal leaving her more than sated. At the same some strange feeling of craving, dissatisfaction crept over her. A second hand joined on Liara’s and began to careens blue sphere through the material of her dress. Not as much to relieve pressure, but with longing.

 

//* …remember that feeling. … never settle for anything less…*//

 

I could go for more… pondered Liara wishfully and licked her lips at thought of more food. 

 

***

 

-Present-

 

That was when this entire thing “officially” started thought Liara. She felt Nyxeris’s hand as they approached her bottom.

 

“Ma’am, should I continue or start with your legs?” asked her assistant with a slightly embarrassed look on her face. It took a few seconds younger asari to understand what she had meant.

 

Oh…it’s bit inappropriate, but all things considered, we are already past “proper”. Besides, it feels so good. thought Liara.

 

“Please continue. But nothing “exotic” replied finally information broker. Nyxeris shoot her a quick smile and put a new portion of lotion on her hands. Liara gasped quietly when cold liquid made contact with her cheeks, but quickly a pleasure started pouring to her brain. As her eyes rolled in ecstasy her mind returned to memories.

 

***

 

Two weeks ago

Liara’s office

 

Opposite to Liara sat three figures. A female turian with porcelain-coloured plates and a purple face paint, that was interrupted by few scars, wearing typical, “business” suit. Miss Varirius maintained neutral expression only sometimes interrupted by a slight move of mandibles that indicated discomfort caused by her injuries. A male salarian in a casual outfit, his face and posture showing discrete signs of his advanced, for his species, age. Mister Haejae was shooting glances in various directions, but there was no doubt in Liara’s mind that he paid attention to her. Those two were “specialists” she contacted. The third person was Eristena, leader of commandos that she had “inherited” from her mother and decided to remain in her employ.

 

She was somewhat of a special case, commandos usually had a proper amount of muscle but mostly relied on speed and mainly, biotics. Eristena, despite being roughly Liara’s height would be never mistaken for younger asari. Save for her head, every part of her body was twice as wide as that of Liara’s. Her entire frame was covered in a hard muscle that a carrier bodybuilder would not be ashamed of, she often had required custom made outfits, like the dark commando leathers she currently wore. It gave her a bit of brutish look, but anybody who judged her based on appearance was in for a surprise. Despite her proportions, Eristena was terrifyingly fast and possessed a swift mind. Her skin was a shade lighter than young doctor’s, face clear of paintings with sharp cheekbones and simple, but elegant lines. Liara would never admit it out loud but she used to have a bit of a crush on muscular asari.

 

Commando was wearing a slight frown on her face, but considering circumstances it was understandable. Eristena was not pleased by being “replaced”. However, she accepted Liara logic as her plans held a lot of merits. The fourth seat was empty. Both turian and salarian discreetly scanned their surroundings, more with curiosity than caution.

 

Massani has yet to arrive. He did inform us that he had to finish the assignment thought Liara. She appeared completely composed, the perfect image of an asari businesswoman, although deep down she was a bit distressed. Ex-archaeologist was just finishing going over last details when intercom alarm was heard. Liara clicked on it.

 

“Ma’am, Mr Massani has arrived” informed Nyxeris’s voice.

 

“Please, let him in” replied Liara and turned to her guests

 

“It would seem the consultant I told you about come earlier than expected” she informed them. After few seconds doors opened and newcomer entered. An old human, wearing battered armour with yellow tints, his face covered in scars.

 

“Sorry ‘bout delay. I had a… business to take care of” said Zaeed, clearly not sorry in the slightest.

 

“Mr Massani welcome, please take a seat. I am afraid we were just finishing. Nyxeris will send you today’s arrangements unless there is something you need to necessarily go over with me?” said Liara with a measured smile to the elderly human. He sat comfortably on an empty chair and shook his head.

 

“Only that lil’ detail about my payment. But later, in private” said Zaeed and leaned back on hair. Liara nodded.

 

“Zaeed Masani? Human mercenary known for accomplishing seemingly impossible missions. Notoriously independent, appears to be in conflict with the command of Blue Suns” assessed salarian, his eyes slightly narrowed. Zaeed only glanced at him with grimace.

 

“Yep, that’s me. You have a problem with it?” asked grey-haired human with a gruff voice.

 

Eristena only sighed, Viteltina did a turian equivalent of a grimance. Known for unusual tactics or not a female turian wasn’t too fond of cooperating with a mercenary.

 

“No problem. Just surprised” assured salarian in a peaceful voice.

 

“Mister Masani is here to, besides contributing to the training of recruits, share his knowledge about privateer business” said Liara calmly with intertwined hands and added, “Do any of you have an issue with him being here?”

 

Varirius began to slowly shake her head.

 

“No. At least as long he does not compromise my work or recruit’s progress” informed disabled turian in a steady voice.

 

“Same here” added Eristena calmly. She was not too thrilled either, but she had experience working with mercenaries and was more flexible in this matter.

 

“Excellent. Let’s return to the matter at hand” said Liara, ultimately closing discussion. They spent about 15 minutes finishing the remaining issues.

 

“I think It will be all. We will meet in next week. If you need anything please contact Nyxeris. Thank you all” dismissed them Liara, again with a pleasant face, both salarian and turian complied. However, Eristena stayed and looked at Liara.

 

“Miss T’Soni, are you sure I’m not needed anymore?” asked commando with absolute calamity, but Liara could see the worry in her posture. Younger asari smiled in her mind at her senior's protectiveness. Eristena was not too keen about leaving her alone with the mercenary. However, ex-archaeologist doubted Masani would try anything, of course she know he took jobs from The Shadow Broker, but he wouldn’t risk his credibility like and he specialized in combat, not assassination. Finally, there was his “payment”, he wouldn’t risk losing it.

 

Worst case scenario, I should be able to stall him long enough for help to arrive or at least take him with me thought Liara grimly. Outwardly she smiled softly.

 

“Yes, but thank you. Mister Masani is a professional, I’m sure he will remain a perfect gentleman. Also, I’m really grateful that you agreed to go along with this” reassured Liara. Muscular asari gave a small sigh and smiled slightly for the first time that day.

 

“Of course. I’ll be going then” replied Eristena and did just that. Liara watched as hard muscles of commando's legs played under black, protective leather as she walked through the door.

 

Thick thighs save lives a phase Liara had heard somewhere from humans resurfaced in her mind. With titanic effort she managed to shift her attention back to elderly human. Fortunately, he too was focused on older asari.

 

“Heh…biotics or not I would not want to be introduced to her fists” chuckled Zaeed after the door closed.

 

”A sound approach and I hope you will give her no reason to. Will you Mister Masani?” asked Liara in a firm voice. The elderly human looked on her.

 

“I am going to be prim and proper. At least if you wrote the truth. Do you really know where that bastard is or you are having me on?” questioned Zaeed in a gruff voice. 

 

“Mister Masani not unlike you I gained my reputation thanks to my “honestly”. I did manage to locate your former colleague, Vito and continue to monitor him. All available information about him will be given to you at the end of our collaboration as stated in my message” explained Liara calmly, looking him in the eyes. Grey-haired mercenary grimaced.

 

“’ don’t suppose you give it now as a sign of goodwill and all that? And call me Zaeed missy, “Mister Masani” makes me sound like some damned bureaucrat” said mercenary. Liara leaned slightly towards him.

 

“Zaeed, we both know if I gave you that location now, you would immediately fly there. Given your reputation, perhaps you would return IF you survived. I already gave up significant resources for this operation, including locating Vido and I don’t have a habit of uselessly wasting money. So forgive my reluctance in that matter” retorted ex-archaeologist firmly” explained asari flatly. Elderly human grimaced once again but nodded.

 

“Can’t fault me for trying. Fine, I’ll work for you. Playing teacher may be a nice change of pace, I suppose. But don’t try to scam me, it never ends well” said Zaeed, look of annoyance still present on his face. Liara only smiled.

 

“Likewise, but rest assured it’s not my intention. Is there anything else?”

 

“Nah… I’ll install myself, look around and check whatever you have already prepared” replied human and stood up.

 

“Very well. Oh, one more thing. It’s Mrs T’Soni or ma’am, eventual doctor T’Soni” said Liara strongly, looking mercenary directly in the eyes. They spent several seconds staring into each other when something akin to smile appeared on Zaeed’s face.

 

“Sure doc” replied elderly human and exited Liara’s office.

 

Well, that went well thought Liara and leaned on the chair with a heavy sigh. Even though she received agreements earlier it was the first actual meeting of her new “employees”. She had anticipated arguments but managed to avoid them so far.

 

Still, there will be much more opportunities for those later. For now, let’s enjoy peace and quiet.

 

Her hand went to her belly.

 

Yes, enjoy…

 

Liara took out and began unwrapping her current meal. Today she had a platter of ground meat baked between layers of flat pasta, cheese and sauce.

 

 I believe humans have a similar dish, “lasagne”? she wondered as looked into a second container, a large bowl of thick calamari soup. Finally, a cake filled with fruit jams as dessert. Young asari didn’t as much as bat an eye at the size of the portions, instead, she simply licked her lips and went to reheat her meal. The scrumptious smell filling the air as Liara placed them on the desk.

 

Liara began cutting “lasagne” and food began subsequently disappearing between her smiling lips. Despite her quick pace it took her some time to place to deliver the entire first course to her belly. Ex-archaeologist lifted soup-filed bowl as soon as she finished. Instead of wasting time with the spoon she put an edge of the container to her lips and tilted it. A large, clearly visible gulps ran down her throat and to her belly further filling it. Finally, all liquid found its way into Liara’s voracious midriff. She put an empty bowl down and quickly put her hand to mouth.

 

“*burp*”

 

Young asari remained unfazed and promptly attacked cake, making a quick work of it. When everything edible was packed in her stomach she cleaned herself and once again leaned back. Her hands began massaging her modest foodbaby. Liara’s hunger was banished and the meal was delicious, but a small furrow formed on her face.

 

I am full and Nyxeris’s cooking was implacable as always, but something…

 

//*another delicious morsel travelling to her belly… her stomach purple and angry, full of pain and ready to burst…but she still eats more, discomfort drowned under waves of pleasure... ecstasy follows as every bit passes her lips, travels down and further distends her belly... yes she needs to eat more…*//

 

…is missing

 

***

 

A pang of hunger interrupted her recollection. 

 

Another effect of today’s “sightseeing” thought Liara annoyed. Her host provided meals suitable for a biology of various races, but in order to maintain a “proper” image, she had to limit her intake. It resulted in her being returning hungry, but too tired to acknowledge it. Now after resting and her assistant’s treatment her stomach’s pleas resurfaced.

 

Speaking of… thought Liara and glanced at Nyxeris witch half-closed eyes. Older asari was already at the finish with hands on her feet sole and with a look of complete concentration.

 

I am tempted to make her stay due to her massages alone. Nyxeris skill is making her very… pleasant to have around mused Liara. Indeed her assistant proved to have a very useful in the home. She kept doing all those time-consuming chores when Liara worked. Not to mention she was an incredible cook and a week ago proposed they do exercises together. It was good to get some decent physical activity, what’s more, Liara didn’t need to get out of the home.

 

Who would have thought that hiring somebody with experience working at resorts would come with so many useful benefits wondered younger asari with delight as her assistant worked on her feet. Unfortunately, all good things come to pass. After a few minutes both her legs were back on matters, free of Nyxeris’s wondrous fingers. Liara stretched lazily a little and rolled on her back. She felt wonderful and relaxed save for emptiness in her stomach.

 

“Thank you Nyxeris. I’m feeling much better now, remind me to make it up to you. I’m going to sleep now unless there is something urgent?” said Liara with weary voice, looking at her sitting assistant. Nyxeris tilted her head and gave her a slightly confused look.

 

“There is nothing urgent at the moment ma’am, but what about dinner? I have everything prepared, it just needs to be heated.” Informed older asari.

 

“Isn’t it a bit late?” asked Liara. While she was hungry, what little she known about dieting discouraged eating just before sleep.

 

“A bit, yes. But considering what you told me you must be famished and it’s ill-advised to make such sudden jumps in daily intake. Besides, I doubt that you were offered anything substantial. I would advise you to eat something” explained Nyxeris with a small smile. Liara considered her words for a short while.

 

“Very well then. I will join you as soon as I collect myself and put something on” agreed ex-archaeologist. Nyxeris nodded and went downstairs. It took Liara a longer while to find strength in herself to move from a comfortable position. She stood up and began to dress. After five minutes she went down in loose, comfortable clothing. This time Liara wasn’t surprised by mouth-watering smells coming from her kitchen but was still impressed by her assistant's culinary skills. Prothean expert was greeted by a big platter filled with pasta mixed, bits of ham and molten cheese.

 

“I am afraid it’s a bit plain, but I think it will suit your tastes,” said Nyxeris as she put a cup of tea near platter. Liara sat down by steaming dish.

 

“I’m sure it will. Thank you Nyxeris” replied younger asari as she grabbed utensils and focused on what she now considered yo be a normal-sized portion. Her assistant smiled warmly and nodded. Liara looked at the deliciously smelling meal before her and unconsciously licked her lips, she dug in.

 

Wonderful… she thought with bliss. Despite its simplicity, the dish tasted divine. Liara was steadily, but quickly putting portions in her mouth, gooey mass sliding down to Liara’s empty pit of a stomach, filling it. Each portion brought young asari feeling of warmth and pleasure while slowly quenching her hunger. Despite portion’s size, it easily was a dish for two, but Liara managed to clear entire platter under ten minutes. She drank tea and wiped her mouth.

 

Ex-archaeologist didn’t stand up instead slowly contemplated her empty plate. Meal quelled her hunger, but nothing more. Despite delicious taste that still lingered in her mouth, Liara once again felt that strange lack of fulfilment.

 

She was not FULL.

 

“Ma’am? Perhaps you would like some more?”. Her assistant voice brought her back to reality but only made her resolve to crumble even more. Liara knew it was late and she was no longer starving so she shouldn’t…

 

//*… she still eats more, ecstasy follows as every bit passes her lips and further distends her belly...*//

//* …remember that feeling. … never settle for anything less…*//

//*..eat everything…*//

 

“If you think it still alright given hour I would like some more” said Liara and nodded absently. Young asari mind felt a little muddled suddenly, probably from spending entire day standing. Nyxeris smiled warmly and went quickly to the fridge. A large bowl filled with bits of poultry and vegetables was placed before Liara.

 

“It’s quite alright ma’am. I always make it so meals aren’t equal to the maximum allowed intake in case we are still feeling a bit peckish afterwards. You don’t need to worry if you want to take something extra to eat. Please, it was supposed to be part of your lunch, try it while I reheat rest of the pasta” said Nyxeris pleasantly.

 

Liara nodded in acknowledgement, her assistant words brought her acceptance. She looked at the dish before her and renewed her task. Prothean expert was not overly fond of cold salads with meat, but this one was quite good. What’s more with every portion feeling in her stomach shifted from not hungry to pleasantly full. As she finished Liara felt almost stuffed, however at the same time bowl was replaced with another platter full of cheese and meat covered pasta.

 

“Here ma’am. Please enjoy” said Nyxeris with a sweet voice.

 

“Thank you I will” replied Liara with an absent voice and immediately returned to transporting delicious mix to her mouth. She ate dutifully bit after bit, despite fullness in her stomach. Liara wasn’t unaware of it, she simply was not bothered by that feeling. Quite opposite in fact, with every portion that passed past her lips young asari, was being filled with the feeling of fulfilment she was missing before. That, combined with excellent taste were successfully stopping whispers of doubts from resurfacing. 

 

“Liara, if you are feeling peckish or simply want something to snack on, do not hesitate to ask me. I will make sure to give you the amount that does not compromise your diet. But also do not worry about taking food by yourself, only tell me later and I will make sure to take into account while making meals. Really, neither is something to worry about” explained Nyxeris with a warm voice, further reassuring Liara.

 

Meanwhile, younger asari was halfway her latest meal, fullness in her midriff becoming unreal. The belly already was inflated by several inches outwards, it’s size amplified due to layer of adipose that formed during the last weeks. Despite strained stomach, Liara continued to shove a heavy combination of meat, pasta and cheese into her mouth. She ate fast and maintained basic manners, but appeared to be in some sort of trance, her attention solely focused on inhaling a delicious meal before her.

 

Finally, a second heaped platter worth of food found its way into Liara’s belly. Ex-archaeologist took a few calming breaths and cleaned herself with napkins. Nyxeris appeared next to her, a pitcher in her hands.

 

“Tea, ma’am” asked pleasantly her assistant.

 

“Yes, please” responded Liara, still little dazed. Nyxeris refilled doctor's cup and Liara poured its content to her mouth. Despite painful fullness inside, younger asari felt contend and warmth radiating from her stomach. Unfortunately her eyelids felt heavier with every second.

 

It high time I get to bed. I may not need to go to the office, but still have a load of work thought Liara as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

 

“Thank you for the meal, Nyxeris. I think I’ll retreat to the bed” informed younger asari trying to appear as composed as she could.

 

“Of course ma’am. I’ll do some quick cleaning and go to sleep as well. Goodnight” said Nyxeris and nodded.

 

“Goodnight” replied Liara and headed upstairs while her assistant began cleaning. Doctor managed to put on pyjamas and tucked herself in. She was quickly falling asleep but one of her hands found her stomach and began caressing taunt dome. What pain it caused was easily overwhelmed by pleasure and sense of fulfilment. Liara kept half-consciously massage her stomach, tracing its roundness.

 

Beautiful thought T’Soni heiress and with that she fell asleep.

 

***

 

The moment Liara reached her bedroom, Nyxeris face split a wide smile, so far her plan worked splendidly. Younger asari was growing more accustomed to her presence, and keep lowering her guard. While they still maintained strict security measures, Liara was slowly becoming more trusting towards her ”assistant”. Of course, the information broker was far from giving her full access to her network. It was small things but they increased over time.

 

It was expected. Liara didn’t become so successful being careless thought Nyxeris while finishing cleaning. When she was done, The Observer went to the bathroom and started showering, still deep in thought.

 

Its good thing I did our first “session” so soon pondered The Observer as she was washing Otherwise, lack of knowledge about dieting or not, she would start getting suspicious and research the Pit out of it. The good doctor would start asking why her meals could feed a family of three each. Just like with exercises.

 

The Shadow Broker’s operative shook her head at the memory. About a week ago she proposed to Liara that if she wants they could exercise together based on her knowledge from various resorts. Her “employer” was, dare she speak it, enthusiastic, even though she hid it well.

 

The set of activities Nyxeris had prepared was designed specifically to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain good health while burning as little priceless calories as possible, but it didn’t remain intact. Or rather it received few additions. It had taken Liara two days to look into that topic and present her with a list of extra exercises they could do. Even with excuses such as lack her knowledge about them or their time consumption Nyxeris hadn’t been able to veto all of them.

 

And it’s not the first time she caught me like that. I knew Liara could be intense when she wants to, but by The Goddess, I never suspected just how much. Last month has been bizarre, I am getting more terrified, amazed and excited by Liara with every day thought Nyxeris when she was going to her bed, remains of moisture quickly steaming from her skin.

 

Older asari, despite being the object of Liara’s “reprimand” before and seeing her exceptional capabilities as an information broker, for the first time understood why The Shadow Broker himself(?) considered T’Soni heiress as a threat. Under months’ time younger asari managed to prepare foundations of her own mercenary company, they were ready to begging initial recruitment. The pace of those events made older asari’s head spin.

 

Well, all things considered, it doesn’t compromise the core of the plan. Now time to do some research thought Nyxeris with a smile as she positioned herself comfortably in bed and opened her omnitool. It collected data from sensors she placed around the apartment, nothing fancy, but enough for her needs. After few second Nyxeris found what she was looking for.

 

“Current weight: 198,5 lbs.”

 

The Observer bit her lips as a jolt of pleasure and excitement ran through her at the sight before her eyes. 

 

It’s a gain of 35 pounds. While a significant part of it is a result of her drug-induced binge, but still it’s the most promising number. Shame I cannot organise those more often pondered The Observer with a longing expression. As much as she would like to, Liara would immediately get suspicious after waking up without memories once again in a short time span. Even if the doctor would not have immediately found out the truth, she would implement even more extensive security measures. Nyxeris could not risk that, preparing and executing everything so far had been hard enough. Liara getting wind of her “activities” would mean failure of the entire operation.

 

Unfortunately, we are going to start exercises “for real” since this weekend. But I’m pretty sure all necessary suggestions took hold of her. I waited longer than necessary to make sure of it, It’s a high time to start giving her some actual meals instead of those appetizers Liara has been eating during last months mused Nyxeris with delight as she was positing herself comfortably in bed.

 

Portions Liara had been receiving were large but much smaller than The Observer had in store for her. That “limit” had been caused two reasons, ex-archaeologist could have got suspicions despite compulsions put into her mind, if she had been presented with such large amount of food at once and, most likely, forced herself to eat it all. 

 

Second, Nyxeris wanted Liara to “ask” for more, that would allow her to encourage younger asari to do so again in the future when she desired more and to eat even without Nyxeris handing her treats.

 

Liara will be more likely to stuff her face by herself, now and with properly sized portions, even with those pointless exercises will be buried under a luscious fat. Thought Shadow Broker’s operative and a wide smile appeared on her face.

 

She is beginning to round nicely. Even with her muscle Liara can easily be considered chubby. I most certainly felt more padding than before though Nyxeris with bliss at the memory of massage from before. Unbeknownst to her “employer”, older asari enjoyed entire as much, if not more, as her “patient”. Nyxeris had an opportunity to… examine Liara’s beautiful body and asses the newly formed layer of adipose.

 

Everything is getting nice, soft and round. Sill this is but a pitiful amount that NEEDS to expand. Do not worry Liara I’ll make sure you happily grow large and even more beautiful thought Nyxeris, reminding herself of Liara’s current stature.

 

Young doctor, besides overall layer of adipose, has gotten noticeable curvier, a visible increase in her breasts, butt and hips. Most importantly a potbelly appeared on Liara, a beginning of a proper gut, soon to be filled with blubber. The extra weight made her only more alluring, Nyxeris most definitely was… impressed by her “employer” thicker figure. Although, The Observer was even more excited at the prospect of even curvier T’Soni heiress.

 

All groundwork is done. Now I only have to watch as Liara gets to a healthy weight. After that, she won’t be able to get in harm’s way and I get to be a witness to this glorious sight. Most immortally that will convince The Shadow Broker of my idea thought Nyxeris with delight and joined Liara in the land of dreams.

 

[xXWWhiteXx]

I managed to finish 2 chapters, first quite shorter than the rest. Overall time ships will be now probably longer, as I have only a vague idea that should be enough for 1, maybe 2 chapters before Shepard shows up. I am afraid both chapters may be somewhat unimaginative, and I am especially dubious of Ch. 14, but both introduce concepts that will be expanded(haha...) upon. Also a small reference to one of the members on Curvage, feel warned.😉

Than you for all positive reactions. Like always, I ask for ideas that could be put here and hope you enjoy this piece of utter nonsense. 😁

 

***

Chapter 14: Inspection

A month later, Wednesday

Red Spirit company’s temporary training centre

 

Liara had mangled to organise time away from her usual duties in order to inspect establishing of facilities and recruitment process. Currently, she was sitting in the office overlooking the main hall. Prothean expert was wearing her white, “practical” cloak, with few extra items, just in case, although earlier she had problems putting it on. It felt tight and too small in a few places, although lately, she had a similar problem with other clothes, mostly with shoes. However, like times before Liara ignored it, she had more pressing matters than a slight inconvenience.

 

Near her sat Nyxeris, who was checking paperwork already generated by the company and background of some recruits. Meanwhile, Eristena and Viteltina were finishing talking about the new workforce.

 

“...well, but still only beginning considering your plans Miss T’Soni. There are few rowdier recruits, but we only kept those with high potential and we should be able to make into something useful. At least for now” finished female turian and looked from holopad.

 

“One krogan enlisted and passed screening” added commando. Viteltina nodded.

 

“Ah...Yes, surprisingly enough as a technician not as a solider. He seems reasonable enough and skilled at his job. Should we fire him, after trial period?” asked female turian.

 

Liara looked away from the window. Thought it could be seen groups of training recruits and still built temporary facilities. Among them were Zaaed, Agon and few new “instructors” Liara had hired based on her advisors’ recommendations.

 

“Yes, as long as he does his job properly and doesn’t start any trouble there is no need for any action. Try to find out his motivations, but it’s low on the priority list. Is there anything else that needs my attention?” said ex-archaeologist with a small smile. Both commando and former soldier pondered for a few seconds.

 

“Nothing comes to my mind at the moment Miss T’Soni” replied female turian. Eristena remained silent and rubbed her hands. Thought entire “visit” she looked like she wanted to say something, but didn’t decide to. Finally shook her head.

 

“I’m good, Liara” exclaimed commando honestly but with a slightly concerned look. Liara felt a slight pang of worry at commando’s unusual behaviour but decided not to hold off questioning for later. Outwardly she smiled.

 

“Thank you both for your efforts. Eristena, could you show me the layout of this place, while Nyxeris finishes. Provided, of course, you can spare some time” said ex-archaeologist. That was mostly an excuse to see her now employees for herself and prolong a break from typical work.

 

How my life changed. A break usually meant a good book, a walk or maybe a vid. Briefly Shepard’s company or conversation with somebody from Normandy’s crew. thought young asari longingly. Unfortunately, she did not have time for those activities or they were too risky, or simply not available. Commando looked at turian, but Viteltina only shook her head.

 

“At the moment there is nothing I cannot handle at my own” replied former military. At that muscular asari smiled slightly.

 

“Let’s go then” said Eristea, stood up and headed towards passage. Liara followed her leaving her assistant and disabled turian in the office.

 

Eristena navigated with the doctor between various groups of trainees and pieces of equipment. Everything seemed makeshift, which was true as a current state was temporary. Bigger, specialized facilities were being prepared, bet all already present equipment was of good quality and everything seemed to go on in orderly fashion. It had been a good idea to enlist the help of former turian military.

 

Liara watched everything carefully, only stopping to take a better look or ask a question. The sight of such tasks was a pleasant change to her usual routine full of tedious work, even though each steep brought pangs of discomfort. Liara really needed that outfit re-sized. 

 

Eristena were replying on questions, sometimes adding something by herself. Considering her slight smile, despite her first reservations, commando enjoyed her current task. They passed various recruits mostly asari, quite a few turians, humans and salarians, a drell somewhere. There were no batarians so far, few had passed screening, none decided to remain when they heard who was to be their employer. Being a… companion of “Butcher of Torfan” didn’t bring Liara any friends amongst fourth-eyed species.

 

And that only training section pondered Liara at the sight of the multispecies crowd. Finally, Eristena stopped, her smile widened by a few nanometres at the scene before them. A group of asari during commando training.

 

“Those are a very mixed bag, but I think we can make commando out of them,” said muscular asari. Liara smiled.

 

“With you in charge, I am sure of it” assured Liara with full confidence. Nobody could deny main commando’s devotion to her tasks, especially training her potential subordinates. Eristena face twitched in the way that would indicate a widening of her simile and opened her mouth…

 

“So you are Liara T’Soni” said a voice near them. Both asari looked in that direction, suddenly on full alert.

 

...and here goes my good mood sighed Liara. Approaching them was asari maiden in commando outfit, her skin few shades darker than Liara’s and wearing a simple face paint, composed from a few straight, blood-red lines running from her forehead to end of her crest. However most noticeable was her expression, combination of superiority and disdain. The commando-to-be body was oozing with self-confidence.

 

“I expected something… more from somebody who helped to stop the Saren Arterious. Shame” exclaimed the newcomer and stopped before Liara and Eristena with hands on hips. Ex-archaeologist only sighed in thoughts.

 

“Is there an issue, Miss…?” said Liara, maintaining her professional facade. 

.

“Heless Vate. When I signed up for this I expected to work for a famous hero. Instead, all I got is a fat bureaucrat that probably never fired a gun” new hire expressed her disappointments with face showing complete disregard for her conversationalist. It reminded Liara of her former “colleagues” who kept laughing off her theories and discoveries. She quashed rising annoyance and presented her best “diplomatic” expression. Older commando maintained neutral pose, but the doctor clearly saw her hard muscles tense, ready for a potential treat.

 

“Recruit, you’re out of order,” said Eristena strongly and moved towards rebellious asari, but was stopped by Liara’s hand.

 

“Miss Vate, if you are dissatisfied with this operation, me or way I am handling my affairs you can resign, especially at such early stage” stated Liara and quickly checked surroundings from corners of her eyes, an audience appeared. Heless snorted.

 

“And leave this mess to be completely fucked up by paper pushers like you and those antiques you hired? I don’t think so, this group need somebody who knows how to get things done” declared maiden confidently, few others with similar face paints positioned behind her. With titanic effort, Liara managed to stop herself from signing and rolling her eyes. Ex-archaeologist quickly scanned her “challengers”. Their postures betrayed barest of traces of combat training.

 

Some maidens take few combat lessons as a fleeting fancy or they are mercenary dropouts or both. pondered information broker. I don’t have time for this

 

“Miss Vate, are you done presenting reasons for such high death rates amongst maidens? Or do you have something valuable to say?” replied Liara flatly, all traces of pleasant notes in her voice were gone, replaced with absolute coldness.

 

“What?” said Heless, self-assured expression leaving her face. Clearly it was not turn of events she had been expecting.

 

“It is not some gang where if you yell strong enough you become top dog, did you expect me to fall on my knees, trembling and leave everything here to you?” asked Liara and put her hand behind her back.

 

“Listen you fat…”

 

“And now the name-calling. Perhaps you should stomp a little?” interrupted Liara.

 

“Did you took look around? Even if I was intimidated by you or you managed to kill me how do you intend to finalise it? Of course, so far everything goes along well, but all of this is being founded by me and believe me my finances are very well guarded. There is no guarantee that other recruits will follow you, even if you hag money” Liara’s words were piercing like a scalpel.

 

“Miss Vate, you are asari and could bid your time until you had the support and everything is set in place. But please explain what exactly was you intended?” finished information broker, her voice calm and cold as the vacuum of space. She looked at the “rebellious” asari. Heless arrogance disappeared, replaced by fury. She clenched her fists, visibly shaking and face purple with anger. Around them gathered a crowd watched the entire scene. One of asaris accompanying her came to furious Heless and put a hand on her shoulder.

 

“Heless maybe we should…” she did not finish as she was pushed away. Furious commando’s frown deepened, showing teeth and her entire body flared with biotics.

 

“Die you pureblood bitch!” yelled Heless and took a pose to attack. She didn’t get a chance to, ex-archaeologist despite lack of action in recent months was vastly superior in terms of training and experience. A ball of blue energy, that was earlier prepared behind Liara’s back slammed enraged asari in the torso and sent her flying into a large, metal container. She fell to the floor leaving a noticeable dent in its wall. After a few seconds, rebellious asari managed to lift herself to her knees but spat some purple blood as soon as she managed this feat. Still supported by four limbs she managed to lift her head but was greeted by the barrel of the M-4 Shuriken submachine pistol.

 

“Are you going to pose further problems Miss Vate?” asked Liara coldly while still aiming at kneeling maiden.

 

“…no…” panted now extremely pale and frightened asari, all courage left her body at the sight of the barrel and her employer indifferent expression. Blood still dripped from her mouth, she was clearly in pain. Liara gestured Heless’s companions to approach.

 

“Take Miss Vate to ambulatory and make sure she receives proper medical attention” ordered information broker. They nodded and did just that. Liara looked around, about half of her new employees had been witness to the entire ordeal.

 

“I am sorry for this display. However, I want you to understand something. I have no intention of establishing another mercenary company where a chance at promotion is equal to killing superior. What I need is a reliable militia that does not sabotage itself due to ambitions of some overly ambitious fools. Thanks to it you will not have to worry about backstabbing as well as be provided by me with much better terms of employment than other similar…companies” Liara paused and took a deep breath.

 

“In exchange, I demand discipline and obedience. Understandably some of you may not like this arrangement or for other reasons are unsatisfied with working in my employ. If so please file a complaint or resign, but displays similar to Miss Vate’s only prove stupidity. Now please return to your duties” finished Liara, last parts she spoke in a firm but much more amicable tone. Slowly crow began to thin as everything died down. Eristena walked to Liara.

 

“Let’s go,” said muscular asari with a weary voice.

 

***

 

Later both asari were passing empty hallway in the still undeveloped section of the facility.

 

“I’m sorry about that incident Liara. Heless Vate was one of recruit passed with hopes of curbing their temperament. I predicted that they would be troublesome, but not that moronic” apologized Eristena. Liara smiled sadly.

 

“It’s fine if we could predict everything we would need extra forces in the first place. I’m sure that you would have saved me if she had managed somehow to land hit on me” said ex-archaeologist with a hint of amusement. Commando looked at her.

 

“On another note, don’t you think that was a bit risky. You haven’t had decent sparring in months and Vate and her friends were surrounded by our people, not to mention…”

 

“Viteltina was aiming at her with a sniper rifle, I know. We could have them disabled or killed, almost immediately, but that’s not the kind of impression I hoped to go for. Hopefully that display will elevate me a bit in their opinion without making me look like a tyrant. I was lucky too, a fraction of second later and she would get first shot” explained Liara with a small grimace. At that moment she felt sluggish, much more than in previous engagements and ill-fitting outfit hadn’t been helping. This time Eristena gave her a sincere smile.

 

“If so, don’t you think you hit her a bit too strong? She had broken most of her ribs at least” noticed muscular asari. Liara grimaced slightly.

 

“I suppose it’s another proof that I am out of practice” admitted young doctor and wondered. Muscular asari chuckled.

 

I did prepare a strong attack to take her down immediately, but it should be nowhere that strong. I’ll have to make sure something like this does not repeat.

 

“I see. Well, we would be honoured to have you train with us” proclaimed commando, still smiling. Liara returned smile weakly.

 

“I would love to, truly. By the Goddess, it would be infinitely more pleasant than my current activities. Unfortunately, I simply don’t have not enough time for that. There is barely enough time to do some basic exercises at home” explained Liara with longing expression, she was absolutely truthful. Who would have thought that young doctor would miss it so much? Eristena only nodded.

 

“Of course, but the invitation is open if you change your mind,” said Eristena and stopped smiling.

 

“I know we were never particularly close, but you know you can count on me and my commands?” said head commando in a very serious tone. Lira looked at her and slowly nodded.

 

“Yes. Believe me if thought you could help me I would have told you” answered prothean expert honestly. Eristena flashed briefly a sad smile.

 

“Very well. What about our rebels?”

 

***

 

Liara’s apartment

Later that day

 

Nyxeris sighed heavily as she filled another platter with dumplings covered in thick gravy and fried meat bits. It was a hard day, with exciting moments. During the entire inspection, she was worried that discomfort caused by clothes would arouse suspicion in Liara. The Observer only recently had managed to replace that particular piece of clothing, but crating stretching fake of something, that was virtually extremely advanced light armour so the owner doesn’t realize is virtually impossible, she had to settle for a bigger copy of the original thing. However, measurement’s weren’t identical to that Liara grown into. What’s more young doctor seemed to be outgrowing her shoes as well. That was unexpected and cached The Observer by surprise.

 

There is little to no fat in the feet, they are probably the least affected by weight gain. Most likely Liara already wore quite tight ones and that slight increase was enough to make them uncomfortable. I’ll replace them, but I’ll have to be extra careful so she doesn’t realize they got bigger reasoned Nyxeris with chagrin.

 

Later it was that little fool Viteltina, who had dared to insult T’Soni heiress. Nyxeris had every intention of making sure she remembers just how big of a mistake she had made. What’s worse she had been poking at Liara’s weight which could plant seeds of suspicion in doctor’s mind. Fortunately, it seemed that Benezia’s daughter disregarded those along with other insults. Finally that muscle head, Eristena,

 

That brute is probably the only person in this part of the galaxy to hold that much of Liara trust. What’s worse I cannot get rid of her pondered Nyxeris with annoyance.

 

The head commando had clearly begun noticing changes to her employer figure and while she was silent so far, it was clear that brutish asari is closed to spilling the beans with every day. Damage control, in this case, will be hard. All of this was exhausting Shadow Broker’s operative and to that pile added an increasing amount of work they did with Liara in the office.

 

Nyxeris sighed and gently rubbed her head and looked at an enormous, steaming dish. That sight reminded her of her recent accomplishments and smile appeared The Observer face.

 

237,8 pounds thought Nyxeris with delight, about the latest measurement of her “employer”. Despite increased workload preventing her from closer monitoring Liaras’s consumption and hers adamant insistence on everyday exercises. Shadow Broker’s operative managed to put overall 40 pounds worth of fat on younger asari’s frame.

 

During their exercises and Liara’s travels to the bathroom, Nyxeris managed to observe young doctor progress. Overall adipose distributed quite evenly on Liara’s body, further increasing her curves. Her hips widened even further and formerly firm, muscular butt checks were now covered in soft layer and began to shake deliciously during more rapid moves. Doctor’s chest swelled as well, entering size unseen on any maiden, reserved only for older matrons and matriarchs.

 

In that area Liara is definitely starting to live up to Benezia’s legacy thought older asari with excitement at the memory of doctor mother appearance.

 

Liara’s limbs also became thicker, mostly her thighs, rift between them had shrunk considerably, but also her arms and calves. The pointless layer of hard muscles was being covered by pleasant adipose. Most notably her belly lost all visible traces of abs and started to crawl on her lap, with clear intention to catch up to breast. It was slowly taking shape of a beautiful sphere and started to hung over her lingerie. Considering doctor’s undergarment had been replaced by stretchy replacements it was even more impressive. Liara’s overall gain was becoming more obvious every day.

 

 

Nyxeris shook her head and lifted platter.

 

That’s not the time to daydream, while poor Liara starves thought The Observer with a wicked grin and went to Liara who was sitting by the table and devouring her fourth platter. 

 

Ex-archaeologist was eating with barely maintained composure, eager to devour as much of the fattening cuisine. Nyxeris bitted her lip as she observer her. Liara’s stomach looked positively pregnant, nearly completely overtaking her lap. It released sounds of intense work that increased with every breath. The blue sphere was almost bare, the shirt had ridden up as the meal progressed. It also showed an outline of Liara quite magnificent chest.

 

Nyxeris summoned a pleasant smile and replaced platters as soon as the previous one became empty. Liara nodded in appreciation and continued to shovel meal in her mouth. The Observer witnessed her “employer’s” chest movement during her enthusiastic consumption . Older asari took the empty dish and went to place it into the dishwasher. While she was still turned and checked the display on a small device and sighed in the head. Despite most enthusiastic “training” Liara’s stomach capacity was reaching safe limits.

 

Still, it’s progress. Liara manages now to easily eat what before I barely managed to shovel into her using drugs and hypnosis. That thought further increased her mood.

 

Nyxeris cleaned a bit and made some preparations. Older asari stopped when she head a small burp and sound of placing cutlery on an empty platter, Liara finished. The Observer turned to her and smiled, watching as ex-archaeologist slowly caressing her distended stomach. Nyxeris went to her and handed the equivalent of paper towel.

 

“Thank you Nyxeris. The meal was impeccable as always” said Liara and began to clean herself. 

 

“I’m glad. Is there is something else you want ma’am?” asked Nyxeris still smiling.

 

“urp…no, I don’t think I’ll need you before our exercises. I’ll go to my office and do some work” replied prothean expert and stood up quite easily despite her food baby, she had a lot of practice.

 

“Of course Liara” said Nyxeris and watched as Liara walked away. A hungry gleam appeared in her eyes as she observed younger asari’s generous lower backside. The Observer saw that that lowly bottom engulfed chairs more and more. How long it will be before a second one becomes a necessity. Liara was insistently training with her every day, but she had slowly begun to show first signs of fatigue during those.

 

Don’t worry Liara even when you will be barely able to move you’ll be in good hands, mine thought Nyxeris with pride and her smile shifted to a full smirk. Thanks to her efforts ex-archaeologist remained obvious to her state even when she was stuffed like now. Or perhaps young doctor had learned to accepted it?

 

She is finally showing some proper meat on her body and without signs of rejecting conditioning. Ultimately, everything else is a minor inconvenience, it won’t matter in a few months thought Nyxeris, satisfied with the current situation and got back to work. Still something in Liara’s changing appearance was ringing alarm bells in the corner of her mind, but she could not put her finger of it. Eh… It was probably nothing

 

Suddenly, from corners of Nyxeris’s mind come, memory of an ancient human holo-…no… internet sites she had come across during her …ahem…research on a newly discovered species. Her smile become more sincere.

 

No, Liara would not pass The Wall Test right now. Her gain is too even, but she does fill up nicely. In few weeks’ time however…

 

 

[xXWWhiteXx]

Chapter 15: The New Routine

 

 

Two Months Later, Tuesday

Liara’s apartment

02:00 a.m.

 

 

 

*grumble*

 

Liara’s eyelids twitched but remained firmly shut.

 

*grrruuuuumbllle*

 

Once again doctor’s eyes remained shut, but she was becoming aware of reality. Most notably of her stomach trying to digest itself.

 

*grrruuuuumbbbbbbllleeee*

 

Young asari turned to another side, a soft, fat pillow that her tummy had become and her sizable bust shifted along, but after a few seconds, her eyes opened into slits. It took her another pause to fully become aware of her situation. As soon as she did a grimace appeared on her face. Liara’s tummy was hungry.

 

Excruciatingly slowly she sat on the bed and after a few deep breaths she stood up. Without putting on slippers Liara quietly made her way downstairs, the entire way she held to the railing or other pieces of furniture. Only a small fraction of the doctor’s mind was awake, she was mostly guided by the newly honed instincts that guided her to destination.

 

At long last Liara arrived where she wanted to, in the kitchen specifically, right before the refrigerator. The late hour was no problem for her at the current level of consciousness. Liara is hungry, therefore Liara shall eat.

 

The doctor opened both doors of the device and was blinded by a light from inside. When her eyes adapted to cold glow, tightly packed insides were revealed to the sleepy asari. There was barely any free room inside, most foods were already packed neatly in containers, there were other dishes to be cooked as well as various ingredients.

However, Liara’s sight stopped at container full of chocolate muffins, about 16, fist-sized treats. From their tops slicked parts of chocolate, further adding allure to purplish-brown pastry.

Starved asari took first one and crammed into her mouth, her maw bit off a third of large treat. It tasted divine, but the taste was a secondary matter, Liara needed to soothe her ravenous stomach as soon as possible. She ate voraciously, large bites trawling to pit located in doctor’s midriff. Crumbs were flying in various directions and smears of molten chocolate on Liara’s face, but almost everything founds its way between plump, blue lips. Ex-archaeologist wasn’t going to waste anything in face of such hunger.

 

After several minutes the last muffin disappeared in asari’s mouth leaving her thirsty. Liara took the nearest container, took off the lid and put to her lips. Inside was thick, sweet substance, unrecognisable to her still sleeping mind. Still, about half litre of it was perfect to wash down previous “meal”. The doctor closed the refrigerator without bothering about dirty dishes and headed towards stairs. Now that gluttonous beast located in Liara’s middle was somewhat sated, sleepiness attacked her with full force.

 

Stumbling Liara made her way to the bedroom, stopping only to clumsily grab a paper towel and wipe herself equally ineptly. Walk downstairs was much more of a challenge than before, her new “cargo” weighted her down, but Liara managed this feat. At last, she landed heavily on the bed and covered herself. Sleep claimed asari momentarily.

 

Liara’s face still had few smears of chocolate and a few crumbs could be found on her pyjamas. Her fingers were clean, she had licked them clean. Meanwhile, her soft stomach began to digest it’s the latest snack. Amount of food inside was enough to prevent it from complaining, yet her stomach was eager for more.

 

It was doubtful Liara would remember her nightly snacking.

 

She hadn’t before.

 

***

 

07:00 a.m.

 

Liara awoke to the sound of her clock’s alarm. She rubbed her eyes and disabled source of the infernal noise. After several seconds, when young asari became coherent she sat on her bed, stretched and began to check her security check. As soon as ex-archaeologist made sure that everything was in order she started to dress. The doctor had some trouble putting on her dress, but when she managed to, it fitted almost as well(tightly) as always.

 

Why does our species is so insistent on wearing skin-tight and revealing clothes pondered Liara with annoyance and reminded herself of human clothes she had sometimes worn aboard Normandy instead of her jumpsuit. Then a wonderful smell reached doctor’s nose and her belly released a loud, hungry rumble. It was, the ever-reliable Nyxeris, preparing breakfast.

 

Liara hastily made her way downstairs, ignoring jiggles of her body and brushing of her thighs. In the kitchen, her assistant was standing next to the crackling pan and few platters a bit farther away. Liara put on her “professional” smile.

 

“Good morning Nyxeris” ex-archaeologist greeted her assistant. Older asari turned around and smiled as well.

 

“Ma’am,” said Nyxeris and nodded “I’m just finishing making breakfast. Please sit down, it will take just a minute” with she turned back to stove. 

 

Liara followed the advice and sat down in her usual place. The chair groaned slightly as her weight entered it, but it was too quiet to be heard by either of them, Liara did always picked a good quality, durable furniture. Indeed after a minute, a steaming pile of fired thessian eggs and strips of meat appeared before starved doctor. Similar platter placed Nyxeris before herself, however, it was much… emptier.

 

“Please enjoy,” said assistant and grabbed cutlery. Liara only nodded and wasting no time and dig in. Quickly her ravenous stomach bean to be filled with food. Doctor ate quickly, but maintained perfect composure, even though her focus was solely on the process of consumption. It took her several quick minutes to finish but platter was immediately replaced with another one, small sausages covered in white gravy. Liara didn’t bother stopping, only automatically began to cut them and gorge. Meanwhile, Nyxeris returned to slowly eat her own meal, her expression serene.

 

Every morsel going down her gullet brought ecstasy and release from hunger, the first platter only partially sated her. Not surprisingly then that sausages quickly fall victim to Liara’s eager maw. Like always the moment last bit passed her gullet a new portion appeared before her. A big bowl of creamy, spicy smelling stew, Liara's smile widened slightly, she liked those. Ex-archaeologist grabbed a spoon and began to paddle liquid with it. As stew filled her belly, Liara reached a point where any other asari would finish due to fullness. For her, it was the moment where hunger was replaced with partial fulfilment and pleasant warmth inside her, but the furious desire for more, gluttony remained.

 

Liara continued as the liquid began to distend her midriff, after all, it was a usual occurrence nothing to worry about. When the bowl was mostly empty, she grabbed it with her hand and put to her lips. Then, with help of the spoon, she poured the remaining food into herself. Last droplets of liquid disappeared between her lips she put the container down and cleaned herself.

 

During her meal, her assistant put a big cup of a coffee next to her. Liara nodded with appreciation towards older asari and went to her desk. Like always they dealt with paperwork and initial orders in the apartment for an hour or two. It was much more pleasant and Nyxeris was already here to help, they had prepared a temporary desk for her in the livingroom.

 

Liara took sips of dark liquid and Nyxeris continued with house chores. Time to get to work.

 

***

 

Liara’s office

11:18 a.m.

 

Liara sighed after she finished holoconference with one of her clients, a pretentious turian, who somehow combined attitude of a spoiled brat with a truly stereotypical militaristic inflexibility.

 

He is far from the most demanding client, but by the Goddess, is he tiring. thought doctor with relief and checked the hour. A smile appeared on her face, it was time for the second meal and she had enough time for it before the next meeting. Liara leaned to retrieve boxes. Her tummy proved to be an obstacle but she managed and unwrapped her meal. Like all meals she ate in office it was smaller than those Nyxeris served when they were home. A mere three platters and a dessert.

Firstly a pile of grilled, poultry fillets covered in herbal oil. The young asari quickly began to cut and eat a slice of reheated meat. After a few minutes, the entire dish was packed in Liara’s soft belly, but the organ was far from sated. The second dish, pasta mixed with small pieces of meat, white cheese and strands of purple herb similar in taste to Earth’s spinach. Without pausing Liara started to gobble food before her, she found the texture a bit unpleasant, but beyond that, a spicy-salty mix was quite delicious. Quickly the last portion went down gluttonous asari gullet and she immediately attacked the third platter. On it were several smoked, Thessian’s fish and few bread rolls. Poor aquatic dwellers soon were victims of Liara’s eager maw.

 

*burp*

 

Liara looked around and confirmed, with small pang od disappointment, that entire contents of three platters was packed in her distended midriff as evident by sounds of digestions that rumbled under soft layer. She wiped remains of her meal and opened pitcher with tea to wash down food. Large gulps of herbal liquid ran down her throat further filling her belly. When a young doctor was done she shifted her attention to the container with dessert. Ex-archaeologist opened it and felt as her mouth was filled with saliva at the sight before her. Inside was several round pastries swimming in black liquid.

 

Liara cut one in half and noticed that it contained a whipped cream inside. She tasted chocolate dripping treat.

 

”Mmmmmmm”

 

Liara closed her eyes as she chowed sweet mass inside her mouth. The pastry was fluffy and sweet, cram delicious and the chocolate sauce, with a barely noticeable hint of liquor, was pure poesy. The young doctor began inhaling desert with renewed energy even as small droplets of chocolate escaped corners of her lips. When pastries ran out she put the container to her mouth and with help of spoon doctor poured remaining liquid inside. When last droplets dispersed, Liara cleaned herself and her desk. Finally, she leaned back, resting, her office’s silence interrupted only by sounds of her belly’s hard work.

 

I wonder what’s for lunch

 

***

02:49 p.m.

Liara’s office

 

Liara’s frown deepened as she sent a new set of orders to Eristena. One of her clients was refusing to pay her because she had proved his business partner had been honest instead of scamming him as he had suspected. Ex-archaeologist disliked similar method, but she had a reputation to maintain and services weren’t free. Besides Liara kept her end of the bargain, she could, of course, provide blackmail material, but it wasn’t what was requested of her.

 

At least it will be an opportunity to further test some of the recruits thought young asari with resignation, she opened a new report...

 

*ruuuummmmble*

 

… of course, there still remained the original reason for her sour mood. Liara sighed and checked time.

 

A few minutes early won’t make a difference young doctor excused herself and retrieved the second set of containers. First a spicy, creamy soup in a large sealed bowl, second a platter full of breaded chops with fried vegetables, finally a large container with casserole composed of ground meat, molten cheese and a sauce. Of course, it was accompanied by a smaller container filled with, most likely, a dessert, but Liara left it for now.

 

Young doctor unconsciously licked her lips and began reheating her meal. She grabbed a spoon and began to quickly paddle with it, filling her doughy belly with tick liquid, met bits and pasta from the blow, its level was hastily dropping with every second. In the end, as usual, Liara put the bowl to her lips, tilted it and with help of utensil poured remains of its contents into her eager mouth and the last of a spicy soup found its way to the gluttonous organ.

 

The doctor wiped droplets of meal from her face and promptly attacked the second dish. Slices of meat, joined by few vegetables were systematically disappearing between ex-archaeologist tireless jaws. Ultimately the second portion quickly fell victim to asari’s appetite, pieces of meat joined soup in Liara’s midriff.

 

Young doctor only put the empty container away, her attention already shifting to the third course. Large, visible loads of a heavy cheese/meat mix sided down her gullet. With every portion swallowed, fabric on her midriff stretched further, making a place for distending abdomen. Finally, the last course was finished and Liara's already bulbous, fat stomach expanded visibly.

 

However, Liara was blind to those trifle aspects of her, besides she still had more to consume. The doctor cleaned herself and with barely contained anticipation opened the final container. She was not disappointed it was filled to brim with crumbly, sugary, square cookies. Ex-archaeologist smiled, poured some tea and started to munch on sweet treats.

 

Hmm... I finally broke this seat in, it appears to be much more comfortable now than when I started to use it mused Liara as she chowed with content. She did not register small folds of flesh that formed above the chair back or extra cushioning provided by her buttocks. Then again they paled in comparison to fat spheres before her and those too remained to be ignored.

 

The young doctor sighed and started typing on the console with one hand. Eating cookies was not so hard to excuse not working, she could do both.

 

***

 

07:06 p.m.

 

Liara rubbed her eyes, after a few meetings, hours of filtering data and sending orders she felt weary. The only upside was that she was currently dealing with the more mundane aspect of paperwork. Reports on hiring, development of new facilities, more pressing administrate issues and so on.

 

The young doctor was mechanically continuing her task when one of the petitions drew her attention and, after reading it, she clenched her teeth ever so slightly. One of their new office worker, an asari, found out about her pregnancy and pleaded for maternity leave in spite of her extremely short employment.

 

Due to her occupation, Liara had very little to do with children or pregnant mothers. Of course, she did catch sight of either, every now and then. However during last weeks doctor felt jolts of jealou-/ longi-/ desir-... annoyance , yes it was(not) an annoyance, when she saw one of those two.

 

Liara shook her head, it was nothing. It’s not like she had been wondering how she could child-proof her apartment or if she should buy bigger one just in case or how many little, blue Shepards she could carry in her womb at once. Why didn’t she have one already?! And all those smug mothers rubbing it in her face…

 

Focus Liara

 

Why did she get it? Similar decisions Liara left to direct superiors of the employee in question. 

 

Ah

 

There was a note at the end – they wanted an official policy in cases like that. Understandable as it was a delicate matter and was likely to appear again in the future. The doctor thought for a while and carefully crafted a reply.

 

After she completed the document, Liara winced a little, if she could doctor would support all in need, but in the grand scheme of thing, it was, unfortunately, unrealistic and a short term solution. Ex-archaeologist put on a hard facquade, but her employees had probably the best situation, compared to their counterparts in entire Nos Astra, if not Illium.

 

Liara sends the message and noticed an hour.

 

Perhaps a meal will lift my mood a little

 

Once again young doctor triumphed over constraining clothes as well as the strange heaviness of her front and unravelled another set of containers. First, a platter full of some sort oval cutlets, second a roasted pieces of poultry native to Thessia, covered in herbal oil and, at the end, a generous portion of, already familiar, noodles with pork scratching. Final, smaller container Liara left for now, especially as unlike previous ones it was thermally isolated.

 

The young doctor prepared everything and dig into food with gusto. With delight, Liara discovered that cutlets were full of molten cheese in a meaty shell. Liara was quickly slicing and delivering pieces into her awaiting mouth, even as greasy filling dripped on her face. Unsurprisingly the first course proved to be no match for voracious asari and soon meat-cheese mix filled doctor belly. Well not filled as it was but a dent to her stomach capacity.

 

Ex-archeologist looked at aromatic, roasted parts of a bird before her and then back at the cutlery in her hands. She sighed and abandoned those, outside official parties nobody used them in those cases. Liara took the first piece into her hand, it was hot but fortunately not enough to burn her, and began to strip flesh from bones. For a few following minutes office was filled with the sound of eating and the occasional cracking of stray bone being broken by the doctor’s powerful jaw. Ultimately all that remained was bare, clean bones with few marks of teeth. Liara licked juices from her fingers and cleaned herself in a more conventional manner.

 

Her belly already become tauter and Liara reached the state where she was feeling somewhat sates, which anyone else would consider to be stuffed to the brim. However young asari merely cleaned a bit and proceeded to the last course.

 

With the help of a large spoon, she was shovelling large portions of meat and fat covered noodles between her lips. With every mouthful running down to her stomach her belly inflated more. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and so did Liara’s meal. But now come awaited moment of opening the final container. A wave of cold hit asari face, insides of the isolated container was filled to the brim with ice-cram with richly added cookie parts and covered in yellow sauce.

 

As the first spoonful reached her mouth, Liara barely constrained a moan. The gooey, sweet treat was delicious and doctor promptly began to consume the frosty substance. She ate quickly, barely slow enough to prevent brain freeze. A sweet mix was sliding down her gullet, bringing young asari near orgasmic pleasure. However at some point soon provided no more of heavenly substance and Liara looked at the container with disdain, it was empty.

 

Ex-archaeologist sighed with resignation and cleaned herself as well as her surroundings. She continued to ignore strange tugging of her clothes, difficulty in bending down as well as sounds from her midriff. The doctor was too preoccupied with her tasks and pleasant feeling in her middle.

 

***

 

Liara’s apartment

10:36 p.m.

 

Liara panted as she sat on the couch, wearing only shorts and a sport’s bra while her sweat was dripping from her. Next to her sat her assistant with a face almost as purple as her, breathing just a little lighter than her “superior”, while trying and failing to appear composed.

 

Two asaris just finished their everyday workout routine and was tired after a period of heightened physical activity, the feeling increased by many hours of intense office work.

“Ahem… ma’am, how about you take a quick shower while I begin preparing food and switch with you when you finish?” asked Nyxeris trying to slow down her breath. Young doctor nodded and headed to the bathroom.

 

The Observer kept her sight on Liara and bit her lip almost hard enough to draw blood. While her painting was mainly caused by exercise it was increased by the magnificent as well as excruciating spectacle Nyxeris had witnessed.

 

During the last two months, Liara positively blossomed, what was once a modest pouch had evolved into a round, taut pillow of adipose that hanged out several inches outward. Her already generous butt became a pair of wobbling, almost football-sized orbs, that accompanied wide, childbearing hips. All of this was supported by a pair of wide, constantly touching, thighs. Good doctor’s arms showed visible signs of developing bingo wings and…

 

…by the Goddess those tits

 

Truly, T’Soni heiress was sporting chest of magnitude only a few matrons have developed, even though it was being slowly being surpassed in length by her gut. Surprisingly enough those luscious mounds lost very little of their perkiness considering their growth, almost as if they were not inflated by pounds of fat.

 

Then again it’s the first time I managed to make another asari this fat, human females were easier

 

All of this shook, jiggled with movement especially during exercises, where Liara was wearing only skimpy workout clothes allowing Nyxeris to witness all of her glorious flesh. Thanks asari physiology and treatments provided by Nyxeris her body remained smooth and folds-free, save for few dimples. Those workout sessions had started to shift from purely physical exercise to exercise of restrain to not react to that alluring, plentiful body.

 

With titanic effort, Nyxeris managed to compose herself and wiped a little bit of drool from her face. Many things could be said about The Observer and her… unique set of (non-existent)morals, but she never took advantage of somebody else in that particular area. She would drug, manipulate, kill and fatten - yes, sexual harassment – no.

 

The assistant wiped up her sweat and headed to the kitchen, she had to prepare a proper meal for her “employer”. As Nyxeris was preparing fresh batches of food she continued to ponder on recent developments.

 

319,7 pounds such beautiful, round number. Still, things are not proceeding quite like I hoped pondered older asari while frying meat.

 

While Liara’s appetite was undeniable, save for rare instances of extreme tiredness/semi-consciousness, she had continued to stick to “feeding” hours without snacking of her own. While exercises were clearly causing more and more problems doctor stubbornly insisted on them despite her assistant subtle attempts to dissuade her, not even agreeing to limit them to Nyxeris’s original set.

 

If I could only hook her up to funnel for a few days, all those thoughts of those silly exercises would quickly leave her head daydreamed The Observer as she mixed ingredients.

 

Those pointless workouts are a pain in my ass. Speaking of… 

 

The Observer slapped her buttock and received a quite loud reply. Despite her trying to be careful, she was not able to save herself from some of the side-effects. Right now, she was above 180 pounds, but unlike Liara, she had not had the benefit of having her original weight increased by multiple stones worth of hard, athletic muscles. No, in this case, all those 50+ pounds were adipose, which besides turning her belly a visible punch seemed to focus on her bottom and legs, giving her a pear shape.

 

Oh… it’s not like she minded it, even though Nyxeris considered herself to be one who fattens others, not herself and all that adipose was already making her exercises more draining. However, her actions managed to make Liara ignore changes of her own body, but remained as observant of her surroundings as ever, at least when she was not gorging. While it was doubtful Liara would prosecute her for it, that may tip her off, seeing as they are supposed to eat and exercise in identical amounts every day. Even nowadays, in bouts of focus, the young doctor was checking if her assistant ate the first bite first and checked her during meals, which was one of the reasons for her situation.

 

Also, Nyxeris did dose herself with antidotes to various drugs and, if possible, prepared separate portions for herself, but no remedy is perfect nor could save her from high levels of calories in every meal. Obviously, she had personally made sure everything was delicious and Nyxeris did not have a habit of denying herself if it was not necessary. However Nyxeris could not allow herself to become a liability to the operation, The Shadow Broker cut down those.

 

Not to mention she was already quite taller than me. Those pounds show much more visibly on my ass than hers thought The Observer as she put food on a platter and grimaced.

 

Exactly she was taller, now she is gigantic

 

That was biggest conundrum The Observer was facing, the change in Liara she had not been able to recognize before. The young doctor who had been already tall, even by asari standards, at a firm 5 feet’s, 8 inches compared to Nyxeris’s average 5’5”, had recently a growth spurt. According to remote measurements, The Observer had done, Liara was currently standing at little above 5’10” and still growing. That change explained the unexpected increase in her foot size, as far as older asari could tell, given doctor gain, doctor entire body grew relatively proportionally. It forced Nyxeris to replace almost all doctor’s clothing which suddenly had become too short. However, it was not the problem, especially as everything was already leading to this, after all, the fabric cannot stretch infinitely and Liara, had more problems putting them on with every day.

 

But what caused this transformation?! Was it drugs doctor had been eating, but most of them were already tested and nothing similar happened. Some sort of allergic reaction? But there was nothing that could cause such change. Perhaps, it was caused by weight gain itself. Who knows, there was no modern recordings of asari approaching similar weight, especially medical ones.

 

Hopefully, Nyxeris’s… newly employed control group will provide her with answers. So far there are no signs of illness and Liara remained ignorant of her increased height along with her new weight and The Observer had every intention of making sure it remains so.

 

She was putting a platter on the table when bathroom doors were heard and a few seconds later Liara came into view. The young doctor was wearing her casual clothing – a clearly human-based shirt and loose pants. However even it that outfit Nyxeris could occasionally observe rippling of Liara’s flesh as well as the hypnotic movement of her breasts.

 

The Observer managed to compose herself and gestured towards the full table, which was unnecessary as taller asari was already heading straight to it. They exchanged typical pleasantries, although Liara’s mind was clearly focused on platters before her, and Nyxeris went to the bathroom. She had left her superior with 3 platters full of food, that should provide her enough time for a quick shower.

 

Those portions were merely a beginning. It was the end of the day, unlike previous meals when Liara needed to be somewhat presentable and return to work with a clear head. But now it was time to truly fill that belly of her's, to stretch its limit. With some words and help of “medicaments” make that organ ready for even more food next days and shove as much fat as possible into Liara widening body.

 

When The Observer returned to the kitchen, the young doctor was the halfway third platter. Liara clearly was already entering her usual trance, her shirt was being covered in first smears of food. A smile slowly appeared on older asari face, she went to the counter and brought another dish for her “patient” as well a plate for herself.

 

Nyxeris ate slowly, observing the doctor from the corner of her eyes. She kept walking beeline to the counter, from which assistant brought a stream of delicious food. As Liara was falling deeper into feeding frenzy The Observer began subtly repeat programming, encouraging her to eat as much as possible and beyond, to disregard changes of her statue.

 

Meanwhile, tall asari kept consuming with fervour but managed to maintain just enough composure to still be using cutlery. With every fast movement of her arms and strong jaws, crumbles flew as well as droplets of juices were falling down, often being stopped on her sizable chest, which shook mesmerizingly. Liara’s belly, as it was being filled with fatty substances, shifted from smooth and soft sphere to taut ball and began expanding forward through the crack between trousers and shirt. As the doctor was inhaling food it grew, front and navel of the organ finally disappeared under the table and kept going further.

 

Nyxeris was observing her “employer” with a wide smile, still attending to her, but started to discreetly check readings from implants under Liara’s skin. Younger asari was slightly slowing down, not because lacking appetite, but doctor’s arms were getting tired due to their heavy labour. Obviously, older asari would leave her “patient” to starve, so she helped her deliver fresh portions to doctor’s eager mouth, even as her midriff gurgled and cracked.

 

However, Liara’s immense stomach reached the point where it was a megaton bomb, ready to burst. Readings indicated that a mix of caloric filled food had stretched skin and fatty tissue to absolute limits, well almost. Nyxeris brought a large jug, the liquid inside had a faint taste of chocolate, but it was a sophisticated weight-gain shake. The Observer started to pour substance between dark blue lips of ex-archaeologist.

 

Despite midriff’s sounds of protests, older asari were tilting jug with sweet miasma, recipient’s arms were hanging uselessly on her sides, letting her assistant take charge. Obscene sounds were escaping depths of Liara’s throat, her furious stomach kept gurgling, but at long last the jug was empty.

 

Nyxeris put down the jug an, with a smile, absorbed sight before her: a fat, but beautiful, young asari with the extremely well-endowed chest. Her face and shirt were covered in grease and bits of food, top of char under her swallowed by a meaty bottom. And finally, the cherry on the top – this absurdly distended belly, that completely covered doctor’s thighs and ventured far under table. As far as Nyxeris could tell no pregnant asari in recent history could pride herself on such a magnificent, gargantuan stomach.

 

Older asari prepared paper towels before the stuffed doctor and began cleaning. On another note she was quite full herself, having been nibbling on various dishes during feeding. However, Nyxeris had been too preoccupied take note of either of those facts. She was cleaning the kitchen when quiet groans and sound of a towel being torn reached her. Liara was becoming more coherent and cleaning herself. The assistant checked an hour on her omnitool, smiled and went to her “employer”.

 

“Ma’am, it’s still quite early, perhaps you would like a massage?” asked older asari pleasantly. The doctor blinked a few times, opened her mouth and…

 

*Bbbbuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrp*

 

A deep sound emerged from a young doctor mouth and filled the apartment. She put a fist to her face and coughed, trying, somewhat, to compose herself.

 

“Akem… if you don't mind. I’m afraid ate a little too much” said Liara, appearing much more conscious than just a while ago. Nyxeris smile widened and extended her hand to the doctor.

 

“Nonsense, ma’am. I assure you didn’t eat any more than strictly necessary. Let us go” replied The Observer in a voice so convincing, The Adversary herself would be jealous of. Liara twisted so she sat sideways to the table, fully exposing her enormous, blue balloon of a stomach. She put one hand on the pice of furniture, the second one Liara gave to Nyxeris and stood up.

 

Ugghh

 

Older asari barely succeeded in suppressing a wince. Doctor’s weight reached and likely surpassed 350 pounds, being jolted even by a fraction of it, for somebody who was anything, but a paragon of physical strength was not pleasant. Liara stood up and the assistant was reminded of her amazon-like stature as she towered over her. Hand to hand they started the trek to the ex-archaeologist bedroom. While helping to support her “employer's” incredible bulk, Nyxeris mused about recent developments.

 

She is getting wider much faster than taller, so is her dependency and trust in me. Liara’s goes to the office only when she has “official” meetings, but spends there less time every day, doing most work at home. Sits on her fat ass, meanwhile sending me to issues that need “direct" approach. Good, very good thought The Observer with content as she fought strain from appearing on her face. Helping Liara waddle upstairs was no easy task. Yet, Shadow Broker’s operative’s mood was better than ever as she observed wobbling figure next to her.

 

I am going to serve you on every step of the way Liara, you only sit and eat. It’s better to get used to it now, than when you are less… mobile

[xXWWhiteXx]

Thank you. I am pretty sure you did not. At this point, I am not planning any separate stories in ME, but there will be a gain of other characters and I may do chapters focused on them. I simply do not plan that far ahead. 😅

[xXWWhiteXx]

Finally!!! I managed to finish this chapter and polish it to the best of my abilities. Also (finally) contains some, I hope, interesting developments. 😁

To anybody that bothers reading it: sorry for the long wait, I hope you will enjoy it.😅

Any feedback/suggestions are most welcome.

****

Chapter 16: Balst from the past

3 weeks later, Sunday

Liara’s safe house

 

Ex-archaeologist eyed her surrounding closely, but cautiously to not to arise suspicion. The day before Eristena contacted her asking her for a personal meeting. Somebody she had know needed assistance, but commando insisted that issue was also relevant directly to her. Muscular asari asked for complete discretion and absence of other people. As Liara had not noticed any signs suggesting trap and knowing that Eristena was the last person to exaggerate, she arrogated a meeting in one of the locations only doctor and head commando knew of.

 

Now Liara was walking through a rather bustling street to one of the unassuming apartments. It was rather peaceful, middle-class neighbourhood, pleasant, but similar to many areas in Nos Astra. The doctor wore a long, dark, frilly dress, in human-based style liked by a margin of maidens.

 

It was very different from her usual outfits as by no means outfit acceptable in circles she usually operating in, but similar ones flashed now and then on this street. It did however had a certain advantage, strips fabric allowed to hide quite a few items doctor had taken just in case. Also while it was rather comfortable, not skin-tight like most examples of asari fashion, the extra fabric was moving and shaking in most unexpected ways. Well… Liara thought it was material she felt, but what else it could be wobbling like that?

 

Her appearance was also different. Liara had used special “make-up” kit to darken her complexion, present herself a completely different set of markings that ran almost to end of her crest and had overall changed her appearance. Differences were small but together gave her a completely different look. Perhaps she was going overboard, as she and Eristena had different definitions of a “private, secure meeting”, but Liara preferred to be safe than sorry.

 

As promised doctor was alone, Nyxeris was doing groceries and was supposed to meet with some friends and it had seemed she was had been literal. As much as her paranoia was screaming at her Liara could not forbid her employer from social outings. Well… she could, but that would be fair, healthy and was likely to backfire on her. Liara told her assistant that she would remain at home and do some work, but asked that Nyxeris bring some files from the isolated server in her office after she is done.

 

Young asari's omnitool was connected to various sensors in her workplace, if Nyxeris enters it and Liara was still out, the doctor will have much time to return to the apartment before her assistant. This too might be an overabundance of caution from her, but commando did specify that she preferred that Liara’s assistant be in the dark about the whole affair.

 

Although I do wonder why? thought doctor with a pang of worry. Still stroll amongst “normal” people brought her unexpected joy, after spending so much time amongst businessmen/ businesswoman with rather dubious morals, despite her rather secluded nature. The only details that did not allow her to fully enjoy were the seemingly ominous nature of occasion and instances when she spotted families with small children. But every time Liara managed to swallow rush of (not)annoyance and continued her trek.

 

Finally, she arrived. Liara stood before doors identical to many others she just passed. The doctor rang sequence of sounds using doorbell and put her hand on touchscreen.

 

“Hello, ma’am” heard tall asari from the device, after a few seconds, as soon as the device had stopped scanning her biometrics and analysing voice. Commando must have been waiting on the alert. After a second, the door opened and Lara saw older asari. Eristean had abandon commando leathers, which she seemed to always wear, in favour of a bit more casual wear, which to be honest, reminded the doctor a bit of CSS uniform, but with more vibrant colours.

 

The moment older asari gaze fallen on the ex-archaeologist, her face flickered in a worry, but quickly returned to normal. To be honest, after two months without direct contact Liara too noticed some change. Not in the muscular asari appearance itself. No, it was... more subtle, but the doctor could not put her finger at it.

 

At last, doors closed after her and unsurprisingly Liara noticed a firearm in the previously hidden arm of her employee.

 

“Isn’t that mask a bit much?” asked older asari with a microscopic smile, that did not reach her eyes. The doctor only looked at her.

 

“It isn’t a mask, just a little bit of make-up. Besides, it was you, who insisted on secrecy. Not to mention what is in your hand” replied Liara with a bit of amusement. Older asari only, ever so slightly, rolled her eyes.

 

“Fair enough,” said commando and gestured to apartment’s living room.

 

“Please, come I’ll explain everything, once you meet our guest”

 

Younger asari nodded and followed in her tracks. They entered the living room, Liara noticed with approval that despite daytime, windows were covered in special blinds. Nothing sort of rocked would pass through them and prevented visual observations.

 

However, her attention was quickly shifted to the third person in the room. The mysterious guest was wearing a typical blue-green jumpsuit, but most noticeable was her complexion. Liara has seen members of her species with various colours, starting with a near-white blue, ending at dark purple. Asari before her was none of those instead her skin was green. Unusual guest sat on one of the couches by the table, leaning down with clasped fingers, clearly, she was worried.

 

The moment leaf-coloured asari noticed their arrival she stood up, showing her full appearance to the doctor. Indeed, as far as, Liara could see her entire skin was green. Another unique characteristic of their guest was her statue, she was probably the most… rotund asari Liara had remember seeing. Her jumpsuit was most likely biggest available, if not custom made and stretched tightly, presenting asari’s ample size in detail, Liara could even see small folds of adipose on her sides. The fabric was especially stretched around her matriarch-worthy breasts and her belly. However, the person before her seemed strangely familiar.

 

That face-paint…

 

“Shiala?” said Liara, in half-greeting, half-question. Green skinned asari blinked and measured her from head to toe.

 

“Liara? Nyxeris failed to mention it was you who would come. Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first” replied former commando in the apologetic voice, visibly embarrassed.

 

“Miss T’Soni may have gotten too far when trying to be discrete” added Eristena, with notes of, by the Goddess, playfulness.

 

“It definitely worked, that's... quite a disguise” agreed Shiala weakly, once again measuring youngest asari with her gaze. She could be blamed for not recognizing T’Soni heiress.

 

Younger asari had changed quite a bit since their meeting, almost two years ago and it wasn’t simply a matter of disguise. Liara had been already quite tall, taller than former commando, but now at almost 6 feet tall, she was easily taller than Benezia herself. The doctor expanded, also …ahem… horizontally. While frilly dress obscured details of Liara’s figure, Shiala was able to observe the large, bulging mass of flesh that had sprouted from doctor’s middle, a wide, childbearing hips and an immense, surprisingly firm, chest that was overshadowing that of her former employer. Those were first changes that caught green-skinned asari's eyes, but every part of Liara’s body was wider by several volumes. Overall younger asari had gotten fat, void… obese, even considering her new height.

 

She is at least twice the asari I remember, it that really Liara? though bewildered Shiala. She was not wrong, ex-archaeologist reached 352 pounds, most of this being pure blubber, which made her more than twice her original weight.

 

 

“Ahem… could we move towards the original point of this meeting? Eristena said you needed help and I sincerely doubt your current appearance is an eccentric fashion statement” said Liara and relaxed a little, ultimately green asari was a familiar face and known entity.

 

Eristena nodded and pointed towards the table. Shiala relaxed a bit, muscular commando may not be specialising in espionage, but she was no amateur and had excellent intuition If Eristena had said it was Liara she most likely right. Apart from that, former commando had had a brief glance at the security devices, it was top of the shelf equipment, it could be fooled, but it was problematic. As far as the green asari knew Liara’s current figure was part of her everyday disguise, a way to throw people off her trail.

 

I am the last person to scrutinise gaining weight. Besides I am here to beg for help and anybody know by Eristena is better than unknown.

 

“I’ll prepare tea and Shiala will fill you in on the situation. I already heard most of it and you’ll probably understand it better anyway” proposed muscular asari. Liara nodded and soon two of them sat by the table. The couch groaned quietly, as doctor’s posterior sat on it, her belly was lifted by her lap, making it appear even bigger, although tall asari thought it was only a loose fabric. Still, she was thankful that her stroll ended on such a comfortable seat, Liara felt strangely tired after such a short walk and a physical sluggishness that accompanied her since morning(last moths) was not helping. It was probably nothing, but a small snack later will probably help.

 

Former commando took a deep breath and began her tale.

 

“As you know, after you and Commander Shepard killed the Thorian, I reminded in Zhu Hope in order to help colonist recover. However, its grasp on us didn’t pass without repercussions. Some of the colonists developed certain anomalies and some health problems as the results of her Thorian control. We hired the colonial survey group to do some scans, but apparently, the medical contract allows the company to perform invasive procedures without our consents” explained formal commando slowly. Nyxeris arrived with three cups full of tea and placed them on the table. Both nodded in appreciation.

 

“If you don’t mind, could you briefly explain what those abnormalities are? Did the Thorian survived somehow?” asked Liara calmly, but alarm bells were already ringing in her head. She remembered all too well ancient plant and its abilities. But former commando shook her head.

 

“No, we checked multiple times and there is nothing to imply that. Few months after it died, my pigment changed, few colonists noticed a few patches of green on themselves as well. I and some others have vivid dreams about time with the Thorian. It’s most disconcerting” Shiala paused, took a sip of tea and continued.

 

“A lot of people experience headaches and muscle spawns, similar to what they experienced while under Thorian control. Those symptoms we noticed at firs and alarmed us the most. But there are other, rather unique ones. Sometimes when we are near another former Thorian victim we share sensations like heat or pain. Also…” former asari looked away, she seemed slightly embarrassed.

 

“The appetites of female colonists as well as mine had noticeably increased and subsequently our weight, few women experienced nearly painful hunger pangs or appeared unable to stop eating without somebody interrupting them. What’s more, I become more… satisfied with living in the colony and instead started longing for a steady partner. I would chalk it up as the beginning of a matron stage if not the fact several women expressed similar thoughts, even Arcelia

 

At that Liara’s eyes slightly widened. Even after being freed from creature control, the head of colony security didn’t appear like somebody looking for a steady love life. Meanwhile, a green asari continued.

 

“Also, people appear to become more understanding of each other. We had a considerable decrease in numbers of various quarrel, even amongst those most prone to it before. Instead, we had a few pregnancies. Women are more prone to staying home taking care of kids and eating, while males seem to go the extra mile to provide for families. It was checked those changes do not fit into normal parameters, even after traumatic experiences. That’s all we observed so far. It has to be a result of trace amounts of the Thorian’s parasitic spores, all other possibilities were eliminated so far. You fought it, so you can understand why’d want it studied and cured” Shiala finished explaining afflictions and changes that worried her and inhabitants of Zhu’s Hope.

 

Liara nodded at that, feeling relief and concern for colonists. She remembered the terrifying plant-like creature that used innocent people like disposable tools. The doctor was glad that creature was gone, save perhaps for knowledge it possessed.

 

“Thank you for clearing it up. Now what exactly you need our help with? I assume it has to do with the contract mentioned earlier” asked Liara.

 

Pudgy asari clenched her hands a little and nodded with resignation.

 

“Barrier frontiers was interested in our problem. They offered to perform medical scans deliver treatment for next to nothing. I should know it was too good to be true, but we were desperate and the fine print we told earlier. Apparently, we agreed to perform invasive follow up procedures if they deem it valuable, which they had” admitted former commando with visible shame. Liara quickly ran scenarios of such contract in her head.

 

“Even if they cannot force you to undergo those procedures on you, they still can declare you in the breach of contract,” said Liara. Shiala only nodded sadly.

 

“Exactly, which means we are responsible for a full price we would pay normally. Even with what little help we managed to squeeze from Exo-Geni, we managed to rebuild only basic infrastructure. We simply cannot afford to pay them Especially with our newfound… appetite” confirmed green-skinned asari bowing her herd with shame.

 

“I see. Out of curiosity how did you two meet again?” asked the doctor. This time muscular asari spoke.

 

“After this mess with Saren, I tried to locate all remaining commandos that were with Benezia. Effects were less than encouraging, but there were few exceptions, like Shiala. I had told her I work here, so she asked me for pointers and explained the basics of the problem. You had to deal with what that plant and know about this pseudo-legal nonsense much more than me. So I asked for this meeting. Do you have any ideas about how to deal with this?” explained head commando. Liara nodded and began to think, simply releasing colonist from their debt was not enough…

 

Minute of silence was finally broken by Shiala.

 

“Liara I don’t expect you to solve it for us, but perhaps you know how I could proceed. I’m afraid I reached limits of my diplomatic abilities” pleaded former commando. Liara rubbed her eyes and sighed.

 

“I suppose we have the first problem for our research division” said ex-archaeologist after long pause.

 

Eristena blinked, while bureaucracy was not her strong suit, she always made a point to know the exact structure of the organisation she worked in.

 

“We have a research division?”

 

“We will” cleared Liara. Meanwhile, green asari was visibly taken aback.

 

“I… I appreciate the help but isn't that a bit too much?“ asked Shiala and immediately cursed herself in thought. She needed all the help she could get.

 

“Don’t thank me yet Shiala. We have to organise it and acquire that contract of yours. Besides my motives are hardly altruistic” replied doctor and started to walk through the room, giving green asari opportunity to see increase in her buttocks volume.

 

“First I don’t trust anybody with anything concerning Thorian. Of all people you best know what it was able to do. If somebody managed even fraction of its abilities we would have a catastrophe” began Liara. Shiala only nodded, but she was clenching her teeth at the reminder.

 

“Second, and possibly most importantly, as far as I know, you are the only person to recover from Sovereign indoctrination” added tall asari.

 

“At the cost of becoming Thorian’s slave,” said former commando sharply.

 

“I know” replied Liara much softer voice than previously.

 

“But perhaps there is a way to replicate effect or develop means of prevention. The Goddess knows we will need those” explained doctor in kind, but firm voice.

 

At that Shiala face paled.

 

“You think that those things are coming…?” she asked trying to banish terrible visions and memories of monstrous ship from her mind.

 

“I know it. And I am afraid they will be here sooner than later. But let us focus on current matters. Please send me all information’s about that contract and I’ll see what I can do. Do you have necessary accommodations?” asked Liara while using her omnitool to send former commando secure contact data. Shiala smiled sincerely and nodded.

 

“I am fine. Eristena had secured quite decent housing for me. But thank you, Liara” said green asari with gratefulness heard in her voice, she was clearly relived.

 

“You may come to regret this decision. Eristena will surely relay to you just how much of a tyrannical employer I am” informed Liara with a hint of amusement.

 

“I’ll contact you as soon as I have something concrete, but inform me if something happens. For what’s worth, I truly hope we manage to help colonist. But please do not divulge widely about my involvement” said doctor firmly. Green skied asari got up and stood next to younger asari.

 

“I’ll tell only the most significant members of the colony, they will feel better that it’s you. But don’t worry I’ll be discrete. I’ll head home and send you all documents. Unless there is something more?” asked Shiala still smiling. Liara returned it.

 

“Nothing else comes to my mind at this point. Eristena?” said the doctor and looked on muscular asari. She only shook her head.

 

“Do come by the training centre. Retired or not, we could use more commando with your experience as an instructor, even temporarily” proposed stoic asari.

 

“I will. Thank you both for help. It is a first time in weeks there is hope that we get through this mess” said Shiala. Eristena stood up as well and accompanied them to the door. It was then when Liara fully able to assess changes in her guest. By her estimation, ex-commando weighed around 250 pounds, newly gained tissue concentrating in her chest and belly.

 

When green-skinned asari had left, both doctor and commando sat again in livingroom.

 

“So… what’s the other reason you wanted to meet. Because while I understand the urgency of Shiala’s situation, but I do not believe that's why asked for all this secrecy.” said Liara, interrupting prolonging silence. Eristena only released a small sigh.

 

“We both know I am no good at those spy games you have to deal with. But… I noticed a possible security risk you appear to have been overlooking. I want to talk about it” explained head commando gravely. 

 

“Very well. Let’s talk” agreed Liara equally seriously and took a sip of tea, she had filling she will need it.

 

They did talk. It proved to be quite enlightening.

 

***

 

Meanwhile

Concealed Research Centre

 

Nyxeris was smiling when she entered the actual complex. If there was one thing about Illium she truly liked, it was the fact that you could organize almost anything “legally” as long as you fill proper paperwork and, obviously, shove enough credits.

 

A completely cut off facility with shell company over it? – by all means.

 

There was also other, more important, reason for her giddy mood. The Observer was here to inspect the effects of conducted research.

 

She was greeted by the salarian with a light brown complexion, in laboratory uniform and a rather serious expression. He had been called earlier from a visible reception.

 

“Ah… Miss Dimakos punctual, I see. We were informed of your desire to see the progress of our trials” said scientists almost emotionlessly, but with a slight note of annoyance.

 

“Please, doctor. Rest assured I have full faith in your abilities. But experience teaches that it’s important to look after your investments” replied asari in a peaceful voice and with a smile. The salarian only give her a hasty nod and gestured to next door.

 

 

After a short walk, they arrived in the room with a row of large windows overlooking, what’ appeared to be, a livingroom. There were multiple screens, some showing a camera feed from other rooms and angles. Others shoved vitals of the occupants.

 

“I assume they cannot see us?” asked Nyxeris while pointing at the window.

 

“It’s one-sided, from another side it looks like a normal wall. Participants were informed that their vitals would be monitored. However, they remain unaware of our surveillance” explained asari that currently were on duty in that room. Nyxeris looked at the displays before her. The fabricated apartment was occupied by four asari.

 

To be exact it was four asari that were part of the group cantered around the one, and only, Heless Vate. After a confrontation with Liara she had immediately quit and her friends followed. Nyxeris had personally made sure that they received the short end of the stick according to their contract. A few more of a small unfortunate, but costly, accidents and strange lack of job prospects, all courtesy of Liara’s assistant, resulted in that after a month group of maidens were left creditless as well as close to losing their housing. Few of them did have wealthy parents, but they were usually too fed up with their offspring antics or simply didn’t care enough to provide any help at this point. Besides vanity of those maidens prevented them from asking for it in the first place. It was hard to believe that many of those air-heads were older than Liara.

 

But miraculously during one of their employment-hunting trips, they found a perfect job. Research on the effects of prolonged isolation in small groups. Necessary were young, physically and mentally(hah) fit asaris that would spend multiple months without direct contact with the outside world, although in fairly comfortable conditions. Seclusion would be only broken in case of a medical emergency or if coordinators decided so.

 

The payment was fairly good for a job that required them to do nothing, coupled it with the fact that it had been Heless who found it resulted in quick enlistment of Vate’s entire group. Strangely enough, she was the only asari to receive that offer. They were also not sharp enough to notice fine print stating company had the privilege of dosing them with medication, change their living conditions and enforce them to act as their employers see fit, as long as it did not endanger their lives. The contract didn’t specify how long the experiment would take place, only that it would continue until the corporation received a satisfactory amount of data.

 

That was fine with Nyxeris, while she would dispose of idiotic maidens if push came to shove, she had no intention of doing so. The Observer could “legally” keep them in the complex as long as she “take care” of them. Nyxeris had every intention of doing just so and make sure that young asaris had no desire or ability to leave her care.

 

“First group, effects of hypnotic, subliminal suggestions and other psychological stimuli on asari. In this case, all messages are supposed to make objects increase food intake and acceptance of fat tissue growth and discourage from physical activities. The end goal is to, as by your instructions, to make patients adopt as sedentary lifestyle as possible with equally calorie-heavy diet” relied the salarian in a monotone voice and tapped on few screens.

 

“Here we have their original and current weight. Their apartment is stocked with a variety of products, that are being restocked automatically. They have the option of requesting specific products, but we haven't received any requests so far. We haven’t administrated any medications according to your instructions.” continued amphibians scientist.

 

Nyxeris looked at the displays.

 

Priyrzia Atrurus:

Height: 5’6”

Original weight: 151,8 lbs

Current weight: 162,3 lbs

 

Heollta Pesare:

Height: 5’4”

Original weight: 128,8 lbs

Current weight: 139,3 lbs

 

Irayme Jannili:

Height: 5’4”

Original weight: 122,4lbs

Current weight: 130,3 lbs

 

Joneres Janiana:

Height: 5’5”

Original weight: 138,7 lbs

Current weight: 149,6 lbs

 

That not too much. Then again it was barely a month using only the most subtle method pondered The Observer and shifted her attention to the apartment.

 

One of the maidens was preparing something in the kitchen, the second one was trying to work out in a small gym, but it was visible her heart was not in it. However, the remaining two presented the most heart-warming sight to the Nyxeris. Both of them were sitting on the couch, mindlessly watching some show while munching of snacks. Considering a few empty wrappings and a distended stomach of a maiden that had decided to remain in her trousers and lingerie, they were at it for a while.

 

“So far results have been inconclusive. We did note an increase of consumed food and their lessened insistence on physical training, but that may be the effect of boredom and drastically smaller peer pressure. That kind of stimuli cause most noticeable effect after a certain duration, so we cannot be sure. However, diminution of more aggressive impulses is most likely effect of our actions. They do have access to holonet, but various filters that add specifically prepared subliminal messages and prevent them from sending any data outside” Ahum reported.

 

“Tests?” asked Nyxeris without taking away her gaze from the scene in livingroom.

 

“Yes, every day they are required to do a basic test on their consoles. Nothing too complicated, they are composed in a way that allows us their mental state. So far nothing unexpected” explained the salarian. The Observer nodded and tore away from the sight of stuffing maidens.

 

“Please continue with this course of action and notify me if something changes. Is there something that needs my attention concerning this group?” asked Nyxeris.

 

“No, at least at this stage. There is a suggestion to dose one of them with light medications to heighten object susceptibility and measure how her overall state will deviate from the rest. However only after a longer exposure of the entire group to conditioning and determination of most effective methods” replied salaraian. Asari nodded.

 

“Approved. Please do inform me when you will decide it’s appropriate to implement that idea. Now could you show me the next group?” requested Nyxeris. He nodded and both left the room, leaving lone asari to operation.

 

“As expected testing of new substances provided much more immediate, although I’m afraid we’ll need further… volunteers,” said the doctor as they approached next door.

 

The set up inside were identical to that from the previous room, but the sight from windows and cameras was noticeably different, despite also identical interior. Those irregularities were caused by the overall mess in the entire apartment and various wrappers laying around.

 

“Group number two, trials of newly develop an appetite and hunger stimulants as well others associated substances” announced Ahum. Nyxeris heard him like through the fog, she was too occupied with the sight before her.

 

A single asari was sitting in the livingroom, she was watching a talkshow of some sort, or rather was trying to. Considering her expression and erratic movement of hands, she had something else on her mind. She was wearing a shirt and pants, but it was visible that they didn’t fit her as well they used to. To lone asari’s credit, she did bother to wear something.

 

Two other maidens were laying together asleep a double bed with only their lingerie on. Both were soundly asleep, surrounded by multiple empty junk food containers, completely empty ones. They seemed to grow even more than their clothed companion and their bellies.... Two taut hills, marred with purple stretchmark’s, that protruded almost half feet from their bodies. Despite the relatively small weight of occupants, it was clear that that room had been place for the magnificent display of gluttony.

Nyxeris painfully bit her lip and tried to contain her excitement. She managed to tear away from her eyes from camera feed and instead checked their status.

 

Jonuci Masus:

Height: 5’7”

Original weight: 146,6 lbs

Current weight: 182,3 lbs

 

Lenithnea Sasir:

Height: 5’6”

Original weight: 128,9 lbs

Current weight: 172,4 lbs

 

Josanly Sasir:

Height: 5’6”

Original weight: 127,6 lbs

Current weight: 169,3 lbs

 

Mmmmmm… gain of more than 40 pounds after the first month. If I could start with Liara like that dreamed The Observer. After a few seconds, she managed to compose herself.

 

“Doctor, how fares this group?” said asari to the salarian, who remained silent so far. He probably noticed that his employer was too transfixed to listen to him.

 

“We began dosing all four objects with different substances assigned to each of them. Those medicaments while differing in composition and direct effect all have a similar purpose, namely, increase in patients caloric intake. Beyond that, all food was laced with substances that allow making digestive track much more efficient and prone to distending, digestive boosters, mild muscle relaxants. Many of those were too experimental but were selected so they don't interfere with the main medication” replied the amphibian doctor and began clicking on the screen.

 

“Unfortunately, although those substances were designed to have much more profound effects than already available ones, we still underestimated their potency. First results were visible just after first days” continued scientist showing few camera shots of maidens stuffing themselves and four charts visualising patients calorie intake. 

 

“We decreased dosage slightly intending to stabilise their intake at certain levels. However, their behaviour quickly changes into what you can see on the Sasir twin’s example” said Ahum and pointed at the screen that showed two beautifully glutted asari.

 

“Patients eat everything until they cannot take another bite. Then they wait until they can and slowly and painfully eat the rest. Once they run out of food they sleep. Because of it we are preparing their main meals and carefully restock other foods. Thankfully so far they have managed to stop themselves before rapturing their stomach, largely to digestive boosters and stretching inducing substances that I must add have been working wonderfully, but we decided to take some precautions” reported the salarian.

 

“And the one in the livingroom, Jonuci Masus? She seems to be more composed” asked Nyxeris with curiosity.

 

“On the outside, perhaps, and even that is most likely temporary. Miss Masus managed to resist the longest, at one point she even tried to get out” said the salarian and chuckled slightly.

 

“Biotic dampeners we distributed to all of them prevented her from causing any real damage. And message where we warned her that further attempts will result in having her food supply reduced completely halted her destructive notions. Unlike twins, she still bothers to clothe herself and clean her environment. Miss Masus even mananges to stop herself from eating snacking, for a few minutes that is. However, we make all of them shower themselves and we may need to start remotely clean apartment in the foreseeable future” explained scientist with his monotone voice.

 

Something occurred to Nyxeris.

 

“Doctor at first you said about four patients and, from what I remember, that group was supposed to be composed of four asari. Yet inside are only three” asked The Observer and pinned her employee with her gaze. He only nodded, uncharacteristically slowly for a salarian.

 

“Yes, there has been an incident, but not serious enough to require direct contact with you, as per your instructions Miss Dimakos” replied Ahum calmly. 

 

In other words – the fourth asari was alive, she didn’t contact with the outside nor she escaped.

 

The Observer nodded with acceptance.

 

“I will show you her next, but before that, mealtime approaches. Would you like to see it for herself?” asked scientist. That did pique Nyxeris attention.

 

“Yes, very much so,” said asari with a smile.

 

“Epon send messages and turn on the audio from the kitchen ” commanded scientists to other salarian that worked in this observatory.

 

“At once” replied worker and tapped few buttons. Few second later omnitools of all maidens flashed. The reaction was immediate, it looked as if electric current ran through them. Eyes of both twins snapped open and the began to hastily, althought clumsily sit up, which accompanied various sounds. Josanly was quicker, but too visibly hampered by her distended stomach. She arrived by one of the lockers and pressed omnitool to it. It opened and revealed several large bowls filled to brims with food. Clothed asari transported them to livingroom at last second as the sound of bare feet was heard. Twins arrived in the kitchen and mirrored her actions. However, they didn’t bother moving too far with food or utensils, that Josanly was still holding in shaking hands.

 

Instead, they put the container on the nearest counter with chairs and began to gorge. They were using their bare hands to shove food into their mouths, tore through meat and large pieces with their teeth. Juices and gravy ran down their faces and hands. At some point one of them simply showed her face into the bowl with food, the second twin soon followed. At this point, they resampled starved breeding animals.

 

Good supplied Nyxeris mind at this image as she tried to contain growing arousal.

 

Josanly was not faring too good. She ate fast, but her hands shook more and more with every second. Finally, she stopped, looked hard on her jerking hands and at the food before here. At long last Josanly abandoned cutlery, that hindered her, and started to push food down her gullet like her roommates.

 

The entire apartment was a scene to the glorious spectacle of untamed gluttony. From speaks were hard sounds of biting, treating and swallowing. Such amounts of food weren’t indifferent to their stomach. Theirs, already distended, midriffs began to push outward trying to accommodate their incredible load. With every bite, they grew and showing new gluttony induced wounds.

 

After several long minutes, maidens were done. They sat half-consciously rubbing their gargantuan guts with the gentleness of a proud, pregnant mother. Those enormous food-filled organs stuck out, looking unreal on maidens’ still relatively small frames. But it was only a matter of time before cargo inside would digest into lovely fat. More calories-filled goods would soon follow, making young asaris growing into proper, adipose filled forms.

 

Nyxeris was panting heavily with fist clenched fist covering her mouth. She was pretty sure that her panties were wet. Slowly she managed to compose herself. Ahum broke the silence.

 

“Those are results, so far. Now we will give them some time to digest and provide snacks in several minutes. At this point, I suggest to completely suspend dosing patients with stimulants to observe how long effects will last. But considering their dramatically increased stomach capacity, I doubt that their intake is ever likely to drop to its original level” said the salarian without any emotion in his voice. Nyxeris took a deep breath.

.

“I approve of this course of action, but I want you to resume treatment the moment they stop stuffing themselves to absolute limits. Is that understood?” commanded slowly The Observer. Scientist nodded.

 

“Yes. In the meantime would like to see fourth and final patient?” asked doctor. Nyxeris glanced at the images of stuffed maidens and their pulsing bellies. She sighed in thoughts, but she couldn't prolong her absence too much.

 

“Of course. Please lead the way doctor” replied asari and so they went.

 

They entered alternative hallway and arrived before small reinforced doors. Next to it was several screens that were monitored by single asari, two other ones sat next to her, looking bored out of their minds.

 

“Dalior, how’s our patient?” the salarian asked nurse that was looking at screens. Biggest one showed insides of a padded room. Behind the door was only single young asari curled in a fetal position on the floor, despite a bed nearby. She was wearing a loose uniform and even despite her position Nyxeris could not notice her belly, bigger than any of the previous asari.

 

“No changes so far. Vitals are stable. She ate, moaned for more for about half-hour and fallen asleep. We’ll have to give more soon or she'll wake up from hunger and throw a fit” replied nurse in a weary tone.

 

The Observer pointed questioning look at the amphibian scientist. He only turned to her and gave her a holopad with some data. 

 

Linulha Novo:

Height: 5’6”

Original weight: 140,4 lbs

Current weight: 189,3 lbs

 

“Miss Novo is a former occupant of the second room. At first, the medication seemed to have little to none effect, but we continued with it to be sure. We learned that time was the key factor and that drug she had been receiving is, by far the most potent. After a one and a half week after the first dosage, she woke up in the night and started to eat, mindlessly so. Initially, present employee simply observed, but when her stomach was reaching absolute limits and Miss Novo showed no signs of slowing, he filled the entire apartment full of sleeping gas” related the salarian as he put the recording on one of the screens. It showed a skinny maiden with ridiculously big belly cramming junk food between her lips, with unseen voracity. Ahum continued.

 

“She was moved to isolation. After waking up she immediately demanded food despite, still rather full stomach. Due to a sudden strain that was place upon organ request was denied. Miss Novo started to beg for it, but quickly shifted to threats and aggression. She was destroying the cell, without her biotics, injuring herself in the process. Two members of personnel went in to constrain her. She threw herself at the first one and bitted her” 

 

At that Nyxeris blinked. Those wanna-be-commandos did have some basic training, but no training would suggest to bit your enemy, unless…

 

“Doctor, are you suggesting that she wanted to… eat somebody,” asked The Observer, in disbelief.

 

“Definitely felt like it” answered the unknown Nyxeris turned to the source, it was one of the asari that had been sitting uselessly so far. She was showing forearm that had a clear, freshly healed scars that clearly corresponded to human or asari teeth.

“I had my fair share of accident with hysterical patients, some of them bit, but it was usually caused by desperation or madness. It was usually quick or shallow. She…” nurse points at the camera feed

 

“…bit deep and tried to rip away part of my arm like varren” finished asari and pulled cloth bath on her forearm.

 

Nyxeris looked at the salarian, he didn’t look too happy with interruption but nodded.

 

“I agree. Observations after she was relocated, confirm this, she tried to bit parts the room, but the material is too durable for this to succeed. Her behaviour didn’t change despite the fact we stopped dosing her with medication and we started to provide her with food while keeping increasing portions to absolute maximum her body could handle. Her state improved slightly last week. She reacts to her name and manages to stop herself from attacking when she thinks it would result in termination” told scientist without any emotion.

 

“What exactly do you mean by that?” asked Nyxeris in a much low voice than before. She gave explicit orders to kept those maidens alive.

 

“Miss Novo was informed that she would be killed if she attacked and we entered the room with two employees equipped with stun guns, that looked like actual firearms. She remained still despite the visible internal struggle, that’s how we installed her bed. However, despite multiple inquires and attempts on dialogue her communication is limited to pleas and threats for more substance” explained Ahum and showed another clip. Inside of padded room two asari holing, what looked like a M-5 Phalanx, Nyxeris’s conversationalist and Linulha. Maiden was sitting in a corner looking like a cornered animal that only waits for an opportunity to attack.

 

“We think she would still attack if not for those measures. Members of current group two, despite their state, partake in other activities on their volition, even if briefly or without paying them much attention and are able to stop themselves when reaching limits. Meanwhile, this patient would, most likely would, continue to eat, even as her stomach ruptured and continue until she died. Due to obvious reasons, we haven’t tested that thesis” reported amphibian scientist. The Observer nodded still looking at the asari inside the padded room.

 

“Would you show me results live once again, doctor?” asked Nyxeris with a smirk.

 

“I see no problems with that. You Miss Muza?” the salarian asked the overseeing asari. She shook her head.

 

“As I said, everything looks good and it’s chow time, anyway. Let me just check how much we can give her” replied nurse and started clicking buttons. After a few seconds she stopped.

 

“Now we wait for delivery”

 

Indeed after a few seconds a portion of a wall opened and through it arrived multiple bowls with food. The effect was instantaneous and exceeded all of Nyxeris’s expectations.

 

Maiden’s eyes snapped open and she leapt at a meal like a predator on unsuspecting prey. The Observer had thought that occupants of previous room ate like starved animals, but it was something else. She was eating directly from containers as they had been placed, with her knees on the ground and hands keeping the bowl in place. She ate with the ferocity of a rabid varren, from one of the cameras Nyxeris saw enormous loads trawling down her gullet. The moment container emptied she would throw it away and grab another one. As maiden ate her stomach inflated, displaying old and new stretch marks. Young asari didn’t give any signs when organ reached the floor, she kept inhaling her meal, and her gut chose to expand to sides. 

 

After minutes, that felt like hours, maiden devoured the entire meal. When she realized it, Linulha simply fell to the side, showing her stomach in its enormous, purple glory. Maiden was breathing hard as if she ran a marathon, with her hands laying uselessly. The scarred orb that had sprouted from her middle seemed to throb and looked ready to burst at any second.

 

Nyxeris was once again trying to hide her state. The entire display was disturbing, at times she doubted that creature she was seeing on the screens was ever an asari. It ate and ate with no sign of intelligence, like some sort of mindless animal. It was unreal, disgusting, it…

 

I think my lingerie is soaked though Nyxeris, her mind clouded with arousal.

 

Then she saw that maiden seemed to speak. Medical personnel noticed this as well and clicked on a combination of buttons.

 

“… ase. I need more. Please, I am so hungry, please…” and so on. At first, Linulha‘s tone and expression suggested she was going to cry. However, both began to shift into anger and then animalistic fury.

 

“…GIVE MORE YOU FUCKERS OR I WILL...”

 

At some point, she even threw one of the containers, but bowl only folded and fallen harmlessly. It would seem they were made from some flexible polymer.

 

After several minutes of furious, but pointless shrieking she stopped and looked around. Linulha started to… lick herself and surroundings from remains of any edible substances.

 

Ahum bent down and disabled audio.

 

This is what it looks like. After she falls asleep we pump sedative so we can clean her and room as well as administrate some medications. Her entire behaviour consists of sleeping, yelling for more and sleeping when waiting for food. The patient still has her omnitool, we also did offer her some light forms of entertainment, but she has shown no infested in them, so far. It would seem as all her needs, desires and thoughts revolve eating and her hunger, to the point when she is incapable of rational thinking. Even few carried out threats that we tied to persuade her with didn’t force her to change her behaviour” concluded salarian. Nyxeris nodded.

 

“A regular eating machine” The Observer summed up.

 

“Basically, yes,” said the doctor with slightly disgruntled voice. But it was likely caused by Nyxeris’s phrasing than anything else.

 

“I fear that at this stage we will have to limit our reach to observing Miss Novo and simulations of this substance properties. Effects are too violate to continue without improvements, but there are simply too many variables to do so quickly. That’s why…”

 

“Doctor, please. Can we continue this talk at the way to the final room?” interrupted Nyxeris calmly. Ahum blinked but soon nooded.

 

“Of course, Miss Dimakos”

 

When they passed through the door and were alone The Observer began to speak.

 

“Ahum, I am very happy with the actions of this facility so far and I want you to continue on this track. I will provide more volunteers according to what you specify, if you need to you may increase staff, as long as they pass the screening. However…” asari stopped and pointed at the door they just passed.

 

“The effect we just saw. I need to be able to induce them quickly and be able to stop them if necessary. Once you accomplish that you try to learn how to lessen drug strength, but it’s not the priority. Assign to it all necessary resources, but I want it done” ordered Nyxeris firmly with her gaze pinning the salarian. His eyes narrowing was the only reaction she got.

 

“Very well, Nyxeris. However, it will require extra founding and even then it is going to take some time” replied scientist calmly. Asari smiled.

 

“It’s no problem as long as you provide steady progress. Now would you lead the way to the final patient, doctor?” asked Nyxeris, almost cheerfully.

 

“Of course”

 

And so they went. As they walked The Observer studied the salarian scientist. Doctor Ahum Izue, was not a genius, but he was a solid researcher with a vast knowledge of his field and a well-hidden curiosity that only increased his productivity. He rarely failed to deliver and never made baseless excuses. Most importantly he had absolutely no problems leading even completely… morally questionable projects, as long as everything was considered to be formally “legal”.  He did just turned four asari into food addicts, with no indication of remorse, but everything he had done was well within the bounds of their contract. The salarian had also high opinion thanks to being loyal to his employers, of course only when being well rewarded for his efforts. By Illium standard’s it was a shining endorsement.

 

No wonder I like him though Nyxeris. She mean it strictly professionally, she wasn’t too attracted to males of any species and salarians weren’t her type at all.

 

The room they arrived differed from the first two, it was on the same level as the observed environment and had direct access to it. Personnel was also more numerous, beyond a salarian observer near the console, there were two asari nurses, who were now slowly preparing some tools. The picture seen through transparent parts of the wall and monitor presented a much different image to those seen before as well.

 

The biggest room, that was directly connected to one Nyxeris was standing in, definitely was not a livingroom. It was, spacious, quite nicely decorated room. The Observer noticed several expensive game systems, connected to the monitor that hanged from the ceiling. There was only one door, which connected the main room with bathroom visible on the camera feed.

 

However, the most important aspect was a king-sized bed that stood in the middle of the wall and directly facing the monitor. On its left was a cabinet with some everyday items: wipes, some manual games, a single opened bag of potato crisp and so on. On the other side was a machine with a single, transparent tube coming from it. The Observer never had seen it before, but she had a theory, that filled her with excitement.

 

The bed itself appeared to be quite comfortable, although even from her position Nyxeris noticed several its, attributes that clearly stated that it was not a normal pice of furniture. Like various mechanisms under it and elements that, at least based on The Observer’s knowledge, could be used to securely constrain somebody. It was all Nyxeris observed from her position and with obstacles such as blanket and bed’s occupant under it.

 

This room was also special because it had only one patient from the beginning. It was none only than Heless Vate, in her own, tantrum-filled person. Changes had taken place in her appearance as well. Her face and arms were noticeably pudgier, while her chest didn’t appear to grow visibly, the belly was pushing the top of her hospital garment by quite a lot. Unfortunately not enough to unravel itself from the oversized shirt. The Observer was unable to observe her legs, which were resting under the blanket. She also possessed an unexpected element of attire, something that looked like a collar around her neck.

 

Nyxeris absorbed everything she saw and turned to head scientist with a sincere smile. When he noticed he had her attention back, the salarian started his speech.

 

“Room number three: observations of increasing weight and obesity on asari physiology. Unlike previous setups, this one has housed only one patient since the beginning and she has much more interaction with personnel”

 

He clicked on console and a few informations appeared.

 

Heless Vate:

Height: 5’5”

Original weight: 132,4 lbs

Current weight: 204,7 lbs

 

By the Goddess though Nyxeris and took a sharp breath. Heless was still in, somewhat, “normal” limits, but the rate at which her weight grew…

 

“As per your instructions, we attempt to induce as fast as a possible increase in fat tissue. Especially that, as I understand, you are actually interested in data collected from the patient once she passes 300 pounds threshold. In order to attain it, we constricted Miss Vate physical activity to an absolute minimum. She is required to remain in bed save required usage of the bathroom and, unfortunately, necessary physical activities to stimulate her bodily functions” relayed doctor and showed camera feed of Heless reluctantly performing some exercises.

 

Well, I must admit that she makes Liara’s sessions look like merciless bodybuilding pondered The Observer with amusement, but she also regretted the loss of the few calories maiden had been burning.

 

In order to optimize consumption and further lower physical activity of the patient, we use a funnel. The tube is being inserted directly to subject stomach cavity and through it we pour a calorie-rich paste, minimalizing any work on Miss Vate’s end and speeding up the process. We started with a slightly modified substance created for starvation victims, but we are constantly improving its composition to make it as fattening and as easy to digest as possible” continued the salarian and pointed to plastic containers that were lying near two nurses.

 

“Feeding consist of two cycles, once her stomach is empty we pump it as full as possible, stretching it. Then once the first load is digested we repeat the operation, but without filling her to the absolute maximum the organ has more time to adapt and heal. You did instruct us to minimalize the use of medications if possible, but some are necessary to speed up the process. Beyond what Miss Vate receives to regulate her health, we are dosing her only with stomach stretching substances, digestives, healing ailments and mild anaesthesia. Of course, we can remove them, but it will significantly increase the time necessary for her to safely gain weight.” said Ahem. Nyxeris though for few second shook her head.

 

“No, doctor. I see no need for that as long as she does not receive appetite stimulants and narcotics. However, please sate my curiosity, why not have her permanently hooked to a machine and fill her belly as she digests?” asked The Observer, truly curious.

 

“We did consider this possibility and we are likely do this in the future, but there are few problems with that at this stage. It would not allow the stomach to properly heal and gain elastic, especially as at this stage we prioritized having her stomach capability reinforced. Also as I mentioned earlier we are still modifying forage, so we need to have a clear distinction between the effect of individual batches to compare results. Lastly, as she is now, the substance would remain for a prolonged time in the tube, a hot environment and may spoil. Once Miss Vate will be able to consume larger quantities without danger of rupture we will consider it to speed up the process” explained amphibian scientist. Asari nodded and signed in thoughts. 

 

“Thank you. Now considering today's trend, I assume I will be able to see at least part of the process?” asked Nyxeris with a satisfied smile. The salarian nodded, ever so slightly and pointed his look at another member of his species by consoles. 

 

“Mister Iral, can we proceed?” asked the doctor.

 

“Yes, I only save current readings and give a signal. Jeis, is everything ready?” said worker, supposedly to one of the nurses, but both were already waiting by the door with a cart containing paste and a few other items. At this sight, salarian pushed a button.

 

Maiden inside suddenly stopped clicking on the controller and winced as if she ate some sour fruit. Most likely she had received a warning about what’s to follow. After a minute both nurses entered with a serene expression and rolled the trolley in. They appeared to greet Heless and she replied something with a face suggesting that whatever came from her mouth was not too polite. Maiden was still glaring at newcomers while clenching her fists, but she was doing nothing, even as she was being strapped to the bed.

 

“As expected, at the beginning Miss Vate was violently opposing our actions. We were forced to use sedatives and a bit of physical force. Luckily, despite her bravado, the patient was quickly convinced to comply with our instructions. Smart move, especially considering quite lavish accommodations she is being provided with and certain precaution we took” said the head scientist as the nurse pushed tube down maiden’s throat and the second one was hooking containers with feed to the machine.

 

At last, everything was ready, Heless was firmly immobilised with a transparent tube connecting her stomach to the machine. One of asaris flipped a switch and it came to life. Nyxeris saw as pale cream travelled to maiden’s mouth. At first, nothing else happened, but after a few minutes, Vate’s expression shifted from furious to a… distressed, slightly pained one. And after a moment her belly appeared.

 

Blue orb unrevealed itself from the crack between shirt and blanket. It grew slowly but surely, like some sort of balloon.

 

But she is one, isn’t she? Until Heless puts some meat on her bones, she is basically an asari-shaped balloon that is being filled with food pondered Nyxeris with excitement.

 

The organ was swelling and Nyxeris could see signs of numerous, but well-healed stretch marks. Vate’s face betrayed more pain and she started to visibly sweat with every heavy breath. One of the nurses put on gloves and took a portion of some substance from the container on the trolley. She put it on both hands and started to carefully cover strained belly with it. As nurse worked Heless pained expression and breathing lessened considerably, that substance must have been anaesthetic amongst other things.

 

Nyxeris had thought that belly she had seen on hunger-crazed maiden was enormous, but Vate’s stomach was just reaching similar size with no signs of stopping. It turned purple and The Observer could swear that she was able to see new marks appear on an overstrained skin. Cream kept flowing steadily, distending maiden’s organ, until something flashed on the overseeing’s salarian screen. He concentrated on this at some point clicked a button and machine stopped.

 

When nurses realized it, they immediately sprung to work. One started to carefully take out the tube from Heless’s mouth and removed mechanism that prevented her from manipulating her mouth. Maiden coughed a few times, as her mouth was being cleaned from a few stray droplets. Medical personnel freed her from constrains and helped her lay on the side putting an extra pillow under the distended sphere. One nurse began to clean the machine, while second put another layer of medicine on a patient’s strained skin. They finished, tidied up and left panting maiden alone in the room.

 

Vate was facing a one-way mirror, which allowed Nyxeris to observe her tummy from the front. And what a sight it was. In size, it reminded her one of the old fashioned travelling, bags as it obscured almost third of maiden’s frame. The gargantuan belly seemed to pulse and it had purple colour in contrast to the rest of Heless’s skin with few angry marks on it.

 

It looks like she is the one being attached to that gut and not the other way around pondered Nyxeris while painfully biting her lip. Stay in this facility made her libido reach new heights.

 

The maiden herself was berthing hard, but shallowly, clearly trying not to upset her bomb of a stomach. Her shin was covered in sweat and her face showed tiredness, pain and mix of resignation and remnants of anger. How different that expression had been when she had disrespected Liara. The wonders a month of proper meals can do to asari.

 

“We predict that with an increase of maximum stomach capability and improvements to the mix, Miss Vate will reach 300 pounds within two months or less. Should we slow down the process then? We would be able to gather more data that way” said Ahum to his employer. Nyxeris though for a few seconds.

 

“No, but you can select new volunteers to mirror this experiment and do this. But Miss Vate is somewhat of a special case, I want her to teach her just how fat we can make an asari and keep one alive” replied The Observer steadily, managing to hide her giddiness.

 

“If you will be able to secure an appropriable number of new subjects, this is an acceptable course of action. Also since we already researching the most efficient means of subliminal suggestion, I would suggest using some of the tested methods on Miss Vate and future subjects of this study. While it may not be necessary, having more compliant patients would certainly ease the entire operation.” asked the amphibian scientist and looked at The Observer.

 

Nyxeris was silent for a minute thinking about that proposition. She had not thought of it before, but it was a quite logical decision. However, the Shadow Broker’s operative wanted Heless to be aware of her expanding figure. On the other hand, having her reduced to a mindless addict, that desired food despite her own logic was quite tempting as well.

 

Decisions, decisions…

 

Finally asari exhaled and answered.

 

“You have a green light to do so doctor. Also, a reminder - a new batch of patients will include humans and drells, if I manage to secure enough of them. They will need separate facilities”

 

“I remember, preparations of their housing and new measures for them are already underway. I am afraid that’s all we had to show. If you would like Miss Dimakos we can see how residents of room number two are faring. But before that there are few formal matters I would go over with you, also there are few substances that passed testing and we believe could be most lucrative” said the scientist.

 

“Of course doctor. Please, lead the way” replied Nyxeris with a smile.

 

Later, when Nyxeris was driving to the office, she was still mulling over that day events.

 

I know pure hypnosis, would not work immediately, but their effects are usually most lasting and hardest to detect. New drugs - as far I had seen everything goes wonderfully. They only need to smooth some edges, prepare antidotes and make it easy to use outside the lab. Finally that little fool Heless, I need to know how to maintain obese asari in relatively good health and she is a perfect candidate. That idiot is much more productive that way than if I left her to her own devices. Even if none of this will be helpful with Liara, it will be useful in the future daydreamed The Observer with true happiness. 

 

Operation with Liara as a target was not merely her doing The Shadow Broker’s bidding, mixed with her own twisted attempt to help her. No, it was a test.

 

Liara, despite not being the most important or most secured person in the galaxy, lacked hobbies, avoided lavish pleasures and other indulgences. In other words, the young doctor was well secured, very private(paranoid) and distrustful asari, that took no part in activities that may result in her waistline expanding. If Nyxeris managed to succeed with her plan and maintain to provide useful intel, The Shadow Broker would allow implementing this tactic on other influential individuals.

 

Nyxeris could already see the Councillor Irissa transforming into a wobbling mass of blubber.

Now I just make sure Liara continues to pile on pounds and becomes even more dependable on me though The Observer with a pang of worry.

 

Also, I must avoid like ending like that wanna-be-commandos

 

Despite her attempts, Nyxeris still remained well above 200 pounds, making her heavier than most of patients save Heless.

 

However, she quickly buried those doubts at the memory of a second visit to room number two at the end of her tour.

 

Three asaris lying in various points on the apartment, panting and groaning in visible pain, that was coming from their stuffed guts. Yet, despite their torment, they continue to slowly put another piece of junk food into their mouths and devour them, further filing their already excruciatingly full stomachs.

 

Soon enough, the dear doctor will act similarly. I’ll make sure of it

 

[xXWWhiteXx]

I have a dilemma - make Tesla Vasir live or die after her confrontation with Shepard? Any sugesstions?

[xXWWhiteXx]

Not much action in this chapter, unfortunately. Hopefully, I menage to come with something better in the following one. 😅

Next chapter should finally feature Shepard, but I have a problem with time. How long should it take her getting to Illium? 🤔

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy it at least a bit. As always feedback is welcome.😁

***

Chapter 17: New developments and more old friends

A week later, Monday

Liara’s apartment

08:15 a.m.

 

 

Nyxeris was smiling, even humming quietly, as she washed dished after breakfast. Well… mostly after Liara’s breakfast, seeing that the number of dishes that had been necessary to prepare and transport enough to satisfy doctor’s gluttonous belly took most of the pile. It was not to say older asari hadn’t indulged herself, no she was quite full as well, her midriff straining fabric around her shirt.

 

 

Still, The Observer has every reason to feel pleased with herself. Liara continued to stuff her face, without a care in the world or suspicions, like a good little maiden and her research centre worked wonderfully as well. Just yesterday she received information that another asari had started to receive Helss’s treatment and parallel rooms one and two has been established, full of human patients.

 

 

“Nyxeris, may I interrupt you? There is something I want to discuss” said a familiar voice from behind, stopping her daydreaming. Nyxeris blinked, but quickly washed her hands and turned around. She was slightly surprised, usually, by now, Liara was mostly free of food-induced trance and waddled to her desk. Yet ex-archaeologist was still sitting by the table.

 

 

Liara presented a magnificent sight. The 365 pounds of blue adipose covered her quite, evenly, widening every part of her. Her chest was surpassing every Nyxeris had seen, in terms of size and shape, save for those, which were results of extreme plastic surgery, but was the most glorious one by far. Blue orbs were bigger than that round Earthly fruit, that Nyxeris was fond of, a melon she believed it was called, and just a bit smaller than younger’s asari head. They were strangely shapely and perky considering their origins, but it only added to their appeal. Besides The Observer had only old human pictures to compare, perhaps asari were different in that regard.

 

 

Liara was almost twice as wide as she had been when the two had met. Her belly expanded as a solid, soft and smooth mass, with only a few folds forming her back and side fat. The doctor’s fat tummy expanded outwards even farther than young asari breasts. It was currently gurgling, dutifully digesting an incredible load of nutritious goods that distended belly by almost a foot in diameter. While Nyxeris could not see Liara’s posterior, she had a good authority, that former archaeologist's meaty buttocks had already overflown, admittedly small, hair.

 

 

I need to replace those with bigger ones. The thinner she thinks she is, the better pondered Nyxeris as she was trying not to stare at her “employer's” various anatomical parts.

 

 

Same with office, I bet that seat got awfully tight by now.

 

 

 

The tall asari’s limbs weren’t unaffected either. Nyxeris already noted that there was a noticeable and sudden difference in doctor’s ankle and calf width. When doctor’s legs weren’t spread to accommodate her growing middle, her thighs were constantly touching, brushing with every step. Liara’s upper limbs grown as well: her arms, being at least as twice as wide thanks to soft adipose, her forearms not being far behind, but noticeably thinner. Even young asari’s hands and feet weren’t spared, gaining much pudgier appearance. Probably least affected was the doctor’s face. While much fuller than initially and filling with every day, it would be hard to deduce T’Soni heiress true volume by it alone.

 

 

The asari in question was sitting with a thoughtful expression, one hand on the table, supporting her frame and second rubbing her inflated middle, that was stretching the fabric of her dress. Yet, despite clear intelligence visible on Liara’s face, she seemed to be completely obvious of her predicament.

 

 

Nyxeris managed to prevent her pleasant smile from shifting into a full grin and sat opposite to her “employer”.

 

 

“Yes, Liara? How may help you?” asked the Shadow Broker’s operative in a pleasant tone. Liara was silent for a few second and took a deep breath.

 

 

“Perhaps you noticed that during last week I was focused on a certain project that I have not disclosed to you?” said Liara calmly and rubbed her flabby stomach.

 

 

“Yes, I noticed, but I assumed it was some special assignment. I didn’t want to pry, ma’am” replied Nyxeris. It was a lie, as the doctor was now used to sharing various levels of details of her every project. A new one she remained silent about and Nyxeris was not able to glimpse into by other means, raised alarm bells in shorter asari’s head.

 

 

“Thank you for that. Truthfully I have a personal stake in this one so I tried to keep it quiet. However, at this point, I will need assistance. Let me explain”

 

 

And so she did. Liara told her about a prothean, semi-sentient, plant-like biological weapon that guarded access to a cache of the information left by Citadel’s builders. How that entity caused colonists to become aggressive once it felt endangered. About Shepard’s mission to gain access to prothean secrets in order to stop Saren, that resulted in the entity’s destruction. She mentioned the human specre's team, which Liara was part of, whose actions resulted in colony salvation, even managing to save affected people.

 

 

“If I understand correctly we need to secure the contract and organize scientific help to diagnose them?” asked Nyxeris seriously.

 

 

“We also need to obtain results of pre-existing research and have Barrier Frontiers destroy their copies. But it’s not the main issue, I already prepared sufficient materials to have them comply with our requests. The problem is I cannot any third party involved in this. I risked my life for this colony and I do not appreciate anything sabotaging my efforts” said Liara firmly and looked Nyxeris directly in eyes. The Observer barely stopped herself from flinching.

 

 

“Don’t misunderstand my actions merely for me being sentimental or charity. Researching abilities of Thorian alone will be beneficial, few aftereffects of its influence may prove useful if replicated. I know for a fact that it caused a full recovery from pre-existing mental afflictions. That alone could return this investment in full” said the tall asari with her voice and gaze hard like titanium. Finally, she broke eye contact and continued in a softer voice.

 

 

“That brings me to the original point. I need to minimalize risk, therefore I need a team of scientists that answer directly to me and I want you to create it” finished ex-archaeologist. Nyxeris blinked slowly, absorbing her words.

 

 

“I’m not a scientist ma’am. I don’t know if I’m appropriate for this job” started The Observer calmly and cautiously.

 

 

“I don’t want you to do research Nyxeris. I want you to be one to personally deal with Barrier Frontiers, assemble a team of specialist and supervise them on an administrative level. I know that you have a basic that allows you to know what we need. Most importantly I need somebody I trust to do it” replied Liara firmly, but with an almost pleading look.

 

 

Nyxeris clenched her teeth. From one side this proposition confirmed her status as a trustful employee and if she accepted further elevate her standing with the young asari. On the other hand, it would add to her already pilling duties, leaving her less time to oversee and feed Liara.

 

 

She sighed in thought and summoned a smile on her face. Ultimately the choice was obvious.

 

 

“I’ll do it ma’am. I just hope my performance will be satisfactory,” replied Nyxeris. Liara exhaled in relief.

 

 

“I’ll send you intel I have acquired as well as information about colony and other instructions. Nyxeris, thank you” said doctor and looked like she was about to lift her bulk when she suddenly stopped.

 

 

“There is one last thing. There is a package I left on a table in my bedroom. May you bring it?” said Liara. Nyxeris smile widened.

 

 

“Of course Liara” replied assistant and went upstairs. Liara having her do small physical tasks was relevantly new but repeating development. It was clear that young doctor was becoming lazier with every day, at least when it came to moving. Very good.

 

 

The older asari immediately found the package in the typical container for a height quality postal services. She went back to the kitchen and put it in on the table before stuffed doctor. Liara took it and without a word started to open, inside was another box without any marks. It was opened as well, revealing… jewellery?

 

 

Indeed, inside was set composed of a simple, but elegant necklace and two bracelets. They were rather big, but not terribly so, elegant with light ornaments and few gems, that pleasantly added to their silver colourings and shapes. While most of the stones were typical, she noticed few unordinary ones, artificial gems, containing eezo.

 

 

This may not be the most expensive set I have ever seen, but still pricey. Also probably one of the prettiest. pondered Nyxeris still in shock. What it was doing her. Liara pushed set towards older asari.

 

 

“Please, I hope you like it Nyxeris” said the doctor with, probably, the most playful tone Nyxeris had ever heard, she was even smiling.

 

 

“Ma’am?” asked shorter asari.

 

 

“I must admit that I was sceptical to our closer cooperation, but so far it was only beneficial. You proved yourself to be a trustful and competent employee that I can rely on. While I may demand a lot, I also know how to reward the extra effort. That and I believe your birthday is approaching. However, if you don’t like that I can return this set and give you a bonus in credits” said Liara, still smiling. Nyxeris looked down at the jewellery. She did like it, she loved it in fact. The assistant was pretty sure that in that set and her favourite dress she would turn heads of even the most xenophobic individuals. If Nyxeris still fit into that dress that is.

 

 

“N…No, ma’am, it's beautiful. Thank you” replied still bewildered The Observer. Liara only nodded and with effort managed to stand up. The piece of furniture let out a noise as roughly 400 pounds stopped pressing on it. The tall asari turned around and started to heavily trek towards the desk. Nyxeris could clearly hear when her bare feet touched the floor, Liara’s lard and food-filled stomach swung heavily before her and was accompanied by waves spreading through rest of her fat body.

 

 

Even from her position, Nyxeris could see movements of bottomless organ, she had also direct view at a doctor’s plentiful bottom, that shook with every step. Yet despite this delightful sight, The Observer could not quell this strange pang inside herself.

 

 

***

 

 

A week and a half later, Wednesday

The street leading to Liara’s office

9:17 a.m.

 

 

Liara had exited her skycar and was quickly walking to her office, quite the accomplishment considering her enlarged figure. She had a sizable container with an antigravity feature in her hands. Usually, Nyxeris handled the transportation of her meals, unfortunately, her newest assignment made her unviable for this task.

 

 

“Excuse me? Miss T’Soni?” said a voice behind her. Liara froze but immediately readied herself for a possible ambush. Then again if somebody intended to harm her why shout for her or do so in broad daylight? Still, if there was one thing the experience had taught her, that any unexpected situation required a careful approach.

 

 

The doctor turned around, just slow enough to not appear hostile, yet feeling jiggle of her flesh. The person calling to her was another asari, who was now walking towards her. She was shorter than Liara, with darker complexion and white, regular face paint that ran through her forehead, crest and down her neck. Considering her appearance Liara estimated her to be filmy in her matron stage, but not close to the matriarch. The newcomer was also rather on the pudgy side, even for asari in her stage of life, as evident by her red-white dress being noticeably stretched in various areas, mostly her belly.

 

 

However, nothing in her posture or expression appeared hostile or threatening, although she seemed a bit nervous. Finally, the older asari was next to Liara.

 

 

“Excuse me? Are you Liara T’Soni?” repeated  an unexpected newcomer.

 

 

“Yes. Have we met before?” asked Liara politely, but ready for an attack.

 

 

“No, I guess… you could say your aura. I’d recognize you anywhere” replied asari and nonchalantly looked to the sides. Liara did similarly although more subtle. Everybody was busy, there were also a few small groups talking. Not unexpected considering area leaded directly to the spaceport.

 

 

“I was asked to give you a message if I saw you. It’s from a friend you made on Noveria” explained older asari.

 

 

Liara froze. Oh… she had many memories from Noveria, amongst them some the worst of her life.

 

 

“I…I’m afraid you have to specify. I met quite a few people on Noveria?” replied doctor, trying hard to compose herself.

 

 

“I believe the message itself should make it clear” said asari and took a step closer. Her eyes went up, leaving only white when she spoke again her voice sound differently.

“Liara T’Soni. We hide. We burrow. We build. But we know you seek those who soured the sound of our mothers. When the time comes, our voice will join with yours and those who fight them. Our crescendo will the darkness clean. Thank you Liara, for you spoke to save us and now rachni will sing again” said the voice. Liara barely stopped herself from doing anything rash. She had only one saw something, similar… yet asari before her seemed to be alive.

 

 

“I’m glad you are alright. Are you in Nos Astra?” asked the doctor. She had advised Shepard to save Queen of the insect-like species. Liara still though it was a good call, but the entire display was unsettling. Older asari blinked and her appearance returned to normal.

 

 

“The rachni queen is not here. It’s simply one of the memories I carry from her. I encountered her on an unchanged word. She saved my life. More than that she gave me purpose. They are amazing people, Liara. You were right by defending them” said older asari. Liara nodded, now much calmer. She had many questions, but… doctor ran mentally through her schedule today.

 

 

“I do not believe I caught your name?” asked the doctor. The older asari smiled briefly with a hint of embarrassment.

 

 

“Forgive me. I’m Ceathea D'veis, it’s an honour to meet you Liara” replied rachni’s ally.

 

 

“Ceathea are you available right now? I have many questions and few matters that may require your employer” said Liara with a small smile. The Older asari thought for a second and shook her head.

 

 

“I have time. What little I brought is still being looked through by customs control, but I got permission to pass. I will be happy to answer any queries you have” replied the matron.

 

 

“I’ll just leave a few things in my office. Is that alright?” asked the maiden. The older asari only nodded and she followed after Liara. When they arrived the doctor left food in her office and ordered her new secretary, Leniley Calior to hold any calls because she had to address an emergency. The ex-archaeologist had also sent inquires about her new associate.

 

 

Leniley was not a replacement to Nyxeris. While she was fairly competent, the maiden had no connections or information gathering abilities, but she had good people skills and able to calm down even the rowdiest clients.

 

 

Both asari went to Liara’s skycar and doctor send off a few digital decoys that hopefully would get rid of any tails. As she drove she had passed, a small collar-like device to the matron.

 

 

“What is it?” asked intrigued D'veis.

 

 

“It’s a holographic mask. It’s easy to look through it, but it’s enough for our needs. Please put in on. I apologize for it, but I cannot afford to take any chances” replied Liara with a weak smile. The older asari looked bit concerned but did as asked. Her face was replaced by one with different shape and markings, but same skin tone. Leniley’s expression became even more dubious when skycar landed before a luxurious love hotel. But she managed to force herself to follow Liara without question. After a few minutes, they sat in the couch in a rented room.

 

 

Liara was grateful for comfortable seating. She was finding walking rather bothersome nowadays, despite her surprise how deeply she sank into a cushion.

 

 

“I am truly sorry, but this establishment is known for secrecy and good security measures. Also, I heard the food is excellent, would you like something?” asked Liara and passed her hotel-issued holopad. The matron relaxed a little.

 

 

“I don’t want to impose…” replied Ceathea and at that moment a growl was released from her padded stomach. She blushed slightly with embarrassment.

 

 

“It’s no problem. You are bringing by far the best news I heard in months. I would say that alone is good enough reason” said Liara with a smile. The older asari nodded still with small purple tint on her face and she took holopad. When she was busy looking through the menu, Liara checked her omnitool for any new information.

 

 

Ceathea D'veis had been a courier for one of the middle-sized companies. A few months ago she disappeared along with her ship. Considering area she was visiting pirates were prime suspects. Age 412 years, despite that she had no known offsprings. Stellar record as an employee, but nothing noticeable beyond that. She was not in any relationship.

 

 

That was all she got in short time spawn, but it was a good start. Now Liara only needed to hear what her guest would tell.

 

 

D'veis returned the device to younger asari. Liara paused for a second, but said nothing the large size of the order and paid

 

 

“Now, If you don’t mind can we start while we wait?” asked Liara.

 

 

“Of course. I’ll answer to best of my abilities” said matron sincerely.

 

 

And so Ceathea explained how she was intercepted by pirates and stranded on an uncharted world. About her unexpected rescuers that saved her life and took care of pirates. How rachni repaired her ship and recruited D'veis to their cause.

 

 

“Did it was really that easy to abandon your previous life?” asked Liara calmly. Ceathea shook her head.

 

 

“You are concerned that the queen is controlling me. I understand but it does not work like that. Our minds were in perfect harmony. I saw their beautiful spirit and their need. I knew what I had to do. If some part of that were suggestion, then it was an effect of their efforts to save my life. At the very last what now do is much more meaningful than anything in my life, a chance to do good. I am happy with that” explained matron and her face betrayed nothing that would indicate she wasn’t truthful. Liara still had few doubts, but she did know how it is to finally find something truly worth doing.

 

 

Besides who I am to judge anybody for abandoning their life. Didn’t I do the same

 

 

 

Any further questions were stopped by a doorbell. Liara carefully went to check, but it was only their meals. The doctor rolled the cart in and passed dishes to her guest. While she had ordered only a rich potion of ice-cream and a pitcher of tea for both of them, Ceathea received three full, hot, thessian dishes. Certainlyit wasn't the amount Liara was now used to consuming, but for any other asari it was quite staggering.

 

 

Liara said nothing, but only poured hot drink to the cups and waited for the matron to finish, while she slowly ate cold dessert. Still, she felt herself salivating and her gut urging her to join. Ceathea ate slowly, maintaining manners, but with visible appetite. However maiden had to admit that watching somebody else eat such a big meal was a bit bizarre. After a few minutes, D'veis cleaned plates, almost clean and wiped her face. She looked a bit embarrassed.

 

 

“Please forgive my overindulgence and abuse of your hospitality. I am afraid I gained quite the appetite during my stay with rachni” excused herself matron with barely visible purple tint on her face. Liara only smiled.

 

 

“I’m in no position to criticise. But how so? I’m sorry if I’m not being tactful but you don’t look malnourished” asked younger asari. Ceathea blushed.

 

 

“It’s… quite the opposite. Between my recovery and the queen learning, that all members of our species are capable of carrying life, she had come to the conclusion I am extremely underfed. It took me some time to get used to what they had to offer, but they were kind enough to attempt making food appealing to me. Furthermore, it was always available in great amounts and as I learned it was quite… nutritious. Outside of official business the queen always prompted me to eat better, she seemed quite horrified when I told her my weight is normal for an asari and her children seemed to share the sentiment. Have you met an elder human matriarch? Some of them act like that. If repairs to my ship took longer or I didn’t need to leave for my quest, I’m pretty sure she would get her way and make me too heavy for any work” explained matron, adding last with a smile and rather joking voice. But it wasn't quite reaching her eyes and something in her told Liara she wasn’t exactly joking. Fortunately Ceathea didn’t appear alarmed only embarrassed.

 

 

An overly hospitable and motherly rachni queen… and I thought I saw everything. Then again somebody that is basically a mother to the entire population of a species is prone to have such fillings. She did seem pained about her lost children pondered Liara in a mix of amusement and surprise. But she also experienced a strange twinge of (not)annoyance at the reminder of her childless state compared the Queen.

 

 

“At least it’s another argument proving they aren’t hostile,” said maiden aloud with a kind smile. The matron smiled briefly and nodded at ease.

 

 

“If I understand the message correctly rachni war was not of their own doing, but were forced to do it. The queen did say this back on Noveria” replied Liara her face becoming solemn.

 

 

“Yes. The first Rachni Wars a mistake. Something soured the voice of her people. In their psychology it would be like mind control, I think. It doesn’t really translate. Anyway, she believes you, commander Shepard and his team were fighting the ones who did that. And she promises to help” confirmed D'veis. Liara felt a small pang of relief. She was well aware that against those monstrous machines all help will be necessary, no matter their history.

 

 

“Hmm… the queen is right, I am preparing to act against those responsible, even though there is a more imminent matter I must deal with if I want to live. Please, can you provide me with The Queen location or means to contact her?” asked taller asari while looking matron directly in her eyes. She only shook her head sadly.

 

 

“I’m sorry but I cannot. I simply don’t have that information any longer. That information was… locked, deep in my mind. It’s not painful, but I simply I don’t remember any longer. I’ll remember once I finish my assignment. Her caution is understandable. The galaxy isn’t yet ready for the return of the rachni” replied Ceathea sincerely.

 

 

“I understand, but I’m afraid none of us has the luxury of time. What’s your mission, if you can share it, that is?” asked the doctor, she had beginnings of a plan.

 

 

“No, it’s alright. I need to obtain large quantities of various equipment and rarest substances. I was provided with substantial amounts of raw materials in order to pay for it and credits left by pirates. The Rachni are self-subtenant, but certain items are simply not available to them. I also need to secure contacts that may be helpful in the future” explained matron. Liara nodded.

 

 

“I see, so the faster you complete it the faster you will be able to return to rachni. I have a proposition for you and for the queen. Would you care to hear it” said younger asari with a sincere smile. Matron slowly returned it and nodded.

 

 

***

A week later, Wednesday

Red Spirit company’s training centre

 

 

The hall that used to serve multiple purposes was slowly but methodically transformed into a proper training centre as other facilities were being finished. Only a few pieces of unfitting equipment were left in the corners.

 

 

In the office overseeing all of it, Zaeed Massani and Vitalina Varirius were in the middle of one of their argument about the proper conduct of their subordinate.

 

 

“… insubordination. It was a… creative approach to a problem” replied greying human. The female turian’s eyes narrowed at the mercenary sitting nonchalantly opposite to her.

 

 

“They may have archived the objective, but they ignored specific instructions. They will be no use if…” former officer paused and the sound of an opening door. Viteltina had rarely seen her employed during previous months, so it was no surprise that it took her a few seconds to recognize the enormous figure. Masani only raised an eyebrow.

 

 

The portly asari was wearing her usual white-green dress, while it was clearly a little looser than usual, it did little to hide the volume of Liara’s adipose-filled figure. The tall maiden was holding a small, black briefcase.

 

 

“Pardon the interruption, I can wait if you have something important to discuss” replied their employer and entered. Eristena followed after her, she only nodded at them.

 

 

“It’s nothing we could do on later date Miss T’Soni” replied Viteltina and standing straight. She didn’t like interruptions, but it really could wait. The female turian managed also to silence remarks about the doctor figure that pushed on her mandibles.

 

 

I cannot believe anybody would let themselves go like that though former officer, but quickly cut that line of thought. All thing considered, the T’Soni heiress proved herself to be a surprisingly good boss. She was by no means lenient, quite opposite in fact. The young doctor always demanded absolute obedience and competence, but she provided good working conditions, most surprisingly she was reasonable. Well, a fat paycheck also helped, especially considering a more legally grey area they were operating and her employer personal quirks.

 

 

A training against an attack of the undead? mused Viteltina about her latest orders.

 

 

“Thank you. There was a bit of development, Eristena will fill you in. Meanwhile, Zaeed could you follow me?” said Liara. The human mercenary grunted in confirmation and stood up. Both ex-archaeologist and Masani went into building depths. They ended sitting in an almost bare room, save for chairs and table. It was one of the special locations, that allowed for a private conversation.

 

 

“So what’s up doc?” asked mercenary.

 

 

“As I understand you received a quite interesting job offer from Cerberus. Payment, besides generous sum of credits, includes your former associate’s location” explained maiden calmly, looking directly at the merc. He contemplated maiden in silence for a few seconds.

 

 

“So you want to convince me to stay?” asked Zeed with a humorless chuckle.

 

 

“Quite opposite. I know that you will be going after the Collectors, they need to be stopped, so treat it as unpaid leave. But you will get the same sum Illusive Man promised you and a bonus if you do me a small favour” explained Liara. Zaeed started to look mildly interested. The tall asari put the briefcase on the table and clicked on a small button, revealing that it had a small touch screen on the side. There was something written there, but mercenary didn’t recognize the language, even though it was a human one.

 

 

“This briefcase contains a message and datapad. The only person who knows correct how to open it is commander Elizabeth Shepard and the message is for her. The datapad will be updated with all newest intel on Vito, that is your bonus. In case somebody tries to force his way inside a small device will destroy its contents. I also want to watch commander's back, more so than simply your deal with Cerberus would indicate, help her against them if necessary. You will answer to her and only her. Are you interested Zaeed?” explained information broker. Mercenary contemplated her in silence for a few second.

 

 

“Well, shit. This thing just got more interesting, as if suicide mission against fucking cryptids wasn’t enough. You have a deal T’Soni, but I want half now” replied an elderly human. Liara smiled with her lips only and nodded.

 

 

“I’ll send you a contract and further details as well as initial payment. Also, Eristena has few announcements, you probably should re-join them” finished asari and tried to stand up, but the chair kept her in place. It was sturdy, but a simple piece of furniture designed for fully-armoured individuals, but clearly not intended for somebody as… soft as Liara. Her flesh was protruding from under armrests, effectively keeping it attached to the doctor’s backside.

 

 

To Zaeed’s credit, his face barely twitched.

 

 

***

A week later, Thursday

Bar near Nos Astra shopping districts

16:35 a.m.

 

 

Nyxeris signed and took a bit of fried vegetable she had been nibbling on for last minute. She was tired, last weeks felt like slave labour. The assistant was used to having to a large workload, but her normal duties, arranging medical team for that human colony made so she had barely time to sleep. Nyxeris wasn’t able even to properly measure Liara’s new diet, her gain was already slowing.

 

 

It’s natural I suppose. More and more calories are necessary to simply maintain her body. What’s worse she is looking at my hands all the time though asari .

 

 

The young doctor required constant and detailed reports about her newest “pet project”. Nyxeris could not reliably delegate somebody to do it without her noticing. But it prevented her from personally visiting her “facility”, even though some of those colonial humans had shown some interesting symptoms, the Shadow Broker's operative couldn’t show interested in them to avoid suspicion.

 

 

Finally, Nyxeris noticed approaching asari with red face paint and in an expensive-looking armour.

 

 

…and here comes headache mentally signed the assistant and poured white powder from the near saltshaker at her vegetables.

 

 

“Hello, Dimakos. How’s your babysitting duty?” asked none other than the spectre Tesla Vasir and without any encouragement sat opposite to Nyxeris.

 

 

“Good so far. I think it will take just a few short months to have her complete trust” replied Nyxeris in a dull voice. The spectre smirked.

 

 

“Even with your skills, it couldn’t be hard. Have you seen her? Who did she eat? I know that purebloods are prone to stupidity, but turning into a whale is a new one” said older asari with mocking smile. Nyxeris eyes narrowed but didn’t show her annoyance in any way.

 

 

“Somehow I doubt that you are here to share your opinion about T’Soni’s heritage and my skills” replied the assistant. Vasir quickly leaned and stole a plate a nearly full plate with greasy vegetables.

 

 

“You should watch your figure, you wouldn’t want to end up looking like the good doctor” mocked spectre and took a bite. She grimaced and vigorously used saltshaker. Only when vegetables were covered in a thin layer of white dust Tesla returned to the stolen dish. Nyxeris remained silent when older asari inhaled her food but kept her eyes locked on the assistant.

 

 

“Thanks for the meal. Shepard’s alive” said spectre, once she finished with vegetables and wiped her hands.

 

 

“We know it was a possibility. What changed” asked Nyxeris, getting more annoyed by the second. She was in no mood to have this entitled bitch dance around the subject.

 

 

“Shepard’s alive and back in the game. Apparently, she has been enjoying Cerberus tender care for the last two years, recovering from injuries. Who would though the hero of the Citadel working with a terrorist group? Seeing as she is likely to come here, the Broker saw it fit for me make sure nothing comes of it. You may be able to handle the little Liara alone, but with humanity’s attack varren she may be proven too much of annoyance” explained older asari with self-assured expression. Nyxeris clenched her teeth.

 

 

“I see. How will you go about that and what is my role Vasir?” asked the assistant, fighting to keep her voice neutral. She had a feeling that months of hard, if pleasurable, work at fattening Liara and extracting information were about to become pointless.

 

 

“If necessary our dear doctor is about to be silenced permanently. I will try to avoid engaging Shepard unless necessary, but considering her allegiances I doubt she will care too much. Still, I doubt it will come to that, you and the Broker overestimate that pureblood. As for you, keep doing… whatever you are doing, simply don’t get in the way when professionals are working. Is that understood?” said Vasir and smirk disappeared from her face, she was looking pointedly at Nyxeris.

 

 

“I understand, I would never interfere with the Shadow Broker’s orders.” replied younger asari looking into spectre eyes. Tesla smirked again and stood up.

 

 

“I knew you are smarter than you look. I’ll be going, but I’ll contact you if something arises” said the spectre and exited the establishment. Nyxeris exhaled deeply and took a sip of tea. Despite brave facade, the asari was almost trembling. She was trained in basic of combat, but she was not a field agent. If Vasir wanted to she would end up as a smear on the wall. What little she had heard of her and interacted with, she may have done as soon as she decided Nyxeris may compromise the Broker’s or her own plans.

 

 

The Observer touched one of the bracelets gifted to. They seemed to fit everything and were truly lovely. Nyxeris know she had to do what is possible to prevent Liara being killed by hypocritical spectre, if only for her efforts not be in vain. There is not much she can do at this stage, but….

 

 

Nyxeris stood up and… took saltshaker. A small smile appeared on her face.

 

 

It one of the newest products of Doctor Ahum’s research. It won’t do much without further doses, but I think Vasir will find it hard to fit into her armour soon enough mused the Observer. She won’t compromise The Broker’s operations, but a prank on the overconfident spectre? It another matter altogether. It’s a good thing she had memorized Vasir’s culinary preferences.

 

 

With this single silver lining, Nyxeris quickly exited the bar. She still had much work to do.

[xXWWhiteXx]

Thank you all for comments, especially @flyer33 for advice, even in Word it looks better. If there's anything else about my editing that could use improvement, please write.😁

Last months has been hectic, but I have a break for now. Also, I need to brag - I just got my first degree.😎

Now, back to the story. I cannot help, but feel happy and worried about the new chapter. 

Happy - it's long, covers (better or worse) Illium and DLC, it also allowed me to went some of my emotions concerning the original script. 

Worried - it may be wordy and mostly only covers (alerted to a various degree) scenes from game itself, I hope it doesn't look like a blatant case of "copy and paste". I'm afraid it may stray away too much from the story's main focus and I packed a lot of different elements here, maybe too many. Most imortantly inside is a lot of things I haven't written before, I'm unsure of how well I managed it.😅

Side-stories and stimulants - I'm working up to this, but a majority of the stage is set. Still, I image Liara, for a time, would be squeamish about such methods given circumstances, unlike Shepard.

Also, art based on which I base Eristena(with little changes) and Shepard(with significant changes in this case) apperance:

Lysaia by extremely talented ynorka on deviantart.

Variuos Shepard pictures by incredible marceline2174 on tumblr

I'm open to comments, suggestions and advice. Please do try to enjoy this drivel.

 

***

Chapter 18: Reunion 1/2

About two weeks later
The Normandy’s SR2

The door of ship's cargo hold opened letting a single, armoured woman enter the secluded room. And what woman that was.

Standing at well over 6’2”, her the pitch-black armour only added to her frame. While armoured suit hid most details, but it appeared much bulkier than on other, even more so than female’s height would indicate. The tall woman was one few soldiers that hadn’t stopped with gene mods and basic training, under armour there was an impressive layer of hard muscle. Strangely enough chest plate and bottom part seemed to fit the worst.

She had a dark ginger hair, sometimes they seemed as if they were soaked in blood, that ended before of her neck. An even, thin face had a deathly pale complexion were adorned with clear green eyes and a few freckles. However, it also had a few… unusual features. When looking woman directly in the eyes you could see flashed of ominous red. Her face was marred with thin, crack-like scars that also flashed with a foreboding colour.

Without a doubt, the commander Elizabeth Shepard, presented an impressive, if intimidating, figure. In contrast, her expression was quite peaceful as she scanned the room, which mercenary had chosen as his abode

“I see you're setting in just fine, Zaeed. Tell me: you’ll be able to go in an hour? We’ll be going after the Archangel” said the spectre looking at various unique items that found their way there.

“Huh…yeah. I just finished setting decorations, even managed to remove bugs that CO of yours put here” replied elderly woman, leaning against the wall.

Shepard managed to stop herself from grimacing. She really needed to talk with Miranda about it.

“Shepard. If you got time, before we go guns blazing against all of the Omega gangs, there is something about my mission we got to talk about. If you could tell that fancy AI of yours to mind her business. I'm shy like that” said mercenary. Shepard raised an eyebrow.

“EDI, did you heard that?” asked the spectre aloud. A blue, holographic sphere appeared on the nearby console.

“Yes, Shepard. However, I must advise against this course of action. I will not be able to act in case of an emergency if I will not be able to notice it” replied the AI.

“Understood. Disable all surveillance devices that may be able to register anything in this room. Do not reactivate them unless I give a command” said the commander.

“Acknowledged” and with that, hologram flickered off.

“So what do you want to talk about?” asked Shepard. Zaeed moved from his spot and put a black briefcase to the table.

“That asari doctor of yours paid me to get it to you. There's something for both of us inside, but apparently, only you can crack it. I’m supposed to watch your back if the Cerberus starts getting too cozy with you.” explained elderly mercenary and clicked on the screen. Shepard’s face flickered.

“I see. Is Liara fine?” asked Elizabeth as neutrally as she could. She looked at the display and her furrowed a little. It was not what she was expecting.

Zaeed chuckled.

“I can never tell with her type. But she certainly isn’t starving. You’ll have to see for herself” replied the mercenary. That wasn’t exactly helpful,

“Fine. Now be quiet” said Shepard and started to… sing?

She finished quickly and another question appeared. The spectre though for a second and entered answer, then said it aloud. She repeated this procedure several times, often using strange language. Although Zaeed could swear he had heard it before.

Shepard now understood why Liara said only she could open it. The questions concerned truly seemingly meaningless things she only told her asari lover and vice versa. Also, everything was written in her mother’s “native” language, which her grandmother had forced Shepard to learn.

Since colony destruction, I haven’t met anyone speaking it. Let alone writing it though Shepard with melancholy. Finally, briefcase clicked open. Inside was single datapad with Zaeed name on it and… an envelope addressed to Shepard. She took it and passed the device to the mercenary. While he was activating it, the spectre opened her package and started to read the letter.

The message was very short, if informative. It was enough to make Shepard’s face split into a homicidal frown for a split second, but it quickly returned to “normal”.

“Mind if I use it” asked Shepard pointing towards the nearby incinerator.

***

Over a week later
The street leading to Liara’s office
10:47 a.m.

“So we are here for an hour, we already helped with a case of corporal espionage and received a message from the queen of an officially extinct species. It already feels like old times and the day haven’t even properly started. Only with you, Shepard” joked the scarred turian with remnants of blue facial markings. The nearby woman wearing skin-tight, revealing jumpsuit only shook her head with disapproval.

“Garrus, if it wasn’t for me, you would die an antagonizing death by paperwork at C-SEC. I try to keep things interesting” replied bemused Shepard, smiling at her friend and trying to push down the bundle of nerves inside.

“So… you keep staling or we go inside?” asked the legendary Archangel, Garrus Valarian and pointed forwards nearby stairway. It had a small, elegant sign nearby, part of it composed of words “Dr T’Soni”.

“He has a point” added Miranda Lawson, the Cerberus operative with mild annoyance. While she had many reservations about Shepard’s conduct this was by far most ridiculous case yet.

“Ahem… yes, let’s go” replied the spectre. With titanic effort, Elizabeth entered into the dreaded stairway and her companion followed. 

Finally, they reached a single asari before the entrance to Liara’s office.

“Hello, commander Shepard. Liara will be happy to see you” welcomed a rather pudgy asari.

“You are Liara’s assistant, I take it” asked Shepard, falling into her usual speech pattern without any signs of previous nervousness. Admittedly, she felt a little bit surprised, considering the majority of asari’s obsession with their looks, it was rare to see one with a few pounds out of place.

More than few pounds, in this case observed Shepard as she took a quick glance at her conversationalist’s pouch and outline of the generous bottom. Even from her position, the commander could see that asari’s behind was testing the very limits of her dress.

“Yes. Liara relies on me to gather necessary intelligence and oversee the most crucial projects. I don’t have her network of contracts, but I supplement her with supplemental data and council on a certain topic. It’s really an honour to work with her” replied asari with a smile. Shepard was about to ask another question when she heard a quiet, but meaningful cough from Garrus.

“…Is she available, by any chance?” asked the spectre. The asari nodded.

“She told me to let you in as soon as you arrive” replied the assistant and pointed at the door. Shepard took a deep breath, turned around and opened the door.

“… faced an asari commando unit before. Few humans have” said a familiar voice, but in a tone that was completely alien to both commander and former vigilante.

The voice notwithstanding, Elizabeth remembered Liara with a thin figure and a fresh layer of athletic muscle the commander had helped to nurture. The back, clad in a white-green dress, she was seeing belonged to the fattest asari Shepard had ever seen. She was almost twice as wide as human herself, with wide hips and equally big shelf made from her butt.

Shepard paused for a split-second but continued forward.

“I’ll make it simple. Either you pay me or I’ll flay you alive. With my mind” finished asari sharply and closed the line. She turned her head a little and her eyes widened at Shepard’s reflection in the window.

“Shepard” exclaimed the maiden in bewilderment and turned around, through dress the commander could see rippling waves of flesh caused by sudden movement.

“Nyxeris hold my calls” ordered asari to her assistant. At last Shepard had was able to see the front of her host.

It was Liara. Wonderful, intelligent, beautiful, and most importantly, living Liara. There was no doubt it was her, but there was no denying that she had changed. She had a large, bulging bag of flesh sprouting from her stomach, supported by previously observed fat, childbearing hips. The doctor’s breast gained several cup-sized, yet still looked shapely. The unexpected transformation included arms, limbs enveloped in a meaty shell widened significantly, especially forearms with a noticeable layer of adipose hanging from them. Her cheeks were fuller, no signs of cheekbones visible, even her neck was wider and much shorter.

As the wide asari walked towards her the commander could see smell ripples of blubbery tissue through thin dress.

So it’s that “new appearance” part Shepard thought reminding herself fraction of worrying message.

Shepard had many questions, Liara’s appearance amongst them, but she brushed them aside. She felt her hand’s in asari’s, bringing her closer to the doctor. In the back of her mind, Shepard realized she was sinking into Liara’s soft belly and large breasts, but she was too preoccupied with the doctor’s approaching lips.

Mmmm… ever her lips feel softer though briefly Shepard with delight when they kissed.

However, just after a second, Liara broke their embrace and shook her head. The commander felt something break in her chest as asari walked behind her desk, but managed to her shift her face into her neutral, “business” expression.

“My sources said you were seen alive, but I never believed them. It’s very good to see you” said Liara, she shifted her gaze to other guests.

“Operative Lawson. And you Garrus, I suppose it’s good to see you, as well. I see you are going for a new look” welcomed the doctor with a small smile.

“I can almost feel the love. Some ladies love scars, I told Shepard as much” replied turian with a chuckle.

“I see” replied Liara and sat down into a clearly custom chair, that accommodated her bulk. Commander mirrored her.

“So you have contacts now?” asked Shepard as casually as she could. Liara nodded and explained her current position.

“And now you are back, gunning for the Collectors with the Cerberus” finished asari

“If you know this then you know I could use your help” said Shepard with absolutely no ulterior whatsoever.

“I can’t Shepard. I’m sorry. I have commitments here, things I need to do take care of. Besides, I doubt I would be any help in the field after over a year of office work” replied Liara firmly.

“What kind of things do you need to take care of. Are you in trouble?” asked Elizabeth with concern. Liara denied, but clearly, she wasn’t entirely truthful, her reply had only added to Shepard worries.

“If you want to help, I could use somebody with hacking expertise. Somebody I can trust” continued the doctor and explained her request concerning terminals. Shepard was silent for a second.

“If it’ll help you, I’ll take care of it” agreed commander. Liara nodded and explained the details. Afterwards, Shepard stood up

“I’ll talk to you later Liara” said commander and exited the office with her companions.

“We’ll meet with your contact, Miranda. While you deal with him, I and Garrus will go check the situation, deal with Liara’s request. If we finish first we’ll meet you at the bar, if not contact us we will relay our location. Is that alright?” commanded spectre calmly.

“Understood” replied operative. The turian slowly nodded.

“Sure, but Shepard…”

“I’m fine Garrus, thanks” replied Elizabeth calmly and continued with their walk. When they were farther in a remote hallway, she quickly read a message from the slip of paper Liara gad put in her hand when they kissed.

Shepard face furrowed for a second. Like the previous one, it was short but informative. Most importantly it was the final nail in the coffin to her suspicions.

Elizabeth put the message in her mouth and swallowed. Better safe than sorry.

***

Several minutes later
Bar Eternity near trade district, Nos Astra

Aethyta was looking at the retarded human exiting her bar. How he wasn’t already lying dead in the ditch, let alone how he survived to adulthood was a mystery for the matriarch. Then she noticed group lead by her “saviour” going back to her

Well shit… I must admit kid does have a nice taste admired the old asari looking at the, easily, tallest human woman she had ever seen, her experienced eye appreciating the commander generous figure even through armour. The scarred turian hunk next to her wasn’t too bad, either. The second woman in jumpsuit…

Now that some fine rack right there, almost as good as Nenzzy’s. And that suit, shame she is Cerberus

Still, the majority of matriarch attention was at the commander. The spectre and hero of the Citadel, who was officially dead for nearly two years. More importantly, she was somebody that likely fucked her Little Wing and left her alone to spiral into a life of conspiracy and backstabbing.

Nobody messes with my kid like that, shit from what I managed to gather Liara though she had been dead too. Now let’s see if I need to grind her into a soup now or wait though Aethyta and summoned smile on her face.

“Thanks for taking care of that crazy guy. Saves me from having to beat him to death with his own spine. That makes other customers nervous. Anyway, this is Eternity and I am Aethyta, asari matriarch and bartender. Can I get you anything?” said matriarch to the group. Shepard had a small smile on her face, but it didn’t take 1000 years worth of experience to realize it was all, but glued on. Surprisingly, the commander had yet to look on the asari's chest, choosing to look at her face.

Shame on you, Shepard. I have amazing tits.

“You wouldn't happen to have a genuine human vodka, an eezo-free, kendran espresso and a turian, green tea?” asked the tall woman in an unexpectedly pleasant voice. That order surprised matriarch a bit, kendran coffee was beverage few non-asari chose to drink outside ** dares.

“You are lucky, but I may need a while to find that mud water” replied matriarch and started looking for a correct brand, but listening closely to the conversation next to her.

“Shepard…” started a new, human voice.

“I want a one shot, Miranda not an entire bottle. Hell, just one bottle wouldn’t make me ** before and now it’s even less likely, you said so yourself. Considering how this day is going, I just may need it” interrupted commander in a noticeably less pleasant voice. Then she exhaled heavily.

“Listen, I and Garrus will finish drinks and get back to work, you go looking for your friend” finished the ginger calmer. By the sound of steps few seconds, that Miranda did just that.

After a minute, drinks found their way before matriarch’s customers, although turian’s face expressed a deep aberration, looking at human’s hot drink.

“I still don’t believe it, how Liara managed to get you hooked on this?” commented Vakarian looking on a black liquid in commander’s cup.

“It’s good, besides it’s not like you have ever ** it, Mister levo-based. Drink your hot leaf juice” replied Shepard with a smile and went for alcohol-filled glass first and Garrus only shook his head with resignation. The spectre drank beverage in one swing, without flinching.

Not bad kid commented Aethyta. However the human herself didn’t look pleased considering frown on her face, but it seemed like alcohol itself wasn’t to blame. She quickly tasted coffee, but after the first few sips, her face darkened evern more.

“Something wrong darling?” asked the matriarch as she cleaned the counter. Shepard attention snapped to asari, her frown faced off her face.

“Nothing, It tastes just bit differently than I remember, a different brand I suppose. No offensive, but I thought matriarch served as honoured advisors” Shepard changed topic. Aethyta smiled a little, an opportunity to bitch about asari government and fish for information?

The matriarch began to tell her tale and Shepard asked a few more question. The ginger seemed to actually listen and consider Aethyta’s words, or well she could be masterfully pretending. But Elizabeth still managed to score a few points in the matriarch’s mind, even if she didn't learn anything "useful".

Finally both, human and turian finished. They paid and said goodbyes to asari, only checking their Cerberus friend before leaving. Aethyta kept observing them until doors closed and sighed. 

I really need to get to the bottom of this shit-filled barrel. My youngest and most placid daughter become feared info broker with her own goddessdamned military. Now her presumably dead lover come back to life, working for the human terrorist group. I need to come up with something or some self-entitled matriarch back on Thessia, will order a hit on kid’s head. And what in the void made Liara blow up like that thought Aethyta with frustration. She knew that both, she and Benezia, had a tendency to pile on pounds, but nothing like that and they were much older than Liara.

And we made it look great, even if Nezzy got worked up about it reminisced matriarch fondly and touched her bottom, that had been swelling during last months behind the bar.

I’m a matriarch, nothing unusual, but Liara? I mean, she doesn’t look bad, even if no asari would admit it. Still, she did surpass Nezzy in various areas pondered Aethyta with a small smirk, that quickly disappeared. Her millennium years of experience was telling her that it could end ugly.

***

Next day

“Aren’t we heading a bit early?” asked Miranda when a group, identical to yesterday’s one, exited Nos Astra’s spaceport.

“For your family reunion with your friend, yes. But I want to clear something with Liara” explained spectre with a stony expression. Cerberus operative frowned a little but nodded.

“Of course Shepard” responded Miranda forcing herself to withhold any comments. They entered the office. The maiden was working on console with a small bowl of cream-filled waffles nearby.

“Shepard, it’s good to see you again” welcomed asari with a smile and pushed container towards the armoured human. “I believe those are your favourite”

Elizabeth glanced at treats with the faintest squint of her eyes and reached for it. Her eyes, given opportunity grazed over Liara large assets, that were straining dress to its limits.

“Thanks” replied the spectre and bit into a waffle, managing to hold the unchanged expression.

“Thank you me for getting system data, I sent a small compensation on your account. It’s not much, but hopefully, it will help you on your mission” said asari pleasantly.

“Always happy to help” replied ginger and pushed container back to asari, even as she heard a turian sounding snort from behind. Liara nodded.

“Do you remember the Shadow Broker? With your help, I may be able to find information cashes from his agents” explained maiden. Shepard looked on her, smile disappearing.

“Are you on the run from the Shadow Broker? I can help you” asked spectre with worry, but portly asari shook her head and began to explain her situation. As Liara was talking with new, for Shepard, titanium in her voice Elizabeth was experiencing a mixed emotion. On one her she was worried about the obese asari, on the other hand…

No. It’s not the time to get hot and bothered about Liara newfound homicidal tendencies chastised herself Shepard.

“So you managed to get anything from those terminals?” asked the armoured woman. 

“The data you gave me was extremely helpful. It gave me a target. The Shadow Broker has several contacts here, on Illium. The most powerful somebody called The Observer. Taking down the Observer will put me close to the Shadow Broker. I could use your help” explained Liara and looked at Shepard.

“Tell me what I can do to help” replied the tall human honestly and the fat asari complied. 

“Nyxeris’s managed to narrow The Observer to one of five operatives: a turian, a salarian, a krogan, a batarian and a vorcha. If you can refine the list, I’ll know where to strike” finished the doctor. Shepard pondered for a few seconds.

“I’ll reconstruct the data and tell you what I’ll find. But we are bit pressed on time so I’ll come tomorrow to see what we gathered. Meanwhile, can you keep looking for new information’s about our drell assassin?” said human. Liara nodded.

“Of course, it’s the least I can do. Thank you, Shepard. When you find something, call me on the radio channel we used in the old days. I can’t risk doing it in person”

The spectre stood up.

“See you soon Liara. Speaking of… you got yourself a new assistant?” asked Shepard, bit playfully. The doctor smiled faintly.

“Nothing of sorts. Nyxeris is currently busy with an assignment that requires her personal oversight. Miss Calior is merely a secretary, filling for her” explained maiden. Elizabeth nodded an exited with the rest of her squad.

After a few seconds, the asari noticed a piece of paper in the treat-filled bowl, and it wasn’t the one she had put there. She discretely snatched it and read. Liara recognized Shepard’s handwriting, but its content made her painfully bit her lip and almost lose her composure, apparently Cerberus had data about the Shadow Broker. The doctor managed to quell her emotions and hid the paper.

After a few more minutes of work her communicator buzzed.

Shepard she though and clicked the device.

“Shepard. Did you get any information on the Observer?”

“Yes, but some of the logs were too damaged to read anything. Based on this I would likely suspect turian, he is the lest mentioned and never in the same context as the Observer” answered the communicator. Liara face twitched, and it was the only indicator of thought’s running through her head.

“Thank you, Shepard. I’ll take it under advisement and see what I’ll get. Do come by tomorrow I’ll try to gather new intel on Mrs Krios” said asari.

“Sure” was the last thing heard from the device before the channel was closed. Liara leaned and put her arms on the desk with a weary sigh. She ignored her soft belly wedging into it. The former archaeologist had a felling her chase after the Shadow Broker was soon going to end one way or another.

*** 

Liara’s office
Two days later, 05:40 p.m.

Nyxeris was carefully going through her newest report’s, both her official and unofficial. She got to the office roughly ten minutes ago and freed Liara’s secretary. Apparently, the doctor had felt ill and decided to retire to home much earlier. It was extremely opportune time to catch up to recent events in peace.

Leniley, such sweet little thing and seems to be sporting a crush on Liara. Hmm… perhaps I should slip about the fact the doctor’s lover of chocolate or make her put on a few hundred pounds. Make the environment more friendly for Liara or both thought happily the Observer.

Her good mood was mostly caused by the relief she felt. Last days were excruciatingly nerve-wracking, but now Shepard was going to leave. The spectre had proven herself less bright than she initially feared, Nyxeris had read old and newest reports about commander’s abilities and had no illusion what would have happened if she let something slip and Shepard learned of it.

Nyxeris shuddered at the memory of few reports that included visual aid showing fools who were at the receiving end of the Bucher’s wrath. She was about to start looking at records from bugs, she had put in the office when her omnitool flashed.

She had a call. A call on a special, heavily encrypted channel from Illium.

Vasir she thought as she recognized the caller and clicked on the device.

“Tell me Nyxeris, weren’t you supposed to watch that fat pureblood of yours? If so do you mind telling me HOW IN THE VOID, THIS LITTLE BITCH LEARNED LOCATION OF ONE OF THE BROKERS BASES?” shouted the voice in fury. Nyxeris voice stuck in her throat and body covered in a cold sweat. How this could have happened?

“I was occupied elsewhere. I have other assignments on Illium besides her” finally replied Nyxeris through her teeth. The asari on the other side of the line snorted.

“Excuses. No matter I’ll clean this mess, you better find a place to lay low and something to convince the Broker that he still has a use for you. But I’ll doubt you manage” said Vasir. The realization dawned on Nyxeris.

“Has Broker approved of termination?” asked steadily the Observer, suddenly very aware of her heartbeat.

“Unlike you Dimakos, I don’t need to have my hand held. Now I’m going to see Ms T’Soni, don’t get in my way” and with that channel closed.

Nyxeris was sitting still for a second and too took a deep breath. She could salvage it. The asari typed few comments and reviewed today’s footage. As she watched, Nyxeris unwrapped and crammed several brownies into her mouth. The Observer needed them more than Liara.

Finally, she clicked pause and clenched her teeth in fury.

Shepard… of course it had to be Shepard.

Nyxeris took hold of herself, took another big bite out of sugary treat and watched the entire encounter where the commander handed Liara priceless intel, growing angrier with every second. Witch chocolate-stained fingers, Nyxeris wrote and send a report to the Shadow Broker, then she made a message using code Liara had prepared.

According to it one of Nyxeri’s contact warned her about an attempt on Liara’s life. It was a channel, Nyxeris had made sure was secret even to the Broker, just in case. If the Broker will disapprove of Vasir’s action’s and Liara survive, it will further cement her trust in Nyxeris. If the Broker will want T’Soni killed… well not the best scenario, but she had informed the Broker. For now, Nyxeris had all bases covered, she was going to sit this one out and see what happens.

The Observed made a copy of the most precious data and deleted the rest. She hastily finished delicious brownies and made her way to one of her safe houses, while her expanded buttocks shook furiously.

She hadn’t accounted for a unit of a commando in black and red leathers waiting for her.

*** 

Hour later
Liara’s apartment

Sheppard almost gritted her teeth as she pulled a small device from a hidden compartment. Instead of Liara, she, Garrus and Zaeed had found apartment filled with cops and a spectre. Apparently, somebody tried to assassinate the ex-archaeologist. The spectre, Tesla Vasir had dismissed police and proposed a ** investigation.

The turian-human duo had begun searching the apartment, listening to Vasir’s occasional comments, while Zaeed had stood on guard. Their actions resulted in form of small device hid under a prothean artefact.

“Back-up disc. Let’s try it on her terminal” said the asari. Shepard inserted the device and a video appeared on the screen.

Fuck though Shepard and stepped closer to the second spectre,

“This must be important. The Shadow Broker’s people already tried to kill her once” said the ginger human aloud.

“I know where the Dracon Trade Centre is. My car’s outside” replied asari. Shepard laughed weakly.

“That’s the spirit” said the first human spectre and jovially slapped Vasir on the back. The asari’s eyed widened in surprise and face darkened for a moment. But human spectre was already walking towards the exit.

“C’mon Zaeed we are going” proclaimed loudly the tall woman.

***

Later
the Dracon Trade Centre

Vasir car touched down, she, Sheppard and her squad exited the vehicle and started to walk towards the building.

“The Baria Frontier offices are located on third floor” explained Vasir “I don’t hear the police chatter, we must have missed the party”

Suddenly an explosion shook the ground, it was their destination.

“Cholera, Liara’s in there!” shouted commander at the sight of debris. Another detonation occurred, causing shockwave strong enough to push them to the ground. When they stood up they were surrounded by debris, wounded and human remains.

“They just took out three floors to make sure she is dead! I’ll grab the skycar and seal the building from the top!” shouted Vasir and ran towards the vehicle.

“We’ll start down here and made our way up” replied Shepard and gestured to Garrus and Zaeed.

“Just leave something for me” asses the asari as she closed the hatch. The skycar made its way up.

“Let’s go” commanded Shepard and the team entered the still-burning building. They were steadily making their way through hallways, various evidence and murmurs of wounded civilians painted a picture of what had occurred. Every now and they shared new discovers with asari spectre.

They just managed to confirm Liara’s whereabouts, when a flash blinded the commander.

“Skurwysyn” cursed the ginger-haired woman, when she jumped behind cover. Her companion followed her example.

“Vasir! We are pinned down! Mercs – and they are well-armed!” shouted human into a communicator.

“Say hello to the Shadow Broker’s private army, commander!” replied Vasir voice far too cheerfully for Elizabeth’s taste. Truthfully the mercenaries were good trained and in possession of good equipment, so it was taking a bit longer to cut a way through them. Occasional fires weren’t helping either.

Finally one of the doors opened, reviling falling Broker’s solider, Vasir with a raised pistol and… a body of Sekat, a salarian from the video.

“Damn it. If I’d been a few seconds faster, I could‘ve stopped him” said the asari spectre and holstered her weapon. Shepard squatted by salarian body, her attention singly on him.

“Is this Sekat?” asked the commander nonchalantly.

“Must have been”

“Hmm… No sight of that data Liara talked about. Looks like a dead end” continued the human spectre and turned to the asari.

“Speaking of which, did you found your friend’s body?” asked Vasir looking outside. But before Shepard could respond a familiar voice was heard from the hole in the wall.

“You mean this body” replied Liara, while pointing her gun directly at Vasir. Shepard only sighed, dropping her neutral expression, changing it into a sharp, predatory look as she stood next to Liara.

“I was afraid it was going to end like this. Would you fill us in Liara” asked Shepard with her full attention on the other spectre.

“This is the one who tried to kill me” was the short answer as obese maiden moved toward Vasir with a raised weapon.

“You’ve had a rough day, so I’ll let it slide. Why don’t you put that gun down?” asked the asari spectre, walking backwards to the window.

“I saw you. I doubled back after I left. I watched you break into my apartment” continued Liara and Shepard simply raised her own pistol at the older asari, Zaeed and Garrus mirrored her.

“So you didn’t know where Liara went and her, you needed me to find her.” added Shepard coldly while measuring her target.

“Thanks for the help” mocked the asari spectre.

“Once she had my location, she signed the Shadow Broker’s forces. They bombed the building to take me out. She found Sakat, took his data and killed him. I’m guessing she’s still got a disk on her” explained Liara coldly.

“Good guess,” said Vasir and pulled out the device. ”Not that you’ll…”

Shepard didn’t fall for it the moment the enemy asari pulled her hand behind she shot. Unfortunately, Vasir had good shields and even better reflexes. She clenched her teeth in fury, used her biotics to boost her shield before they broke and crushed window behind her, sending a wave of shrapnel at Shepard and her allies.

Glass shards were deadly to the flesh without armour and didn’t have nearly enough velocity to activate barriers. Liara simply raised her hand and seemingly effortlessly summoned a protective bubble of blue energy. However, this barrier worked two-ways. Shepard looked at the enemy spectre who turned around ready to bolt.

Cholera, I cannot risk frying this data though the commander and sprinted after the asari. She caught her from behind. Two of them crashed through the window’s remains and were falling down. Vasir used biotic to slow them down and, at some point, managed to throw the tall woman off herself.

Fall temporally stunned the commander, Vasir landed herself and turned around to finish Shepard off, but from above the Liara was already falling surrounded in a blue aura. The asari spectre decided to flee. The doctor hit the ground, ripples of her abundant flesh visible even through the armoured coat. With her ample body still covered in biotic field, Liara ran after the spectre with speed and grace unbelievable for her somebody with her figure.

As Shepard lifted her head she saw flashes of blue and multiple Broker’s soldiers being tossed around like weightless ragdolls. Vasir’s reinforcements proved themselves to be only a minor inconvenience to the enraged maiden biotic might.

What a woman ran through the Commander's head at this display. She stood up just in time for Zaeed and Garrus to arrive next to her. Before they could reach two asari, even more, enemy reinforcements arrived through other entrance.

Shepard gritted her teeth in cold fury. She didn’t have time for this.

Despite their number’s and quality the mercenaries in the Shadow Broker’s employ were swiftly and mercilessly slaughtered as the squad of the fiery-haired woman made their way towards their goal. At last, they made their way outside, only to see armoured asari leap into her skycar.

“Dammit” shouted Liara in frustration. Shepard pointed at the nearby vehicle with opened top.

“In the car. Garrus with me, Zaeed get to the Normandy. They must be ready for take-off pronto” shouted Shepard. The mercenary only grunted in reply and the multi-species trio ran to the skycar.

“I have a fix on her location, but its short range. Garrus you must…” instructed asari as the hatch closed, only to be interrupted by the turian’s voice. The voice that had come from backseat not, next to her as it should.

“Liara?”

Liara’s eyes widened when she realized what horror, hers and Vakarian’s carelessness had unleashed.

By the Goddess thought the doctor and fastened seatbelt without delay. She looked at the driver’s seat and immediately regretted her decision.

In the murky light of car’s console, Shepard’s face was terrifying. Her scars and ecstasy-filled eyes glowed with a hellish red stronger than ever. The ghostly-pale face was split with a wound-like, maniacal grin that revealed all of the spectre’s teeth, much sharper and numerous than any humans should be.

At this moment accretion pinned the doctor’s bulk into the seat and car sprung after its prey. The young asari felt all of her soft flesh press her to the seat. After few second of the demonic ride, Liara managed to retain part of her composure, her eyes tracking Vasir’s position.

“Hang to right! No wait left!” shouted asari.
“I’m on her” replied the commander far too cheerfully.

Few more wild turns, every making Liara’s heart move to her throat and flab shake violently before view froze her blood.

“We are not going into a construction site, are…”
“HANG ON” laughed crazed spectre and accelerated even more.
“…OH GODDESS”

“TRAFICC, oncoming traffic!”
“We’ll be finnneee’’

“She got reinforcements!”
“What kinds of guns does this thing have?”
“It’s taxi! It has a fare meter!”
“WHAT KIND OF CAR DOESN’T HAVE WEAPONS!?”

“Truck.”
“I know”
“Truck!”
“Haha…WITNESS ME!”
“Yaaaah!”

“There we go!”
“Y…You’re enjoying this!”

“Truck!”
“Again?”

Finally, they caught up to the spectre. They collided a few times with her with no effect, but after few tries Shepard made Vasir collide with another vehicle. The asari had no choice but to crash land on a nearby building. They followed her, but lack of space forced them to land on lover level.

When the car hit the ground Liara managed to exit it carefully. Her legs felt like they were made from jelly and shook accordingly, considering the generous layer of adipose on them, it wasn’t too far off to reality. Still, young asari was faring better than the famous Archangel, who rolled out from the vehicle and landed on her knees.

“Oh spirits of the ground do not forsake me ever again” chanted turian in a shaky voice.

“Mięczak” commented Shepard, completely unaffected by the near-suicidal ride. 

Liara didn’t grace her with any respond, her and Garrus plight, but she decided that approaching vehicle filled with Broker’s agents demanded more immediate attention.

“Watch out. They’re dropping reinforcements in to slow us down. They’ve blocked the door” informed Liara. At the sight of danger, the commander's face becomes focused and their turian companion stood up immediately as if his traumatic experience had never happend.

The first wave of mercenaries quickly became a victim of Sheppard’s team deadly skills. However more platforms with enemies were approaching.

Suddenly one of the vehicles were hit by a rocket. Shepard looked at the source and noticed two dropships of unknown origin pained in black and dark red.

“Any idea who it is?” asked Garrus through gunfire.

“It’s my security force” shouted Liara back.

Shepard looked at the people jumping to their aid. A mix of humans, asari, salarians and turians well clearly well-equipped and trained in using their tools.

A security force huh? though the commander with a bit of sarcasm

One of the asari commandos ran up to them, dodging enemy fire.

“Ma’am, we secured Nyxeris and Eristena is on her way. What’re our orders?” asked asari.

“Help us make way to the door. Three of us are going after the target. You’ll deal with reaming enemies” ordered the doctor. The commando nodded in acknowledgement.

With help, Shepard’s squad quickly cleared the way to the entrance and went inside the building. They left Liara’s forces without hesitation, it was clear that they had an advantage.

“Hired muscle, huh?” asked Garrus jokingly as they made their way up. Liara had the decency to look a bit embarrassed.

“Admittedly I may have downplayed it a bit. I will explain one we secure the data” explained the ex-archaeologist calmly.

Shepard slowed a bit and raised an eyebrow as she noticed a rather unique video on the holowall in the demolished apartment.

“What kind of hotel is that?” asked the spectre. Liara followed her line of slight and a blush appeared on her face, already covered in a shiny layer of sweat.

“Azure.*huff*… It’s a luxury resort with an… exotic edge. “Azure” is slang for a part of asari body in some areas of Illium.” informed the doctor calmly, little out of breath, but carefully avoiding Shepard’s gaze and the holowall.

“Where” dig the commander.

“Mainly the lower reaches, near the bottom” explained Liara.

“I meant, ”Where on the asari body”” clarified Elizabeth with a saucy smile.

“So did I” admitted Liara.

“Look. Our runaway spectre’s car” interrupted Garrus with all the subtlety of a krogan.

Indeed just outside was a wrecked skycar. Its owner was nowhere to be seen, but…

“A blood trail. Vasir got hurt in the crash” noticed the young asari. Shepard nodded.

“That should slow her down” and with that, they went after droplets of blue blood.

“She lost a lot of blood. We must be getting close” Liara commented at the large splashes they were passing by. 

“She’s tough. I’ll give her that much” admitted Shepard truthfully.

“She’s a Spectre” said Liara as If this explained everything.

Maybe it does pondered the commander, considering her circumstances.

They crossed the door leading to a large open floor full of dining civilian and a bleeding Vasir.

“Vasir. It’s over” said Liara as they approached wounded asari with raised weapons. The spectre stopped and turned around.

“Hey! Hey you.” shouted wounded asari and used biotics to close distance with nearby human female, putting her between herself and Sheprad’s team. “Come here. What’s your name?”

“M-Mariana” replied captive with fear as remaining guest run away. Shepard kept walking.

“Mariana you want to live, don’t you? Tell those people you want to live.” mocked the Broker’s operative.

“Vasir you don’t need to do this” said Shepard in a peaceful, almost friendly tone standing with her gun ready.

“All you had to do was walk away. Now it gets ugly” replied Vasir and pointed her gun to woman’s head.

“Please, I have a son” begged the hostage.

“A son? I hope he gets to see you again. I’ve heard losing a parent is just horrific for children. Scars them for life” mocked the asari spectre. Ters ran down woman’s face and Shepard could her Liara’s hand clenching the pistol.

“I’m going to end you Vasir” promised doctor with fury. Shepard looked at her.

“It’s okay, Liara. We’ll handle it. The usually way” assured the commander, still with this peaceful voice.

“You want Mariana’s little boy to grow up without a mommy, Shepard? Thermal clips on the ground, now. Power cells too” demanded the Shadow Broker’s agent. Shepard simply looked at her with a neutral expression, growing eyes seemingly looking through wounded asari.

“Is that it?” asked Shepard, her monotone voice free of earlier friendliness. In fact, it was hollow of any emotion, at best it was a voice of somebody taking to a child lacking proper mental facilities.

“What?” replied the asari bewildered.

“Vasir, I am a Bucher of Torfan. I sacrificed Destiny Ascension with ten thousand people aboard, including councillors. I unleashed rachni on the Galaxy. So for your sake, I hope your escape plan doesn’t hinge on me hesitating to shoot a single hostage.” informed the commander as if lecturing a particularly tiring student. She didn’t brag, she simply informed.

“You are bluffing” accused Vasir with a hint of fear creeping in her voice. She pointed her weapon back at Shepard.

“Now Liara” said the commander. Immediately the spectre was hit from behind with a table, launching her into a fountain and freeing the hostage. The woman quickly stood up and started to quickly if clumsily run away.

“Aaaaah” meanwhile Vasir exploded from water surrounded in a biotic light and charged towards cover.

Despite her wounds, the asari spectre was a skilled combatant with centuries of experience to back her up. Nonetheless, it was clear she was caught off guard by her enemy skill and ferocity. Mostly by Liara’s enormous biotic strength.

She really stepped up her game though Shepard as she witnessed the fury of biotic attacks originating from the doctor. Some of them were familiar, some not. But their sheer power put to shame anything the commander remembered from her previous fights along young asari.

With Vasir attention firmly on Liara and occasionally Garrus, Shepard took position behind the cover and waited. Finally, the enemy spectre zipped to a nearby location.

Now though Shepard and with ran towards Vasi with inhuman speed. 

Another thing the asari spectre failed to foresee was the unpredictable, borderline insane, nature of tactics her human counterpart employed.

Shepard grabbed her just under her breast lifted and squeezed. Interesting enough, even as high-quality armour Vasir had was designed mostly to protect against vacuum and gunfire. An external pressure created by some freakishly strong human was another matter altogether as if that armour wasn't getting tight lately at it is. To add to the injury, Vasir measured to Shepard’s collarbone collar-bone at best.

So the Broker’s agent found herself deprived of oxygen with feet kicking in the air. However, Shepars wasn’t done yet. The ginger-haired human's head went back and suddenly delivered a powerful head-butt to the enemy. A stream of blue blood poured from the asari face.

Vasir was tough, even this amount of punishment wasn’t enough to take her down, as evident by a growing biotic aura around her. But it wasn’t the commander objective.

Got it Shepard ripped away pouch containing data about Shadow Broker. At the last second, she threw her enemy away and jumped behind the cover.

“Cover me!” shouted the spectre and instead of going for a weapon, she activated her omnitool.

“You bitc…” tried to wheeze out wounded asari but was launched into the air by a mighty biotic throw, courtesy of Liara. She managed to land safety using her own eezo-based abilities, but it was too late.

At this moment Vasir body became engulfed in multiple electrical arches. After a few seconds they died out and the enemy spectre slumped to the ground.

Garrus and Liara went to her, weapons raised, nothing happened. The doctor put away the weapon and did a quick medical scan with her omnitool.

“She is alive, if barely.” Informed young asari.

“So that was the thing you put on her back on the apartment Shepard. Nice” commented Vakarian to approaching commander.

“Thanks. Liara I got the data” said Elizbeth and handed disc to asari. She also noticed her heavy breathing and small droplets of sweat on her pudgy face.

Suddenly another red and black dropship arrived. With a heavy hit, a very thick asari jumped down from it.

“Eristena” Liara greeted newly arrived commando, trying to look composed. She pointed to the fallen asari 

“Your assistant was secured, she is ** and under lock. Our people downstairs dealt with mercenaries” reported muscular asari. 

”Good. Have Vasir stabilised and put in biotic-dampeners. I want her alive, but it’s paramount she doesn’t escape. Terminate her if it becomes necessary. Now excuse me” ordered Liara and went to the ruined apartments, while Eristena called on a medic that just exited dropship.

Shepard watched after Liara as she entered the building and sighed heavily, very heavily. The commander approached the armoured commando.

“Can you handle it from here?” asked the spectre, looking pointedly at the door behind which Liara diapered. Eristena glanced in that direction and looked back to Shepard. She nodded.

When Elizabeth entered the apartment Liara was just finishing the Broker’s massage to Vasir.

“Vasir’s secured” informed Shepard. The asari shut down the omnitool.

 

“I’m putting the data through to the Normandy’s computers. We can be at the Shadow broker’s base in a few hours” said Liara and started walking “He’ll know about Vasir before long. If he decides to kill Ferron…”

“We’ll get Feron out of there alive, Liara. I promise” said Shepard softly. The asari stopped and turned to her

“I know. You’re here to help. Just like always”

“That’s not a bad thing?” asked Shepard, feeling conflicted.

“When we first met on Therum, you saved me from geth. You fought a krogan battlemaster while I covered. Now you are doing it again. And I’m still leaning on you for help” explained the asari.

“That’s what friends do, Liara. Aren’t it?” replied the commander. Liara only turned away and continued with her march. 

“I can get us there based on Sekat’s data. The Normandy’s stealth drive will keep them from detecting us. The Shadow Broker’s agents are still shooting their way through Illium. With luck, they won’t notice we left until it's too late” continued doctor.

“Liara, I’m probably the last person who should be telling you this, but that’s cold. They killed innocent people” interrupted spectre. Liara stopped suddenly and turned back to her.

“You know what I mean”

“Yes, yes I do” replied Shepard and stepped closer, her armour almost touching the doctor’s belly “When I hit the ground back at the trade canter you went after Vasir without a backward look. That was logical, calculated… that’s not something Liara T’Soni does, it’s something I would have done”

Liara’s face twitched and she went to near railing.

“Perhaps, but I had to. I had to stay on Vasir. I had to stay rational, to make a call. Like I did with Sakat” explained Liara leaning on the metal railing. Shepard joined her.

“Then you also know it was Vasir’s fault, not yours?” asked the commander.

 “Sakat had no idea what the stakes were. I put him in the harm’s way to get the data I needed. I got him killed. And I’d do it again” answered the asari and started going to the exit.

“But from here on out, things will be simple. Get in, get Feron, get out” talked the doctor. “And kill anyone who tries to stop us”

“That’s it?” asked Shepard calmly.

“That’s it”

“Enough,” said the commander much firmer than before. Liara turned back to her with a brief flash of surprise, she has never been at the receiving end of this tone.

“In all those secret messages you apologized and wrote about a traitor, so I thought you put on a show at least partially. I understand people change, I understand it better than anyone. But you keep acting like some twisted mix of me and you mother” said Shepard and took a deep breath.

“Liara, we’ll be jumping several light-years away. There is time to talk”

“About what?” asked the asari sharply. Shepard exhaled deeply.

“I want to talk about us. But you may talk about whatever you want, explain exactly what happened to Faron. How you, by yourself, become an infamous information broker, talk about the weather if you want. It’s doesn’t have to be me, Garrus will listen, Chakwas is back on the Normandy, cholera Joker may be finally of use. But talk Liara, let us help you” replied Shepard with unexpected gentleness. The young asari was averting her gaze.

“It’s not that easy! You can’t just come back and have two years of mourning suddenly vanish and nowadays I’m not sure who I can trust!” almost shouted Liara, her voice cracking slightly. She took a breath and rubbed her face.

“I’m sorry Shepard, I can’t get into it know. Please, for now, let’s focus on getting Feron back” said the doctor in calmer, tired voice.

“OK” answered the commander in low voice and started walking towards car.

“Wait,” said Liara almost immodestly and Shepard turned back.

“I appreciate what you are trying to do, Shepard, but if you want to help me, right now I could use an opinion of trusted physician and If you have extra space on the Normandy. There is somebody I want to interview before we get to the Broker. I will explain reasons for this entire secrecy and… this” said Liara heavily and meaningfully pointed at her ample body. 

Shepard allowed herself a small smile.

“I’ll see what I can do”

 

[xXWWhiteXx]

Chapter 18: Reunion 2/2

Two hours later
The Normandy SR-2, Medical Bay

“That’s all for now, dear. You may put your clothes back on” said Dr Chakwas, the main medical officer. Beyond her in the med bay was only Liara and doctor Mordin Solus, whose expertise had been deemed valuable. The room’s windows were rendered non - transparent to avoid peeking and the salarian scientist was kind enough to help young asari remove any bugs.

“Thank you, Karin” replied asari and stepped down from the medical bed, an operation that was complicated by her large gut. She made few steps towers placer clothes laid, her plentiful flesh shaking with every movement. The ex-archaeologist clothed herself and turned to the elderly woman.

“I must admit, Liara the changes I saw had me worried. But the results, if a bit strange, are reassuring” said the pepper-haired woman and sat by the desk and pointed on the nearby chair. Liara sat.

“I got fat, doctor Chakwas. Thank you, but you don’t have to dance around it” replied the asari flatly. The human woman only raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

“Don’t start again with the doctor and that’s not the only thing. You gained a few inches in height, compared to last time we met. Congratulations Liara, you are by far the tallest asari I have met. Likewise your pelvis, it widened and more so that your height would indicate.” relayed the physician. Liara blinked at that, it was news to her, but it would explain a few things.

“However, despite abruptness of these changes, all of this appears to be normal. No signs of harmful abnormalities. As for your weight, I must admit I have only brief experiences with overweight humans, but it’s still unexpected. No negative effects were observed so far, your heart rate and pressure are perfect. Of course, you may find it harder to move, but beyond that, your changed skeleton seems to compensate for extra weight. I focused on getting proper readings, we may find something after more thorough analysis, but so far I’m giving you a clean bill of health” explained Chakwas calmly. Liara blinked a few times.

“I must admit I haven’t expected to hear this. What about drugs, I know that I have been dosed regularly with unknown substances. Admittedly I tried to counteract it, but I still don’t know what exactly it was and I needed to avoid detection” said the young asari in confusion. The elderly woman shook her head.

“You show no signs of prolonged poisoning or withdrawal. But as I said It only first look, ** to sort through all results. For now…”

“Doctor Chakwas. Checked Miss T’Soni hormone levels. Noticed something. Examined and searched for linked changes. Added older data for comparison. Please look for yourself” interrupted salarian with a barricade of words, handling a holopad to the human woman. Then he looked at young asari.

“Apologies, Dr T’Soni, need to ask a few questions. Have you experienced mood swings? A desire for a more stable lifestyle? An increased sexual drive?” asked the scientist. Liara blinked, unused to the salarian’s demeanour and bit shocked at the questions.

“Excuse me, professor, but I fail to understand how that’s relevant,” said Liara bit defensively. By some miracle, the human doctor answered before the hyperactive salarian.

“Mordin has a point. I’m sorry, it just comes to show that I don’t regularly treat asari. I just checked if you are fine, but now I see what changed. According to those records, you are a entered a matron stage” explained Chakwas apologetically. Liara simply gaped at scientists.

“Excuse me?” asked shocked asari.

“Symptoms match. Hormone levels. Increase of mammary tissue. Slight deviations to reproductive systems. Some changes more drastic than observed in other asari. But within acceptable parameters. Interview useful for documentation” replied salarian quickly and the human doctor smiled supportingly. The asari remained quiet for a few seconds.

“I assume, that what I’ll say will not leave this room,” asked Liara.

“Of course”

“You have my word Liara”

The asari remained silent for little longer, before answering.

“I want children” Liara breathed out with a blush “Lately, I got jealous every time I see children or pregnant mothers and angry that I didn’t get pregnant with Shepard before”

The asari exhaled deeply and continued.

“And… yes. I suppose I have experienced an increased need for a… physical affection, but just recently. I don’t think I felt any particular need in a change in my lifestyle, besides the obvious” replied the asari trying look composed, but her eyes were strangely fixated on the floor.

“Mental and physical symptoms check. Unusual deviations. Must review reaming data.” said hyper-active salarian took his usual “thinking” pose.

“Professor, with all due respect. I think the more pressing matter is how is it possible. I barely passed my first century and I haven’t been involved romantically with anyone for the last two years” said ex-archaeologist, slightly irritated.

“I agree, Mordin. While I’m hardly an expert on asari biology, I know that matron stage is triggered by reaching a certain age or extensive melding. Since I don’t believe Liara forgot something like that, something happened. You already skimmed trough results, any ides what may have caused it?” asked the human doctor politely.

 

“Hmm… Never heard of such case. No known research into an artificial asari maturation. Pointless. Caused by the Broker’s agent? Possible, but unlikely. No benefits. No signs of substances invasive enough to cause it. A genetic disorder? No symptoms, but need to rule out” replied the salarian scientist and started walking erratically.

“Hmm… entire process appears to have concluded naturally. But the trigger is unknown. Unless… its natural one, not documented. Change accompanied by an increase in patient’s fat tissue. Excessive nutrients are good for fetus’s proper development. But…No, yes. Need to confirm, check and cross-reference data. Fascinating. Could…”

“Excuse me, professor” interrupted Liara calmly, but her glare was piercing salarian.

“Are you suggesting that I become a matron because I got fat?”

“Logical. No signs of artificial tampering. Changes accommodating not only for reproduction but increased mass. Asari mono-gendered, with psychology optimized for reproduction. Evolutionally makes sense to enter the most fertile stage, given optimal conditions. Still, hypothesis only. Will check, once Dr T’Soni health fully confirmed” explained Mordin.

Liara was still shaking off the surprise, but ultimately it didn’t change her current situation. On the other, she very much would like to know what’s happening her and it could bring a new aspect of her specie’s biology to light. The asari doctor activated her omnitool.

“I’m not entirely convinced professor, but thank you for thorough approach. I’m sending you access to data you may find useful. However, I would be grateful if you shared any finding with me” said Liara calmly and with a hint of resignation. The salarian were looking at new data for a few seconds before his eyes met asari’s.

“Unusual data, but should prove useful. Source?” asked the former STG seriously.

“Let’s just said that my assistant seemed to have been preparing to expand her private operations. I would also ask for discretion, I trust you two with my personal information, but this is a Cerberus vessel and I am an asari” requested the asari peacefully. The grey-haired woman chuckled.

“Don’t worry Liara. I’m sure Mordin will be careful. For now, you are free, I’ll inform you if something comes up. And Liara, try to get some rest.” said Chakwas with a smile and the salarian nodded in agreement.

“I’ll try” replied the T’Soni heiress with a tired smile and headed to the door. There is one more thing she needed to do before reaching the Shadow Broker’s base.

*** 

Several minutes later
The Normandy SR-2, Engineering deck

“So, how do you want to go about it” asked Shepard, once she and Liara exited the elevator.

“I’ll use facts, mostly. The Shadow Broker knows that she had warned me and Nyxeris's afraid of him. Even if we were to fail against him, we are a preferable alternative to being at his mercy. I’ll also use what I have already learned of her operations, add a few bluffs. If that doesn’t work, we have you, Samara and your new krogan on-board a Cerberus vessel. Despite her talents, I doubt she is used to dealing with a direct threat of violence” answered Liara seriously, trying hard not to look only at the face commander.

“Understood,” said the commander.

“But can you explain to me what exactly her deal is? Because I doubt it is her simply spying on you. I have few ideas, but I don’t like to baselessly speculate”

Liara stopped before doors, guarded by two of her commando, that went along to guard Nuxeris, and took a deep breath.

“I will Shepard. But before that, I want to clear a few things and gather as much info as possible for my own sake” replied the pudgy asari. Shepard gave a weak cheeky grin.

“So you ask questions and stand in the corner looking menacingly until you say it’s time to play the badder cop” summarized the spectre. Liara flashed her smile briefly.

“In essence,” said the obese asari. 

Although you could have remained in armour thought Liara with a mental groan as she felt her eyes slide under the commander collarbone. 

The asari didn’t truly think that Shepard wasn’t up to the task without armour or that there was something wrong with her current outfit. It was a typical Cerberus uniform, although with removed insignia, probably the commander’s work, but it did show the commander’s figure. Which in turn proved to be quite distracting for the doctor.

By the Goddess, she could smother me with those things admired Liara about Shepard’s “assets”.

Truly, Elizabeth had been graced with an absurd, hourglass figure. The pair of the tight, perky, at least F-sized, breast that was currently straining top of the uniform absolute to the absolute limits. Shepard’s ass wasn’t anything to scoff at either, set of two big orbs on wide hips, that were impossible to miss even looking at the human front and equally impossible to hold in a single hand. Liara had tested the last fact multiple times.

The commander’s assets were, usually, less noticeable due to her height, abundant musculature and the fact she rarely was without her armour. Shepard herself, choose to ignore her Amazonian figure, occasionally only complaining about “inconvenient lumps of flesh”.

I do wonder how she looks in that dress from Miss Goto. Perhaps I could secure foota…no t’s not the time for this

Liara took a deep breath.

“Let’s get this over with,” said the asari and Shepard nodded. They resumed march towards the temporary cell. At the same time, Shepard’s expression changed, as did the atmosphere around her.

Disappeared any sights of kindness or compassion, face morphing into complete indifference. Same of commander’s green eyes, seemed to look through anybody as if they were a waste of space. Air seemed to thicken, filled with malicious intent. The commando guarding the door flinched, the feeling of great surrounding them like a fog, seemingly suffocating them.

Liara simply opened the door, obvious to this change.

The room that was usually occupied by the “perfect” krogan had been cleaned and any items that could aid in escape had been removed. Instead, now it had two chairs, a table and a field bed. One of the chairs was occupied by none other than Nyxeris.

Despite exhaustion, clearly visible on her face and handcuffs connecting her to the heavy table the Broker’s operative didn’t look much worse than during their previous meeting. Eristena had been careful. Liara approached the remaining chair, the piece of furniture groaned dully as 400 pounds of asari sat on it. Shepard remained by the entrance.

“Hello Nyxeris, I assume you are aware why here you here? Or does you need any clarification, Observer?” said Liara in study voice.

“No ma’am” replied the older asari breathing heavily. Why it’s so suddenly hard to breathe?

“Good and since you know me, I’ll skip to the facts. You had been spying on me for the Shadow Broker and used me as a middleman to gather information. In order to neutralize me as a threat, without depriving yourself of my resources you decided to earn my trust and full access to what I have. A quite typical operation, but you decided to go step further. You wanted me to become completely dependent physically as well. Possibly to have chance to sate some of your particular tastes. In other words, you decided to fatten me up like an animal for slaughter” relayed Liara mercilessly. Nyxeris flinched at her last words, the foreboding feeling growing in her stronger than ever before and…

Why I cannot breathe? though the traitorous asari panting quietly.

“I must admit, it could work. Unfortunately, I learned of your action, despite your best attempts to brainwash me not to” continued the taller asari.

“With that knowledge, I managed to uncover a few things. The unusual fate of your patients, the reason you were fired from various resorts. Your, how interesting, holonet history, which explained quite a few things. I have even managed to intercept quite a few messages between you and the Shadow Broker. I have ever seen this… facility of yours, you seemed to have quite big plans because I doubt it was all for me”

“If you know. Then why you haven’t done nothing and have your human run all those errands” asked Nyxeris, trying to compose herself, but the infernal pressure on her lungs remained.

“Because my ultimate goal was to get to the Broker. Thanks to your presence I managed to I gathered quite a lot of data and it was a good opportunity to put even more pressure on you. Now let me level with you Nyxeris, you have two choices. You can willingly share with us every scrap of knowledge you have and answer every question. In exchange you live, relatively normal life, you know me I don’t have a habit of wasting resources. But…” Liara paused and narrowed her eyes.

“If you refuse cooperation we will learn everything anyway. It’ll take longer will be painful, messy and I assure you, you aren't going to survive. Believe me, after what you have done to me I would have no regrets if you forced my hand. And before you think about feeding us lies to buy the Shadow Broker's favour” said Liara and smiled only tines bit with the corners of her lips.

“I think he will find your latest intel quite lacking, if not outright harmful to his operations. He also knows that you thought it prudent to warn me about Vasir. I made sure of that. I sincerely doubt he will forgive that, no matter your accomplishments.” explained Liara calmly.

“Your answer Nyxeris?” asked the doctor, her gaze focused at her formers assistant.

The assistant gaze remained at her table, she couldn’t concentrate. Logically she knew that compiling with Liara’s wishes would prolong her life until The Broker killed the doctor, perhaps allowing her to escape. On the other hand, even if she did the Broker will eliminate her, but is Liara actually capable of torture?

Is Shepard? She is supposed to be the hero of…

Nyxeris felt oxygen leave her lungs as if somebody punched her. It was the first time that day she truly looked in the spectre eyes and it terrified her. Nyxeris prided herself on being able to read people regardless of the species. This’s hollow expression, that look didn’t belong on any human’s face or any other creature. The eyes of this human-shaped being desired her suffering, but not like some mindless animal. No there was no doubt in Nyxeris’s mind, this thing was going to consequently break her body and spirit until it got what it wanted.

Whit titanic effort the imprisoned asari succeeded in moving her sight back to Liara and took a hollow breath. She nervously entwined her sweating hands on the table.

“Where do I need to begin?” asked Nyxeris politely.

*** 

Over two hours later
Normandy SR-2, Main Battery

“…and that about it. That’s why I couldn’t risk you looking into Broker by yourself and preferred to avoid mentioning my weight.” Liara finished explaining what happened during last months. The portly asari sat at one of the containers by the wall, her legs spread to make space for her belly.

“Well… that’s not a story you hear every day. And here I thought, I was busy back on Omega” replied Garrus, standing by the console, to the asari sitting on one of the containers.

“Don’t be jealous, Garrus. It’s nobody fault that Liara was waging a one-asari war against the most dangerous information broker, while you were picking on some defenceless mercs” commented Shepard jokingly, also sitting on the crate.

“No offensive Liara, but could that plan even work. I mean it’s bit fare-fetched not to mention could she really make you that big. I see that changed but…” asked turian carefully. Liara though for a few seconds and sighed.

“I think so. Because it was such an unthinkable approach itself was a great advantage and I must admit she was careful and kept making me unaware of her actions. Besides, we’re the last people to criticise impossible plans” said the asari with a brief smile.

“She got you there” added smirking Shepard. Garrus only waved his hands in capitulation.

“Whatever she could fatten me up to make me fully reliable on her? I suppose it’s possible, unlike turians most species keep storing nutrients as long as we eat. Our bodies don’t partially prevent digestion after a certain point” finished Liara with a sour expression. Shepard nodded.

“Liara’s right, I know there were cases like that with humans and… I’m pretty sure my mum was heavier than Liara now. Seeing as we are relatively similar anatomically it should be possible” added Shepard in a neutral vice. However both non-humans were bit surprised, the commander rarely spoke of her biological family. Finally, Garrus interrupted prolonged silence.

“One more question. No offensive, but at first I was a bit afraid you may have trouble getting back in the field due to your…mm…size. But you managed to run after Vasir just fine, also your biotics were much stronger. I’m no expert, but this level of power is bit unusual for a maiden” asked Garrus, this was bugging him for a while.

 

“Asari evolved in eezo rich environment. Unlike other species, we store it practically in every tissue of our bodies, also in fat. Subsequently, I have much more of it in my body to use than any other asari my age alongside… considerable fuel reserves. I use it to compensate, although it took some time to adjust. Also since I learned of my state, I started training to gain muscle mass. Though I must admit that my long-term stamina is miserably low” explained Liara patiently. Garrus gained thoughtful expression.

“Hmm… a squad of specially prepared asari as support. Decreased mobility or not, they could serve as portable heavy…”

It was a good thing Garrus didn’t have any heart conditions. The glare Liara sent his way would have finished off a lesser person.

“Ahem… so now we have to only board the moving fortress occupied by one of the most influential and ruthless individuals in the galaxy and rescue Liara’s friend. I suppose it’s a good warm-up before Collectors, also another thing Wrex will be jealous he was away for” said the turian. Shepard chuckled and Liara smiled as well.

“You simply want to brag. I have a proposition, all three of us has been awake for far longer than we probably should. How about we get some shut-eye? It would be pretty embarrassing if we collapse from the sleep deprivation in the middle of filling Broker with holes” proposed the commander with a small smile and stood up. Liara opened her mouth ready to argue, she still had much data to went through, but the doctor quickly stopped. Shepard was right going into such dangerous operation, while exhausted was suicidal.

“Would you show me where I can rest?” asked Liara and extended her hand to the commander. Shepard caught it and soon trio was heading to their respective beds.

*** 

Hours later
Hagalaz atmosphere, The Shadow Broker’s ship

Last minutes were hectic for the multispecies trio to say the least. First, they had to fight their way through outer of the ship in the middle of a raging storm, with mechs and mercenaries on their welcome. After dealing with troublesome entrance, the team managed to break into the ship, but the Broker’s operatives kept making a nuisance of themselves. At long last, they located Ferron, unfortunately, while alive and even coherent remained firmly strapped to an elaborate torture chair. The only way to safely free the drell captive was to deal with The Shadow Broker. Shepard, Garrus and Liara continued into the ship’s bowels.

After moving through another wave of mercenaries they entered, by far, the largest room in the ship with sparse light.

Well… he is big thought Shepard at the sight of an unknown figure. The sitting alien was the largest person Shepard had seen, bigger even than Wrex. The week light from surroundings him(her?) terminals didn’t reveal detail but confirmed, that the Broker belonged to species the commander was completely unfamiliar with.

The team stopped several meters before the unknown alien with their weapons raised.

“Here for the drell? Reckless even for you commander” said the Broker, his voice guttural and seemingly unfazed. It sounded as unfamiliar as he looked. Shepard raised an eyebrow.

Reckless for me? Hardly though the commander and replied

“That bombing on Illium wasn’t exactly subtle"

“Extreme, but necessary,” said The Broker.

“No, it wasn’t. Neither was caging Ferron for two years!” shouted Liara with barely contained rage.

“Doctor T’Soni. Your interference caused all of this. Ferron betrayed me when he handed you Shepard’s body. Now he is simply paying the price” explained the alien.

“Someone was bound to go after you for working with Collectors” noticed Shepard.

“It was a mutually beneficial partnership. Your arrival is convenient. The Collectors’ offer still stands” replied the Broker. The commander barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes.

“No, you’re simply naïve enough to think so. Besides, it’ll be pretty hard to run a base this size with no crew” said tall woman, wondering how somebody, supposedly, intelligent was blind to the Collector’s ultimate goal.

“They’re replaceable. Your arrival is merely an interruption. Enough talk. My operations are too crucial to be compromised by the traitor” said the large alien.

“You’re quite confident for somebody with nowhere left to run” noticed the overweight asari.

“You travel with fascinating companions, doctor” said the Broker like he didn’t hear Liara.

“It’s good you brought the Archangel, T’Soni. Your friend’s bounty is still unclaimed”

“You’re not putting hand on anyone” replied Liara, anger resurfacing.

“It’s pointless to challenge me asari. I know your every secret, while you fumble in the dark. You should have accepted your role as the Observer’s fat pet” said the Broker, fortunately Liara remained calm.

“Is that right? You’re yahg, a pre-spaceflight species quarantined to their homeworld for massacring the Council’s first contact teams” replied the hefty asari calmly.

“This base is older than your planet’s discovery, which probably means you killed the original Shadow Broker sixty years ago, then took over. I’m guessing you were taken from your word by a trophy hunter who wanted a slave… or a pet. How am I doing?”

The Shadow Broker proved to lack Liara’s self-control. He stood up, making squad realize that he was as least two- if not three times the size of a grown krogan, and launched his desk at the intruders with an angry roar. Shepard managed to move herself and Liara away, but Garrus wasn't so fortunate. He was laying motionlessly under the rubble, luckily the readings of his armour showed the commander her turian squadmate was merely unconscious.

They couldn’t help him now as the yahg pulled a weapon that was short of an anti-vehicle canon. The Shepard and Liara ran to cover and fight ensured.

The Broker possessed extremely strong biotic shield, that managed to withstand even the tubby asari biotic assaults, but it slowly depleted. However, as it did the colossal alien roared and his body was surrendered with another, external, seemingly impervious barrier that hampered his movement. Liara shot a few rounds and turned to Shepard, her pudgy face had a purple tint with few small droplets of sweat on it.

“Everything bounces off, but it’s still a kinetic sensitive barrier” explained the doctor quickly. Shepard smirked darkly.

“So brute force it is” replied the tall woman and ran towards the yahg.

Auch thought Shepard, when her fist connected with the Broker's face. Even her reinforced gloves didn’t fully spare her from the effects of a powerful strike. But her manoeuvre had been successful shield shattered and the Broker clearly felt all the force behind Shepard’s fist. The commander continued her assault, but after second hit the yahg activated the omnishield and pushed the woman away.

The fight continued, but even without barriers, getting through enemy armoured suit proved to be troublesome, especially while avoiding hitting his shield. But after managing this the Broker once again activated the external barrier and Shepard immediately attacked him. After a few seconds of scuffle the large alien once again launched the human into the air hitting Liara.

Soft though briefly the commander when she landed on the plentiful asari. They managed to get up, while the Broker was immobilised by recharging barrier.

“If you can get him to bring up that shield again, I’ve got an idea” said Liara her face pointing at the device on the ceiling. Shepard nodded and both ran to cover.

Once again they were forced to methodically destroy the Broker’s barrier and armour, while his attacks were more ferocious than before. Finally, the barrier was up again. Shepard attacked but didn’t stay after it fell. Instead, she manoeuvred so the charging yahg was standing in the middle of the room.

“Liara now!” shouted Shepard and Liara body flashed with blue aura, but didn’t attack the Broker, focusing on the device above him. Before the large alien could realize his situation, the ceiling started to crack. Hectolitres of highly conductive, violate liquid began pouring on The Broker. Yet, The alien kept roaring in agony and walking slowly, but substance must have reacted with his equipment causing an explosion that knocked commander on her generous bottom. Fortunately, the liquid quickly shut up by the systems and the floor had a drain.

Laying on her back commander was approached by heavily panting Liara, who offered her hand. Shepard took it and stood.

“*pant* you check on *pant* Garrus and I *pant* check consoles” said Liara slowly regaining her breath. Shepard nodded and walked to the turian, who started to slowly wake up and stand up by himself.

“What did I miss?” asked Vakarian in a pained voice, but with no signs of serious injury.

“Let’s just say you’ll not be able to brag to Wrex” answered Shepard and helped him to stand. They waked to Liara by the console, when several connections started to work.

“Operative Shora requesting update. Are we still online?”

“Shadow Broker, I’ve lost our feed. We are online and awaiting your instructions”

…and so on. 

After a brief moment of hesitation, Liara entered a few commands and spoke.

“This is the Shadow Broker. The situation is under control. We experienced a power fluctuation while updating hardware. It disrupted communications momentarily. However, we are now back online. Resume standard procedures. I want a status report on all operations within the next day cycle. Shadow broker out”

“Goddess of oceans… it’s you. You… how?” interrupted voice. It was Feron, freed he had had to run to them immediately. Shepard was impressed that he was capable of this given circumstances. Liara turned to them.

“Well, everyone who’s ever seen him in person is dead, so…” said Liara unsure. Farron finished.

“…you’re the new Shadow Broker”

Shepard assumed most positive smile she could muster.

“It’ll be nice to nice to have access to information I can trust… Broker” said the spectre. Liara didn’t look too reassured.

“I’m not sure I’m ready for you to call me that. I’m not sure about any of this. But I had to do it. With Shadow Broker’s information network I can give you… I can…” the plump asari voice was cracking, on the verge of tears.

“I’ll, uh, check the power systems” said Feron clearly not sure what to do.

“I’ll help him, there were few things I noticed that needed calibration” added Garrus, hopefully he’ll remember to give the slouching drell first aid.

When the room was free of males Shepard returned her sight on the asari and walked to her. Liara turned to her, with tears running her pudgy cheeks.

“It’s over. It’s finally… for two years…” said Liara weekly. Shepard slowly embraced and hugged her dearly, her arms not reaching as far as she remembered, the softness of the asari body feeling bit alien, but strangely pleasant.

“It’s alright” whispered the commander. The doctor gently expanded rift between them and cautiously kissed tall woman, unfortunately quickly retreating.

“It’s been two years. I don’t… We’re different people. You have your mission and I…” said Liara also pointing at her figure. Shepard's eyes narrowed slightly.

No, I don’t think so decided the commander and grabbed the asari plentiful sided pulling her closer and kissed her girl. The muscular woman wasn’t disappointed as Liara quickly returned her affection. After several wonderful seconds, Liara broke away.

“Okay… okay” said the doctor little breathlessly, but with a hint of true joy.

“Okay” replied Shepard with a smile.

“But we should focus. Let’s see what our options are” said Liara a little firmer and went to console, Shepard few steps behind. The doctor started to type on the device.

“No safeguards or user restrictions. It’s like he never anticipated anyone, but himself being here. And it’s all ours” relayed Liara. Shepard once again felt unimpressed with the previous Broker.

“What kind of information are we talking about?” asked Shepard, truly intruded, by possibilities. She didn’t come that far without an appreciation for solid intel.

“I’m not sure. I’ll need to go through his files. I’ll try to find something useful for you” responded the asari and turned her back to console.

“All I wanted is to rescue Feron. But… is it wrong that part of me wants this? With the Shadow Broker’s network, I can help. Maybe I can turn this operation into something better”

Shepard smiled.

“I know you will,” said the spectre, but her face becomed more serious, eyes looking directly into Liara’s.

“Unfortunately, there is one more thing. Cerberus cannot learn of this, preferably no one else either”

The doctor expression quickly turned into understanding.

“Do you have a plan?”

*** 

Over 24 hours later
Normandy SR-2, the conference room.

“… that’s it” Shepard finished explaining the situation to irritated Miranda.

“So it’s likely one of those brief signals we picked was the Shadow Broker’s shuttle” summarised Miranda with resignation. Shepard nodded.

“Why did doctor T’Soni remain in the ship?” asked Cerberus operative.

“Liara wanted to start through files… and probably to be away from me. She understands my decision to cooperate with Broker against Reapers, but with Feron’s death… I’m not exactly surprised” explained commander. Miranda’s face furrowed, but she nodded with acceptance.

“So why are going back?” asked the “cheerleader”. She had managed to finely catch and interrogate the commander when she was heading to the shuttle. Shepard signed.

“Hopefully she cooled down enough to talk. I prefer to clear the air now, for better or worse. Worst case scenario to stop her from doing something radical” replied the taller woman. Miranda face softened for a brief second.

“Understood, Shepard,” said the brunette and walked to the door. CLrarly she was upset that they hadn’t managed to capture or kill the Shadow Broker.

Huh… though Shepard when she realized something as she observed figure clad in the tight jumpsuit.

Without a doubt Miranda was an extremely attractive woman, one could say more than Liara, with her old frame. Hadn't it been for a relationship with the doctor, Shepard would likely try to become physically acquainted with her. But now, the commander could help, but wonder that the perfect woman would look better with more pounds on her frame.

Shepard shook her head, she had an important meeting.

*** 

Several minutes later
The Shadow Broker’s ship

Shepard walked a corridor that was directly linked to the Broker’s office. She had to admit whoever was responsible for cleaning had superb skills, the commander wasn’t able to find even a smudge of blood left.

When she was before the door, the screen above went to life displaying the familiar asari.

“Shepard It’s good to see you. Please come in” and with that doors opened and the white holographic ball immediately flew to her.

At Shepard’s question, Liara immediately explained about the Broker’s VI assistant.

She entered the room and noted it had been cleaned as well, with few more homely touched added. Liara was sitting at large, chair by the main console. The commander approached her from behind and hugged lightly.

“Well, Miranda and TIM seem to believe in our story. Garrus's a surprisingly good actor when he wants to be” Shepard said as she pressed her head to pudgy asari’s and Liara also smiled weakly.

“That’s good. I must admit I wasn’t prepared for such eventuality, but you're right Cerberus should be left unaware. I assume you intend to abandon them once you deal with Collectors?” asked Liara. Shepard though for a second and smirked with half of her lips.

“I’m going to steal the ship and the crew, at least majority of it” replied cheekily commander. The plentiful asari eyed her questioningly.

“The non-human personnel will be easy enough, Jack only waits for an opportunity to act against them, don’t need to explain Dr Chawkas and Joker. About the rest – I’m pretty sure that TIM gave me people that are simply fed up with Council and the Alliance than true believers. I think I’ll manage to convince them, obviously there are a few moles, but you know I’m a rather good judge of character. Also if you would be willing to check their files…”

“I’ll be happy to help, Shepard” replied Liara and flashed a smile.

“But what about Miranda? She truly believes in Cerberus and may be able to stonewall you?”

“I know, but her story, if true, is a bit too continent. Her father sounds exactly like the type to work with Cerberus. Please focus on those two. I have a feeling she may be much easier to convince than you think” said Shepard and looked directly at Liara.

“But that enough about it. How are you doing Liara?” asked the concerned commander. The overweight asari paused, she carefully untangled herself from ginger-haired woman hands and stood up facing her. Lara began explaining her current situation and reassured the pale human. As they keep talking the freckled asari began showing around the chamber.

While Shepard was paying attention to her words and room, she was quite fascinated by the movements Liara’s plentiful flesh, visible even behind her garments.

“And what about that assistant of yours?” asked Shepard finally. The asari leaned on the nearby railing.

“So far, she is in confinement, a comfortable one. I made sure to assure her that the only thing that keeps her from the Broker’s wrath is me. I gave Nyxeris job, sorting through data, similar to what she was doing back on Illium. Nothing truly important and I’ll intent to revise it later, but it should give me an idea about her willingness to cooperate. I think she'll prove compliant, especially with the hope that she may be released as agent” explained Liara calmly. Shepard joined her by the railing.

“Nobody could blame you if decided to kill her, but I’m happy that you didn’t. But is releasing her as agent wise?” said Shepard.

“I read the Broker’s files on her. Nyxeris used me, but she also tried to help me in her own twisted way. Keeping her here would be a waste of resources. But believe me, Shepard, I’ll make sure she won’t be able to act against me” replied her voice harder than Normandy’s hull, but her expression flickered for a second. Shepard raised an eyebrow.

“Is there something else?” the commander asked carefully. Liara’s face looked like she ate something sour, but she composed herself.

“Yes. That method of hers… even if it originated from Nyxeris’s perversion, it could prove useful, if only because nobody would suspect it. When I thought about it calmly I already made a list of several individuals we could use it on. It is… more humane than alternatives” explained Liara, but it was clear she didn’t want to continue.

“I see. What about Vasir? She is basically on your payroll now?” asked Shepard, steering away from the previous topic. Liara guided them back to console.

“I’m not sure. She is currently ** and guarded. I could use her as the Broker did, but she's a bit of a loose cannon, she may go after us despite orders. I’ll have to think about it” explained to the doctor as they walked. Shepard nodded, she gathered courage and smiled.

“You know I didn’t come here to just talk about data” said the commander as she moved closer to Liara, almost touching her round belly. However the doctor abruptly moved away, but Shepard could see a hint of purple on her face.

“Look about the kiss… we’d just finished the fight” started Liara and turned again to Shepard, making her flesh quiver.

“I miss you, but it’s been two years and I… honestly doubted you would still be interested, given the circumstances. I don’t want to pressure you” replied the portly asari unsurely and crossed her arms, squeezing her breasts.

Miraculously, Shepard managed to ignore the delicious sight before and frowned for a second. She wasn’t going to let Liara fall into that rabbit hole. She smiled and approached the asari.

“I’ve got some very fond memories of the times you put pressure on me. Even despite occasional interruptions” said Shepard. This time she received full blush, even as Liara moved her gaze away, she smiled as well.

“Hah… so do I. Though I doubt Karin was as appreciative” replied asari with a smile.

“Why don’t you come to the Normandy for drinks? We’ll talk everything, but work” proposed the commander. Liara took a few steps and faced Shepard.

“I would like that” confirmed Liara. The tall woman’s smile widened.

“Good. Give me two hours, I’ll look over what you prepared and clean myself up” said Shepard with a devilish smile.

“I’ll be there” replied Liara. The commander was about to go to one of the terminals when asari’s voice.

“Shepard, there’s one more thing I could use advice on”

“Yes?” asked the commander turning back to Liara.

“It’s about my father” said the doctor and with few clicks summoned picture on the screen.

Well… it does explain a few things

*** 

Later
Normandy SR-2, Capitan’s quarters

Shepard finished pouring wine into glasses. She had cleaned what little dirt she had and filled her table with sweet treats, mainly chocolate ones of course. The commander even forced herself to wear that ridiculous black outfit Kasumi had given her.

Shepard straightened and turned around at the sound of the opening door. Suddenly she found her throat dry. Liara was looking around the cabin wearing the dress that tightly hugged her ripe curves. It was the first time the commander could truly appreciate her figure, which was equally alien as inviting. After a few seconds, she broke out of stupor.

“Did you enjoy the tour?” asked Shepard, trying to hide her reaction? Liara smiled.

“Yes. It’s a beautiful ship. And I ran into Joker. I didn’t talk to him on the way to Hagalaz, but he seemed happy to see me. Although he did ask if you and I would be acting out scenes from some vid called “Vaenia” replied the asari.

“Of course he did” said Shepard and made mental note to use the pilot as target practice. Liara raised her hand, she was holding something.

Ah…

“I brought you something. It took some digging, but I recovered your tags” said the asari and commander took framed pieces of metal.

“I tough, I’ll never see them again” replied the commander and put them on the desk.

“You can’t get back everything you lose… but sometimes you get lucky” said Liara behind her. 

“Yeah, that’s the plan” said Shepard before turning around and leaned on the desk, crossing her arms. She mentally winced, feeling edge poke deeply into her ass and weight of breasts on her arms. The ginger-haired woman still didn’t get why Cerberus had to rebuild her that close to the original. And she knew for a fact that they hadn’t simply pour silicon inside.

“How are you actually doing, Shepard? I mean really, not what you tell your squad to keep morale up?” asked Liara with concern. Shepard exhaled. 

“I could ask you the same, but… honestly? I’m tired. Tired of having no better alternative than to work with Cerberus, tired of Council ignorance, tired of one of my closest friends not believing me. I can’t even bring myself to be angry anymore. I’m just… tired” replied the commander with a low voice as she walked across the room, although she omitted few critical details.

“Yes, I heard what Ashley said back on Horizont. I’m sorry. But their shortsightedness doesn’t diminish what you accomplished. There wouldn’t be a man, woman or child left on Horizont, if not for you” Liara tried to reassure the tall woman.

“We saved some of them, not enough. And we could save more. It was a Cerberus using colony as a bait. I’m not that much of hypocrite, I probably would do the same if necessary, Collectors would simply attack another colony, but that opportunity could be used better. We could have had turian patrols go there, the Alliance forces, cholera even another spectre as a witness would be useful. Much more people could be saved or there could be proof for the Council. But no, it has to be Cerberus and Cerberus alone to destroy the Collectors” explained Shepard in a calm voice, even if Liara could hear well-hidden hatred in her words. The heavy asari moved towards the human.

“Yes, but you are here and I trust you. You’ll do what’s the best in the end, no matter what Cerberus wants” said Liara calmly and put her hand on her side, more specifically on one of her love handles.

“So tell me what you want. If all this ends tomorrow, what happens to us?”

Shepard looked to the side and smiled, almost shyly.

“I don’t know. Marriage, old age, a lot of little blue children?” replied the commander happily, but there was a hint of hesitancy. Something ran through Liara’s face, but it was quickly replaced by a small smile and playful shove.

“You just say those things…” said Liara, but her expression soured and walked few feet, facing wall.

“Goddess… You were dead” breathed out Liara, voice cracking.

“I got better, thanks to you” the commander replied softly and approached round asari. Liara turned, she had tears running down her plump cheeks. The asari made move like she wanted to embrace the taller woman, but stopped herself and walked further.

“This time, but… you’re going to leave again. When your team is ready, you’ll leap through Omega 4 relay” Liara said and looked at the translucent ceiling. After a few seconds, she faced the commander.

“I spent two mourning you and I… didn’t think you would want to be with me again” 

Shepard's eyes squinted. She approached Liara and gently grabbed her hands, this time the asari didn’t escape.

“Liara, why in the world, I wouldn’t want to be with you. Yes, you changed, but at the core, you are still Liara” reassured Shepard slowly kneading blue hands, at the back of she noted that the asari’s digits were noticeably wider and softer than she remembered. Liara escaped with her gaze.

“Shepard, you and everybody here have been… very polite about my state, but you don’t have to. I’m the fattest asari I know of, I weight over two times what I did, compared to when we meet” said the asari shakily.

“You don’t have to force yourself to be with me, I understand…”

“Stop” Shepard interrupted firmly. and squeezed Liara hands.

“Liara, as attractive as I find you it isn’t the reason I love you” the commander explained and gently embraced the young asari, sinking into her softness. New tears ran through the ex-archaeologist face. 

“You are Liara T’Soni, you’re a brilliant archaeologist and information broker, you come up with the theory of prothean excision and managed to overthrow the Shadow Broker. You are also a huge dork when you are talking about your favourite subject and hate social interactions outside your closest friends” continued Shepard even as she herds quiet sobs of blue beauty in her arms.

“And I really hope that you don’t like for my meat sacks alone. Otherwise, I’ll have to talk with Miranda about making them even bigger and they are bothersome as it is”

Liara’s weak hysterical laughter accompanied them as they separated at arms length. The pump doctor face was flushed and wet but betrayed relief as well. 

“Again, you say those things…” replied the doctor with a weak smile.

“I really want this, but do you”

The commander smiled saucily.

“You shouldn’t even ask. Besides, you overreact. I admit I was a bit shocked, but I must say you make this new look work. I think I can prove it to you” said Shepard and her hands started to slowly trace her partner ample body. Asaris’s clothes have well-hidden zippers and buttons, but the commander had some practice in finding those.

Liara’s face from relief and disbelief changed into a shy reluctance with a visible purple blush.

“Well… I suppose I would mind” replied the asari and helped guide the commander's hands.

A short while later both human and asari were left wearing only lingerie. Shepard’s body was composed of hard, well-defined muscles. While the commander never had quite the sheer body-mass like Eristena, but Liara was aware that finger-haired woman was able to pull off feats of strength, even the muscular asari would be envious of.

The pale skin presented very differently than before the original Normandy’s crash, instead of numerous battle scars it, the deathly pale surface was only marred with ominous red signs of implants and surgical procedures. Obviously, the most eye-catching were the commander's curves. Both, her huge chest and the equally sizable bottom seemed to mock Elizabeth attempts to turn her body into fighting machine, inducing envy in a majority of woman and asari alike. When Liara first saw the commander she thought she could drown in the meaty mounds, but later found it an acceptable risk.

Still, it was Shepard who observed truly major changes to her partner body. Liara had grown in every aspect of the word. The commander no longer towered over her, their height differing by only roughly two inches, most. However, it was the asari width that truly caught attention.

Every part of the young asari expanded horizontally, her calves were had clear lines with ankles, meaty thighs were touching while standing. Hips even wider than gained mass would indicate, coupled with expanded butt checks created a sizable, meaty shelf, the entirety of the doctor’s lover area was marred with a few dimples. The smooth, soft mass that had grew from Liara’s midriff extruded several inches. It hanged down, covering part of the asari’s panties and transformed into a lovely pair of love handles on her sides.

The asari breasts were eclipsing even that of commander’s even though they didn’t reach as far as her belly, they were surprisingly perky as well, admittedly the large, purple areolas reached much lower than previously. The ex-archaeologist higher limbs had been affected as well, most noticeably her upper arms that had a significant layer of adipose attached to them. Liara’s face was probably the least affected, but her cheekbones lest were no longer visible, and her neck had visibly shrunk.

Shepard absorbed the sight before her, Liara mirrored her but quickly hanged her head in embarrassment. The commander was having none of that, she keeled before the large asari. That surprised the blue beauty, she opened her mouth but only a breathless gasp escaped her lips as she closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Shepard firmly grabbed the asari’s ample thighs. She felt as her fingers dug into a supple flesh, filling space between them. But it wasn’t all, the ginger began placing tender kisses on blue skin. Elizabeth acted as if she wanted to touch every available patch of adipose filled limbs. She systemically moved upwards, while Liara’s breath was quickening, at some point the doctor’s hands found herself entangled in a bloody red hair.

The commander didn’t stop at Liara’s legs. The ex-archaeologist let out a loud gasp when Shepard squeezed her meaty, buttocks and Elizabeth’s lips reached the bottom of her ample gut. No part of fat belly was spared from the commander affection, as her hands inspected blue love handles and doctor’s back fat. Liara’s breathing evolved into outright panting as Shepard worshipped her enlarged body.

The commander wasn’t given the chance to finish. As she finished paying extra attention to the belly button, blue hands forced her to stand. She faced Liara, the asari’s face was full of purple blush, with signs of sweat visible. After a second, the doctor kissed her human with new energy. The hard belly muscles sunk in a soft, blue gut, while two pairs of enormous breast squeezed nearly obscenely.

Shepard managed to carefully manoeuvre them to the edge of the bed, both bras falling do the ground as they progressed. When lovers parted for breath, a small bit of force, courtesy of commander, was enough to send them falling on the bed.

Liara landed on her back, making her ripples ran through her blubbery body and slowly made herself comfortable. Her bare chest and jiggling belly was rising heavily, but she felt happy. The blue belly was sprouting upwards, her breasts had to finally succumb to gravity and moved to sides of her large middle.

After a few seconds of rest, Liara raised herself on her elbows.

“Shepard, I…”

The blue beauty didn’t manage to finish as Shepard placed something in her mouth.

Mmmm…

It was a chocolate and a good one as well, Shepard had had to put a box of those on the nightstand.

Shepard was lying beside her, looked directly at young asari face and rubbed her cheek.

“Liara, please stop overthinking it. I’ll want to be with you whatever you decide to lose weight or not. Besides…”

Shepard smiled saucily and started to move hand downwards away from her cheek.

“You do make it look good. I’ll make sure you realize this even without a meld”

And without further delay, she moved closer to the fat asari. Shepard was right, Liara was sure of the ginger’s feelings before her eyes turned pitch black and their thoughts become one

*** 

Meanwhile
Normandy’s deck

Joker’s face betrayed deep abomination as he emptied a cup of water.

“You could make it taste any worse, Doc?” asked the pilot and handed an empty glass to Doctor Chakwas.

“You're a grown man Joker. Then again, I suppose if you acted like one, you would remember to bring your medications” replied the woman.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll try to be responsible” said Joker. Before the doctor could comment a blue, holographic ball appeared.

“Mister Moreau. I detected a gravitational anomaly, likely of biotic origins coming from captain’s quarters, but my devices there had been manually disabled by Shepard. Should I inform the crew of possible danger?” asked the AI. The pilot’s expression changed drastically, he chuckled.

“No EDI, there would be a danger only if we interrupted” explained Joker, trying to prevent snickering.

“Is that wise? Miss T’Soni is a powerful biotic she could pose a threat to the commander”

“That’s not the case EDI I assure you. Please, refrain yourself from informing anybody else about it. That will all for now” this time it was the elderly woman who answered. The AI disabled her avatar and the doctor turned to the grinning pilot.

“I believe you own me some credits, Joker”

That made the pilot's smile disapear.

“How was I supposed to know they were going to bang right away? Weren’t they supposed to spend some time talking about their feelings?” Joker said as he activated his omnitool. The doctor smiled, almost mischievously.

“Their feelings were pretty clear. Also, I was Liara’s neighbour during her stay. Let’s just say that she is much less shy, if not daring when it comes to the comnmander” explained Doctor Chakwas and walked away before the pilot could ask for details.

*** 

Later
Normandy SR-2, Capitan’s quarters

Shepard admired the sleeping asari's form cuddled next to her, resting her head resting on the human's collarbone. The commander could feel her lover’s warm softness and her weight pleasantly pressing on her.

Elizabeth was smiling, still giddy and not only from a mind-blowing experience. She had fully re-joined with Liara, assured her of her feelings. Most importantly it felt true, real. Unlike everything else since her “awakening”, perhaps save for interactions with Garrus. Liara’s lips and skin lacked the subtle aftertaste of ash when tasted, she didn’t feel like there was a slimy layer of foil between them. In other words, she felt real, not like a part of some coma induced dream or some terrible purgatory. There was no intangible barrier or faint detail destroying the experience.

And what experience it was. While Shepard never lied, she wanted to stay with Liara and still found her attractive, there was this snag of doubt in the commander soul, that she’ll react poorly to something and mess up. Oh, how wrong she was. Liara’s new body was new and alien, also but magnificent and unexpectedly irresistible. There was so much of her to squeeze and kiss, Elizabeth needed to explore and worship every inch of this new, soft, blue flesh. Save for initial, albeit short awkwardness Liara’s new body made it one of, if not the best, night between two.

That was more than welcome surprise, Shepard had no idea that extra padding could be so pleasurable. Then again how could she, Elizabeth spent the majority of her life in Alliance military, where physical requirements were extremely strict. The few encounters with heavier people were limited to a few crime bosses and slavers.

Even the relatively shallow meld hadn’t managed to sour the experience, considering events of the last two years the commander didn’t hold it against the doctor. Still, it allowed Elizabeth to confirm a few things and glimpse into what troubled her lower.

Shepard’s free hand moved and rested on Liara’s taut belly, the asari only gasped soundlessly, but remained sleeping, even as the commander’s limb started to rub. Shepard bit her lip, Liara hadn’t noticed but during the entire ordeal, Elizabeth successfully fed her content of three sizable chocolate boxes. Watching the blue beauty devour sweet treats was unexpectedly arousing.

The commander could help but wonder. How it would be to have Liara eat more pamper her like she deserved. To have her remain safe and hidden while filling her full with delicious food. Make her eat and eat beyond reason  and with mindless ecstasy. Have her swell immobile, with n͑ͫ̈ͪ̂̂̐e̩̺̖͠w̗͚͖̱̬͒ ̞̹̳̲̖̓̑ͮ̎͛ͮs̨̜̜̜͎̰͓̮̍̉ͨ̊̒c̷̝͓͍͈̺̘̽ͨr̢̥̰̻͈̂̂̇͗͑u̟͉̺̗̠̒ͤm̧͚̟͕̏̉̑̏p̨̫͎̼̬ͥ̉̍͛̈̃̚t͚̲̝ͭͩ̊ͮ̔́ͅi̢̘̞̘ͯ́̔̾͂ͪo̷̰ͤ̒̏̒͒͗ũ̱̰͖͎ͤ͐͆ͨͤ̚s̯͙̯ͮ͛ͥ̉̑,̲ͦ̉̂̂͐͑̊ͅ ̓ͣ̐̈́̄b̢̝̪̈̊̎l̇u̦̓̇̌͛ͮ̓e̹̗̰̰̰̱̍̋ ͖̯̲̯͓̓ͩb̙̝̮̮͎̯̈ͫ̔͋͌ͪ͠l̰̣͔̮̙̄͌ͦͯ̀̏̓ù͓̟͈b̧̫ͦͧ͂́ḅ̛͓̼̲̮̂̐ͩ̓e̞̾̒́͋͜r͎̞͚̺͗̓ ̃̀̿̇͢a̋ͧ̇̏͏̶̘̝̞̣̼̻̭̺n̟̯̭̽ͪ̋̊ͤ̐̋̚̚d̼̫͍̱̘͖̬̼ͨͥ́ͦͮ̑ ̽̈́ͣ̿̒̔̈ͯ́͜҉̥̺̳̺̘̭ģ̳͓̻̄̈̀ͥ̾̉͂r̷̈́̀͏͇ȇ̤͉̺̰͇̫͔̬͑̃͠w̴̘̮̜̻͇͓͋̽̾̃̇͗͋̿͢ ̶̼̟̿̓w͚̰̩͐̌͗͆̑̓͂i̬͕̙̦̘̽̏́ͣ͋ͩ̕̕tͭ͏͉̦͕̦ḩ̤͈̖̫̿ ͉͎̻ͧ̌ͣ̒͒̄̐̽̍n̝̤̬̦̐̄ͤ̍̾̇u̵̶̬̐̃͐̍́̚m͊͑ͮ̀ͪ҉̣̭̕e̴̮̐́͌̌̌ͥ̈́̕ŗ̜̣̣̻̩͚̪̑ͥ́ͥ̂ͣō̠͈͓̤͓͇͙̐ͭͪ̌̍͢ͅu̠̱̒ͨ̀́̂ͣ̈́s̤̪̼̒ͣ̂ͅ ̶͎̱̩͇̥̰̺̮͆̏ͮ̿̐̄̒͠p̳̤̘ͣ̓͋̽̒ͧͥ͗ͩr̛̲̩͖̭̞͕͕͎̾ͩ͋o̳̭̹̱̊̏̊̉ͥͭͫͅg̖̜͉͈ͯ̑ͮ̓́̚e̸̜͙ͬͮ͛́͞ñ͇̠̊͜y̶̙̼̳̩̰̺̳̠͕ͤͨ̈ͮ̚.͖̳̑̿͂̃͑ͯͨͧ ̷̲̟̺͉̤̌ͦ̓͛ͫͧ͆͆͠ͅŤ̛͓͎̮̲̱͓͎ͤ̓̄͑̾̿̑ͯ̈ͯ͐͌̀͝͞ͅͅo̵͍͉̮͙̠̟͓̟͔͉̼̲̽͂̄ͯ͝ͅ…̛̮̥̱͎̝̲̳̬̺̱̬͈͓̮̪͎̲̪̝ͭ̐̽ͬ̇̈́͒̆̄͛̆̇͊́͝

Shepard shook her head and took a sharp breath.

Control. I need to control myself.

Elizabeth always had crazy ideas, but lately, they were getting out hand of even for her. While she managed to control herself so far, now with Liara at her side, this… desire, hunger for the soft asari was impossible to ignore.

Before with Nyxeris, she wasn’t angry, no. She didn’t want her dead, only to suffer, suffer beyond her imaginations, for the span of her entire life for what she had done to Liara. Shepard wasn’t stranger to wising to hurt an enemy, but the things she was willing to do to the traitorous asari and her cold cruelty, that… that was new.

A familiar coppery taste interrupted her train of thoughts. Shepard sighed, she must have bitten her lip too hard. She allowed her head to rest comfortably on the pillow and closed eyes.

Liara’s gotten more attractive and she would be even more if she kept gaining. But that’s not up to me, but her alone Elizabeth thought trying to fall asleep, appreciating pleasant heat from the doctor’s soft body. She wasn’t afraid of not getting enough sleep, lately, she didn’t need it.

*** 

Later
Normandy SR-2, Capitan’s quarters

Liara’s nose caught an appetizing scent and her stomach let low growl. She slowly opened her eyes and groggily examined the situation. The doctor was lying alone in Shepard’s bed, entangled in a quilt. Suddenly a shadow fell on her.

“Hello sleepyhead.” said Shepard with a smile and sat on the bed near her. She was wearing her usual off-duty uniform and clearly was awake for some time. Liara rubbed her eyes.

“Did I overslept?” asked the asari, still not entirely awake. Elizabeth only chuckled.

“Nah, I just couldn’t sleep. I wouldn’t wake you but that ship you requested and I better get the Normandy away. C’mon I made breakfast” replied the commander.

That imminently snapped the ex-archaeologist into full lucidity. While she felt her stomach loudly demanding his morning fix of calories, the thought of her lover cooking filled her with dread. Shepard must have noticed her expression.

“I mean I reheated some of that food you had brought for yourself and commandos. Few leagues better than our usual grub. Also here, your clothes” explained the commander and placed her folded dress and lingerie nearby.

“Thank you” replied Liara with relief, got up and started to dress. Shepard decided to help and it lengthened a process a bit, though the doctor was more than pleased with. Once dressed they went to the table.

Liara was it staggered at the amount of food before. It was roughly the amount, Nyxeris had her eating, but Elizabeth had no way of knowing that. It was a staggering load for ordinary asari.

“I didn’t know what you would like so I made a bit of everything” explained Shepard and pointed to a seat near her. Now Liara noticed that there was cutlery only for one person.

“You aren’t eating?” asked the doctor and sat at the assigned place. Shepard shook her head.

“Ate while making rounds” said Shepard apologetically and poured some tea for both of them. She didn’t mention that it would be a waste, considered her skewed sense of taste. 

Liara nodded, accepting explanation and put some meat pieces on her plate. While reheated food wasn’t nearly as good as fresh, the tiring activates and company only helped her petite. Still, she ate slowly and carefully, Liara wouldn’t forgive herself if she started to act like a starved animal.

“Liara, I'm sorry but I must ask. There is something about your body that have been concerning you and I’m not talking about new weight. Is something wrong?” asked Elizabeth calmly, but with concern, interrupting the silence. The doctor stopped with fork mid-air. She signed mentally, Shepard was ridiculously good at interpreting feedback from meld. Liara put down cutlery.

“Not wrong, although there was a… development” replied Liara. Shepard raised an eyebrow, her lover tone didn’t fill her with confidence.

“Professor Solus noticed it after my check up and now both he and doctor Chakwas confirmed. It would seem that due to my increased weight I entered a matron stage. That’s the reason I was careful during meld” explained the asari. Elizabeth blinked.

“I never heard of something like this. Is that some of the side effect of Nyxeris drugs? How are you feeling?” asked Shepard with concern, that brought a small smile to Liara’s plump face.

“No, no negative effects have been observed and they are out of my system. Apparently, it’s a natural response to my new weight. I haven’t heard of something like either, but I am a young by my species standards. Also considering asari fixation on outward appearance… I suppose it’s not surprising. But I’m healthy, I only received a prescription for some mild medicine to help adjust”… and prevent her from wanting to meld with Elizabeth until she was pregnant with several daughters.

“So… those little blue children are coming sooner than later” said Elizabeth with a cocky smirk. Liara also smiled elbowed the commander.

“Deal with Reapers and I’ll consider it” replied the asari. Shepard chuckled, but her face turned sober.

“Agree” she said seriously and poured them more tea, taking a sip. Liara resumed eating.

After some time she paused and put the cutlery down. The heavy asari had eaten more than half of available food, mostly sweet remained. She wanted to continue, but she had promised herself to lose weight and, perhaps more importantly, didn’t want to embarrass herself before Elizabeth.

“I see the more things change the more remain the same” Shepard voice broke her taint of though. Before Liara could say anything she noticed a piece of chocolate filled, rolled crepe.

“Liara, I know the face you make when you want to eat more, but stop yourself. Even if suddenly cutting your food intake was healthy I want you to relax. Now say aaahhh” ordered Shepard in a saucy voice, look in her eyes clearly stated she wouldn’t take a refusal. 

Liara blushed but compiled, allowing a sweet treat to enter her mouth. As soon as the asari swallowed another slice appeared next to her lips, serene, but unyielding expression remained on Elizabeth's face.

Liara kept eating. There was no drugs or hypnosis involved. For the next several minutes Shepard brought food to her mouth and the doctor dutifully ate. She ignored point at which her belly become sated, later painfully stuffed, ignored the tightness around it as dress tried to accommodate her growing gut. Or rather those feeling weren’t truly unwelcome. She was also mesmerized with taste and sight of the pale beauty feeding her.

Liara ignored the fact she devoured all present food, remaining sweets included, preoccupied with the commander kissing her after the last mouthful ran down her gullet.

Most importantly the young asari failed to notice a gleam of a very different hunger in Elizabeth’s eyes.