The Equestrian Air Force

The interception of enemy drones in East of Baltimare was actually a successful mission. But the problem was, Razor Whisk escaped when he was flying through the city while Arion Squadron was chasing after him. Their first air battle wasn't that bad, but they are still cautious about what will they be facing next. They met new pilots as well when they were defending Baltimare. Firebolt, Fireblaze, Eclipse Moon, Unknown, Meteor, and Ash. Even though they weren't in the Task Force X, they were still good pilots.

When all pilots were on route to either Cloudsdale or Canterlot, they had to refuel and wait for their new orders.

HandyFlash looked on his left and saw Canterlot's Air Force Base and turned his nose to face the runway. All the squadrons with him lined up and reduced speed while holding the panel real steady. The landing gears opened as the nose of their planes faced a bit up while descending to the runway.

"Arion 1 to Tower. Fuel state is low. Request permission to land." HandyFlash asked while his landing gear was still down.

"Arion 1, you and your flight is cleared to land. Welcome back." The tower accepted and turned on the runway lights.

"Copy. Continuing Landing." HandyFlash got closer to the runway and finally touched down. The others successfully landed as well. The hangars lighted up the squadron emblems to show where to put their planes. They all went to their own hangers then got out of their planes to stretch their legs and hooves.

Finally feeling the ground after an air battle, HandyFlash saw his squad mates talking to eachother on the side of their hanger. He went to them and talked.

"So, how was your first air battle?" HandyFlash asked with a smirk on his face.

"That was intense! Just rolling, looping around a lot just makes the adrenaline pumping." Rainbow Dash responded. Her voice showed a lot of joy and enthusiasm.

"Don't let the victory go to your head Dash. We still might have another fight coming." Flitter scratched her neck nervously.

Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy and high hoofed her, "That was some pretty good aiming the way you shot down that drone and his missile. Good job." She smiled.

"Oh. Thank you. I tried my best." Fluttershy gave a smile.

"You all sure did." Another young female voice said. They looked where it came from. It was Neon Nimbus. "Good flying out there Arion. Five or Six Drones shot down by each of you nine."

They saluted to her as a thank you. But her expression was showing a bit of sadness when they looked at her. Fluttershy thinks she knows about what's wrong with her. Neon Nimbus's brother she mentioned that made her seem silent. But she didn't want to question her general because she thinks it will hurt Neon Nimbus in the inside.

Neon Nimbus gave a light smile and nodded. "You all can go where ever you want at this moment. Next briefing might take a while." She said then walked away. She looked down at her hoof and saw that she was wearing the bracelet that she hid before the Baltimare Interception.

Fluttershy looked at the others. "I'm worried about Neon Nimbus." she said.

Rainbow Dash looked at her with a confused look. "Why? You think Neon Nimbus and HandyFlash are falling for eachother?" She giggled.

HandyFlash immediately reacted and blushed about what she said. "What?! No!"

"HanNeul Gavin Flash, take a joke." Rainbow Dash nudged him playfully.

"And you had to use my full name." he faced hoofed still red about what she said.

Fluttershy continued. "No. I meant when I mentioned Neon Nimbus's brother, she…acted cold." She told them.

"I think it's better if we don't mention her brother. Because it is her business." Derpy suggested. She was completely right about it. Minding your own business ponies.

"I…I guess your right. I'm just worried about her. That's all." Fluttershy sighed and looked at Neon Nimbus sitting down on a bench looking at her bag.

Dumbbell began walking inside Canterlot. "Let's go and eat somewhere. It's almost nighttime and you all must be hungry." He said.

Thunderlane's stomach grumbled. "That was Blossomforth." He lied playfully.

"No it wasn't." Blossomforth said and nudged his side. "You are the worst liar ever." she laughed.

"I think that would be Applejack also. She hates lying." Rainbow Dash snickered.

"Oh really. Least ah did the lying trick on Pinkie once." Another voice said. Rainbow Dash looked where the southern accent voice came from. Applejack was right there with Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Rarity. Rainbow Dash stayed silent and grinned nervously like usual.

"You know I was just kidding right?" Rainbow Dash laughed nervously. Applejack rolled her eyes and gave her a sly smirk.

"Oh yeah right. Looks like that other feller isn't the only one." Applejack was talking about Thunderlane. Blossomforth snickered.

"What? I was just playing around with the Fourth Blossom here." Thunderlane wrapped his forelegs around Blossomforth's neck like they were siblings.

"Yeah. Anyway, what are you girls here for?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight and hugged her.

"We heard that you all successfully took down the threat in Baltimare. Congratulations on your first air battle." Twilight said and took out a book that said 'My Friends in the Air Force'.

Rainbow Dash gave a nod. "Thanks. We had a pretty intense dogfight. Fluttershy saved me by stoping a missile heading to me and shot down the drone." She told them and pointed at Fluttershy who looked away while smiling.

"Wow. I'm impressed Fluttershy. A paranoid yet a strong heart is in you." Rarity gave a smile to her. Fluttershy nodded.

"Thank you." Was all she said.

"You all said about eating somewhere right?" Twilight asked looking at them.

"Yeah. We're pretty much hungry after. Why? You four want to eat also?" Rainbow Dash asked and gladly took out a bag of bits.

Twilight pointed at a large building in Canterlot that was next to The Tower. "Actually, Princess Celestia wanted to invite you pilots to her First Class Restaurant. She heard about all your effort." She told them.

Thunderlane licked his lips. "This might be the first time for me to try very high classed food." He looked at Blossomforth who was about to say something. "Don't even say I'm the lowest class in history." he grinned since he already knew what she was going to say. Blossomforth shrugged.

"Okay okay. I won't." She laughed.

Twilight led the way to the restaurant that she was talking about as the rest followed her. Canterlot didn't really change at all after the new air base was built. Just a few posters or propaganda was showing about joining the E.R.A.F. It still made HandyFlash surprised that his father and his fellow scientists finally released the Jet Aircraft project that has been classified and hidden for a few years. But the scientists are very positive that the aircrafts work successfully thanks to the test pilots. HandyFlash participated in it as well. He looked at his squad in a bit of worry. He hoped that they can honestly handle this without hiding anything. When your in a squad who happens to be your known friends, you don't have to hide anything. Your friends.

After a few meters of walking in Canterlot, they arrived at the restaurant that Twilight led them to. They went inside and saw that the inside was more fancy than the looks of the outside of the building. It had the Age of Invigoration style on every corner of the huge spacing. Clean, expensive looking, glass, gems, etc. Very well expensive. If this was a house, that would cost a lot of bits for Fluttershy to convince to others. Just kidding about Fluttershy.

Chatting voices, freshening air, and music filled the huge three story restaurant. The stage showed a lot of instruments. Seven ponies played all kinds of instruments while guests enjoyed their chat and meals. Ah. Just like the Canterlot Gala…except it wasn't called to be terrible.

Twilight went on the third floor with the others and saw a classy styled round table with just enough seats to put her friends and Arion squad in one table. In the seats in the middle was the two princess rulers of Equestria. Princess Celestia, the Sun bringer, and Princess Luna, the Moon riser. The rest of them bowed and Arion squadron saluted just for the kick of it. Celestia and Luna smiled and offered them to sit. They all sat down and looked around. Celestia cleared her throat.

"It's so good to see you all here. Twilight, thank you for telling your friends in the E.R.A.F to come. It's good to see one of the first pilots of Equestria." Princess Celestia bowed her head.

"Of course Princess. Anything you request, it will be done." Twilight said back. She looked at the others. "It's good to have you all here. Thanks."

They all nodded and just started chatting with everypony in the table. Celestia and Luna told them stories about what it was like when Equestria was on its Age of Revitalization. Known as Equestria's improvement of settlement in its territory. That was fifty years ago.

Soon, they received their meal that was already paid by Celestia. They all had a very special order. Since this is a highly classed place, they got gourmet food. As they ate and talked, all of them decided to take a break or walk to stretch their legs. Most of them stayed at the table, but HandyFlash and Flitter decided to walk around.

The restaurant was pretty huge. Canterlot was very expensive and high classed because it was the capital. No wonder Rarity wanted to live here. They saw nobles or travelers eating on a table everywhere they looked in the center. Some were E.R.G (Equestrian Royal Guardians) and some were from the E.R.A.F. So it means they weren't the only pilots to be where they are.

The first E.R.A.F pilots they saw on one table of seven. They just talked to eachother and looking around the place. HandyFlash and Flitter went to the table of where the seven pilots just talked. The pilots sitting on the table saw HandyFlash and Flitter and saluted. HandyFlash and Flitter did the same as well.

"Hello there fellow pilots. How's your evening?" HandyFlash asked and greeted them.

"It's all good sir. We just decide to get some food before our next briefing." One of them said. It was a mare with her black coat and gray mane with gray cream streaks.

"Well, General said it might take a while for the next briefing. So just enjoy your time. By the way, I'm Colonel HandyFlash. Leader of the Arion Squadron in the E.R.A.F Task Force X" HandyFlash introduced himself.

"And I'm Lieutenant Flitter. I'm in HandyFlash's squadron, I'm Arion 8." Flitter said.

The strange pony, who was revealed to be a hybrid of a Pegasus and wolf with the scarf on his neck looked up at them and recognized those names. HandyFlash and Flitter saw him and stared at his appearance.

"Arion Squadron?" he asked.

"Yes. What's wrong?" Flitter asked.

"I was involved in the Interception in Baltimare. I'm Ash. Aircraft mechanic." He said.

"Oh yeah. You contacted us when we were in the dogfight battle of those drones. Pretty intense if you were with us." HandyFlash said.

The Stallion with a black coat and mane with a red stripe looked at them. "What's it like being in the air battle with those drones?" he asked.

"Intense. But it's a good thing we have shields and strong armor on our planes. Which means you can't get shot down really easily." HandyFlash responded.

Another stallion with a dark gray coat and black mane looked at him. "Wow. Lightning Striker here will want to feel that experience soon."

"Thunder Rain has the most armor on his aircraft. Problem is, it can only go nine hundred miles per hour because of the armor. But it's still pretty fast." Lightning Striker explained about Thunder Rain's aircraft.

"Same to Gentlestep. She actually has the same armor type for her aircraft." Thunder Rain looked at Gentlestep.

Gentlestep looked down nervously. "Just hope I can pilot the aircraft right." She said.

"Of course you can. You did graduate from the Air Force." The other mare said.

"I know Lily Shadow. But I'm just hoping I'll still be a good pilot like HandyFlash and Flitter." Gentlestep looked at the two of them. HandyFlash and Flitter smiled at her.

"Your reminding me of Fluttershy. Who is Arion 3 in my squad. Gentlestep, just focus on what your doing in an air battle. The views in the sky will only distract you." HandyFlash told her.

She nodded and continued to eat her Apple Mint Sub Sandwich. Thunder Rain was there to help her out. They both were like brothers and sisters.

The two other pilots introduced themselves as well. Their names were…"The names are Hardcase and Boomer. We're not the dogfight pilots. But we do the Air to Ground jobs in the air." Hardcase said. HandyFlash raise his eyebrow.

"So you two are attackers only?" HandyFlash asked. They both nodded.

Another voice was heard behind HandyFlash and Flitter which interrupted what they were about to say next. It was Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Twilight and her friends and the rest of Arion squad. Celestia and Luna smiled at the two of them as they all saluted.

"Decided to meet other pilots I see." Luna smirked.

"Yes Princess. Sorry if we kept you waiting." HandyFlash laughed nervously.

"No it's okay. I didn't say anything about hurrying you two up." Luna told him and chuckled on how he was nervous about their unexpected arrival.

"Like when Rainbow Dash rushed up at the tornado?" Thunderlane chuckled and looked at Rainbow Dash who was giving him a 'Oh Whatever' look.

"Pfft. Maybe you should try rushing ponies like that. You love staying on tails like mine." Blossomforth rolled her eyes at Thunderlane.

Thunderlane rolled his eyes. "Yeah I chase your tail alright." he snickered. Blossomforth playfully punched him lightly.

"Sew that mouth of yours." She laughed.

Derpy looked at them. "I think I can rush." she said.

HandyFlash gave a sly smile. "Really? What's the capital of Equestria?" he quizzed her.

"The Letter E!" Derpy immediantely responded which made everypony laugh.

After a few hours, they all decided to go home and rest. The Seven pilots introduced themselves to Arion squadron as they did the same. It turns out that the seven of them aren't in the Task Force X because of their uniforms. Dumbbell spirited them up by telling them that they will be in the Task Force X in the future. How nice of him. Fluttershy immediately became friends with Gentlestep, Ash was shameless about his appearance thanks to Arion squad. Ash was a Peganine, Pegasus and Canine mixed up.

As Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and the others went outside, they looked up at the sky and saw a few Pegasi ponies flying around and E.R.A.F Stealth aircraft being tested. A peaceful view as it is. But their energy said there was no time for sight seeing. Rest is all is told them.

-(2 days later)-

Arion flight was flying around the outskirts of Dodge City as they looked around sharply in the desert. The only thing they saw was sand…obviously. Rock structures and in the far distance was the Macintosh hills. Right now, they were above the Haysead Swamps. A great view of the desert and another of a beach.

HandyFlash was leading the way for his squad for a short patrol on southern Equestria. Neon Nimbus briefed about a transmission from Dodge City about sightings of unidentified aircraft flying to the outskirts of the city.

"Neon Nimbus? Are you sure this was the place they sent us to?" HandyFlash asked while still looking around the area.

"Positive HandyFlash. Just keep looking." Neon Nimbus told him.

"Arion 1 to Ash. When Meteor arrives, tell him to keep us updated." HandyFlash ordered.

"Roger Arion 1." Ash said.

"Hey Flash? Why would the possible drones be heading to the south anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked and looked below to see the swamp.

"Lots of possibilities Rainbow Dash. They said something about a small sand storm. So we're positive about it being in the deep south next to the swamp and the Macintosh hills." HandyFlash replied still unsure about it.

Derpy thought about it. "Oh I think I know what they mean. Look! Sand!" Derpy said as she was pointing at…uh…the beach.

"Derpy, that's the beach. Sand Storms don't happen in beaches." Rainbow Dash told her.

"They said something about sand right?"

"And you know what else they gave us? The coordinates." Rainbow Dash reminded her about what they said.

"Coordinates?! Good! Another clue!"

"That wasn't a clue!" Rainbow Dash said in annoyance.

"Wait wait guys. How about we track the unknown aircrafts possible jet engine trails that left remaining heat?" Thunderlane suggested.

"Uh…In the desert?" Blossomforth reminded him.

"Oh…Maybe I should've thought about it before brining it up." Thunderlane said in embarrassment.

After five minutes have passed, they soon went to San Plamino Desert to check. Their orders was to patrol the south of Equestria. So that means they had to go all over the desert. Neon Nimbus noted them that Cloud Dash, Eclipse Moon, Shining Dawn and Delta, who recently decided to join the patrol on air, we're on their way. Cloud Dash, Arion Squad and Shining Dawn were the only Task Force X members on patrol. So they had to keep an eye on Eclipse Moon and Delta's Squadron. All their aircrafts regrouped in one and patrolled together.

"Arion 1 to Warrior 1. Is there anything on radar?" HandyFlash asked.

"Negative. Radars still clean with activity." Cloud Dash responded.

"Alright. Delta, this is your first time flying. If you need help, just call for back up." HandyFlash told Delta.

"Roger. Thank you." Delta said.

Rainbow Dash looked up and saw Meteor and Ash's aircrafts still eying the radars. "Arion 2 to Meteor. Tell us when something's on radar." Rainbow Dash said.

"I was about to say something. Bandits at you ten o'clock at Bearing Five-Eight-Seven." Meteor told them. Drones were approaching them in high speed. They all immediately checked their aircrafts stats and shields.

"A-All right. All set." Fluttershy said showing nervousness in her voice.

"I can here your nervousness Fluttershy. You okay?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not really nervous. I have the most calm and soothing voice. Can't you tell? (We all know she does. Dont we?) But yes. I'm ready" Fluttershy said.

"Alright pilots. Get your game face on. Delta, if you need assistance, tell us." Cloud Dash reminded him because of his first time to fly.

"Alright."

HandyFlash and Flitter used their afterburners to move in front of the group so they can get a clear lock on. They both activated their multiple missile canisters to ready for fire. The drones fired missiles straight at HandyFlash and Flitter's aircraft, but they evaded the missiles by using the Alicorn Roll Maneuver and using flares.

"Fox 3!" They both said as their missiles fired in eight. The drones tried to make evasive maneuvers, but ultimately failed. The particles of the drones flew straight down at the desert sand.

Rainbow Dash locked on six drones and fired, only shooting down five, leaving only one she missed.

"Aw Horse Apples." She cursed and fired her cannons at the drone she missed. It was faster than she thought. "My kind of way." She said and used her afterburners to dash forward. She chased it thought the clouds then successfully destroyed it.

"Aww Yeah. Splash One." She said and continued engagement.

Fluttershy and Cloudchaser gained more altitude to get a good surprise attack when the drones didn't notice. They went up higher then start going down from behind the drones six o'clock and started to lock on. They both fired their automatic cannons at the drones as it created quite a punch. Very effective that you might feel bad for the AI drones.

The rest of the pilots in the group started to engage. Thunderlane chased down drones as he kept firing without hesitation. Blossomforth turned on her Electronic Support Plate and made all the allied aircraft enchanted. She fired missiles accurately scoring two UAVs destroyed.

Derpy was being chased by three drones. She waited for the right moment to do evasive maneuvers correctly. Her aircraft went in low altitude and went into a canyon that was below the air battle. She turned and steered as the drones had a hard time locking on to her. As she exited the canyon while the drones were behind her, since ESM was activated, she readied her missiles. She made a very sharp Cobra Maneuver that made her flip her plane over and aim at the drones that were chasing her. She locked on and fired.

"Fox 2." Derpy said, saying that she just fired missiles. The two missiles destroyed the two drones. Derpy fired her main cannons at the third one as it exploded to transform into debris.

Delta chased down one drone as it went through the huge rocks and dust. He aimed at the drone and fired his main cannons. But something unexpected happened. Another drone blocked the way which bought some time for the other drone. It twisted around as Delta went ahead of it. Now he was being chased.

"Your going down." Delta said and used his afterburners to pick up the pace. He made agile High G turns around in the air which made the drone keep missing from firing it's missiles.

"Gotcha." Delta pushed his breaks and turned sharply which made a roaring sound. His plane's nose kept it's sight on the drone. "Fox 2!" He said as the missiles chased down the drone. It used flares, but was too early. So it got destroyed.

"Splash One." Delta said.

Cloud Dash saw his actions. He was impressed on how smart he was becoming. If you keep this up, he might be in the Task Force X.

"Nice job Delta. But it's not over yet. We still got a lot to go." Cloud Dash tried to keep Delta's head in the game.

"Roger. Continuing engagement."

Eclipse Moon was in range of a clean sweep of three drones. He locked on the three of them and fired. But the drones used flares which led it into a failure. The drones kept flying around engaging other pilots.

"Fine. Let's do this the hard way." Eclipse Moon went closer to one of the drones and fired his cannons. He destroyed one, but one drone was heading straight towards him in the front and one in the back.

"Big mistake fellas." He pointed his aircraft's nose up and made a boost up sharply. This made the two drones collide and explode.

Shining Dawn and Dumbbell did the Air Scissors Maneuver while they were both being chased by a few drones.

"Arion 7. Split up on my mark." Shining Dawn told Dumbbell.

"Standing by." Dumbbell said, telling her he's ready.

"Now!" She said as she made her plane break right as Dumbbell went left. A missile lock on was on Dumbbell, so he dropped flares. The drones decided to aim for Shining Dawn. Now was a good chance to take down the rest of them. Dumbbell locked multiple missiles on the drones behind Shining Dawn's plane and fired. All the drones he locked on at was all shot down.

"Good as planned Paladin 1." Dumbbell said.

"Thanks Arion 7."

Meteor kept an eye on the radar as the four squadrons kept engaging fighters. He received a transmission from somepony. It was Neon Nimbus.

"All squads, I'm sending more reinforcements to your location. Thunder Rain, Gentlestep, Lily Shadow, and Lightning Striker are now in the desert." Neon Nimbus said on the frequency.

Ash looked at his side and saw four E.R.A.F aircraft approaching the air battle. He smirked and called the squads. "Look who's late for the fun." he said.

"Very funny Ash. What did we miss?" Thunder Rain asked as he and the rest engaged the drones.

"Nothing much. Your cleared to engage the drones. Watch your fire on friendlies." Ash told them.

"Got it. Let's help the others." Lily Shadow said and fired her missiles. Since her aircraft was a stealth type, drones locking on to her will have a hard time thanks to her ECM.

"Assisting pilots." Lightning Striker engaged.

"Gentlestep, I got your back." Thunder Rain told her.

"Alright. Engaging fighters." Gentlestep focused on the drones.

Meteor looked at his radar and noticed one unknown plane approaching the airspace. "All planes, I got another plane on radar. Heading to your position in the East."

HandyFlash looked at the east and saw a familiar plane. Same color scheme from what he fought in Baltimare. It was…"Razor Whisk."

"HandyFlash." Razor Whisk pulled up at high altitude and fired his cannons at his closest target. It was Thunderlane who lost 24% shields.

"Colt of a Mare!" Thunderlane began breaking right avoiding the incoming fire.

"I see you took down most of the drones. Impressive." Razor Whisk smirked and balanced his aircraft.

HandyFlash went behind Razor Whisk's plane. "Your next Razor."

"Look who came out of the clouds to get shot down." Rainbow Dash insulted Razor Whisk.

"Your pathetic insults escape me." Razor Whisk laughed.

"Let's see you escape us." Rainbow Dash talked back.

"Come and get me Arion Leader!" Razor Whisk boosted down to the canyons and made sharp turns.

HandyFlash and Rainbow Dash stayed on Razor Whisk's tail, but had trouble locking on. Razor Whisk's aircraft was to agile, plus it was a stealth aircraft. As they kept chasing down him, Blossomforth and Flitter arrived and fired main cannons and Razor Whisk. They all missed.

"Don't lose him. Keep firing!" Thunderlane arrived and chased down behind Razor Whisk.

HandyFlash boosted up behind Razor Whisk's tail and fired his cannons. Bad move. Razor Whisk made an agile Aileron Roll which made an open path for HandyFlash's aircraft to move forward. He used his afterburners to not stay close to the effective range from Razor.

"He's on my back. Disable his jet." HandyFlash breaker left and right avoid hitting the canyons sides.

"Firing Cannons." Rainbow Dash directly hot her target. Nothing happens.

"Why's that pilot still breathing?!" HandyFlash asked.

A missile hit Rainbow Dash and the rest from behind them as they taken light damage. They looked behind them and saw one aircraft with a white and red paint scheme.

"Razor Whisk, that's enough. Fall back." The unknown plane ordered.

"Very well comrade." Razor Whisk pointed his aircraft nose up and boosted to a high altitude as the white and red aircraft followed. "Arion flight, better luck next time."

Rainbow Dash and the rest regained control of their jets and pulled up out of the canyon. HandyFlash followed and went in front of them. Fluttershy, Derpy, Dumbbell, and Cloudchaser went next to them. The other squadrons did the same as well.

"The skies are clear Colonel." Cloud Dash told him.

"Roger. Good job everypony." HandyFlash said and led the way.

"Colonel? Who was that pilot? The one in the White and Red jet?" Delta asked.

"I don't know. But we know he wasn't on our side. All planes, lets head back." He ordered.

"Neon Nimbus to Arion 1, you are cleared to return for re¬arm."