"She's not for you. She's for me." Tandy said quietly. Aya pursed her lips.

"You need her." She turned away a little. "Someone who can spend time with you in the construct, keep you company, and keep you from losing your sense of self."

"I see why you were hurt by my words." Tandy's eyes strayed to the door. Jill had already returned to work. "How much does she need until we can 'jack' into each other."

"The interface needs additional testing. I'll use the gang, once the interface is tested, while being extremely careful. They will be my forces in the future." Aya sat down.

"And the loyalty conditioning programs?"

"Ready for testing. It won't be brain washing. It will be favorable input, and punishment. I've also designed a collar. Similar to a dog collar. It will be used for behavioral modification on stubborn personalities, or ones too stupid to be a part of the gang." Tandy frowned for a moment.

"A pet?"

"For the gang. Like I said, favorable input. However, I still need to make minute modifications to the interface, so I'll get additional specimens. I'll arrange for the last group of five will to arrive tonight, delivered to a drop off point. No one knows of this place, and I want to keep it that way."

* * *

February, 2015

"Interface installed. The pain medications made this an easier installation." Tandy said as she looked at the data.

"Less stress, and less negative responses. Shall we initiate the chip installation, and power up?" After a brief almost imperceptible nod, Tandy assisted with the chip installation procedures, and used the computer as a back up for her directions.  Her specimens were never closed up and healed, so the ports were open, and easily accessible.

"This works better then the prototype. Digitally activated actuators, electronic rather then hydraulic. Precise, and without any problems." Tandy said as though she were using her own vocal cords, basically under her breath through habit.

"True. Chip seated. Lockdowns engaged. System powered, chip online. Minor fluctuations while the host's brain adapts to the additional processing power. Shall we install the memory upgrades as well?"

"Yes. Memory storage will normally be remote as the chips will only log onto a server system. However, by having the ability to do it from an installed chip, the brain can get used to the additional non native storage. Installation of the high capacity memory chip initiated." Aya moved quickly, put in the second linear circuit chip, and waited.

"System engaged. Actuators aligned." They waited a few seconds. "Chip installed. Storage chip online. No fluctuations. What about loyalty conditioning software?"

"On the storage chip. Activate protocol two." Tandy looked back at the screen.

"Computer. Activate protocol two on the memory storage chip." They waited a few seconds.

"Program initialized. Program installed. Loyalty conditioning software compatible with host. Minute fluctuations at beginning of operation now stabilized. Additional programs can now be installed. If host resists, interface will erase memory blocks that were activated for resistance. It is recommended to have clone memories available, or a fresh build." Tandy looked at Aya.

"Is there something you wish to tell me, baby?"

"It was a backup, just in case our tests were successful, but the subject became uncontrollable. The system would erase the memories, and we could still install other memories and make a new unit." Aya said. Tandy thought for a moment.

"It's still killing the host, but not wasting the body. I have to admit that it's not an ideal solution, but it won't waste the effort." Tandy looked down at the sleeping person. "What will you do?"

"Computer, erase the host's memories. Upload necessary programs to allow the host to operate." She turned to Tandy and shrugged. "Either he was dead by the operation, or turned into a useful puppet. This way, he is basically an organic robot, programmable, and easy for us to use." Tandy turned to the other specimens.

"They will make good shock troops, but will be pretty basic. I wouldn't recommend using them, baby. They will be no better then robots who can't reason. That will make them useless for public activities." Tandy looked at the successful integration of their hardware, and silently mourned for the loss of equipment.

"I think you're right. Computer, initiate shutdown procedures. We won't need this unit."

* * *

March, 2015

"Still a waste, baby." Tandy said quietly.

"Necessary. The girls had a hard life. From now on, it will get better and better, but if I am unsure, how can they ever trust me?" Aya said and lightly rubbed the cheek of one of the gang.

"Their papers from the station say that this one is Mer. In trouble a lot. Nothing big. Just some petty thug stuff. Mostly intimidation that seems to be geared towards protecting the other members of the gang." Tandy watched as Aya looked down at the young woman, and saw some gentleness in her eyes.

"She fascinates you, doesn't she?"  Tandy asked.

"Loyalty impresses me, Tandy. Just as yours did." She lifted her eyes. "Don't get jealous. I've given you Jill, and will only improve her." Tandy smirked a bit.

"I followed the rules. She'll need to obey the rules too." Tandy said.

"Of course. They have to wait. They may receive perks for waiting, like pets, but they have to wait." Aya smirked and looked at Tandy. "You may have fun with her in your space, but your body belongs to me."

* * *

"No!" Tandy said firmly.

"If you don't do it, I'll do it myself." Aya said. "Full replacement. I'll do it without pain meds too, and while you're asleep." Tandy groaned and looked up.

"You don't play fair."

"I need your skills. I can do it to anyone else, and even myself, but you're the only one I trust to guide the machines if I am asleep." Aya said firmly.

"But you know you can't be asleep." Tandy said weakly. "What about the facial muscles? Tongue and vocal cords?"

"I've already come up with a solution. Fiber optic, silicon sealed nerves. There are a lot of muscles in the face, but most are layered for the same effect. I'll construct the plates, add the actuators for movement within the plates, the openings for the flesh like the tongue, eyes, and nasal cavity, and remain under until I recover."

"That will be at least a month. Maybe two." Tandy said softly. "Jill. You planned this that far ahead of time?"

"Necessity." Aya said softly. She looked up at Tandy and sniffed. "If I can't undergo this myself, how can I ever plan to put you through it?"