"How are things coming along Liara?" Asked Alren as he stepped into the lab.

It had been two days since his ascension to Mandalore and while the young leader had his doubts he had actually acclimated quite well to the position. In fact it was as if nothing had changed at all save for the fact that news had spread across the extranet like wild fire making him the most talked about subject in the galaxy currently.

But that didn't matter since Alren was now checking up on Liara cause as soon as his coronation was over she had thrown herself head first into studying the beacon they had saved.

Tali had insisted on coming with him but some maintenance issue's came up that needed her attention so the young warrior was left to handle the visit himself. Benenzia meanwhile could usually be found talking with the locals and just overall trying to learn everything she can about the Mandalorian people as she was enthralled by their culture. While she stayed a few of her acolytes also came and were eventually swept up in his peoples culture right alongside their Matriarch.

When Alren had asked his question said asari had turned to look at him with a large smile on her face similar to a child in a candy store.

"It amazing Alren! The beacon is in great condition all things considered but it's been a little difficult to gather any intel as it seems to need to establish a mental link in order to transfer any knowledge." Liara said while taking a contemplative look towards the end.

"Then why not initiate a mind meld? Isn't that what asari are good at?" Asked Alren making Liara look at him like he just slapped her.

"I can't just meld with an ancient piece of technology! Who knows what could happen if I did that!?"

"Well if you don't do it than what's the point of having the beacon? Sometimes you gotta take a risk Liara." Said Alren as he walked closer to the beacon which glowed in response to his approach.

Alren stood next to the beacon holding out a hand for Liara.

"Don't you want to learn more about the Prothean's? Well here's your chance Liara."

The asari maiden looked conflicted for a moment before with hesitant movements took hold of Alrens hand with her own. Then before she could change her mind Alren reached out and laid a hand on the beacon that flared brightly as contact was made. Almost instantly Alrena's mind was ripped from his being and flooded with the information held within the ancient device.

What he saw shocked Alren and Liara to their cores.

They saw the Prothean race prosperous and thriving one moment. Adult's talked and children played, the whole scene was peaceful in nearly everyway. Then came the death and destruction as familiar ships similar to the one seen during New Mandalore's invasion by the Geth rained fire upon the once peaceful streets.

The worst was the mechanical horrors made from the death of the organic beings that once fought against these genocidal machines. But the scenes themselves were eclipsed by the sheer pain and fear felt by the Prothean's as they knew their time had come.

Then all at once Alren and Liara were back in the lab as if nothing ever happened with Liara and himself breathing heavily and sweating.

"W-w-what was all of that!?" Asked Liara as she quivered a bit in fear from the images replaying themselves in her head.

"That was the fate of the Prothean's, and I fear it will be ours if we do not prepare." Said Alren as he regained his composure. Being a warrior meant he had seen some horrible things but genocide was something he never thought he would ever have to see.

Reaper's. That is what he heard in the vision. Machines whose only goal is the complete extinction of every sentient species every 50,000 years. And if the dating on the artifacts are accurate then pretty soon the Reaper's would return to complete yet another cycle.

Yet Alren was not afraid of the impending threat looming over the horizon. No he was more angry than anything. His people had finally made a place for themselves in this galaxy only for it to possibly be stripped away by these abominations. He would not have it!

He was a Mandalorian, no, he was Mandalore the Conqueror! And on the souls of every bearer of the title of Mandalore before him he would make these Reaper's know true fear of the Mandalorian people before wiping them from the face of existence!

"Liara I want you to keep deciphering the beacon for anything else that may be useful to us. We will need everything we can get for whatever comes next." Said Wraith as he made to leave. He had things to do afterall, especially after this little revelation.

"B-b-but y-you saw what those things did!" Cried Liara as tears built up in her eyes. She had never seen so much death before and it had hit her harder than any Mass Effect round ever could.

"Yes, I did. And that is why I need you to do this Liara. If our galaxy is to survive the coming onslaught then we'll need every advantage we can get. It also means that I must go through with what Tevos, you and your mother planned. The Mandalorian Empire will rise. But first I will need more allies in order to make this happen, and also I must hunt down the Reaper that attacked us along with the Geth as I feel it is key to the Reapers return. Destroying it at the very least can buy us more time to prepare if nothing else." Said Alren with no emotion with thoughts flowing through his head at a mile a minute. So much to do and so little time.

Alren then felt two arms wrapped around his torso as Liara hugged him from behind.

"Just make sure to come back alive. Your people need their Mandalore if they hope to survive." Said Liara as she tightened her hold a bit. She had faith that Alren could accomplish the seemingly daunting task before him but that didn't mean she worried any less. In the short time she had known him Liara had become attached to the young leader. She respected his strength and intelligence as well as his devotion to the safety of his people, he embodied every aspect that made his people great and she was happy to know him, personally.

"I won't make any promises on that Liara... but I do promise to not die until my peoples future is secured." Responded Alren as Liara's arms gently released him. Before leaving Alren removes his Helm of Mandalore and turns to give Liara a kiss on her forehead making the asari's face turn completely purple.

Looking up she sees Alren giving her a kind smile making her blush even harder but hold his gaze.

"Remember Liara, it is not why we die, but how we die that matters to Mandalorian's. And between you and me I plan to die of old age recounting every one of my battle's to my grandchildren. But that's for another time as now I am off to Omega." Said Alren as he dons his helmet once more.

"Why Omega? There's nothing there but a bunch of pirates and slavers?" Asked Liara wondering what could be there that could attract Alren.

"A friend and business partner. And I think it's time I set into motion the plan I set up with her a while ago." Answered Alren with an ominous tone.

Omega, Afterlife

After his little enlightening with the Beacon and his quick chat with Liara Alren had picked up Tali and taken the Malevolence to the large station deep in Terminus Space. He was greeted with open arms by his fellow Mandalorian's as he always had three Mandalorian Attack Cruiser's guarding the place.

Things on Omega had become infinitely better thanks to the Mandalorian's involvement as they now served as a sort of police force that kept the scum of the universe in line. Sure the place was still a pit but it was getting progressively better as well as the fact that the place was getting cleaned up quite well.

So now here he was going to meet with the Queen of Omega once more in her headquarters called Afterlife. Over their time together Alren and Aria had become good friends and even better business partners. The residence of the Terminus System had even dubbed him the Knight of Omega. Kind of stupid to him but he accepted the title anyway.

"Are you sure we can trust her? She's a Queen of pirate's for Keelah's sake!" Mumbled Tali to him as they were walking towards the stairs that would lead up to Aria's private booth.

"Yes Tali we can trust her. Or else we wouldn't be here otherwise." Answered Alren with a heavy sigh.

He didn't get it, ever since he introduced Tali to Liara the Quarian woman had become extremely hostile to any female in the vicinity and was constantly trying to be by his side. At first he found it a bit amusing but now it had gotten old and was trying on his patience. But he would never send her away as she was one of his most trusted friends and he couldn't and wouldn't bring himself to do it.

The duo quickly entered Aria's chamber and saw the said Queen of Omega in her usual spot sitting on her comfortable looking couch looking particularly bored. When she saw Alren a small smile spread across her face as she stood from her seat dressed in her usual garb.

"Alren, or should I say Mandalore the Conqueror? I didn't expect to see you for another week." Commented Aria as she walked up and pulled the young warrior into a hug which he quickly returned.

"Good to see you to Aria. I know I'm a bit early but things have happened that calls for you assistance." Said Alren as the two broke the embrace not.

Alren didn't notice Tali behind him clenching her hands tightly and the quiet sound of grinding teeth. He didn't even notice the intense glare he was sending their way. But Aria did and all she did was give a mocking smirk while leading Alren to the couch where the both sat on.

Tali was about to make a scene until Alren motioned for her to take a seat near him and she gladly accepted while shooting Aria a mocking look that made the Queen of Omega frown oh so slightly.

"So Alren what do you need to talk to me about?"

"You know of the attack on my people by the Geth?" Asked Alren though he already suspected she knew.

"Of course. But from what I hear you thoroughly destroyed them so why are you coming to me about this?" Asked Aria wondering what Alren wasn't telling her. He wouldn't come to her if it wasn't something important.

"I think it would be better if you looked at my memories. Time is of the essence and I don't have time to explain it all." Responded Alren as he removed his helmet and turned to face Aria who was now more intrigued than ever. Still she nodded her head and adjusted herself so she was now facing Alren.

Putting both of her hands on either side of his head Aria closed her eyes for a moment before opening them to reveal her black eyes.

"Embrace Eternity." Were the last words Alren heard as Aria delved into his mind picking out the information he wanted her to see.

A few seconds later and Aria pulled away as if she was just shocked. Sweat began to bead across her forehead as her terrified eyes gazed into Alren's cold ones. She could not believe what she had just seen but there was no denying what she had seen was real. Now she understood why Aren had come to her and after that little revelation she was more than happy to help the Mandalorian.

"So Aria, you think you can help me with our little... problem?" Asked Alren as he donned his helmet once more.

After calming herself from seeing those horrid images Aria looks back to Alren with a fierce glare of determination.

"You really want to go through with making an Empire thing hm? Alright, then I will help in anyway I can. First off you need allies cause if you want to create your Empire then your going to have a lot of resistance in the forms of the Salarian's, Turian,s and even the Batarian's. So you'll need to make allies with some of the other races which I can help with most of them but there is one species you'll need to convince all on your own." Said Aria.

"And who would they be?" Asked Alren though he already had a pretty good idea on who the ancient asari was talking about.

"The Krogan's. They are a warrior race similar to your own and could have conquered the Galaxy a time ago if not for the Salarian's hitting them with the Genophage. Now they are a slowly dying race of mercenaries but still some of the best warriors in the Galaxy. Get them on your side and chances of victory will be practically guaranteed."

"Yes but from what you have told me than the Krogan race is spread thinly. I need someway to bring them all together and then under my banner which means I'm gonna have to find a Krogan with the power to rally the rest of his kind. Do you know such a Krogan?" Alren asked Aria but the smile on her face already told him she had an idea for someone.

"As a matter of fact I do. Even better he is right her in Afterlife drinking at the bar." Said Aria as she stood up and walked to her balcony to point out said Krogan.

Following her Alren and Tali stood beside the Queen of Omega and looked to where she was pointing and saw a large Krogan in blood red armor downing another glass of alcohol. It was obvious the Krogan was a fine warrior due to the various scar's on his face and the overall air about him. The young Mandalorian could see himself getting along with the Krogan Battlemaster if things went smoothly.

"His name is Urdnott Wrex, of the Urdnott clan. His clan is the most ancient and influential of all the Krogan clans. If they were to rally under anyone then it would be him, but my sources tell me he cares nothing for his people and would rather let them all die then help them." It was only a second later that Aria realized what she had said and before she could say anything Alren was already gone leaving both Tali and Aria confused as they hadn't even seen him move.

Looking back down at the people below her she saw Alren making his way through the crowd towards the Krogan. Those who saw him quickly stepped out of the way while those that didn't were quickly shoved aside but once they saw the infamous Mandalorian they quickly turned around.

In just a few moments Alren was upon the Krogan, then before Aria or Tali could call out to him Alren had turned the Krogan around in his seat and socked the surprised Krogan straight in his face sending some orange blood flying from the Krogan's mouth and sending the giant to the floor.

Just like that everyone in Afterlife froze, even the dancer's as they waited with baited breath for what would happen next. Those closest to the two warriors quickly backed away making a makeshift ring as the Krogan stood from his prone position wiping some blood from his lip as his burning eyes glared at Alren who stood impassively but one could feel the anger rolling off of him in waves.

"You just made a big mistake welp." Growled the Krogan.

"No I think I did the right thing." Responded Alren coldly.

"And just who do you think you are Mandalorian?"

"I am Mandalore the Conqueror, and what I just did was hit not only a traitor... but a coward as well." Said Alren making the clubs patrons gasp as Wrex's growl turned into a full fledged roar as he charged the Mandalorian warrior wanting nothing more than to tear him apart with his bare hands.

Alren though was completely calm as the Krogan charged at him, waiting for the right moment to strike. The moment came quickly though when Wrex threw a devastating right hook only for Alren to deflect the strike with his forearm and step into the Krogans guard unleashing a hail of gut punches that drove air from the Krogan's lungs.

Wrex wasn't a Battlemaster for nothing though and pushed through the pain to grab Alren and toss him over the bar counter and into the racks of alcohol. Alren recovered quickly and was on his feet as soon as he hit the ground. Using the bar as a springboard Alren leaped at Wrex giving a flying roundhouse to the side of the Krogan's head snapping it to the side and making the large reptile stumble.

The Krogan refused to go down though and in response threw out a straight jab aiming for the Mandalorian's head. Seeing the blow coming the Mandalore twists his body around the strike until he is behind the surprised Krogan. Using this to this moment to his advantage Alren lashes out and grabs Wrex's wrist while simultaneously kicking the back of the Krogan's knee bringing him down to one knee.

Wrapping an arm around the Krogan's neck Alren apllied a bit of pressure while he whispered in the Krogan's ear yet the entire club could hear him as he spoke in a cold tone.

"Do you know why your a coward Wrex? Cause when you people needed you most, while your peopled suffered you ran away! Are you really content to sit back and watch as your race becomes nothing more than dust in the wind? Watch as they wither away with no one to mourn or honor them for the warriors they were?"

Wrex's struggles momentarily ceased and the Battlemaster was quiet for a time before he finally answered but his tone was not filled with anger but rather it was hollow. Like a man who had given up on all he had fought for. A man without hope.

"And what could I have done? No matter what I do my kind will eventually die from the Genophage imposed on us by those damn Salarian's. Why stay when there is no reason to."

"Better to die for something than to live for nothing." Said Alren as he released the Krogan who turned to look at Alren in surprise.

"What?"

"Which is a better cause Wrex, fighting for money or the survival of ones species? True it may be a hopeless endeavor in most peoples minds but is it not better to fight for ones survival rather than just wait around for it to come? If your willing to fight for your people I will give you the tools to do so." Said Alren as he held his hand out to his fellow warrior.

Wrex was hesitant but the words spoken by the man made him question if his species survival really could be secured. Could this man really give his people a fighting chance against the Genophage? It was almost too good to be true, but the conviction in the mans voice was making Wrex want to believe him.

"What would you have me do to give my people a chance at survival?"

"I would have you do what you were always meant to do, to unite your people and then help me build a new Empire. One that will cast down the corruption that is the Council. One where not just Krogan's, but every race is equal. No longer will the Council Races decide the Galaxy's future, but rather all the races will have a say with the Mandalorian's at the forefront. Together we will create an Empire that will put the Prothean's to shame." Declared Alren with conviction surprising not just Wrex but every patron in the club as the conviction in his words made them believe that he could actually do it.

"That's pretty ambitious Mandalorian." Commented Wrex.

"I never settle for less than what I want." Alren replied waiting for Wrex's answer with his hand still outstretched to help up the downed Krogan.

A few tense moments of silence passed as Wrex thought about the Mandalorians offer. Would it all really be worth it? Was helping this man conquer the galaxy to establish an empire really worth it to save his race? Would his rule be better than the Council's? As he thought of these things he looked into the visor of the Mandalorian's helmet as if he could see the mans eyes. And from what little he could see he had made his decision. Yes. It was all worth it because this was not just a man with dreams of grandeur. No, he was a warrior of the highest caliber and Wrex would gladly follow him into the depths of hell should he wish it.

Taking the hand Alren helped pull the Krogan to his feet thanks to his enhanced strength until both combatants stood with their hands still grasped now in a sign of comradery.

"I am ready to follow you... Mandalore the Conqueror." Said Wrex with respect.

"Please Wrex, just Alren is fine." Responded Alren with just as much respect as he smiled underneath his helm. He had gained his first ally and another friend for his fight against the Reaper's.

There's the next chapter guys. Review and/or Pm me. Until then, Nicranger out!