#RedrockAgency – March 25, 2026

Vasquez ' frown deepens. "...contact? Ehanis, please repeat. What contact?"

Zaylus ascends the stairs, fingers twitching restlessly at his side. He not so sneakily hovers at the door to the rec room before wandering in. He offers Celyna an inarticulate grunt as greeting while pulling out a chair to sit, half turned to watch the game.

Jason tilts his head, trying to decide exactly what to say. The last thing he wants is Ilyna panicking. "V wasn't Piros' only target. She also grabbed another asari. Wenera Leren? I'm not sure how closely you followed the reports I wrote up, but she was investigating Piros for a murder in-... uhh-..." his eyes briefly close, trying to recall the details. After a moment he shakes his head, "...Raelos? When Renala and Crux were

Victoria ‘s eyes moved to look directly at Uvena. “Where I was standing, I could do nothing.” A little venom in her voice when she opens her mouth. “Sorry, as I said. I’m doing badly. But what could we have done?”

Uvena walks over to sit down on one of the seats near Victoria. "I don't know," she says. "We could have had this shuttle escort her to and from work, but... I don't think she would want that."

Ehanis takes a few moments to respond. "I wasn't told who-...-was," she says, "then why did you contact me?"

Ilyna raises an eyebrow. "Ehanis is caught up in this too?" she asks, looking a bit more worried now. She takes a few steps away from the entrance towards the living room. "I remember Mian telling us she was friends with Wenera, but... I didn't know they kept in touch."

Jason falls silent for a moment, far too familiar with that look on Ilyna's face. There's little he can say to ease her concerns. "We're not sure what her part is in all this yet. Like I said, Linda is reaching out to her right now. She's gonna contact Mian, too, so we're covering all our bases. Hopefully we'll know more by the time you get here."

Celyna ' curses fly by too fast for the translator to catch. "Fucking ref, that was an illegal barrier!" she mutters with an emphasizing gesture of one of her arms spread across the back of the couch. Her feet are still on the coffee table. As Zaylus enters she turns her head and gives him an acknowledging nod.

Philip is over by the sink, having a glass of water.

Vasquez strains to make out the reply through the dodgy connection, making sure her own reply is slow and as clear as possible. "Wenera Leren has been kidnapped by Sala Piros. During the attack, she tried to message you. I need to know why. Why was Wenera trying to contact you?"

Zaylus smirks at the outburst, settling back into the chair with a long exhale. He cranes his head around to look at the kitchen area, giving Phil a slight upward nod. "Anything good in there?" He asks, eyes flicking to the fridge.

Victoria stops for a moment, she places an armored hand on Uvena's shoulder. "Yeah, she wouldn't have wanted that. But we will get her back, once we deal with Sala." She removes her hand and goes back to continuing to test her suit's systems. "Hopefully after we dealt with Sala, we don't need to have Vay worry about this anymore."

Ehanis is again slow to respond. "That's-...-weird, she never does that," she says. "We haven't talked since the night before I left. She helped-" Ehanis scoffs as a muffled voice cuts her off, his words unrecognizable. "Okay, okay.... The party's at Jelvan Darennon's place," she says. "He was with Sala and-...-contact has reported recent activity at his-...-on Aroste."

Uvena nods. "Yeah, let's hope for that," she says, placing a hand on Victoria's. "I think you should take her with you on your next trip with the Siren's Call, just... let her put some distance between her and all that's happened, you know?"

Ilyna frowns at the mention of Mian. "I'll get my equipment," she says, walking through the living room and into the bedroom, saying a quick "I'll be right back" over her shoulder to Li as she leaves the hallway. "I probably shouldn't be going on a field operation, but..." she trails off as she opens a dresser.

Philip looks over at the fridge. "Uh, I dunno," he says, heading over to have a look. "Got some leftovers. Uh, lunchmeat. Yogurt..."

Celyna shakes her head at a failed offensive and looks to Zaylus. "Hear anything yet? We gonna be heading out?"

Vasquez ' hands tighten into fists as she stands from her chair, leaned over her desk. "Say again - Darennon? Motherfuck-... what does Sala Piros want with Wenera? Could Sala be taking Wenera to Aroste?" she asks - she has a whole lot of questions, but some have to take priority.

Zaylus leans to catch a glimpse inside the fridge, wanting too see something interesting before expending the energy to get back up. "Nahh..." He drawls, shaking his head. "No thanks." He rolls his head back to Celyna, shrugging. "Still chasing down leads, making calls. Seems there's nothing to do but wait." He slumps comfortably in the chair, hands folded over his torso.

Jason draws in a breath, clearly not particularly pleased with that outcome. Especially considering the fact that Ilyna hasn't exactly made the most clear-headed of choices in regards to Ehanis. But if the roles were reversed and it was his family involved, he sure as hell wouldn't allow himself to be sidelined. "No I-..." he shakes his head, relenting on any trepidations, "...I get it. She's your sister." he agrees. "Just...

Victoria nods at Uvena. "We were actually talking about going somewhere with a beach, this morning before it all happened." She gives a sigh. "I will organise something once I get her back."

Ehanis listens to the other person in the shuttle while Vasquez speaks, though his voice is not clear enough to come through. "Yes, the Darennon guy you nabbed," she replies after a few seconds. "Wen knows where we live, and it-.......-bad news if Sala's able to squeeze it out of her."

Ilyna sighs, not looking any less worried. "I know," she says about Li needing her. "I... yeah, I'll... just bring my equipment to HQ, and we'll take it from there, but if you need to go before I get there..., then go."

Uvena nods sharply. "That sounds wonderful," she says. "I hope Vasquez won't mind a delayed shipment."

Vasquez lets out a frustrated growl. "You think Sala is trying to get your location? What is your involvement in this, Ehanis?"

Philip shrugs and finishes his glass of water before heading for the door.

Celyna lets out a hum of acknowledgement, eyes on the screen. "What's the deal with the girls they grabbed? Do you know?"

Zaylus taps his fingers thoughtfully, "I know who they are, but the deal? Must be some old grudge or something." He sighs, glancing over as Phil heads out. "Va'ynna works at the bar. Not exactly a combatant." He grumbles.

Jason offers a few nods. "Alright. I'll see you soon, Ilyna." he says, pausing to make sure she has nothing else to add before ending the call.

Victoria makes a noise of uncertainy at the mention of Vasquez and delayed shipments. "I will probably have to find a different way, instead of using the Siren. Don't think I can get away with russling the Chief's feathers with shipment delays."

Ehanis takes a few steps as she waits for the response from Vasquez, as the mechanism that made this call usable adds significant latency. "The boss thinks so, at least," she says. "I'm just in it to help a friend get Wenera back."

Ilyna nods. "I'll see you," she replies before cutting the call.

Uvena frowns. "What if you take the Siren one way, then come back with the next run?" she asks, having no idea about the ship's schedule. Making plans for Va'ynna's return is a welcome distraction, and it offers some hope to cling to.

Celyna glances over at Zaylus. "That why we're involved? Because of the bar contract?"

Vasquez furrows her eyebrows. "What do you mean back? I-... fuck this. Ehanis, message me with everything you know, I have more calls to make. I want the name of your boss, you friend, and any leads on Wenera, Sala, or the Darennon clan's involvement. Redrock has the resources needed to pull of a rescue, you know that, so work with me here."

Zaylus scrapes his feet as he pushes himself more upright in his chair, "Well, no." He hums, "It's a personal thing for some people here." He elaborates, deciding it might be prudent to mention. "Her mother is here, and that pissed off human woman is her girlfriend. So, you know."

Jason lets out a deep breath and settles back into his seat as the omni-tool interface dissipates, gaze dropping to Justice whose head has remained firmly planted against Jason's leg throughout the duration of the call. "Shit's fucked, huh?" he says, offering his assessment of the situation. Justice merely lets out a groan, likely indicating it's been too long since he's received pets. Jason nods. "You and me both, buddy." he

Victoria welcomes the holiday discussion, as it reminds her that Va'ynna is not gone and they are going to get her back. "That might be the play, we will have to see. Depends on how long Vay wants to stay at a beach."

Ehanis sighs once the words comes through. "I've already told you where we're going," she says. "I don't have anything else that'll help right now, but-...-pass along any intel I get about Jelvan Darennon's building." She pauses for a moment and continue. "My friend is a krogan in yellow armor, just so you know not to shoot at him, but I'm not allowed to give you names."

Uvena sighs. "I guess that depends on how sure we are that this is over," she says. She brings up her omni-tool to run another check on her armor. "I mean, even if Sala is taken out, we want to be sure nobody else is picking up where she left off."

Vasquez slams her desk. "For fuck's sake, Ehanis! We need intel, I'm not sending my people in blind. Unless you're about to kick in their door right now, you have time to give me more to work with. I'm not giving you shit before then, I don't need you and your mystery friends botching things with friendlies in the line of fire. Work with us!"

Celyna 's eyebrows rise slightly. "Huh. Guess that's the kinda warm fuzzy looking out you get with a small outfit like this, huh?"

Zaylus sniffs, visibly offput for a moment before relaxing. "It pays to have friends, don't it?" He asks, forcing a casual tone. "That don't need a payout to come save your ass?"

Jason can't help but smile as Justice's nuzzles up against his hand. But another sigh comes shortly after. "Alright, buddy. I've got work to do." he says, rising to his feet. He starts towards the door, offering Justice a few final pats. "I'll be back soon, alright?" he adds before stepping back out into the hall and closing the door behind him.

Victoria grimaces at the fact that after Sala is dealt with, that this might not be over. "We will find out. But it just doesn't add up why Vay is a target."

Ehanis snorts. "I'm also going in blind," she says, sounding frustrated. "They didn't even want me and the krogan to go, we just took the untested shuttle-...-been fixing when nobody was looking,-...-kick down their doors whether you're coming or not." She lets out a sigh that gets partially cut out. "We might not even get to go home afterwards, because they're pretty paranoid about what or who might follow us." She

Uvena frowns and keeps studying the omni-tool readout even if there's nothing interesting showing up on the report. "I'm certain that Nari knows," she says bitterly. "I would not be surprised if made Va'ynna a target in the first place."

Celyna nods. "It does. Have to look out for your people, don't get me wrong. Just surprised the whole org is getting in on it."

Vasquez is practically seething at this point. "You clearly know more than we do, considering you're already on your way. Share, and I'll consider doing the same. And don't go in without us," she says before ending the call with a press hard enough that it goes straight through the haptic interface. "Fergus, send a transcript of that call to Jason and Ilyna. Instruct Jasper to get the shuttle ready for a long-distance

Fergus ' voice comes from above. "Right away, milady."

Zaylus hums, watching the action on tv idly before his gaze falls. "It's that kind of place, I guess." He murmurs, leaning forward onto his feet to stand. "You'll see. Once we can finally get this thing moving." He crosses into the kitchen to get himself a glass of water, clearing his throat quietly.

Jason passes a glance down the hallway towards the hangar as he heads towards Vasquez' office. Considering there's no crowd gathered outside Renala's office, he proceeds to Vasquez'. "It's me." he says simply as he taps the interface, unbothered by the idea that she might be in the middle of a call since the alternative is just sitting on his hands.

Victoria looks over at Uvena and tilts her head. "Honestly if I ever see Nari in person, I might just headbutt her." She opens back up her omni-tool, and gives her armor systems one least diagnostic test.

Ehanis is not able to respond at all due to the delay.

Uvena gives an uncertain hum. "I've knocked her out cold once," she says, the bitterness staying with her. "It's not as satisfying as it ought to be." She closes her omni-tool again. "Even were she not at fault for this, she still exposed her to a lot of danger by getting involved in her life at all."

Celyna hums as well, turning her attention back to the game.

Vasquez looks over at the door as it opens, still standing behind her desk, leaned against it on both hands. "Jason. Ehanis claims it's fucking Clan Darennon. She says Piros is heading for the compound on Aroste."

Zaylus squashes the rising irritation in his throat and sets the glass down, idly feeling the credit chit in his pocket. He glances back to the couch and appears as if he's about to say something, but ultimately changes his mind. Instead he goes poking around in the fridge for himself, more hungry for distraction than food.

Jason takes a step inside before the news hits him. "Motherfucker!" he exclaims, one hand shooting up to his forehead, fingers pushing through his hair. "Of course it is. Of-fucking-course it is. We should've killed that-..." he stammers, biting back on his frustration and drawing in a deep breath as he approaches Vasquez' desk. He draws in a breath through his nose, trying to calm himself. Nope, still pissed. "I'm gonna kill

Victoria gives a sigh. "Seems like her name is often been brought up." She watches as her omni-tool continues the diagnostic. "It too much of a coincidence for her not to be involved somehow."

Vasquez lets out a frustrated sigh and nods. "Most of the details are still unclear. Ehanis wasn't exactly forthcoming. I sent you a transcript of the call - she was already aware of the attack and is on her way to Aroste to intervene. I told her to wait and coordinate with us, but I doubt she'll listen."

Celyna takes a sip from her smoothie as she watches the game, oblivious to Zaylus' look.

Uvena tilts her head. "I think that's because Va'ynna has been agonizing over whether to contact her," she says. "She said she was going to yesterday, but I don't know if she actually went through with it."

Zaylus paws through a few items, most inedible to him and the rest desperately unappealing. He sighs and shuts the door, stepping back to lean against the countertop. He looks left out the window and rolls his neck to loosen it, apparently not as good at sitting still as the asari is.

Jasper's entrance into the crew compartment is announced by the hiss of the cockpit door sliding open. He gives an apologetic dip of his head for interrupting Victoria and Uvena. "Just got word from the Chief. Looks like we're headin' out towards Aroste so if ya'll got any last minute dumps that need takin', best get ta' flushin'." he warns.

Jason gives a raise of his brows in a mock look of shock over Ehanis being difficult. A heavy sigh escapes him and he shakes his head. "Ilyna is on her way. Sounded like she wanted in on this but gave me the go-ahead to hit the ground running if we got actionable intel before she got here. Considering how muddy things tend to get for her when they involve Ehanis-..." he gives an almost apologetic tilt of his head, not feeling

Victoria nods. "She did call, but didn't really tell me much. I was going to let her talk about it when she was ready to." Her eyes still glued to her omni-tool's screen. "Didn't want to make her talk about it." Victoria turns her head towards Jasper and gives him a nod. "If you need a hand getting the ol' girl ready Jasper, let me know."

Uvena frowns at Victoria's answer, as it answers well enough how it went. "That's understandable," she says softly. She looks a bit surprised when Jasper shows up, but nods to him despite the turn of phrase he used. "Finally," she says. "I sent you on a mission there last year to grab the salarian. Were you part of that?" she asks, looking at Victoria.

Vasquez frowns, a reluctant look on her face. "Do you think we have enough people? The Darennons don't play around, we know that. I don't like sending you out without proper support. We could wait, assemble a bigger strike force..."

Celyna floats her smoothie cup over to the table after finishing it, sparing herself from the arduous task of leaning forward.

Zaylus notices the biotic display and turns around, fascinated as always. "Hey, send it here." He offers, holding up his hands to catch like he's practicing softball.

Jasper shakes his head, seemingly assuming it was an open question. "Not me. Heard 'bout it, though. Let's hope our infil is a bit less... interestin' this time." he says. "Anyway, I'll finish my last minute checks and make sure we're ready to go when the others get here." With that, he offers the pair a tip of his hat and heads back through the cockpit door. This time it remains open, however.

Jason lets out a sigh. "We could..." he agrees, offering a few nods. "...But we have no idea what they're planning to do. For all we know? They could be off-planet by the time we're ready to move. And if they get V off-planet-..." he trails off, gaze dipping as he decides not to finish that thought to its logical end. "...Well, we're not gonna let that happen." He looks across the desk at Vasquez, studying her face, hopeful that

Victoria nods yet again. "Yeah, I was apart of that. You think, that salarian might be apart of all this current shit happening?" She turns off her omni-tool after it finishes the diagnostic. "They seem like they enjoy stirring up shit."

Uvena raises an eyebrow at the mention of infil, but she doesn't ask about it. "That might be possible," she says. "I hired you because Rellis Darennon targeted Va'ynna, so I suppose it's possible that Sala is with them."

Vasquez closes her eyes, considering for a moment, before relenting with a sigh and nodding. "Fine. Grab whatever firepower you need from the armory, get the team together, and get going. Take everyone that's on base. I'll call in some of the others to secure this place and the Respite. We know the Darennons aren't above going on the offensive. I'll keep poking at our other leads as well, see if I can get us more intel during the

Celyna looks over and snorts, waving a couple of fingers in the air, causing biotic energy to once again envelop the cup. She launches it Zaylus' way with a flick.

Zaylus grins, snapping his hands together like he's squashing a bug. He clearly doesn't play catch. He rolls the cup between his hands, shaking his head to himself. "That shit never gets old." He muses.

Jason gives a single, stern nod, exhaling a held breath. "Alright, sounds like a plan. Vicky was in contact with her crew while we were out there. Might be an option if we need backup quick but-..." he tilts his head, "...I don't know the logistics behind all that shit so-... you know..." he trails off with a shrug, leaving it in her hands to figure out as he begins to backpedal towards the door, clearly eager to get things moving

Victoria grabs her weapons and starts securing them to her armor. "If they did it before, they would probably do it again. But they seem eager to keep on getting a bleeding nose."

Uvena nods. "We'll give him more than that this time," she says, and begins buckling herself in. "If he's involved, that is. We might be hitting another site on the same island for all we know."

Vasquez nods in acknowledgement of the suggestion, but as Jason starts to head out her hands clench into fists and she takes a steadying breath. "Jason!" she calls out, meeting his gaze, a hint of concern beneath her frown. "Be careful."

Celyna seems a little amused by Zaylus' fascination. "Not a lot of biotics where you're from?"

Jason has already swiveled towards the door but comes to a stop when Vasquez calls his name, hand resting against the doorframe as he turns back towards her. He forces a lopsided smirk into place, confident as ever. "Always. I'll be back before you even know I'm gone." he teases with a playful wink. But that feeling in the pit of his stomach is a reminder of just how much more complicated things have gotten. He does his best to