#Aroste – May 7, 2026

Jelvan does not show much of an outward reaction at first as Jason tries to get him to speak, having resigned himself to his inevitable fate, but he eventually looks up ahead of him. "Sala Piros wanted only revenge, not working on order from Rellis," he says after a few moments' pause, and there is some fear in his slightly hasty speech. "It's been consuming her since she barely survived their attack on our first company

Renala snorts as the salarian finally starts talking, but she keeps looking ahead.

Uvena is almost ready to step in for Jason at the last part of his explanation, but she restrains herself.

Va'ynna closes her eyes and leans back in her seat. "I hope they'll... be okay on their... own," she says. "I... I wish they would have gone with us."

Jason's expression softens and he crouches down in front of the salarian as he begins to speak. He gives a few nods, gaze lifting to Uvena momentarily. "That adds up with what Wenera told us. Just a-... cycle of people taking shots back-and-forth at one another." he muses. Sounds familiar. With a sigh, he turns his focus back to Jelvan. "But it doesn't explain why my friend was involved in any of this. Unless there's something I don't

Leah watches the exchange, occasionally passing glances around to stay aware of their surroundings.

Victoria turns her head towards Va'ynna. "I am sure they will be fine. Ehanis and that krogan seems capable enough." Trying to reassure her of their safety, she remains silent for a moment. "I thought there would've been more words between you and Wenera."

Zaylus turns back away from the conversation, slowly shifting weight from one leg to another. He can listen just fine this way, keeping an eye out in the forest and beyond.

Celyna remains silent, glancing up at the dark skies as the conversation carries on.

Uvena nods in confirmation when Jason looks to her.

Jelvan considers his words for a moment, averting his gaze. "Never got explanation of Atana's role in this, thought it was about you initially, but not congruent with the fact that Rellis' ordered hit initiated conflict with you," he says, still speaking faster than usual for a salarian not speaking to one of his kind. "Sala and I disagreed about next step, I wanted to move on, she spent years picking apart the attack.

Renala remains by the others, focusing to keep up with the salarian's rapid speech.

Uvena keeps glaring at the back of the salarian's head.

Va'ynna looks confused at first, before realizing. "Oh," she says, seeming a bit uncomfortable. "I... um, said goodbye with a... meld like... we asari do. I... didn't know her well, but... but... she... has been through the... same as me today, maybe even... worse because of Sala's harsh interrogation."

Jason draws in a breath, his frustration returning. "So-... not one of you assholes seem to know why you're all running around killing one another." he points out with a humorless snort, confusion written all over his face. "Not you. Not Wenera. I mean-... Rellis is your brother and you're telling me he never bothered to tell you why you're constantly in conflict with groups of armed people...? Never bothered to tell you why he's

Leah lets out a heavy sigh. The kind that might imply that she's failing to find the worth in this exchange. "Cut the bullshit, Jelvan. We've been pulled into your crap. Explain why. Give us something we can work off of. Otherwise?" she passes a glance Jason's way, "We're wasting our time here."

Victoria nods at Va'ynna. "I mean after going through something like that with someone, you tend to bond with that person." She lets out a sigh. "Well, atleast Sala won't be able to do what she did today ever again."

Zaylus quickly loses focus on the salarian's hurried speech, turning back to look as if seeing him will help. His frustration is less apparent than the others, only a fidgeting stance indicating he's anxious for this to end.

Celyna casts a glance in the salarian's direction. "Maybe he's just real fucking stupid," she chimes in casually, looking Leah's way before adding "I'm with her. This is a waste of time. We should wrap this up and get out of here before somebody comes poking around."

Jelvan snorts at the comments around him before answering Jason and Leah. "I knew Rellis' support came with strings, even if he is my brother," he says. "We ran a profitable business in Neddal; well-paying clients, consistent contracts. Rellis had yet to pull on these strings before we were hit. I was always uninterested in greater mission he might have had, and assumed incorrectly that his enemies would leave us alone

Renala takes a step back and continues looking around.

Uvena continues to glare at the salarian. "He really is stupid," she says with a glance Celyna's ways.

Va'ynna ponders for a moment before giving a weak affirmative hum. "But... Sala couldn't explain why," she says.

Jason looks from Leah to Celyna, his own expression showing that he doesn't particularly disagree. A fact he's not happy about. But as Jelvan speaks he lets out another heavy breath and tilts his head back with a look of exhaustion as the salarian continues to talk without really saying anything. "So-... to sum it up, you have no idea what any of this is about, right? You have no idea where Rellis is or what this 'greater mission of

Leah snorts and gives a roll of her eyes in agreement with Celyna and Uvena's sentiments. "Think that goes without saying at this point..." she mutters.

Victoria mutters a silent curse under breath. "Right, hopefully that salarian tells Jason something new." Lets out a groan. "If not, then.... fuck."

Zaylus shakes his head as he lowers his helmeted gaze, clearly agreeing with the consensus. He slowly paces in a small circle as his attention once again goes out to keeping watch.

Celyna snickers to herself as Jason summarizes the salarian's questionable choices. Or supposed choices, anyhow.

Jelvan sighs. "Yes, that is true. I wanted to give up after our... trouble in Freedom Falls, but had debts to pay, so... began work on restoring this company after recovering from injuries. I was hoping to get past setup and establishment without trouble, but then Sala just showed up last night. Said she would only keep them here for half hour before following up on interrogation result." He closes his eyes and looks

Uvena takes a step back, but does not look away from Jason and the salarian.

Renala glances at the others, not having anything to add.

Va'ynna nods softly before turning her attention back on the radar readout. "I.... Let's hope he does, then," she says, her voice growing a bit heavier emotionally again. "I-I...I... want to... dare to walk outside... on my own again."

Jason listens, but most of what Jelvan says is of little consequence. But the details about the assignment taking place in asari space causes his hand to instinctively tighten around his Phalanx. He passes a glance Uvena's way, drawing a breath in through his nose. Could be coincidental, but it's the connection he's been trying to draw a line between. He falls quiet for a moment, unsure how to respond but, eventually, he speaks up.

Leah furrows her brow, studying Jason, picking up on his sudden change in demeanor.

Victoria leans over towards Va'ynna and places a hand on her shoulder. "I know, we will get this all sorted. Believe me, we will make it so you can." Trying her best to comfort Va'ynna.

Zaylus doesn't seem to notice the significance of the salarian's words nor the effect it has on Jason, and won't interject while they're hashing it out. He keeps pacing slowly while he looks around, the motion keeping rainwater from pooling in his hardsuit.

Celyna 's amusement is short-lived, and as she's forced to reach up and wipe rainwater from her face she starts to lose patience with the pointless back-and-forth. "How long are we gonna indulge this slippery little shit? Tired of freezing my ass off in this rain, so unless any of this bullshit actually means something to you, boss, I vote we put a bullet in that squishy skull of his get the fuck out of here," she says, stepping up near

Uvena meets Jason's eyes briefly, picking up what he's likely thinking. She raises an eyebrow at Celyna's initiative, and there are violet wisps of biotic energy forming around her hands.

Jelvan shakes his head, growing much more agitated at the second gun being pulled on him. "I understand very well the distrust is mutual, but have explained cause of breached trust already," he says. "Can say that there are two targets in Serrice, one in Armali. Thessia. Still need something to bargain with, so cannot tell you more."

Renala looks surprized at Celyna's action. "Wolfe has it under control, D'Kira," she says.

Va'ynna sighs, shaking her head slightly. "It... I know," she says. "I just... I don't know, it'll... it might take years even if... we know it is... safe." As safe as one can be on a Terminus world, she thinks to herself.

Jason raises his free hand, palm out, to indicate for Celyna to stay her hand. "It's fine. Get back to the shuttle, Celyna." he says, his tone firm but not hostile. He certainly understands her frustration but he can't have her cutting short their only potential lead, so removing her from the situation seems like the best option. He indicates the shuttle with a dip of his head that way. "Warm up and let the others know we'll be taking

Leah shifts as the situation grows a bit more tense, but she shoots a glance Celyna's way, offering a small nod to Jason's suggestion.

Victoria goes to say something but keeps her mouth shut for a moment longer, to consider her words. "I know, and I'm sorry you have to deal with all this bullshit."

Zaylus stops as Celyna draws her weapon, giving a quick shake of his head. He remains tense, and still, until the asari accepts the dismissal.

Celyna lets out a grunt, holsters her gun, and after a brief glance down at Jelvan, walks off in the direction of the shuttle.

Jelvan remains perfectly still as Jason speaks to the asari, releasing a breath when she stands down.

Uvena relaxes slightly, and the biotic shimmer around her hand dissipates softly.

Renala watches Celyna walk away for a moment before turning her attention back to Jason and Jelvan.

Va'ynna leans slightly towards Victoria. "It's... not your fault," she says. "I... I... I fear it would... have ended so much... worse if you were equipped to... fight back when Sala... showed up. I... I-I wouldn't have... forgiven myself if you've gotten hurt today." Or more than hurt, but she can't bring herself to say that.

Jason watches as the asari takes her leave, not seeming particularly bothered by her frustration. They're in the middle of a patch of forest in the cold in the pouring rain, listening to some dirtbag talk in circles. He's not any more excited about it than she is. But Celyna doesn't have the same personal ties investing her in the outcome here. For him, it's more than just a job so, as much as he'd like to end this and walk away, he

Leah folds her arms across the chest, rain trickling down from the brim of her cap. She seems unshaken by Jason's threat.

Victoria looks at Va'ynna with some sorrow in her eyes. "I just.... I just felt useless this morning." Her free hands taps on the side her seat. "I didn't know if..." She stops herself for a moment, stopping before she says even more on that thought. "I'm just happy and relieved that you are safe and here with me."

Zaylus doesn't return to restless pacing as the interrogation seems to be reaching its end. He watches Celyna depart until the click of the Phalanx draws his gaze back, and he gives what looks like a curious tilt of his head, unsure if the cagey salarian will go for this.

Jelvan tenses up as the relief of the departing asari is soon replaced by the ultimatum at gunpoint. "One name. Matriarch Kolama T'Sola," he says. "Highest profile target of the three. The other names... could estimate time and place in right hands, so... cannot give up-front." He still does not believe in his chances.

Uvena shakes her head slightly at the name given by the salarian.

Renala looks thoughtful for a moment, then shakes her head as well. "A politically active matriarch is no easy target," she comments. "I doubt you could pull it off."

Va'ynna gives her a look that softens when she perishes the thought. "You're here, not.... You're here, that's... what matters," she says. "I just... hope they're done soon."

Jason falls silent, exhaling a disappointed breath and his shoulders drop a bit as Jelvan speaks the name aloud. It's far from the smoking gun he had hoped for. Matter of fact, it means absolutely nothing to him. As far as he could see, Armali was the only obvious thing linking any of this to Va'ynna. But Jelvan's response does little to imply that anything he has to say- anything he knows- would be of any help in getting to the bottom

Leah looks from Jelvan to Jason, trying to read his expression. Attempting to see if the salarian's words carry anything of value. Any familiarity. Her questions are soon answered, the sudden action causing her body to go rigid. But it's all over so quickly that she barely has a chance to register what just happened before it's over.

Victoria expression lightens and nods. "You're right." She remains silent for a moment. "Hopefully, they should be done soon."

Zaylus tenses as Jason abruptly ends the interrogation, but that's short lived. He takes a step forward, about to say something- ask a question or maybe offer some consolation for this unpleasant task, but he holds onto it for the moment. Rain patters against his helmet as he lets Jason process this outcome without interjecting.

Philip looks up sharply at the sound of the gunshot, halting his securing of one of the last corners of the APC tarps to look in the direction of the group by the trees, his shoulders stiff.

Celyna glances back just as she's reaching the shuttle, letting out a quiet snort and shaking her head to herself before heading inside and taking a seat before shaking the rain out of the grooves in her crests.

Jelvan does not say anything, only bracing himself when the gun is put to his head. Perhaps he was expecting a final, final attempt at squeezing more out. Instead, life leaves his eyes and he tips over unceremoniously.

Uvena shakes her head when the salarian still tries to bargain, and she winces when Jason moves in to make good on his threat, and then it happens. She nods in approval to Jason, trusting that he made the right call.

Renala sighs and takes a step back after Jason executes the salarian, just seeming frustrated at the fruitlessness of it.

Va`ynna looks down at the controls with a thoughtful frown as the shot's sounds reaches the cockpit despite the closed door and the rain beating against the shuttle roof. She is quiet for now as she listens for more of them, looking quite tense.

Jason releases his grip on the salarian, allowing his body to fall to the rain-soaked ground. He starts marching back out of the treeline, leading the way without a word to anyone else, gaze low.

Jasper also finds himself halting his work and looking in the direction of the gunshot. Silence overtakes him and, for a few moments, he short simply stares at the treeline, well aware of what that sound means. When Jason emerges from the trees in the distance, it confirms his thoughts, causing him to look back towards Phil. He gives the tarp a tug just to make a sound, hoping to grab his attention. "Let's-... let's get this wrapped

Leah lifts her arm, as if to place it on Jason's shoulder as he walks by, but decides against it. Instead she merely passes a look to the others and then looks to the salarian before following behind Jason.

Victoria goes to say somethings but decides against it. She takes a look at the scanner. "The scanner is just showing us, sweetheart." Trying to break the tenseness that taken over Va'ynna.

Zaylus reads the dour mood and correctly keeps any remarks to himself. He gives Leah a nod as her glance passes him, and he steps past the salarian without looking down. He makes his way back toward the shuttle in silence with the others.

Philip 's attention is drawn back by Jasper, and he shakes himself out of his thoughts and nods. "Right..." he agrees, getting back to finishing up the last of their work.

Uvena glances at the salarian, and can't help but wonder what they could have gained. Or not, if the salarian had not kept his word, which is probably more likely. She ups her pace to walk beside Jason as they head back to the shuttle, but she doesn't say anything.

Renala lets a few moments pass before she sighs and follows, trailing a bit behind Jason. "Fuck," she mutters to herself.

Va'ynna shakes her head, still anxiously listening for any further sounds of combat. "Didn't you... hear the gunshot?" she asks.

Jason continues to march across the open field in silence. It's not until he's a good distance from the forest that he finall reports in. "On our way back. Let's get out of here..."

Leah follows at a comfortable space, passing a quick glance towards the building in the distance as she crosses the field.

Jasper forces a small smile into place, offering a small nod to Philip's words and he begins to tie down the last corner of the tarp as the man holds it down

Victoria stays silent for a moment. "I did, but that wasn't something for us to actively worry about." She stops again for a moment and listens to Jason's reporting back. "Don't think there is going to be another fight here."

Zaylus pauses briefly to look back at the treeline, continuing the trek once Jason calls it in.

Philip straightens back up after Jasper finishes tying down the last corner. "Think that'll do it?" he asks, a bit of unease lingering in his expression.

Uvena continues to keep pace with Jason, still pondering what they've been left with. Her eyes is on the Redrock shuttle.

Renala keeps trailing behind them as they cross the field towards the shuttle.

Va'ynna does not have comms and continues to listen, not appearing convinced by Victoria dismissing it.

Jason too, continues towards the Redrock shuttle, head low to shield himself from the rain as he silently tries to sort through the day's events.

Leah falls behind Jason and Uvena a bit, green eyes shifting to Zaylus as she finds herself in his company. "I'm ready to get out of this place." she says, forcing a smile as she attempts to fill the silence.

Jasper looks over their handy work, eager to get out of the rain, and offers a couple of nods. "Should!" he says. He shoots a glance to the line of people returning across the field and nods their way, pointing them out to Philip. "Just about back so I guess we oughta get gettin'." He gives the younger man a quick pat on the shoulder and starts towards their new Kodiak.

Victoria sees that Va'ynna doesn't seem to be convinced by her words. "Jason and the others will be back shortly."

Zaylus lifts his head up towards Leah as he plods along. He registers the attempt at levity and accepts it wearily, letting out an affirming hum. "You must be freezing." He remarks, gesturing to her soaked cap.

Philip rubs his eyes to clear some rain and then nods. "Yeah..." he agrees, following after Jasper.

Renala heads towards the new shuttle, eager for the distraction of trying to get a head start on setting up the new mech on the trip back.

Uvena continues towards the Redrock shuttle in silence.

Va'ynna does seem to relax at that after another moment of just the sounds of rain outside. "Good," she murmurs. "That means... we can leave..., right?"

Jason doesn't seem to have any intention of conversing at the moment, gaze remaining low as he marches along. Still processing everything. How senseless it all feels. How he just pressed the barrel of his gun to the head of someone who was ziptied, on their hands and knees, and pulled the trigger. And for what? They're pretty much back at square one. A couple more pawns knocked off the board, sure, but with little else to work off of.

Leah gives a humorless snort, reaching up to adjust the cap as it's mentioned. "Yeah... Think I should probably start keeping a spare helmet in my locker." she muses, nose scrunching up as water drips from the bill.

Jasper steps into the new shuttle, giving himself a quick pat down. As he spots Renala coming their way he raises a hand to greet her. "Ridin' with us?" he calls out.

Victoria nods at Va'ynna. "We should be good to leave as soon as everyone is on board. Then we can get going."

Zaylus | "Couldn't hurt." He agrees. "But you know how it goes, once you get it you'll never end up needing it." He remarks flatly, seeming just as interested in filling the silence as she is.

Celyna offers the new arrivals a nod from her seat.

Philip runs a hand through his hair once he's out of the rain, feeling his clothes stick to him beneath the armor vest from the water that's gotten in through his jacket collar.

Renala nods to Jasper as she approaches the shuttle. "Yes," she calls back. "I was planning on working on the mech while we were in the air." She is quick to add with a slightly defensive tone, "Don't worry, I've already unplugged everything that could make it kick, punch or shoot." She enters the shuttle, her armor still dripping as she stands near the entrance.

Va'ynna nods softly, staying quiet as she listens for the others arrival.

Uvena continues crossing the field towards the shuttle. She opens her mouth to speak, but decides against it for now. They'll be out of the weather and in the air soon.