Chapters Prologue: Just another day at work
Prologue
Just another day at work
The sound of an alarm clock buzzing stirs the young man from his slumber, lazily he slowly opens his eyes and turns his head to look at the target of his early morning hate. Reaching out and turning it off he sits up and stretches, satisfying pops sounding from his joints as he climbs out of bed to begin his morning routine.
After finally getting cleaned and dressing in his uniform he takes one last look in the mirror, the image that greets him is of a young man in his early to mid twenties, 5'8'' with short dirty blonde hair, blue-grey eyes and a little toothpaste on the corner of his lip which is quickly wiped away.
Stepping out of his quarters in the officers barracks he makes a left turn towards the docks and towards his new assignment aboard what is soon to be his new home for the next few months, The UCFS Flaming Pride, along with his other squadron mates of the 14th fighter squadron.
Both the squadron and the carrier they would be serving off of are fairly new, the carrier having only been completed 2 months ago and the squadron formed not long before that, although the squadron was made up of mostly veteran pilots from other disbanded squadrons.
Getting close to his destination, the pilot takes a quick glance out of one of the many windows of the corridor, greeting him is the view of the fleets lunar base, the beautiful view of Earth and of course, the mighty side profile of the Pride.
"She's a beauty, isn't she lieutenant?" Startled from his thoughts, he turns quickly and salutes the man that the pilot will soon be serving under. A commander with a great reputation and enough awards to go with it. He is an older man in his late fifties, 6'1'' early sixties with a graying and receding hairline with hazel eyes, and the wrinkles of a man who has obviously seen many things in his time.
"Absolutely commander Artemis sir!" To this he receives a light hearted chuckle. "At ease lieutenant Alzack." Finally relaxing as both men continue the last leg of their journey towards the docks.
Glancing at the older male, Alzack decides to ask some of the questions about his new home that many of the squadron had been speculating on since they had been informed of their first assignment."So sir, how does the Pride handle? Is she everything that they said she could be?"
Looking back at the young pilot Artemis gave it some thought before answering. "Well she's definitely a fast one, those new Tachyon drive cores are top of the line, and the new engines make her the fastest carrier built so far. Add on to that she's got enough firepower alone to go up against a light cruiser and probably win and you've got yourself one heck of a prize contender." Hearing this as they finally made it aboard, the thought of it shocked Alzack and he gave the commander a surprised look. "Y-you can't be serious? That much?" Commander Artemis gave another lighthearted chuckle before replying. "Well not quite in a stand up fight, but keeping out of their line of fire from the main gun and we can give them one hell of a black eye."
"Right, well i better get going commander, it's been an honor talking with you." The young lieutenant saluted the commander as they both walk off to their duties before the ship gets underway.
Taking the elevator up to the command bridge, commander Artemis begins preparing the crew for their long assignment of convoy escort between the colonies. "Sir, final checks are finished and all crew and supplies are aboard, we are ready to cast off as soon as you give the order." Came the voice of his second in command, a woman in her thirties with long dark hair, tied into a bun at the back. "Very well captain Leona, bring us out."
"Aye aye commander!" Saluting the commander, the young female XO begins the process of ordering the vessel out of port and into the cold expanse of space.
Soon after the ship has made it to a safe enough distance from the base to begin its journey to meet the convoy that has been assigned for escort duty, and with a flash, the Flaming Pride jumps away to its destination.
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Chapter one: It was supposed to be a milk run
Chapter One:
It was supposed to be a milk run
"This is blue flight calling pride tower, patrol complete, requesting clearance for landing over." Alzack sighed, so far, mostly everything had gone according to schedule on their very first mission. That was until one of the convoy freighter's tachyon FTL drives decided to crap out, and nearby to a dying star no less. Now the engineers were hurriedly trying to fix it asap before the thing decided to blow and turn them all into dust.
"Just another day on the job eh lieutenant?" Alzack heard from his number two, a young lady also in her early twenties with short red hair and green eyes. "Stow it, we don't really have the time for jokes Lynn."
"Roger that sir." Just as their little exchange had finished, Pride flight control crackled in on the radio, "Blue flight this is tower, you are cleared, bring em home."
"Roger that tower, blue flight coming in" Setting their four fighters down, each atop one of the retrieval elevators on top of the Pride, they began their slow decent back inside the ship.
Meanwhile, inside the command deck, commander Artemis looks over the stars current readings with a grim face.
"How much longer till their drive core is fixed?" He asked his second in command. "Half an hour sir, we'll be cutting it close, but we should be out of here before the star goes critical." Was her reply. Standing back up from looking over the console he walked back to his command chair and sat down. "should be? I don't want this left to chance captain, I want to be long gone before that happens, understood?"
"Yes sir! I'll have the engineers move as fast as they can sir!" The captain replied as she saluted and got about to trying to hurry things along.
Easing back into his chair, Artemis glanced over at the current object of his ire and frowned. 'I don't like this one bit.' Was his only thought.
Equestria, roughly the same time:
"Come oooon Spike! We're going to be late if you don't hurry, this meteor shower only happens once every hundred years!" Called a young purple alicorn. "I'm coming, give me a break Twilight, this stuff is heavy you know!" Replied Spike as he finally managed to get out of the palace doors carrying both Twilight's telescope and his new radio, closing the doors behind himself. Twilight sighed as they were finally making their way to the small hill were she, spike and their friends would be watching the once in a lifetime event. "Sorry spike, but I'm just really excited for this, it's supposed to be one of the most beautiful astral phenomenon known to pony kind, and we get to see it first hand!"
Shaking his head and sighing, the small drake knew he wouldn't be able to persuade his friend and caretaker to relax. "Alright i'm going as fast as I can, we'll be there with plenty of time." Giving a triumphant nod and smile, Twilight and Spike hurry along to the meeting place.
Back aboard the Flaming Pride:
"Sir! The engineers have finished repair but we have a problem!" Came the call from captain Leona to her superior, this of course did not help the commanders mood. "Report captain." Came his only reply.
"The star's deteriorating at an accelerated level, we need to leave now or we're going to be vaporized." "Damn it! This is exactly what I didn't need. Get the freighter out of here and the engineers back aboard as fast as possible then make preparations for an emergency jump now!"
The commanders orders were clear and they caused a flurry of activity on the bridge. "Aye sir!" Replied the XO as she hurriedly got to her duties, which was followed shortly by the flash of the freighter they were assisting making it's FTL jump to rejoin with the convoy in the next system.
Blue flight had just finished their debriefing as alarms began to sound all around the ship and an announcement from the XO came over the intercoms. "All hands, prepare for emergency jump, secure all bulkheads and craft. All non-essential personnel to emergency jump stations immediately!" Alzack and the rest of his wing-mates didn't need to be told twice, they all ran as fast as they could back to their quarters and secured themselves with harnesses that were attached to the walls. "Looks like things are finally about to get interesting!" Called the second pairs leader, a young man in his late twenties to early thirties with medium length dark brown hair with dark brown eyes and the beginnings of a five o'clock shadow on his face.
"Yeah, about time we got a little excitement." Came the call of his wing man, a young man of his very early twenties with short brown hair and who also had brown eyes.
"Can it you two, this is serious." Replied lieutenant Alzack. "Look on the bright side sir, you always wanted to go out with a bang!" Called Lynne from her position. Alzack just sighed as the final announcements came over the intercom to sound all stations were ready.
"Sir! All stations have reported in, we're ready to go!" Called out captain Leona from her ready position.
"Finally! Commence jump! get us out of here!" commander Artemis all but shouted, but just as the FTL drives were warmed up and the jump initiated, the dying star finally let loose it's deadly inferno of solar radiation as it exploded. The energy created causing the tachyon drive cores to overload and put an incredibly increased amount of power into the jump as they flashed away, into the unknown.
Equestria, same time:
"I say darling, this meteor shower is simply spectacular, it gives me so many wondrous ideas for designs I would simply love to try!" Exclaimed Rarity, her love of fashion taking in the inspiration from the natural wonder of the event.
"I gotta say Twi, this is real nice, glad y'all invited us to come watch it with ya." Said Applejack, who was also captivated by the sight.
"Thanks girls, i'm just glad that we could make it on time to see it." Answered Twilight, while Spike sat nearby, listening to music on the new radio that he had been saving up to buy. The music was very relaxing and had been picked by the radio host specifically for those watching the event.
Finally the shower was finishing up and just a few meteors were going by, every now and then. "well looks like that's it girls, we should probably get going now, it's getting late and i'm sure it's past somepony's bedtime." Said Twilight as she looked over to Spike as he rubbed his tired eyes.
"Yeah." Yawned Rainbow Dash. "I've got weather duty in the morning so i'll... see... you...later?" Rainbow started to say until a bright flash in the sky caught her attention which didn't go unnoticed by the others either. "Umm twilight, what was that?" Asked Dash.
"I don't know Rainbow..." Was Twilight's reply. Suddenly all eyes were on Spike's radio as the music went to static and was replaced with a broadcast of a different nature.
"Mayday, mayday, mayday, this is the UCFS Flaming Pride broadcasting on all channels to any vessels in the area, our tachyon drive cores are down, requesting assistance from any friendly ships in the area, currently in orbit above an unknown planet, This message will repeat at one hour intervals, UCFS Flaming Pride out."
Nopony moved an inch, they all just stared at the radio as it cut back to the host apologizing for the interruption and wishing everyone a good night.
"Umm, T-Twilight?" Came the quiet voice of Fluttershy as she hid behind her hair.
"SPIKE!" Shouted Twilight, she knew what needed to be done, she had an emergency letter to write to her mentor.
Chapter Two: First contact
**Chapter Two:
First Contact**
"Report!" Called out commander Artemis to the rest of the crew on the bridge. "Sir! The FTL cores have overloaded and are currently undergoing emergency cool down and medical is reporting some light injuries to a few crew members who couldn't get secured in time, other than that, we're fine." Replied the captain.
"Sir!" Called the navigation officer. "None of these stars match any known charts and the planet we're now orbiting is unknown."
The commander gave this a thoughtful huff. "Very well, drop a distress beacon and have it broadcast on all channels and see what engineering can do about the cores, but tell them they don't need to do a rush job this time, we're safe for now. Lastly try and find out our position."
"Aye sir!" Was the resounding reply from the officers around him as they got to their jobs. The commander rested his head on his had as he rubbed his temples. 'Just what have we gotten ourselves into?'
Equestria:
Princess Celestia was currently in her study, going over a few bills that were put forward during her session in the day court. None of them were very interesting being that they were mostly thought up by stuffy nobles, all looking to pass laws and such to further their own businesses and standing, and to be truthful, the mighty princess of the sun was growing tired of it.
'Honestly, I would think that they would have better things to do than to waste my time on things like this.' She thought to herself as she read over one such bill put forth by a noble who was looking to pass a law saying that only those of noble blood could own land, and that 'commoners' should pay taxes on the land they lived on to said nobles.
Sighing she used a stamp to deny it, (said stamp was fairly new yet was already being worn down from over use) and rolled it back up and set it in the organizer to be collected and sent away later.
Just as she was making to get up and finally go to bed, a wisp of ash and smoke blew in through her window and materialized into a scroll which dropped onto her desk.
'A letter from Twilight at this hour? It couldn't be another friendship report, she only sent me her most recent one a few days ago.' Celestia thought as she opened it up and looked over its contents, but it became clear very quickly that this was no ordinary letter.
"Hmm.. Why doth we even bother, not one of thine subjects ever graces the night court with their presence." Luna, the princess of the night said to herself.
So far, her statement had been true, very few ponies had come to the night court since its re-institution into the daily happenings of the royal castle in Canterlot.
"This is always such a bore, We wisheth that something of interest would..."
Luna never got to finish that sentence as the doors burst open and her sister, the princess of the day quickly entered the throne room.
"Sister dear, what is the matter? Thou acts as if the has seen a ghost, I believe the saying is."
"You're slipping into the royal we again Luna, but that's not important, you must read this." Stated Celestia as she handed the letter she carried in her magic grip to her sister.
"Really Tia? One of your student's friendship reports at...this...hour..." Needless to say, that train of thought soon left the station.
Dear princess Celestia,
While viewing the meteor shower tonight with my friends, we have witnessed an extraordinary event.
At the finishing of the shower there was a flash of light in the sky which puzzled us all greatly, but soon after, the radio that Spike had brought with him to listen to during the even played a broadcast that I believe to be from an alien vessel that had caused said flash.
The nature of the broadcast leads me to believe that their transport has suffered some type of damage and that they currently cannot leave, and are currently orbiting our planet.
Signed your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
The princess of the night read over the contents again and again before slowly bringing her eyes back up to her fellow ruler.
"I suppose that we should see about welcoming our new guests dear sister?"
The Pride
"So what's the word lieutenant? Do they know where we are?" Asked Lynne to her flight commander.
"Unfortunately no, they're still working on that, but until they do, all flights have been put on standby orders, just in case." Alzack answered her.
"Ahh jeeze, standby orders? That is the worst." Said the junior of the flight, a young pilot by the name of Nathaniel. More commonly known as Nat, for his short stature of just over 5'.
"Relax" Replied his wing leader, the oldest of the group. "Pretty soon they'll get the Cores fixed and then we can be back underway." He said hopefully.
Unfortunately, that hope was not well placed.
"What's the word from engineering? Asked Artemis to his communications officer. "Sir!" He replied. "They said that a lot of the wiring and circuitry's been burnt out from the intense energy build up, it'll need extensive repairs before they can get it operational again which is going to be hard because a lot of the parts needed just aren't on board."
"Damn it all..." Said the commander before turning away and pacing around the bridge. 'Damn it, we have no clue where we are, our FTL is offline with not much chance of repair. We're going to need a miracle if help doesn't arrive.' Little did he know, a miracle was what they would soon be getting.
Equestria:
"P-PRINCESSES!" Exclaimed the radio station manager as the nations rulers entered his office, causing him to immediately stand and bow.
"Arise, there is something that we require your aid with, or more specifically this new radio station of yours." Said Celestia
"Yes your majesties, how might we be of service?" He asked.
"It has come to our attention that your broadcast was interrupted late last night by an unknown source." Celestia inquired.
"Yes your majesty, we assume it to have been somebody pulling a prank by hijacking our signal somehow." The manager answered her.
"I assure you that it was indeed no prank." This reply shocked him, and he looked at his rulers, puzzled. "What do you mean your majesty? If i may ask." The sun princess' gaze never left his face.
"Good sir, we require the use of your radio station... To make first contact with an extra terrestrial entity." Celestia simply stated.
Chapter Three: Welcome home
**Chapter Three:
Welcome home**
The commander found himself walking the halls of his ship, mingling with his crew and re-assuring them that help would soon be on the way.
"So sir, how long do you think it will be until the beacon gets a response?" Asked a young marine, who was part of the security detail assigned aboard before departure.
"I'm not sure, it could be quite a while, they're still uncertain what system this is." Artemis answered him, this of course left the marine looking a little glum.
An announcement was then heard over the intercom asking for the commander to come to the bridge.
"Well it looks like I'm needed elsewhere, but don't give up, we'll get out of this mess one way or another." The commander said as he saluted his crew, all of whom that were present quickly returned it and returned to their duties.
"What have you got to report?" Asked commander Artemis as he stepped onto the bridge of the Pride.
"Sir!" Responded his chief navigator. "We've been able to ascertain our rough co-ordinates, but it's not looking good."
Sighing he replied. "Lately it seems it never is, what's our status regardless?" He questioned.
"Well sir, I'm not quite sure how to explain this.... But... The overload of energy from the super nova on our drive cores seems to have catapulted us way past our desired destination." The navigator said, but the commander knew there was more.
"How far exactly?" He asked, a grim look overtaking his features.
"We're in another galaxy entirely sir, and at this distance it would take years for the beacon's signal to reach friendly space." The officer replied sadly before saluting and excusing himself.
'Damn it all, looks like we're stranded here. There's no way the fleet will be able to send help at this distance.' Artemis thought to himself.
"SIR!" Called out the communications officer from his seat. "You're going to want to hear this, We're receiving a transmission, but it seems to be on an older frequency!"
"What? I thought the navigator said we're years away from a reply?" Artemis replied as he rushed over to the officer's position.
"I know sir, but I've been hearing radio transmissions on this channel for a while, but I assumed they were old ones broadcast by radio stations back on Earth from centuries ago, that were just now reaching this area, but... well... I think you better listen to this for yourself."
The young officer stated as he switched the broadcast to be heard by the entire bridge.
Equestria:
"How exactly does this equipment work?" Inquired princess Luna, who only a few years past her return, had yet to encounter the new technology of radio broadcasting, which had not long come into use around the world. (think of the old radio stations from around the 30's and 40's)
"Don't worry about it your majesty, all you and princess Celestia need to do is speak into that microphone when you get the signal that we're broadcasting." The manager answered her question.
"Very well then, as soon as you are ready." Said the moon princess.
"Yes your majesty." The pony said as he gave a quick bow and turned to the operator. "Alright, start it up." He ordered, to which he received a nod as the pony adjusted the dials and switches before signaling that they were live.
The Pride:
"So what do you think lieutenant? Do you think we'll be getting back home soon?" Nat asked his flight leader.
"I'm not sure Nat, I really hope so, but with everything going on I just can't be sure." Alzack replied to his number four man.
The four of them were in the ship's mess, having some early morning breakfast after everything had winded down after the emergency jump and the events following shortly after.
That was until an announcement came over the ships intercom.
"Attention all hands, this is the commander. At around oh'five hundred this morning, communications has picked up what appears to be a response to our distress beacon." This announcement was quickly followed by cheers from all around the ship, but they were soon silenced as he continued. "But... It was not of human origins."
This lead to many murmurings between crew members to what this could imply.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the UCFS Flaming Pride, this is the response we have received." The announcement went to static which was then replaced with a new voice, a regal voice that none of the crew ever expected.
"Greetings travelers of the UCFS Flaming Pride, my name is Princess Celestia. I, along with my sister and fellow ruler of our kingdom, Princess Luna, would like to welcome you to our world. If you can hear us, please send us a response, We shall be waiting."
Silence. Not one crew mate or pilot uttered a single word in the wake of what had just happened.
The commander's voice then returned. "My fellow crewmen and women of the UCFS Flaming Pride.... We have discovered an alien civilization, and are currently in orbit around it's home planet. Furthermore, negotiations are to take place shortly, all hands are to report to stations and prepare. That is all."
The intercom went silent, every person aboard looked to the one next to them.... And quickly dashed off to their stations.
It was going to be a very busy day.
**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.
Chapter Five: First impressions
**Chapter Five:
First impressions**
"Princess Celestia!" Exclaimed Twilight, as she ran to give her old teacher her usual greeting. After nuzzling one another, Twilight took a few steps back while smiling. "It's good to see you again." She said.
"It is good to see you as well my young student, as well as the rest of you dear friends." All five of them bowed to her, while simultaneously saying. "Your majesty." To show their respect.
"Come now my dear ponies, arise. For we must not be tardy to this momentous occasion." Announced Celestia as she turned and began leading them to the landing platform that was assigned for the arrival of the aliens.
"We're coming up on the city now." Announced the co-pilot of Runner one to commander Artemis and captain Leona.
"Very good, bring us in nice and easy, have Blue flight hang back a little bit, just in case." Artemis ordered them.
"Aye sir, Blue one, Blue One, orders from the commander, your flight is to fall back and provide cover in case of emergency over." Blake called over the radio.
"Roger that, Blue flight keeping our distance, out." Replied Alzack as they throttled back their fighters and took up a patrol patter above the city as both FTUC craft began a slow descent towards the landing platform, Runner two touching down first to unload it's squad of ten marines, who took up positions around the landing area to provide security, assault rifles pointing outward, ready to counter any threat to the lives of their senior most officers.
Standing at the other end of the platform as all of this happened, were the princesses, the element bearers, and a small contingent of royal guards. All of who, watched with intrigue as one of the alien warriors brought it's front appendage to the side of it's head, after which the other transport settled down onto the platform, it's rear facing them just as the other did, and the door on the back sliding open.
Revealing what seemed to be an older male and a young female in what must be their equivalent of officers uniforms. Many medals decorating the left side of the male's chest.
Slowly, both groups walked towards each other until they met in the middle of the platform.
"Greetings, you must be the one known as commander Artemis I presume?" Asked Luna as she faced the man.
"Yes your majesty, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Artemis greeted as he bowed slightly to the dark alicorn.
"Please, you are not a subject of ours, there is no need for you to bow." Celestia said with a friendly tone. "Very well, I would like to introduce you to my second in command, captain Leona." The commander said as he motioned to the young woman.
"It is a great honor your majesties." Leona said as she stepped forward.
"Yes, today is a great day for both of our peoples, come, let's continue in a more comfortable setting shall we?" Celestia asked.
"As you wish princess." Artemis agreed before having five of the marines accompany them while the other five would stay behind to act as security for the FTUC's.
"The architecture of this castle is quite beautiful." Stated Leona as they entered the conference room and took seats around a meeting table, while the guards and marines took places around the edge of the room.
"Yes, it has stood atop this mountain for almost a millennium now." Celestia said as she looked at the the walls oh her home. Walls that no doubt held a lot of history. "That is quite a feat of engineering." Artemis stated as he made himself comfortable.
"Quite so, both it and the city took many years to complete." Said Celestia as she looked back to them. "Now then, where shall we begin?"
She asked. "Well your majesty, while it is true that our ship can sustain itself for quite some time, eventually we are going to need to set down to resupply. So if possible, we would like your permission to have somewhere within your kingdom that is relatively flat for our pilots to set the Pride down." Requested the commander as he crossed his hands together and rested his chin on them.
"Hmm, and how big of an area would this require?" asked Luna.
Blue Flight:
"So how do you think thing's are going lieutenant?" Lynne asked Artemis over the radio while they continued to patrol the airspace above Canterlot. "Not sure, hopefully well." He answered her.
"Heads up sir, got a radar contact, altitude five thousand, bearing one seven two." Called Andrew as he watched the blip.
"Copy that Drew, you and Nat go check it out, but do not fire unless provoked, copy?" Alzack ordered as he looked in the direction of the contact. "Blue three copies all, Blue four, follow me in." Replied Andrew as a sudden air of professionalism overcame the four pilots.
"Roger three, following on your six." Nathan replied to his leader as both fighters rolled inverted and dived to meet the radar contact.
Flitter and Cloudchaser were working their shift on weather duty, taking care of a few stubborn clouds in the areas between Canterlot and Ponyville. "Hey sis, how many more of these do we have to do?" Asked Flitter. "Just a couple more and we're done." Answered her sister.
Suddenly there came this strange sound, starting quiet but slowly getting louder as it got closer. "Hey Flitter, you hear that?"
Asked Cloudchaser. Suddenly two large grey objects roared by them and slowly banked around them, but kept their distance.
"What in the buck was that?" Asked Flitter as the two craft then banked away again, appearing to be heading back towards Canterlot.
"All clear sir, looks like it was just a couple of the locals. Looked like they were popping clouds." Andrew informed his flight leader as they climbed back to altitude and rejoined formation.
"Popping clouds? Are you sure?" Alzack asked, puzzled by this information.
"Yes sir, I can confirm, I saw it too." Announced Nathan to back up his leaders claim.
"Well now, weather manipulation. If only the farming colonies could get a hold of that." Alzack thought out loud.
"Blue flight, this is Runner flight, mission complete, rejoining and heading for home." Came the announcement from Runner flight's leader over their radios. "Roger that Runner, how did things go?" Alzack asked as they banked to join up with Runner flight's craft.
"Oh you're gonna love this." Blake said as they met up and headed back to the Pride.
Chapter Six: We have touchdown
**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.
Chapter Seven: Shore leave
**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.
Chapter Eight: Rising tensions
**Chapter Eight:
Rising tensions**
Council chambers of the country of Asterion:
"Elder Steel Hide, what news has there been from the Dragon Lords?" Asked elder Swift Runner. "No word yet, they still have not responded to the messenger we sent to them two weeks ago." He replied. "I grow worrisome, do you think that they could be planning something?"
He pondered. "I would hope not Swift Runner, long have we strove to keep our truce with the dragon kin, for them to break it now after all this time..." Steel Hide trailed off as he heard a commotion coming from the other side of the chamber door.
The doors burst open, through them fell one of the honor guard posted in front of the chamber doors. Then, past him stepped the leader of their attackers. "What is the meaning of this Iron Heart?" Questioned Swift Runner. "Isn't it obvious you old cow? It's time that someone with a fresher mind took over." He sneered. "You shall pay for this you traitor!" Steel Hide threatened as he drew his sword.
"Oh I think not, BOWMEN!" He called as a large group of crossbow armed troops entered the room and took aim.
"We will see you burn in Tartarus for this Iron Heart." Steel Hide said. Iron hide raised his arm, then dropped it, as crossbow bolts filled the room.
Equestria:
"This is Blue leader, ready for take off." Alzack called flight control as his craft was hooked up to the catapult on top of the flight deck.
"Roger that Blue leader, solo patrol mission is a go, happy hunting." The controller replied. Al braced himself as his body and his fighter was rapidly accelerated down the ship, launching him off the end of the left runway. "Blue leader is clear, beginning patrol."
Alzack called as he banked towards his assigned airspace, roughly over the town of Ponyville. Even though there was not a single enemy anywhere nearby, the commander did not want the crew going soft, so patrols were launched every now and then, but to save on fuel, they were only done by a single aircraft at a time.
Nearing Ponyville's airspace, Al could make out the bustle of the town below him, as well as multiple pegasi attending to the weather.
Down below, Rainbow Dash could hear the by now unmistakable sound of the engines of one of the Pride's fighter craft.
Looking around, she spotted it making it's way around the edge of the town, but still fairly close. A cocky grin soon found itself on Dash's face, there was a race to be had, and she quickly shot off to get it started.
Inside the cockpit, Alzack's radar warned him of an incoming object, checking his left side, he saw a blue pegasus with rainbow hair fly up to him. The two looking between each other, Dash poked her tongue out at him before zooming away. "Oh no, I am not getting chewed out for racing in a military craft." He said as he slowly banked away, but looking back, he saw that she had written something in the sky with a few clouds.
SLOWPOKE
"Oh you little, it is on." Al reversed his course and increased his throttle. Seeing that her plan had worked, Dash bolted off quickly, both her and the pilot effortlessly rolling and turning around the clouds high in the sky. The match was fairly even, Dash being smaller than the war bird was obviously much more maneuverable, but the fighter with it's powerful engines easily had her in the speed department.
Even so, with the acrobatics he pulled to keep up with her cornering, Dash could tell that this one was no rookie flyer.
Down below in the town, the local townsponies, and crew on leave watched the spectacle from the ground, each cheering for their side's representative. Some of them had even started putting down bets on the event, Pinkie sat on one of the building's roofs with a small bucket of popcorn as she watched and cheered dash on. "Hey, want some Storm?" Huh? Oh sure, thanks pinks. "No problem."
"YAY, GO DASHIE!" She shouted. The race had come to it's last leg, clear sky between them both and the finish line, and Dash had a lead on the pilot coming out of the last turn, but now without any clouds, it was a straight shot to the finish. 'Come on Dash, you got this!' She thought to herself. "Sorry kid, but not quite." Alzack said to himself as he engaged the afterburners and rapidly accelerated past, easily breaking the sound barrier as he crossed the line.
Down in the town, it was a mix of cheers and a few groans as the people celebrated a good race and some bits and credits were exchanged between each of the people who placed bets. It had all been very exciting, and back in the air, the two competitors flew side by side, waved to each other and flew off to each return to their own duties. 'Next time, you won't be so lucky.' Dash thought to herself.
Meanwhile, Pinkie was returning to sugar cube corner with a small popcorn bucket full of coins.... Wait Pinkie I thought you were cheering on Dash? "Shh~" Was her only answer as she winked and entered the building. "Goodnight everypony!" Hey wait, you can't use your fourth wall powers to make money on gambling! Pinkie get back here! PINKIE!~
Chapter Nine: Call to action
**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.
Chapter Nine: General quarters
**Chapter Nine:
General quarters**
"Attention, commander on deck!" Called the marine at the door. Every person in the briefing room stood rigidly and saluted.
"At ease, all of you." Artemis said as he approached the podium and looked over the faces of every person in the room.
"Today, at approximately thirteen hundred hours, government loyal forces were forced to fall back inside of the embassy and are currently under siege, along with diplomats from many of the other countries. From what we have been able to gather, there are around thirty vip's and nearly two hundred troops inside." The commander informed them as a topographic of the operation area appeared on the screen behind him, highlighting the embassy and possible locations of enemy forces.
"Now, the rebels don't know we're coming, so we can count on the element of surprise, therefore, Runner flight will be going in with a compliment of marines for security, meanwhile, Blue, Red and Green flights will provide close air support. It is unknown if the enemy has any air assets at this time, so load outs will consist of a mix of air to air and air to ground weaponry. After securing a perimeter, the Pride will come down and stay on station above the building to provide fire support and to help get everyone aboard faster. Are there any questions?"
Artemis looked over everyone in the room, but everyone knew their jobs, they had trained for such rescue operations, so not one raised a hand.
"Sir, we are now on station above the capital." Informed the navigator as the commander entered the room. "Very good, sound general quarters." He ordered the comms officer. "Aye sir." He replied. "All hands, general quarters, general quarters, all hands man your battle stations!" Came the call over the intercoms as klaxons sounded all over the ship.
Gunners manned the ships defenses, marines boarded the landing craft and took stations at key points aboard the ship. Pilots scrambled to man their craft, and various hatches were sealed.
"Red flight, ready for takeoff." Red flight's leader called to flight control. "Roger Red, cleared for launch, good luck." They replied as their flight was launched off the ship, making way for the next flight to be brought up on the elevators. "Green flight, ready to go."
"Roger Green, happy hunting." Away they went, as Blue flight was brought up next. "Blue flight is green, awaiting order."
"Copy Blue, hit em hard." G-force quickly pushed them into their seats as they were catapulted off the front of the ship. Last up was Runner flight. "Runner one here, all checks complete, ready for liftoff." Blake called. "Copy that Runner, you are cleared, safe journey, beers on us when you get back." Replied flight control. "Copy, Runner flight, taking off." He answered as the four craft lifted off the flight deck and descended towards the city.
"KEEP THAT DOOR SEALED! IF THEY GET INSIDE, WE'RE ALL DEAD!" Called a minotaur officer to the troops he had barricading the front entrance. All around, the sound of gunfire from single shot muskets and the twang of crossbows could be heard as the troops were desperately trying to hold off the rebel forces. "Sargent, have the pony diplomats gotten any reply from Canterlot?" He asked his second in command. "Yes sir, it came through a little while ago, they are sending aid and we should be expecting it shortly."
He replied as he fired out a window. "How shortly?" He asked, but his answer didn't come from the sargent. Instead, it came from the sound of roaring engines and the impacts of twenty five millimeter, armour piercing and high explosive shells rapidly impacting the ground and bodies among the hoard of rebels trying to break into the embassy.
Youtube Video
"This is Green flight, gun run complete." Announced the flight leader. "Roger that, this is Red flight, ATG missiles locked, shoot, shoot, shoot."
Red flight's leader called as his flight each released a single air to ground missile from their internal bays, which quickly descended and impacted the ground among the enemies further away from the building. "Enemy airships sighted, two o'clock low, approaching the target area." Called Red two as he checked the radar.
"Targets are identified as hostile, cleared to engage." Replied captain Leona from the command bridge as she and the commander watched the battle on a display. "Copy that, Blue flight, follow me in." Alzack ordered as he banked towards the approaching war balloons. "Target the cabins, missiles will just go right through the balloons." He told them.
"Roger sir." They all replied. "Blue one, fox one.", "Blue two, fox one.", "Blue three, fox one.", "Blue four, fox one." They called as four missiles left them and speeded towards the four approaching ships. The seeker heads combining radar and infra red guidance into one, leading them all directly into their intended targets. "Blue one, four kills to Blue flight, airspace is clear." Alzack called as they roared back to altitude.
"Runner flight touching down, marines away." Blake called as the back hatch opened on the four landing craft, each dispensing a squad of ten marines each. "Weapons free, engage at will." Sargent Marcus ordered as each of them opened fire on the rebel minotaurs with their SIMAR's (Standard Issue Marine Assault Rifle), quickly forcing them back across the street and away from the wall of steel, magnetically launched projectiles. "Drop zone is clear, ready for pickup operation." Marcus informed the Pride as she descended and took her station above the embassy as marines led the ambassadors first to the open bays of the FTUC craft.
"Gunners are cleared to engage marked hostiles and any dumb enough to be out in the open, do not fire on buildings unless cleared to do so." Ordered Artemis to the gunnery crews as the landing craft lifted off with their first load. "Fools! They're escaping, kill them!" Bellowed one of the rebel leaders as he charged the rescuers with a group of his soldiers. "Mount eighteen, engaging targets." Called the gunner in one of the twin one hundred millimeter mounts . High velocity, explosive shells impacted among the group, blowing every last one of them to bits.
Not a single other group tried to interfere with the rescue operation, in fear of the sheer amount of firepower they would have to go through.
"Sir, Runner flight reports all rescue targets and marines are aboard and accounted for." The comms officer told the commander.
"Good, pilot, take us up and set course for home base. Comms, have medical send doctors to check on any wounded. Good work all of you."
Chapter Ten: Heroes welcome
**Chapter Ten:
Heroes welcome**
"Touchdown in three, two, one. Landing complete, setting engine output to idle." The pilot called off. "Good work, have the boarding ramps lowered and have medical prep the injured for transport." Artemis ordered his officers. "Aye sir!" They all responded.
"Captain, accompany me please." He requested as he headed for the elevator. "Yes sir." Leona answered as she entered with him.
"So what's on your mind Leona?" Artemis asked as they descended. "Well sir, I kind of think you accepted their request a little too readily."
Leona voiced her concern. "Ah yes, I thought so. Do you know why I accepted to lend aid so quickly?" He asked his second in command.
"No sir." Leona told him. "Simple, innocent lives were at stake. This ship was built to protect others, and as long as I live it will continue to do just that captain." Artemis informed her as they stepped out of the elevator and headed for one of the boarding ramps to oversee the disembarking of the ambassadors and minotaurs.
Down on the ground, royal guards as well as doctors from both Canterlot and Ponyville had arrived to assist in directing the rescued ambassadors and warriors. Carriages had already arrived to take the few who were injured to hospitals for proper care by doctors with knowledge of their anatomy. "Alright, let's get the more heavily wounded out of here first." Ordered one of the ponies as the patients were loaded up to be taken away. As Artemis and Leona found their way outside, they were greeted with salutes from members of the crew and the many thanks of minotaur soldiers and the ambassadors.
"Commander, it is good to meet you. I am honor guard lieutenant Steel Fist." Greeted the leader of the minotaur troops as they shook hands.
"You have my gratitude for our rescue commander. Both you and your crew are forever in our dept." Steel Fist continued as he bowed slightly.
"Thank you lieutenant, you are very welcome, but let us save the formalities for another time. Your people need you right now."
The commander returned the bow as Steel Fist nodded and returned to his men.
As the last of the injured were taken away, more carriages arrived to take the ambassadors to Canterlot castle, from where talks would be brought underway to decide what should be done about the rebellion. The minotaur guards who were left behind were offered temporary bunks at the royal guards barracks at twilight's castle in Ponyville.
Asterion capital:
"You mean to tell me, that you stupid fools just let every last one of them just.... fly away?" And outraged Iron Heart questioned the commanders in charge of the embassy siege. "M-my lord, there was nothing we could do, their weapons were far superior to ours. We couldn't even get close t..." The commander who spoke up never got to finish his explanation as a broadsword was rammed into his throat.
"Are there any other excuses?" Iron Heart asked as he slowly removed his blade from the unfortunate victim's throat, allowing him to drop to his kneed before slumping over. The rest of them just shook their heads in terror. "Good. Though this is bothersome, but nevertheless it makes no difference. My empire shall rise in the end, and those fools who stand in my way shall be swept aside."
He said as he cleaned his blade, while outside the window, scores of dragons flew through the skies. 'Soon, all of the lands shall belong to me.'
Ponyville that evening:
Even though trouble could be seen on the horizon, there was a great celebration inside one particular tavern. Many of the pilots and crew of the Pride, along with a few of the minotaur guards, celebrated the first successful combat mission of both the ship and it's squadron.
Among them, all of the pilots of Red, Blue, Green and Runner flights as they retold the tale of their exploits over the city to all who would listen. Of them, the members of Blue flight were the toast of the celebrations, being the first flight to score the squadron's first air to air kills.
"So there we are as we come out of our dive, perfect broadside shot, the lieutenant gives the order and BOOM! Down they go, biggest fireballs I'd ever seen!" Lynne told the others excitedly while using her hands as a visual aid. Her tale being met with great cheers from all of the others and the sounds of tankards and glasses coming together.
Over at the bar, the owner smiled as everyone celebrated. Once again his establishment was seeing record business with both the humans and now on top of that the minotaurs. If things kept up, he would have to close early because of running out of drinks to serve.
As he served more drinks to his patrons, he listened to the bar's radio behind the counter, which was nearly being drowned out by his customers. Though not drowned out enough that he missed the start of the news announcement being broadcast. Quickly turning it up he called for everyone to settle down so that everyone could hear.
From the radio, they could hear the voice of princess Celestia as she addressed the entire country.
"My faithful subjects, for many centuries Equestria has enjoyed a great era of peace. And for just as long have my sister and I worked hard to maintain it, so that each and every one of you, could live your lives without fear. Thus it pains me greatly to admit, that this era of peace is soon to come to an end. Today, in the nation of Asterion, a coup was launched which has resulted in the deaths of the members of their council of elders, leaving the country under the rule of a tyrant by the name of Iron Heart.
My fellow citizens of Equestria, for a good part of this day, we have been in council with the ambassadors who have been rescued from the Asterion capital embassy as it fell to the rebel forces, and a decision has been made towards the matter at hoof."
There was a long pause as everyone around the country who was nearby to a radio murmured to each other about what this could mean before Celestia's voice returned.
"My dearest ponies, as of this moment, the great nation of Equestria, is once again at war."
**Chapter Eleven:
Scramble**
That one little word, only three little letters. Yet it is the cause of such pain and misery.
War.
The moment the announcement was made, every single human in the tavern knew what was to come. What had started out that night as a celebration, quickly took on a somber mood as some left while others sat in silence with their drinks.
"I guess this means that we won't get to have as much shore leave eh lieutenant?" Asked Lynne as she put on a small smile.
"No, i guess it doesn't." Alzack said as he downed his ale, stood up and walked out.
Back aboard the Pride, the announcement had been played throughout the ship over the intercom, bringing the same moods before the commander addressed the ship. "Everyone listen up, I know that you all thought that being here was going to be like a permanent holiday.
Unfortunately that ends now, as of now, all leave passes are to be canceled and all personnel are to be combat ready at all times. Drills will also be scheduled to bring combat readiness to peak levels. That is all, Artemis out."
As Alzack made his way back towards the ship, he watched as many of the local ponies who were still out at this hour made their way quickly to their homes. Only a few minutes before, they were all happy as could be. Now every one of them was as far from happy as possible.
Families who were out to dinner rushed their children to the safety of their homes, many of the foals not even knowing what was happening.
Guards tried to keep the panic to a minimum and marines were tasked with getting the crew and fliers back aboard to bring the ship up to combat alert. 'It's going to be a busy day.' Alzack thought as he made his way back.
Asterion:
"My lord, the dragons are awaiting you in the courtyard as you requested." One of Iron Heart's soldiers informed him as they entered the planning room.
"Good, then the time has come. Let us go and meet with them shall we?" Iron Heart replied as he stood from his seat and made his way to the balcony. Outside in the courtyard, flocks of dragons of all shapes and sizes waited for him to appear.
As he pushed open the large double doors, every single one of them looked towards him, their eyes showing their hunger for battle.
Iron Heart looked back towards them, studying each and every one of them before clearing his throat.
"Great Drakes of the Blasted Lands, your time has come. Long have you waited for this day, and long have I told you of the glory and treasures it would bring. Now it has finally come, the cowards of Canterlot shall burn before you, and their riches shall become yours.
Go forth and fulfill your destiny and let none stand in your way!" His speech was met by the mighty roars and cheers of the dragons as they took to the skies and headed for the pony capital. The call of greed beckoning them forward.
Back at the balcony, Iron Heart looked on with a sinister grin. 'Those foolish little equines think that they can stand up to me? Lets see how they stand after their princesses have been turned to cinders right in front of them.' He thought to himself as he slowly made his way back inside the planning room, to make ready for his invasion.
The Pride:
It was early morning and the crew of the ship had begun to stir from their rest as they slept off their drinks from the night before.
Alzack having not been a heavy drinker to start with was already up and putting on his uniform for the day while the rest of his flight were just getting out of their bunks. "Good morning dearies, ready for a busy day?" He asked in a cheery voice.
"Stop talking, need coffee." Lynne answered him as she rubbed her eyes and slowly began to dress.
Up on the command deck, checks were being sounded off on all of the ships critical and combat systems.
"Hey how are the missile batteries looking?" Asked one of the gun directors to another as he got an ammunition count for the ships defensive armaments. "Looking pretty good David, systems are green and the tubes are reloading just fine." Answered the other.
"Think we'll be starting the drills early Kyle?" David asked. His station partner looked over to him.
"I certainly hope not, half the crew has a hangover, I don't think we're ready." He replied as he went back to checking the weapon systems.
Inside the flight control, operators directed patrols to various sectors around the ship and the nearby settlements.
"Red three, shift patrol sector to alpha seven, keep an eye on that mountain pass." Ordered one of them.
"Roger tower, Red three changing course to one, one, five, over." Red three replied.
"Tower this is Yellow two, unknown contacts bearing two, two, eight, from my position. Range eighty." Called another pilot.
"Roger that Yellow two, see if you can get a visual but do not engage, could be refugees over." The flight controller warned.
"Copy, moving on intercept course." The pilot replied.
"Tower, Yellow two, more contacts, but radar signature is too small for airships over." He reported.
"Roger Yellow two, vectoring other patrols to your area for backup...." The operator started until a frantic call filled the radio.
"BANDITS BANDITS BANDITS! MY GOD THERE'S HUNDREDS OF THEM! NEED BACKUP NOW!" Yellow two yelled.
"Roger Yellow two, what's your status?" The operator asked as others directed patrols towards his assigned area.
"Fuel is good, weapons are clear but I don't think I'll stand a chance agai...." Yellow two began but was suddenly cut off by the sounds of warning alarms and the the sound of metal being crushed.
"Yellow two come in?" The operator called, but there was no response. "Does anyone have contact on Yellow two?" He asked.
"Green one, negative but am tracking multiple contacts on a direct heading for Canterlot from Yellow two's last known position." Answered one of the paroling planes.
"Sir, call from flight control, Yellow two has been taken down and multiple hostiles are being tracked on heading towards Canterlot."
The comms officer told the commander as he received the message from flight control.
"It's already begun... GENERAL QUARTERS NOW! GET EVERY PLANE IN THE AIR!" Artemis shouted. Alarms began ringing out all around the ship as men and women ran as fast as they could to man their stations.
"General quarters, general quarters, all hands man your battle stations. This is not a drill, bandits on radar, heading oh five oh. Plotted course is Canterlot, all fighters, scramble, scramble, scramble."
"Get the ship airborne immediately, I want us put on station circling Canterlot, those ponies don't have anti-aircraft guns, but we do."
Ordered the commander. "Aye sir, powering up engines, bringing reactors off standby." Answered the chief pilot.
Meanwhile inside the hangars, every pilot scrambled to their fighters, strapping themselves in and doing pre-flight checks as fast as possible and one by one, moving towards the elevators to the flight decks.
"Red flight, ready for transfer." Red one called as the three of them ascended.
"Yellow flight, bring us up." The three remaining pilots were quickly brought topside, eager to get revenge for their fallen comrade.
Ponies all around Canterlot were going about their business as they would every day, none of them knew what was coming.
That was until the first flights of Daggers roared by overhead in full afterburner. City guards along the outer walls watched as they sped away, and small specks began to appear on the horizon. "What is that?" One of them asked his superior as he leaned forward and squinted to try and get a better look. "Well colt, that would be...." His superior began as one of the fighters released a missile at one of the dots.
After a short delay, said speck on the horizon was caught in a fireball as the other specks began to grow into mighty dragons.
"... That would be what you get paid for heading this way, SOUND THE ALARM!" The older guard finally finished as bells were rung all along the walls, finally alerting the citizens of the incoming danger.
Chapter Twelve: Aces over canterlot
**Chapter Twelve:
Aces over canterlot**
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"This is Red one, all flights form up for missile barrage, pick targets and fire on my mark." Ordered the squadron leader as almost Daggers took up formation. "All flights lock targets..... Missiles away!" Scores of mark XII air to air missiles detached from the rails of each craft, all speeding towards the approaching dragon flock. Having already seen what they could do from an earlier hit and run attack by an earlier flight's hit and run attack, they all tried to break up and dodge in different directions. Some were successful, many others crashed into each other and even more were caught in the deadly barrage. Some being blown to pieces after being hit by multiple warheads.
"Barrage successful, all flights, break and engage at will." Red one ordered as they all roared unto the fur ball, each element leader picking a target and engaging as their wing mates backed them up.
Alzack and Lynne stayed above the main fight but quickly dived on a lone drake as it tried to get some distance from the frenzy.
"Do you want this one Ly or will I take it?" He asked jokingly.
"Oh by all means, ladies first." She retorted.
"Guess that's neither of us because you are far from a lady." Al replied to her remark.
"Just take the shot jackass" Lynne said as she shook her head and sighed.
Canterlot castle:
"Your Majesty!" Exclaimed a guard as he burst into the throne room, panting hard from running, though still bowing as he came to a stop.
"Arise, what is going on private?" Celestia asked as she stood up.
"Thank you princess, it's the humans, they are fighting a flock of dragons just outside the city!" He said worriedly.
"I see, so the dragon lords have chosen their side in this. Have the citizens been evacuated to the shelters?" Celestia asked as they began to make their way out of the throne room.
"It is already underway your majesty, but it will still be some time before it is finished. If any of them were to break through the fight, we wouldn't be able to stop them until the wonderbolts arrive from Cloudsdale." He answered.
Above the city:
"All missiles gone" Alzack called as he blasted another drake out of the sky.
"Got one on my six boss man, I can't shake him." Nathan called out over the radio. Looking down in his direction Al and Lynne could see Nat jinking wildly from side to side with a dragon on his tail, spitting out the occasional fireball.
"Roger Nat we see you, break hard right on my go." Alzack told him as he and Lynne rolled over and dived towards them.
"Break break break!" Alzack told him quickly as they closed in. Nathan was quick to responded and broke into a right turn as hard as his craft could handle, leaving behind a confused dragon.
"GUNS!" Alzack called as he and Lynne opened up with their twenty five millimeters, the shells sawing right through the dragon's wing joints, causing it to helplessly plummet towards the ground.
"Sir, we got a few stragglers heading for the city!" Andrew called as he linked back up with them.
"I see them Drew, but I don't think they'll get very far." Alzack told him as he checked his radar.
Just above the city:
"Damn it brother, they never said anything about the alien's fighting like that!" A smaller drake said as he flew close to his much older and larger sibling.
"Forget it, that's the flock's problem now. Now it's just easy pickings!" The larger of the two told him as he inhaled in preparation to burn everything below them. A series of loud booms could be heard in the distance followed quickly by half of him being blown away, along with the sky all around them enveloping in puffs of black clouds and explosions.
The Pride:
Flak barrage underway, gun mount eight reports one kill." Reported one of the ships gun directors.
"Excellent, prep missile tubes one through four, set warheads for air burst and fire." Ordered the commander
"Aye sir, one through four loaded, missiles on the way!" Answered the operator as the launcher on top of the bridge loaded it's payload, turned towards the dragons and launched fiery death towards the survivors, killing all but one. The last one in a fit of rage, charged the ship head on in an attempt to avenge his fallen comrades.
"Prep the point defense guns and fire on my my command." Ordered Artemis as he stepped up to the window at the front of the bridge.
Slowly the last attacker closed in towards them, one hundred millimeter shells bursting in the air around him, but none getting close enough to bring him down, eventually he was almost right on top of them.
"Fire." On his command, multiple twenty millimeter rotary cannons let out their distinctive roar and the final attacker was torn to shreds, before falling lifelessly into the castle courtyard.
Down below, Celestia and the guard messenger watched in amazement as the corpse of the last dragon fell and landed right in front of them.
It's body ripped apart so badly that if you hadn't seen it beforehand, you wouldn't know what kind of creature it used to be.
"Well... I think the city is quite safe for now private... Don't you think?" Celestia asked with a nervous chuckle.
"Y-yes p-princess...." He replied before turning away and throwing up.
Luna then appeared in the courtyard beside them in her battle armor. "Ahah! Now foul beasts, prepare thyselves! for thou faces the princess of the...!"
"It's over Luna" Celestia interrupted her.
"What? Already? But I JUST finished putting this on!" She complained.
"Perhaps next time sister dear." Celestia replied as they walked back inside the castle.
"This is Red one, last targets are bugging out, all fighters return to base. Damn fine work all of you." The squadron leader told his pilots as they all disengaged from the fight, allowing the last of the survivors to flee back to where they came from.
"Well I'd say this called for a round of drinks!" Lynne called excitedly.
"Sure, you buying?" Alzack asked with a laugh.
Chapter Thirteen: Counterstrike
Chapter Thirteen: Counterstrike
It was two days after the dogfight over Canterlot, commander Artemis along with captain Leona were meeting with the princesses, along with their military advisers. It had come to light that the minotaurs were building their forces along the equestrian border and preparations were already begun for a defense against the imminent invasion. Though a defensive war was nowhere near what Artemis had in mind.
"A what?" Asked one of the pony generals.
"A pre-preemptive counterstrike, general Stone." Artemis once again repeated himself.
"Commander, I realize that your "pilots", as you call them did quite well against the dragons two days ago, but Equestria's forces are not ready for an offensive war yet, we need to build our forces and wait for the right moment." General Stone Wall argued.
"From what I can see, you have more than enough for what I have in mind." Artemis countered.
"And just what might that be commander?" Luna asked, intrigued by what tactics the humans may bring to the battlefield.
"Allow me to tell you a little story from Earth's history. Way back in the year 1967, the infant country of Israel was coming under siege from it's three neighboring countries, all of whom had much larger military's than they did. The events that followed, came to be known as the six day war." Artemis began.
"Bah, I fail to see how the story of how a tiny nation gets crushed would help us." Stone wall interrupted.
"Now who said they lost?" Artemis asked with a sly grin.
All of the ponies in the room were wide eyed at this question.
"Commander, you mean to tell us, that this one small nation, with it's outnumbered army, defeated three large countries in under a week?"
Twilight questioned Artemis with disbelief.
"That my dear princess Sparkle, is exactly what I'm telling you." He said confidently.
"And how exactly did they accomplish this feat?" Celestia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Through rapid airstrikes followed by a heavy armor charge, with infantry in support of their tanks." Artemis told them as he leaned over the map of Equestria's border with Asterion. "Now, if I may your highness's?" He asked. The three princess's nodded and stepped up to the map to observe. "Now, from the intel gathered by your forces, as well as observations by my pilots on border patrol, there are a number of airship ports along this mountain range here." Artemis pointed out as he swept his finger along the map.
"Yes, that would make sense, those mountains are known to be a very good wind block, it would be strategically sound to establish airbases there." The air marshal of the Wonderbolts agreed.
"Which is why it shall be our first target." Artemis informed them as he pinned a tack on the area.
"But that's quite a bit away from the front lines." Luna stated.
"Exactly, but it is also their main base for aerial operations in the area, if it gets taken out, your troops can move in quickly, with aerial support and overrun the minotaur positions without fear of dragons or airship bombs." Artemis explained to them.
"This is quite a change from conventional tactics commander, I hope you know what you're doing." Celestia said.
"If you wish, you may come with us so that you can observe princess, I am sure you will see that I indeed know what I'm doing." He offered.
"Very well, my sister and I shall accompany you. Do not disappoint us now commander." Celestia spoke in a serious manner.
"I guarantee you, I always aim to please madam." Artemis retorted.
Early the next morning:
"Welcome aboard your highness's" Marcus saluted Luna and Celestia as they boarded the Pride.
"Thank you good sir, would you be so kind as to take us to the bridge?" Luna asked.
"Of course ma'am, right this way." Marcus replied as he gestured for them to follow.
"Marcus to bridge, VIP's on route, better tidy up in there." Marcus announced over his earpiece to the command bridge.
Command deck:
The elevator doors opened and the princesses along with Marcus as their escort stepped out onto the bridge.
"Sir!" Marcus saluted as commander Artemis approached.
"At ease master sargent, you may return to your post." Artemis dismissed him.
"Aye sir." Marcus saluted again before turning around and entered the elevator once again as it left.
"Thank you for joining us your majesties, are you ready to go?" He asked as he turned to face Celestia and Luna.
"Yes commander, whenever you are ready." Celestia confirmed.
"Pilot, take us up." Artemis ordered as he turned around and faced the officer in question.
"Aye sir, powering up engines, bringing drives from standby to full. Retracting boarding ramps, engaging vertical thrusters." The pilot called off his checks as the princesses watched the activity around the bridge with great interest.
"Sound general quarters and bring defensive armaments online, I don't want to be caught off guard during this operation." Artemis ordered.
"Aye sir." Responded the gun directors and the comms officer. "All hands, general quarters, general quarters, all hands man your battle stations." The comms officer announced to the ship as he activated the general quarters alarm, slightly startling the two ponies present.
"What is general quarters?" Asked Celestia over the noise.
"It means that all of the crew aboard are to report to their battle stations and prepare for combat." Captain Leona explained to them.
All around the ship, gun crews manned their positions, marines took up guard posts and pilots scrambled for their crafts while technicians loaded them with ordinance. "Looks like we get to do something a little bit different today." Lynne exclaimed as she jumped into her dagger and primed it's systems while all of the flight's waited in their bays for their orders.
"Well I have always wanted to do a ground attack mission." Nathan exclaimed excitedly.
"Oh yeah? Why's that?" Asked Andrew as he checked his weapons systems, making sure the ordinance was linked up correctly to the computer.
"My brother's an engineer in the marines on Lou Tau, he always said that the fireball made by a few pounds of C-4 was what made him feel alive." Nathan explained.
"Well well, looks like we got ourselves a pyro boys." Lynne said as everyone laughed.
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One hour later, near the Exquestria / Asterion border:
"Approaching target area, one minute, check weapons." Alzack ordered as his flight, along with the other escort flight made their approach to the mountain base.
"Four okay."
"Three okay."
"Two okay."
"One okay. Alright this is it, switches on." Alzack ordered as they all armed their bombs and other ordinance.
"Five seconds to pull, Ready?" He asked.
"Ready." They replied.
"PULL" He shouted as their craft pulled hard to climb above the mountain range and bring them to altitude for their bomb runs.
"Target sighted, two o'clock low" Nathan called.
"Priority targets are the docking rigs and fuel tanks, follow me in." Alzack ordered as they dived on the base below.
The air was suddenly filled with familiar black clouds as minotaur crews manned crude anti-aircraft guns, their accuracy leaving much to be desired since they were meant to be used on slow lumbering airships. Ignoring them, the four fighters continued on with their attack.
"Bays open.... Bombs away!" Alzack called as the four released their deadly cargo and pulled up sharply.
Down below, multiple airships, docks and refueling stations were engulfed in flames, along with the minotaurs who had been too slow to get away.
"Direct hits, smell that barbecue." Drew called laughingly.
"And here I forgot to bring the salad." Lynne replied.
"Not done yet, enemies inbound, looks like drakes." Alzack informed them as he checked his sensors.
"Green flight engaging, missiles away." Green one confirmed as they dived out of the sun onto the unsuspecting lizards, their own attention focused on the ones who had just bombed their allies base.
"Roger Green, wait for us, sounds like a party." Alzack replied as Blue flight formed up to engage the new threat.
Into the fray, Andrew and Nathan quickly locked themselves onto the tail of a drake, while Alzack and Lynne sunk their fangs into another.
"You want this one kid, I can't get a good angle." Drew told Nat.
"Roger that, roll out of the way old timer, I got him." Nathan replied as they twisted and turned along with their prey as it tried to loose them.
"Don't get cocky pipsqueak. Rolling left, you're clear." Drew replied as he rolled his fighter out of the way of Nathan's shot.
Slowly and calmly, just like his training had taught him, Nathan lined his sights up on the beast in front of him.
"Guns, guns, guns." He called as he pulled the trigger. His twin twenty five's barking to life as bright tracers found their way into dragon flesh, sending the once proud creature spiraling to it's doom.
"Kill confirmed, congrats Nat, that was your fifth kill, you're an ace now." Drew told him laughingly.
"What really? Holy shit." Nathan exclaimed excitedly.
Meanwhile, a short distance away, Alzack and Lynne had found themselves in a little predicament.
Alzack was on the tail of a dragon, while another was trying to line up behind him, with Lynne further back on it's rear.
"Watch your aim Lynne, I saw that last burst come by my canopy." Alzack said as he jinked to the right while still trying to line up his shot.
"Sorry, but maybe if you hurried the fuck up and got out of the way, that wouldn't be an issue." She replied in frustration.
"Working on it!" Alzack replied as he finally lined up and sent a missile into his target's side, knocking it down into the side of the mountain.
"You're clear, shoot shoot." Alzack told Lynne as he pulled up hard to escape just as Lynne let off a long burst into her target drake.
"Bandit down, skies look clear." Lynne called as the two flight elements rejoined and headed back to friendly airspace.
"Roger that, Pride actual, Pride actual, skies are clean, repeat, skies are clean, troops are clear to begin assault." Alzack announced.
"We hear you, good work, we'll let the boy on the ground know that they're clear over." Radioed captain Leona.
"Roger that, we are RTB, out." Alzack replied as they set course back to the ship.
