xXWWhiteXx

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

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. ************************************************************************************* 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.

https://www.deviantart.com/eratospen/gallery I read only his female weight gain stories are minority in his gallery compared to male focused ones, but they are pure gold. I strongly recommend this author, especially his "A Little More" story.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

Most of logitechk1 stories contain fattening and humiliation: https://www.deviantart.com/logitechk1/gallery/ A lot of stories with secret sabotage/fattening: https://www.deviantart.com/montyisfat/gallery/57708177/stories same here - maltesefalcon: https://curvage.org/forum/index.php?/profile/7174-maltesefalcon/content/&type=forums_topic

Bountiful Fields by Plump-Hinata https://www.deviantart.com/plump-hinata/gallery/ Multiple stories by @Batman76 I think, stories by logirchk1 qualify: https://www.deviantart.com/logitechk1/gallery/ https://www.dimensionsmagazine.com/threads/bottoming-out-1-8-by-lardibutts-ssbbw-multiple-feeding-machine-xwg.25410/ and other works by that author Subject stories by Griffin1122 https://www.deviantart.com/griffin1122/gallery/

Seeing as you finished your latest witcher story, please would you consider continuing at least side story part of this one - personally i come to like parts about Keira more than the main story.

One detail - there is chapter 8 and then chapter 10 but with Interlude between - is this intended or i missed something?

It's not erotica but a radio comedy drama, about a agent of hell sent by Lucifer, that has to conwice woman to give up on diet(because guttony is a sin). There is a good part when woman gorge herself with food. I like it but there is one problem - it is in polish. http://chomikuj.pl/zapasy/sluchowisko+teatralne/Piek*c5*82o+stawia+wszystkim+-+Jerzy+G*c3*b3rza*c5*84ski,36922679.mp3(audio)

I recently found this gem: https://www.deviantart.com/logitechk1/art/The-Power-of-Propaganda-Chapter-1-The-war-780794021 A female officer and propaganda figure is captured and fattened to the point of obesity and addiction to food. I am not good with descriptions, but believe me this story is worth checking.

Excellent work, it is great to see this story continued by writer of your caliber. But please do not abandon your previous stories, they are great.

I found this: https://github.com/towerofpower256/WritingExporter.SimpleExporter/releases This program allows download and update entire stories from writing.com. However you need an accout to do so; Site where I found it: https://bbw-chan.nl/elite/res/3262.html

The Fat-tastic Four... - has a few good storylines and a lot of potential, but appers to be almost dead. Marvel Comics Female Weight Gain - same situation, but unfortunetly even less chapters; What is interesting - some storylines from those stories appear to be connected (same situations but told from different perspective, expanded upon)

Unless I have missed something, there is a slight error - Chapters: 15, 17. There is no chapter 16.

So it should be 7:Confessions first and 7:vows second?

They are good. I would also recomend: And Batman76 works: https://www.curvage.org/forum/index.php?/profile/27725-batman76/