Aces In Exile

**Chapter Seven:

Shore leave**

"I must say, for military food, that was quite nice." Said Rarity as she wiped her muzzle with a napkin.

"Well there have been many improvements on what is offered over the old days of our navy being focused on the oceans." Explained Marcus.

"Yes, although I find the variety in human diets to be quite surprising." Princess Luna pointed out her observation.

"Well, humanity has a very diverse background of beliefs and ideals that also affect what many of us eat on a daily basis, so to operate effectively, the modern military has evolved to help cater to each of them as best as possible. After all, as the old saying goes; an army marches on it's stomach." Marcus offered. "Wise words if ah ever heard em." Applejack agreed.

"Ah your majesties, how are you finding your tour?" Asked Artemis as they were escorted onto the ship's bridge.

"Quite intriguing commander Artemis. It is indeed a fine vessel." Celestia stated. "I am sure that there are a few lessons here that could be found very useful if implemented into our royal guard." She continued. "Thank you princess. Oh and while you are here, might I ask something of you?" Artemis questioned. "By all means commander." Celestia said as she listened to his request.

"Would you permit my crew to visit the nearby towns while on shore leave? I'm sure that some of them would be getting bored of being stuck on the ship for so long since prior to our arrival, there was not much excitement going on." Artemis asked her.

"Very well, so long as they are behaved while conducting their visits I see no reason to deny you." Celestia granted.

The next day:

"All hands, this is the commander. Anyone wishing for shore leave is to sign the notice posted on one of the bulletin boards.

Those granted shall be rotated through in groups starting this afternoon. But be warned, anyone found disgracing the UCFS or infringing upon the laws of the Equestrian people shall be confined to either their quarters or the brig until further notice. That is all, enjoy yourselves,

Artemis out."

Needless to say, the slots were filled in pretty quickly by the time midday rolled around, the members of Blue flight and Runner flight were among the first group to be granted.

"So guys what should we do first? I wanna see if there's a bar in town, I haven't had a drink in ages!" Exclaimed an excited Lynne.

"Well you can go, I'm going to have a look around Ponyville for a little while. Just try to stay out of trouble alright? I know what you're like when you drink." Said Alzack. "You do that, I on the other hand am hitting the clubs." Blake said as he headed for the nearby train station.

"I'll be at the library if you guys need me." Informed Andrew. "Clubbing sounds good to me." Nathan said as he followed Blake.

The rest of the group split up and spread out between the two towns and their attractions.

Alzack found himself wandering the streets aimlessly, getting the occasional greeting from the inhabitants of the town.

It was slowly turning to evening when he happened upon a small tavern and decided to take a look inside, and maybe quench his thirst.

Upon entering, he noticed that it had a few of the other pilots and crew inside, each of which were having fun and consuming a drink of their choice. "Well well, look who decided to show up." Called Lynne from a table near the bar. "Fancy seeing you here Lynne."

He greeted as he sat down with her and a couple of the others. "You gotta try this stuff Al, it's good stuff!" She said with a large smile and a hint of a slur to her voice. "Well you're the expert on the subject so how can I refuse." He answered her with a smile as the barmaid came to take his order.

"What can I get you sir?" Asked the young pegasus, she had light blue fur and a dark blue mane and tail with white highlights.

"I'll have the same as my friend here miss." He asked with a small smile and paid for his drink.

The night was starting to wind down, and it was getting close to the 12 am curfew that had been imposed on everyone taking leave for the day as the patrons began leaving the tavern for the night to head back to their bunks for some much needed sleep.

"Thank you for the drinks miss, they were some of the best I've ever had." Alzack thanked the barmaid as he was leaving.

"No problem, this is the busiest that we've ever been since we opened. So you're all welcome back here anytime. Have a nice night!" She said to him as she began cleaning the floor and tables. "I'm sure that everyone will appreciate that, goodnight." He replied to her as he left.

Getting back aboard, Alzack bumped into Blake. "Hey man, how were the clubs?" He asked. "They were great, though some of the locals you run into between joints could learn to take the stick out of their asses." Blake told him. "Oh well, maybe next time I'll join you guys, night."

Alzack said as he headed for his bunk for the night. He was going to have a hell of a morning tomorrow, most likely along with many of the others.