Aces In Exile

**Chapter Six:

We have touchdown**

"Commander Artemis to all hands, make preparations for atmospheric entry. Second, eighth, third and first marine squads are to be deployed to the surface to secure landing zone and provide security. Report to your appropriate stations, that is all."

Artemis relayed his orders throughout the ship. Craft were tied down and secured and the four marine squads loaded into the bays of four utility craft to be ferried to the surface of Equis. Everyone knew their jobs from intense drills that all of them have gone through hundreds of times.

"Hold on to your lunches everyone." Blake called over his radio to the four ship flight as it entered the planet's atmosphere.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, please ensure that your trays are in the upright and locked position, and that your seat belts are properly secured. Thank you for flying Runner airlines." He joked with the squad aboard his craft.

Eventually, the four craft touched down at four corners of a large field, located next to the road leading between Canterlot and Ponyville.

"Everybody out, move move move, secure the perimeter." The squad leaders all ordered their troopers.

"Pride actual, all squads checking in, landing zone is secure, we got a couple of locals watching from the sidelines but so far nobody's causing any problems over." Announced first squad's leader, a marine veteran by the name of Marcus.

"Copy that, two minutes out. Get the drinks ready for us boys." Replied the Pride's Pilot, as he brought the large ship slowly down towards them.

Meanwhile, the elements arrive with the princesses to watch the arrival of Equestria's new allies.

"So where's this space ship supposed to be? All I see are a few of their soldiers blocking off the field." Stated Rainbow Dash.

"Umm Dash hon, look up." Replied Applejack as she stared into the sky with her mouth slightly agape. Following her advice, Dash slowly brought her eyes towards the heavens.

"Oh...." Was the only thing she said, as she saw the largest ship that she had ever laid eyes on slowly descending.

"That thing's bigger than the entire wonderbolts academy!" She suddenly exclaimed as it finally set down in the field.

"Yes, these humans must be highly advanced if they are able to build something so large and have it be able to lift off of the ground."

Commented Twilight. "Quite so, I wonder if they would permit a tour of their fine vessel?" Pondered Luna.

"That might be able to be arranged ma'am." Answered Marcus as he approached and saluted the two leaders.

"Are you sure?" Asked Celestia. "Well it would have to be cleared with the commander first, but if he gives the okay then you would be more than welcome to come aboard." He assured them.

"Good work everyone." Artemis told his bridge crew. "Thank you sir." They all replied.

"Commander sir, transmission from squad leader Marcus. He says that the princesses and a small group would like permission to come aboard." The communications officer informed him. "Hmm. Very well, but make sure that they are escorted and that they stay away from secure areas." Answered the commander. "Aye sir. Squad one, go ahead has been given, but guests are to be escorted and kept out of secure areas at all times, out."

"Roger that actual." Marcus replied as he turned back to the group. "The commander has given the all clear, but we're to escort you while on board and keep you from hazardous areas or areas that would require a security clearance." He informed them.

"Very well, that is understandable, lead on." Celestia replied as the squad of marines escorted them up the boarding ramp and into the Prides interior.

"I cannot say that I very much care for the choice of interior design, darling." Rarity stated as they toured along the ship's corridors.

"Well, the design was focused on functionality, so fashion isn't really a main concern when a navy vessel is built." Marcus answered her.

"Ah see, so as long as it gets the job done, not much else matters." Applejack said. "That is correct miss." Marcus replied.

"Although we do have some comforts aboard, such as a gym, an entertainment room and most importantly the mess hall." The marine leader listed off as they walked.

"Mess hall? What kind of comfort would a mess give?" Asked the white unicorn, as the thought of an entire room dedicated to nothing but uncleanliness left her feeling a little disgusted.

"Oh, not that type of mess, sorry, it's just naval speak for the eating area. Don't ask me why it's called that." Marcus waved off her concerns.

"Ohh speaking of eating, I'm hungry, can we go get something to eat?" Pinkie asked as she bounced along. "I can't see why not, right this way ladies." Marcus directed.