Aggressive Expansion

Months passed, and with each passing day, Maya's delight grew. While the crew of the Normandy believed their beloved Liara was hard at work on an archeological expedition, her body and mind were hers to do with as she pleased. She had not only proved to be an invaluable addition to the Project's growing stable, but between her incomparable intellect and her resources as the Shadow Broker, Liara T'Soni was now the driving **** behind converting her own species into a **** race.

Liara oversaw operations with the cold dispassion of a perfect machine. She felt nothing but the need to obey and please her owners. If they commanded her to dispose of Commander Shepard, she wouldn't hesitate to look her lover in the eyes as she did so. Fortunately, Maya thought that was a bit excessive. Shepard did not need to die. In fact, perhaps, Shepard might be convinced to see her point of view if she was offered a perfect version of her one true love, stripped of that annoying free will that makes relationships such a chore...

But that was a question to be settled another day.

"Liara," Maya asked. "What's our current status?"

"We are currently operating at 87% maximum possible efficiency. The Project's inventory of slaves is approaching one million. Conversion facilities are now operational in all major population centers across the Terminus Systems. Local authorities have been infiltrated and compromised. They are unaware of our activities."

"Omega?"

"Infiltration is currently proceeding at a reduced rate as per your instructions."

"Good." Maya trusted Liara's instincts, but she wanted to make absolutely sure that they tread with caution around Omega. Enslaving Aria would be a tremendous accomplishment for the Project, but she was paranoid and had spies everywhere. If she found out that the Project existed, and that they were gunning for her, it would be a matter of weeks before the entire operation was exposed. However, if they succeeded, the opportunities for expansion would expand exponentially, and they could shift their focus from the Terminus Systems to the rest of the galaxy. "Is that all?" She asked.

"Dr. Bryson would like to reiterate that our operations would proceed more smoothly with additional scientific and technical personnel."

"Please remind the good doctor that I've given her as much help as can be afforded at the moment. We must balance our ambitions with our operational security." The problem wasn't money; Cerberus had deep pockets to draw from. No, the problem was that there just weren't enough human scientists in the galaxy who met their strict criteria. Namely that they be ethically dubious geniuses who prioritized work over wealth.

"If I may Mistress, I may have a solution to accommodate both of you," Liara stated. Maya turned to look at her and raised an eyebrow. Liara turned robotically and activated the display. "I have identified a possible asset who may serve Dr. Bryson in the same way I serve you."

"Go on..." Maya said, curious as to where this was going. Liara brought up the image of a young, pretty Asari with shadowed eyes and supple lips.

"Rana Thanoptis," Liara explained. "She is a former associate of Saren Arterius who studied indoctrination for him on Virmire. Her knowledge would likely prove to be a substantial boon for Dr. Bryson. As I have demonstrated, her intellect would not be impacted if her mind were subjected to reprogramming."

"Interesting," Maya mused. "Do we know where she is?"

"She was recently identified as working freelance for the Eclipse mercenary organization."

"Make that very interesting... I seem to recall suggesting to you that Eclipse would be a useful front if we could gain access to their leader."

"Jona Sedaris. Yes mistress."

"Would capturing this Rana potentially lead us to her as well?" She asked.

"It is highly improbable that Rana was recruited without Sedaris' direct input, as Rana's past association with Saren would potentially lead to greater scrutiny from the Council and other authorities."

"So when Jona brought her on, she knew the risks, and still took them... Okay. You've convinced me," Maya declared. "I assume you've a plan on how to get to her?"

"Yes mistress. I took the liberty of making the preparations this morning," Liara said, mechanically punching in inputs on her omni-tool.

"You knew I'd say yes?"

"It is my purpose to anticipate your needs and address them accordingly, mistress. Forgive me if this was too independent of me."

"Not at all... I'm just wondering what would have happened had I said no."

"Then these units would be put to use servicing you personally mistress." Liara stated as the door opened and four seemingly identical Asari in black outfits walked inside. At a glance, Maya could easily say they were tall, athletic, beautiful, and lethal. Their bodysuits clung to them tight enough to leave little to the imagination. Their blank and empty eyes betrayed their status as slaves, but their rigid postures predated the day they were Collared. They formed a line, stood at attention, and stared blankly forward awaiting instructions.

"Have you ever faced an Asari Commando Unit before, Mistress? Few humans have."

"I know them by reputation," Maya stated. "Where did you find these ones?"

"Each was obtained by the Project while on shore leave."

"And no one has noticed they're missing?"

"We've adjusted Asari military records to show each of these women as being on special assignment. By the time anyone notices the discrepancy, they will have been reintegrated into their ranks, and no one will know that they now serve us until it is far too late."

"How do they compare to their peers?" Maya asked.

"They retain their full strategic and tactical capabilities as well as all training received in their lifetimes. Furthermore, the absence of conscious thought, as well as emotions like fear and compassion, give them a considerable advantage in the field. Their intelligence is entirely dedicated to the success of their mission. That is their purpose. To serve and obey."

"We serve and obey," the commandos stated in unison. "Command us, mistress."

Oh yes. They would do just fine.