Variks served as the House of Judgment envoy to Skolas during the Reef Wars. However, Variks was disturbed by Skolas' brutality, and after Skolas docked him of his upper arms, he abandoned the Kell and joined the Reef. His betrayal allowed the Queen to learn of Skolas' impending attack on Cybele, leading to Skolas' incarceration.[citation needed] After the House of Wolves rebelled against Queen Mara Sov, he remained loyal.