Glorified bodyguards that's what they were!

Jason's first official mission as a member of the Blue Ravens was to attend an elaborate dinner as a security detail in Europa's capital Agartha. The dinner was an extremely elaborate affair but hardly one that seemed necessary to have the USM's elite fighting force attending.

It also meant that the armour the team were wearing was somewhat unconventional. It was a ceremonial uniform, which while it was quite sturdy it also allowed a certain freedom of movement. The navy blue colour was fitting for the unit but with the helmets being deactivated it meant that all the team faces were visible. It allowed them to be approachable but ready to defend at a moment's notice.

"God, you look pissed!" Donnelly laughed looking toward Jason. Both were standing at the edge of a huge dining room where a number of aristocrats and oligarchs were milling around discussing various topics, mostly politics.

Jason was frowning and certainly wasn't impressed with this assignment. "You wouldn't even think there was a war on! I can not believe that my first assignment with the most elite fighting force in the military, is standing around smiling at people who have far more money than sense! Besides, surely showing our faces like this is a massive security risk."

They both watched as a well-known senator gave his instructions on his buffet choice and as his meal was dispensed almost instantly both Donnelly and Jason screwed up their faces at the excess this man extravagantly showed. The food was piled up to almost overflowing and the value of what was on the plate exceeded what some people could earn in a year. Vadun Shrimps, a delicacy that could only be shipped in from Titan; fresh.

"Bet you that it won't be his first plate!" Joked Donnelly.

Jason took one look at the senator's waist and how it was unlikely that he could see his feet. "I'm not taking that bet!" He chuckled.

Donnelly chuckled with him and then abruptly stopped as Colonel El-Hadji briskly marched into the room. He marched directly up to the two of them as they both stood to attention keeping their eyes focused on nothing in particular.

"The Blue Ravens have a proud tradition of being the most professional fighting force the USM have to offer." Colonel El-Hadji scowled "act professional!"

Jason sighed "Sir, if you don't mind me asking, why is this professional outfit being tasked with babysitting duties?"

Donnelly raised her eyes knowing exactly what was to happen.

The Colonel took a step forward so that he and Jason were looking eye to eye. Standing tall he straightened his uniform and angrily responded "Lieutenant I do mind you asking! If you feel you are unable to do your duty then perhaps you should return to that rookie unit you came from!"

Jason frowned "I meant no disrespect sir, I just feel that the unit would be better utilised elsewhere."

Donnelly coughed knowing that Jason was pushing his luck.

Colonel El-Hadji poked him in the chest "If you question me again Lieutenant, be aware that accidents can even happen to members of the Blue Ravens." There was a darkness in his eyes as he said it. This was not some veiled threat.

"Sir." Jason responded knowing not to push the topic any further.

Looking towards Donnelly and then back to Jason, the Colonel quickly turned around exiting the room as briskly as he had entered it.

"I would suggest you don't antagonise him, Scharn." Donnelly eventually responded as the Colonel had left the room.

The encounter had left a chill down Jason's spine. The Colonel was an intimidating man and his rank added more weight to his terrorizing demeanour. "What does he mean by accidents?" He asked Donnelly.

Initially, Donnelly didn't respond. She continued to look around the room watching the various people like a bird of prey. As soon as no one was near she asked a question that Jason had not expected. "How well do you know General Vladimir Proviski?"

He just looked at her confused by the question. "Very."

Donnelly looked around again making sure no one was nearby. "He told me that you are one to trust. What you need to realise is that you're in a dangerous place, therefore you do not discuss anything I'm about to tell you with anyone, understand?"

"Ok. So does that mean you trust me?"

"No." She responded, still eyeing the room. "But General Proviski does."

Jason smiled. It was good to know that his Godfather had that respect for him.

"Some people that myself and others have networked with tend to, how to put it, experience unforeseen circumstances after encountering something called Operation Rebirth. I have no idea what it is but I know that people literally disappear or get killed not long after they discover something about it. General Proviski has tried to find some information about it but there's nothing substantial that he can get ahold of. What we have identified is that Colonel El-Hadji has involvement in it. He's a pawn though and I still haven't worked out who the king is yet."

Jason chuckled.

Donnelly looked at him confused and his reaction "What is it?"

"You definitely know Vladimir, him and his chess terminology," smiled Jason "So this could be why my father was removed?"

Donnelly nodded. "We believe that Vladimir was and still is the main target. General Scharn was unfortunately caught in the crossfire."

Jason went silent as he digested the information. He knew he shouldn't be angry at his Godfather, but knowing that his actions had cost his father his job and reputation was hard to take in. He then realised that his father would have agreed to the decision to take the fall for whatever it was he had apparently done wrong.

Jason, his father, and even Vladimir, all were potentially expendable in comparison to exposing this conspiracy, this Operation Rebirth.

Donnelly saw the hurt in his eyes. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this." She said, expressing her sympathy.

Jason looked at her and nodded. He briefly caught her brown eyes and as he did she briefly smiled before looking ahead again.

Jason, too, did the same. "So I'm guessing this person is military?" He asked.

"Definitely," She nodded. "and certainly of a rank of Major General or higher to have this much influence and power. The question is how to find the culprit and evidence without raising suspicion. I believe the Colonel is the one who is expected to clean up the mess when someone finds out about this Operation Rebirth. Some of our missions have been somewhat... off."

"In what way?" Jason asked.

Donnelly sighed. "We've had to eliminate targets within the USM and civilians without being given reasons why. All we are told normally revolves around treason and the war effort. I'm not entirely sure how these civilians could influence the war effort."

Jason looked around the room studying the people within it. Politicians, reporters, military, oligarchs. They were people of power and influence, among others who were expected to report on a statement that was about to be made at this banquet. The Blue Ravens weren't there for security, they were there as a part of that declaration, they were just a showpiece.

"Who's party is this?" Jason asked.

"His." Donnelly replied.

Looking up Jason watched as a number of people entered the room all focusing on the one man. The man looked familiar at first glance and as he strode into the room with his intimidating stern look he became much more recognisable.

General Richard von Striken. The very same General who almost abandoned his team, the Crazy Tigers, to die and cost his closest friend Aurora a limb on the planet Loki.

Jason took a long slow deep breath to ensure he remained calm. It wasn't until Donnelly called his name that he brought his focus back into the room.

"Scharn, you ok?" She asked.

He looked at her and saw genuine concern in her eyes. "Yeah I'm fine." He responded, trying hard not to show the anger flashing through his mind.

The General seemed to be trying to make his fake smile appear genuine but it was obvious that smiling was something that he did not do regularly.

"So General Von Striken, why go into politics?" asked a keen young female reporter. A small drone was floating around just behind her filming their interactions.

"Wars are not won initially on the battlefield. Without the right leadership at home it is impossible to get the right leadership where it matters. If the people that matter do not believe in that leadership then the war is lost before we can put ships in the stars and boots on the ground." General Von Striken said with assertiveness and belief.

"And do you feel that you can provide that leadership?" Another reporter asked.

The General turned to him and nodded. "The people of Europa believe so, that is why they chose me. The people of the United Solar Military believe so, that is why I have my four stars on the shoulder. Our current president brings chaos and uncertainty. I will bring stability and victory. On that you have my word. Now please excuse me for one moment." With that, he turned from the huddle around him and briskly walked to Jason.

Jason and Donnelly stood to attention as he approached.

Walking directly to Jason the General grabbed hold of Jason's hand and held it firmly. Making sure that the conversation was just between the two of them, General Von Striken pulled him in close. "It looks like I should have been paying closer attention to your career Lieutenant! It seems that your ability and guile is far more than I gave you credit."

Jason just looked at him and refused to make a comment.

The General looked directly at him, a cruel emptiness seemed to envelop his eyes. "I won't be making that mistake again. Good day Lieutenant."

"Thank you sir." Jason responded, refusing to be intimidated by his superiority.

As the General and his posse of reporters left the room Jason turned to Donnelly smiling at her. "Well you can be certain of who holds the Colonel's leash."

Donnelly smiled "Yes, and now you've been seen to endorse the enemy and his presidential candidacy,"

There was a look of resignation on Jason's face. This was General Von Striken's fundraiser, as the representative of Europa for the presidency. He had brought in the Blue Ravens as security because it would look like he had the support of the military. Right now news reports would be all over Europa and probably the Solar System of Jason and the General shaking hands. This was public relations gold for the General.

"God dammit!" Jason cursed realising he had actively walked into it. Being the son of the disgraced Yulrian Scharn would only add fuel to the flame. He could see the news reports now, 'General Richard Von Striken forgives the sons of traitors'.

Donnelly sighed and then looked around the room analysing the facts before, speaking with a sigh she commented, "He's just played us all like a damn fiddle!"