Aces In Exile

**Chapter Nine:

Call to action**

"This is terrible sister!We have to send help!" Luna cried as she read the emergency message from the embassy in Asterion. "I know Luna."

Celestia said. "But who would we send? By the time any of our forces could even reach the capital, all of the diplomats would have already been killed." She said grimly. The morning had been starting so well, and then a magically sent letter had reached the sisters informing them of a violent coup in the Minotaur lands. The government forces were quickly being overrun by the rebels, it had obviously been a well planned attack. There was no way for any friendly forces to arrive quick enough to rescue those caught in the middle.

"We cannot just stand here and do nothing Tia! There must be somepony who can get there in time?" Luna questioned.

"What about the humans?" She asked, peaking Celestia's interest.

"We couldn't possibly involve them." Celestia countered.

"Why not sister? From what we have heard from witnesses in Ponyville, one of the humans raced the element of loyalty in one of their 'fighters' and beat her quite thoroughly. Surely they would be able to get there in time for a rescue mission?" Luna asked her sister.

Celestia thought on this for some time. "Very well Lulu dear, I shall ask commander Artemis for his aid." She conceded.

Aboard the Pride, Alzack had been confined to his quarters as punishment for his little race with a pony that he had found out to be named Rainbow Dash. Apparently she was quite the celebrity, and a well known speed demon. She was also very ticked off that she had her title as the fastest in Equestria taken from her so easily. "Heh, some people really let their egos go to their head." He said to himself.

"You're one to talk lieutenant 'slowpoke'." Said Lynne as she stood in the doorway. "Quiet you." He jabbed back. "So what's up Lynne?"

He asked. "Well, apparently the royals are having a meeting with the commander, and from what I hear, something's going down."

She informed her leader. "No shit? Well now, what could that mean?" He pondered.

"No idea sir." She answered. They were about to find out.

"Alright your majesties, I understand. Though you're sure there's nobody else who can send assistance? What about the griffins?"

Artemis asked the two sisters. "Unfortunately, they are maintaining a strict neutrality in this conflict, so sending forces for a rescue is completely out of the question." Celestia told him. Sighing, the commander thought it over. "Very well, the Flaming Pride and her crew shall assist in rescuing the diplomats at the embassy and any government loyalists that we are able to evacuate." He informed them.

"Thank you commander Artemis, this means very much to us." Luna said. Standing, Artemis bowed to the, left his private quarters and headed for the bridge.

"Attention all hands, this is commander Artemis." Came the announcement over the intercom. Every single person on board paused what they were doing and listened. "Early yesterday morning, in the country of Asterion, a rebel faction succeed in assassinating the heads of their central government. Throughout yesterday and today, Asterion forces have been fighting to restore order, but are being beaten back badly."

There was a pause as everyone looked to each other. "Earlier today, the leaders of Equestria approached me and asked that the crew of the Pride launch a rescue mission for diplomats and government loyalists trapped in the capital's embassy. After much thought, I have decided that since we are the only ones capable of reaching the area in a feasible amount of time, and since they have so graciously given us shelter.

The Flaming Pride shall accept their dire request. Therefore, effective immediately, all leave is canceled, all crew and pilots are to report to stations and prepare for liftoff. This may not be exactly what we trained for, but we shall see it through regardless. Artemis out."

"MOVE MOVE MOVE, GET THOSE BULKHEADS SEALED!" Shouted an officer. "CHECK YOUR WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION! " Called another who was addressing a few marine squads. All around the ship, everyone was doing the necessary combat preparations.

As the last remaining crew reported back to the ship for duty, the boarding hatches were sealed and walkways retracted. Inside the bridge, final checks were given a roll call. "Everything checks out sir, ready to go on your order." Informed captain Leona.

"Take us up and set course for Asterion's capital." Ordered Artemis. "Aye sir!" Responded the pilot. "Increasing vertical thrust output, liftoff in three, two, one. Liftoff confirmed, retracting landing gear. Gear secure, ascending to fifty thousand and setting course to one five two."

"There they go sister." Luna said as the pair watched the Pride lift off and accelerate away. "Yes, let us hope that they will be successful."

Celestia said hopefully. "Come dear sister, we have much to do, we must prepare our own forces to counter this threat." Luna informed her as she took flight for Canterlot. "Indeed we do sister, I just pray that not many shall have to suffer n this senseless bloodshed." Celestia said to herself as she too took off.