As You're walking on the floors of the Vestian Outpost after a long expedition, You'd see Variks wasn't in his usual spot standing outside. But You'd only go to check inside his little shelter after opening some Engrams at the Cryptarch beside him.

Once You're done dismantling all the junk You'd then go inside Variks's shelter to find him sitting on his bed there, it's hard to tell but he doesn't look happy.