Aces In Exile

**Chapter Four:

Relations**

"Do you think they will reply sister?" Luna asked her fellow ruler. "I do hope so Luna, this could mean great things for our ponies, and all of the races of Equis." Celestia said thoughtfully. Both of the princesses waited tensely by the radio that was kept in an office to monitor the stations broadcasts, it's frequency kept clear so as not to miss any form of reply from the alien craft orbiting the planet.

The minutes passed slowly. Just as Luna gave a frustrated huff, the radio began to crackle to life.

"This is commander Artemis of the United Colonial Federation escort carrier Flaming Pride, responding to the broadcast of the princesses Celestia and Luna." Both princesses paid rapt attention to the radio, listening to what appeared to be the voice of an older male.

"As the senior officer of this vessel, I hereby accept your invitation and wish to request a meeting to establish diplomatic relations. We shall monitor this frequency and await your reply, commander Artemis out."

Both sisters looked from the radio to each other and smiled. "It would appear that this shall be the dawn of a new age little sister." Stated Celestia, with high hopes for what the future shall bring.

The Pride:

"Attention, this is the XO, Flight leaders are to report to the briefing room immediately for mission briefing. That is all." Came the voice of captain Leona over the ships intercom system. "Well looks like that's me guys, I'll be back in a little while." Alzack said to his wing mates.

"Right sir, let us know about it when you get back alright?" Said Andrew, the leader of the flight's second wing. "Sure thing Drew. Alzack answered him as he left the room and headed for the pilot briefing room.

Along the way he met up with a few of the other pilots, one of which being the pilot for one of the few utility craft the carrier operated.

Navy doctrine for the time being that escort carriers would mostly carry multi-purpose strike fighters like his Dagger.

Talking amongst one another in the briefing room while they waited, Alzack decided to get to know the odd man out of the group.

"Hi, you must be the leader of Runner flight, Blake right?" He asked the young man. He was in his early twenties with reddish brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a pair of dark aviators. "You're goddamn right." He replied as he turned to face him.

"Nice to meet you, Name's Alzack. Or just Al is fine." He said as the two shook hands.

"ATTENTION, COMMANDER ON DECK!" Called one of the marines stationed by the door, causing everyone in the room to stand up straight and snap off a rigid salute.

"At ease, take your seats." Called Artemis as he and Leona stepped up to the front of the briefing room to address the pilots.

"As you all know, earlier today, we received a transmission from the planet we are currently in orbit around. After sending a formal reply, we were given co-ordinates for a meeting place to establish negotiations with the people of this world that we now know to be called Equis."

The commander stated firmly. "Therefore, a flight of two FTUC's will ferry the captain and I, along with a compliment of marines to the surface, to be escorted by a flight of Daggers. The pilots of these flights shall be,first lieutenant Blake of Runner flight with sergant William flying his number two craft." Blake nodded to the commander in understanding. "Escort flight shall be Blue flight, led by first lieutenant Alzack."

Alzack also nodded his understanding in reply. "Any questions?" Asked commander Artemis as he looked over everyone in the room.

There were none. "Very well, we leave in an hour. Dismissed!"

Equestria:

"C'mon girls! this is probably the most important event in Equestrian history! If not, the entire world!" Twilight called as she tried to hurry her fellow elements along. "Settle down there Twilight, we still have an hour until the meeting that the princesses were talkin about. I'm sure the pegasi pullin them carriages can get us there on time." Applejack stated, trying to calm her friend.

"Oh, Oh, do you think they'd like one of my welcome parties? I've never thrown a Welcome to equestria party before! Well at least in this fan-fiction!" Pinkie exclaimed excitedly. "Pinkie, what are you talking about?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"oh, my. You don't think they're evil aliens do you Twilight?" A timid Fluttershy asked. "I'm sure that if they were, the princesses wouldn't let them anywhere near Equestria Fluttershy. Now let's get going girls, we have a meeting to attend!" Twilight exclaimed as they boarded the carriages.

The Pride:

"This is Runner one, pre-flight checks complete. Ready for ascent." Blake announced over the radio. "Blue one here, all checks are green.

Ready for transfer to flight deck." Came the voice of Alzack, giving both flights the all clear to proceed as the elevator hatches were closed and depressurized before being raised to the ships twin flight decks. Almost in unison, the six top elevator hatches opened as the four Dagger fighters and two FTUC landing craft were brought topside.

"This is Pride tower, Runners one and two are cleared for launch." Announced flight control. "Roger that tower, Runner flight launching."

Replied Blake as the two craft lifted off and banked downwards.

"Pride tower to Blue flight, You are cleared, happy hunting." Control called to the pilots of blue flight.

"Copy Pride tower, Blue flight, on the way." Alzack replied as their four fighters lifted off and followed the two landing craft down towards their destination.

"All flights, we are now entering planetary atmosphere, be ready for anything." Called the commander over the radio.

"YES SIR!" Came the resounding reply from every pilot in the flight.