Our beautiful Cavachon fur-baby Quetzal was born on February 13th, 2014, in Garndolbenmaen, North Wales, U.K.
I had already seen photographs of her parents and some siblings but knew my choice. So, when Juanita brought her out to show me, it was ‘love at first cuddle’.
Although the breeder’s son called her ‘Curly Sue’, we chose the name Quetzal after a game which Juanita was playing ‘Quetzal Quest’ about the search for a jewel likeness of the exotic Quetzal bird, whose feathers were prized by the Central American natives.
Likewise, we prized our gorgeous fur-baby, who has left us with a wealth of memories, from dashing around in the rain, to trying to catch squirrels. When she was a puppy, she liked to climb via my lap, onto my desk between the keyboard and my monitor. However, one of our cats loved this spot as well, so, every day became a race for this prime location. Fortunately, my lap was almost as good… and came with a stroking bonus.
Over time, Quetzal outgrew the desk. Plus, she had a new privilege: walking in the forest at the mountain biking centre, where she was treated to a venison burger – yes, dogs were allowed in the cafeteria.
Her other sport was chasing tennis balls… inside… and destroying them. By now, we had our second dog, Treeky. We also replaced tennis balls with rubber ‘kongs’ that fooled both dogs by bouncing erratically.
When we moved to America, Quetzal & Treeky travelled in style on the liner Queen Mary II, with two Kennel Masters for all the dogs, and a Poop Deck for walks with a UK lamppost and US fire hydrant.
Sadly, as my health declined and I became bed-bound, I could no longer walk Quetzal. She could though, use steps to climb onto my bed and snuggle. Most nights she slept cuddled on or beside me.
I won’t forget her squeezing herself between me and my bed-desk to reach me and curl up. Every time I was trying to eat, she would bob and weave behind the desk to get tidbits, or a hopeful face would appear from under the desk.
Last photo of Quetzal sharing love and attention
An adorable face I will never forget, to infinity and beyond.
Apologies for the delay in posting this WEP/IWSG June Challenge, and not editing either. The death of my beloved Quetzal last Saturday was a blow I’m still dealing with.
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, this present day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Blurb: The Night Witches struggle with three contrasting tactics
Part 11
Shaped Encounters
Sunday, April 23rd – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Mariyka Shevchuk slipped out of the family restaurant into the busy dawn of birdsong pierced by a returning night exercise.
A dewy kiss brushed her cheek. Just the familiar greeting of the oak guarding her new home.
Why couldn’t it be Sergei? There had to be a way to get a harmless Russian POW into Poland. Another prayer when she thanked the Lord for the lives he has spared.
As she jogged to the hanger, she saw her chief mechanic Dariya and knew the next step.
“Dariya, heard from your pet prison guard Odarka?”
“I’m expecting to see Odarka on Wednesday evening, so we’ll have to let MiG-29 repairs distract us until then.”
“Yet another military solution,” said Mariyka, saluting the sunrise.
**
Monday, April 24th – Control Tower, Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland
Kalyna and Vasy stood behind the air traffic controllers monitoring the incoming flight from Chayka Air. Yet the single two-seater F-16 had grown into a flight of four jets en route from Sweden.
“All the call signs indicate an impressive mix of nationalities,” said the lead controller. “Fortunately, this University base receives numerous foreign visitors.”
“Let’s count them down,” said Vasy. “So, we know what favors Kalyna’ daughter, Aliona called in for this training operation. I’m guessing four, plus the surprise.”
Their Chayka Air F-16 was first to land, followed by a US National Guard trainer, then a retired Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16.
“Your fourth plane is circling,” said the controller. “But it’s smaller than an F-16.”
He instructed the ground crews to move the three F-16 trainers into vacant revetments, then signaled the circling plane to land.
As the jet landed, Kalyna cheered the gift from their Swedish friends – a Saab JAS 39D Gripen two-seater advanced trainer.
“Your daughter Aliona’s excelled herself again. Three F-16 trainers will boost our training schedule, and that Gripen will open up the option we wanted for the Gripen flights.”
“There’s a lone F-16 on our radar, sending a Polish call sign, but claiming she’s with your Chayka training flight,” said the lead controller. “Authorize her landing?”
“Yes, definitely. Sounds just what the flight needs,”
**
When all five planes were safely in their designated bays, their air crews assembled for inspection and debriefing.
As the cousins approached the Chayka Air pilots, Vasy froze at sight of her oldest daughter in uniform. But the CA officer saluted and spoke.
“Majors, I’m your latest Polish-Ukrainian recruit Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko, and I’ve already spent over four months training on F-16s. Aliona Sokol hopes these other trainers will prepare the 2022 Night Witches for the next offensive.”
Before Vasy could question her daughter, Klara Holub saluted. “I’ve enrolled in the Faculty of Aviation here at Dęblin to train as a jet fighter pilot like you. Maybe I can aspire to be a Night Witch.”
“It’s in your blood. Make us proud.”
The two US National Guards saluted and the Major explained they were Major Lidka Andrysiak & Captain Natalie Kuzmenko from the 162nd Wing, a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard.
“We’re from mixed Ukrainian-Polish stock and have been determined to help Ukraine since last February. As the primary mission of the 162nd Wing is education and flight training of international F-16 aircrews, we instantly volunteered our services.”
In contrast, Major Signe Berntsen & Kaptein Amalie Falk had just retired from the Royal Norwegian Air Force as had the F-16 two-seater acquired by Chayka Air. Both were keen to aid the Ukrainian struggle against the Russians,
The Polish F-16 was one of Mariyka’s contacts, and already regular trainers at the University. However, over a meal at the Zvenigora, Marijka had persuaded Major Klaudia Smolak and Kapitan Zuzia Czajka to help train Witches.
Kalyna ensured all the F-16 crews had their kitbags, then showed them to their accommodation, leaving Vasy with their Swedish guests.
“I’m Major Ottillia Elmersson and my co-trainer here is Kapten Pernilla Eklund. Your friends at Saab are sending some support equipment so you can establish a dispersed strategy.”
“That will be invaluable as some of us believe the Night Witches’ eight Gripens give us a unique role in Ukraine’s fight. The freedom to swiftly change locations makes us special. Let’s introduce you to our Gripen flights.”
Thursday, May 25th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland
The Flight of four F-16 trainers made a low-level pass over the airfield, then in turn pulled up into steep climbs, before reforming, heading south.
“Chrome leader, proceed to bombing range. Switch to Chayka channel 2.”
“Understood. Over and out.”
In the Control Tower, Kalyna smiled, pleased Anzhela Havrylyuk was proving so adept, even if Major Lidka Andrysiak was her trainer/co-pilot. Lidka had already expressed her amazement at the speed Anzhela had adapted. The other trainers were almost as impressed with their students.
“Chayka 2 to 1. Chrome Flight arriving over range. Will report on my return. Out.”
**
After the exercise, Vasy and the trainers gathered in the Witches’ office.
“Of all your pilots who have flown this exercise,” said Lidka, “These four are the most promising-“
“-so far,” added Vasy. “None of the eight pilots flying Gripens have even flown an F-16 simulation.”
“We need to see how the Swedish trainers assess them on dispersal exercises,” said Kalyna. “We mustn’t forget Ukraine might be better suited to a jet able to use shorter runways, even dispersed sites alongside highways.”
The Polish trainer, Major Klaudia Smolak, added, “I sense you Witches are a squadron with multiple tactics.”
Friday, May 26th – Gripen Revetments, Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland
Ottillia and Pernilla watched the last of their two Gripen flights land after the dispersal exercise. They compared their digital stopwatches and nodded.
“The fastest turnaround yet,” said Pernilla. “If we had more support vehicles, we’d be faster and more flexible.”
“Agreed. Now the Swedish Defense Minister wants Ukrainian pilots to practice on JAS 39 Gripen fighters, we should be allowed to build more support vehicles. We just need approval from Saab to replicate their design.”
Monday, June 7th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Mariyka Shevchuk welcomed Maksym Bondarenko to the family restaurant. “After we left Ukraine, the Witches have adopted three tactics, represented at this table by my friends.”
They joined a table under a ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ movie poster.
“First, you know Anzhela Havrylyuk, and this is Major Lidka Andrysiak.”
”I’m one of their F16 trainers, and Anzhela is my star pupil. But already the squadron has two flights capable of being effective solo.”
“With the help of our Swedish friends at Saab, we’ve started a dispersal strategy.”
“I’m Major Pernilla Eklund and this is Sergeant Zlata Kovalchuk who has proved along with her colleagues that Ukrainians can adopt a dispersed strategy with Gripens”
“Finally, this is my friend Cadet Daria Jankowski, with whom we are rebuilding crashed MiG 29s for NATO tactics.” She waved over Sergei. “And this my reformed Russian.”
FCA 1183 words
Slava Ukrayini
Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.
Please, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we have to tell you that our sweet fur baby Quetzal went over the rainbow bridge at around 7:00 pm tonight. She just laid down and was gone. Juanita found her and it has hit us both so hard.
RIP Quetzal we will never forget how gentle and sweet you were. Feb 13 2014 – June 17 2023.
As there have been several crucial events concerning Ukraine over the last month, ‘Inception’ picks up from the last outing of the Night Witches in the WEP/IWSG April Challenge.
Watch out for the next episode ‘Shaped Encounters’ due at the end of next week. Perhaps by then some of my Witches will be ready to fly in Ukraine skies again. Finally, my apologies for again running too long to make this episode work.
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, this present day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Watch out for Part 11, Shaped Encounters, the WEP/IWSG June Challenge due next week.
***
PART 10
Inception
Wednesday April 19th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Mariyka was amazed at the size of the gathering drawn to the hanger used for aircraft maintenance by the Aviation Engineering Training Centre. All the squadron’s chief mechanics had realized the urgency of the situation, as had the flight leaders. The three cadets encouraged some aviation engineering students to attend, and crucially their senior trainer, Master Engineer Krakarth.
A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)
He turned to the students, “Our brave guests are inviting us to help them rebuild these three MiG-29s,” he gestured behind him. “They were recovered after a costly night raid near the Kherson front, when six heroic Witches gave their lives for freedom. With their resources and ours, we can ensure Ukraine has three more MiG-29s to drive the Russians out.” He gestured towards Mariyka, “I will let Kapitan Shevchuk take command of this operation.”
Daria, Maja, and Nadzieja each went and stood by a MiG as Mariyka said, “We need three teams made up of our combat trained mechanics. So, Daria with Gold Flight’s Chief mechanic, Larisa Kovalyov. Maja with Sable Flight’s Chief mechanic, Bohdana Shvets. And Nadzieja with Green Flight’s Chief mechanic, Dariya Boyko.”
Mariyka noticed the teams coming together, and added, “plus the best students.” She glanced towards Krakarth, who added, “The University will be pleased to not only supply our facilities, but this will give invaluable experience to all our aviation engineering students, especially as you intend these MiGs to be using NATO tactics and missile systems.”
Mariyka’s chief mechanic Dariya Boyko chuckled, then said, “We’ve learnt a lot about reverse engineering – even in sub-zero temperatures, albeit on Hornets. But adapting a MiG to use JDAMS missiles will be easier.”
The Chayka majors who were quietly helping allocate crew to MiG teams, nodded to each other, then said in unison, “From the present ‘mutual air denial’, we can achieve Ukrainian air supremacy… when we receive the requested air defence systems and NATO jets.”
“Of course,” said Krakath, “Some of you have managed to source the requisite jets.”
Kalyna and Vasy hurriedly whispered to Mariyka.
“Great plan,” said Mariyka. “But can Chayka Air spare more resources to train Witches?”
“Whatever it takes to drive the enemy out,” said Kalyna. “First fast-jet training for our Polish comrades and anyone who needs it. Then we train as many as we can on an F-16 or the next available NATO-compatible platform…whichever we have permission to train on.”
“Fortunately, as Chayka Air’s qualified trainers, we have the company’s authorization to train on most fourth-generation fighter aircraft. We will double check with our legal expert…my father,” said Vasy, grinning. “When we are totally covered, our hard-acquired two-seater F-16 jet trainer will be flown here.”
“Although most Ukrainian pilots want F-16s, our newest recruits liked the Gripens,” said Vasy, “as did our mechanics, which we told our Swedish contact-“
“-in that message I delivered?” asked Anzhela Havrylyuk. “Gripens would make this squadron more flexible in terms of being able to effectively operate from dispersed locations.”
“Viable solution, but long term,” said Vasy. “We mustn’t forget it though. Join us upstairs if you’re free.”
As the trio were about to leave through the rear hanger door, Kalyna turned to Mariyka.
“We know you and Master Engineer Krakarth have this in hand. Just let us know your MiG-29 rebuild teams later today. Slava Ukrayini.”
When the two Majors and Anzhela left, Mariyka and Krakarth checked they had three balanced teams, without too many experienced engineers on one.
“We ought to record their names. I’ll ask the first three cadets who volunteered, to compile lists, sir.”
“Please call me Anatol. Sir is what the cadets use.”
“Anatol then. Please keep calling me Mariyka.”
A few minutes later, she returned with three rosters, “Real initiative – already done.”
“I’m not surprised. They’re our fastest learners. But the others will soon catch up. Most of them feel threatened by the Russian invasion… and many know people dying on the front. It’s going to be difficult stopping more volunteers… especially when they have Ukrainian ancestry.”
“Like me… you realize I graduated from here. Also, the majors are Canadian-Ukrainians.”
“Explains a lot.”
Mariyka headed for the rear door. “I better deliver these rosters, and report in.”
Once her flight leader had left, Dariya Boyko asked Krakarth, “Master Engineer, are there enough MiG-29 air frames and parts to build another plane for Mariyka? It would be great if we can create a flight of MiG-29s.”
“I’ll investigate that as I suspect there could be, even on another base. We could be starting an invaluable service here.”
**
F-16 jets in March over Poland. Training for Ukrainian pilots could take place there. Credit: Lukasz Glowala/Reuters
Despite the eight-hour time difference between Lublin and Cold Lake, the majors were still finalizing arrangements with Chayka Air. Kalyna was on phone, while Vasy was taking notes,
“Okay, so we’ll expect our two-seater F-16 trainer in five days, with an intelligence gathering stopover in Sweden.” She paused, then continued, “Polish air traffic control will need more than the pilots’ names and serial numbers …at least a secure military call sign when they reach NATO airspace, please.”
“Why the mystery, Kalyna?” asked Anzhela as Mariyka walked in. “We don’t have any pilots we’ve grounded.”
Mariyka handed the MiG repair team lists to Vasy. “Our teams are so keen we’ll have the 29s rebuilt faster than we expected. Anatol… I mean Krakarth, feels we won’t be short of volunteers to fight the Russians soon. But I wonder if enough of us speak sufficient Polish to instruct-“
“-in American cockpits,” added Kalyna.
“Luckily the University’s Foreign Languages Centre,” said Mariyka, “has extensive English Language courses with NATO and related technical jargon.”
“Would they be able to help our Ukrainian pilots who might struggle with NATO-speak on the frontlines?” asked Vasy. “Any Ukrainian troops trained on NATO equipment might expect us to use the same terms and phrases. Tanks work best with infantry and air cover that is operating on the same page.”
“I’ll go and ask the Centre as soon as you’ve finished with me.”
“Just one thing, but you need to talk to your aunt for the details. There were survivors from the Lviv restaurant bombing. We don’t know more so ask her… and if you have to move there, just ensure you report for duty regularly.”
Mariyka was tempted to run straight to the Zvenigora Restaurant, but her mission to the Foreign Languages Centre was crucial.
It proved well-timed as one of the senior NATO tutors with sufficient authority approved a special program for officers on active duty.
“This program will have its roots in past conflicts, but the innovative use of weapons means I must integrate new terminology into the program, a relatively straightforward task for me. Call it another inception requiring dinner sometime.”
**
Gripen taking off from a from a forest road/runway.
Meanwhile, back at the squadron’s office, Vasy and Kalyna had written all the flights on the roster board.
“We need to identify those pilots we’ve already given an advantage in adapting to F-16s through the Western jets they fly in their Flight, and doing the course in Canada,” said Kalyna, “especially where the instrumentation is in English. Or when we were the trainers in charge.”
“I remember all the Gripens were bi-lingual for the RCAF – English and French,” said Vasy. “And we were changing the French instructions to Ukrainian. Looking at all these pilots, I feel the Witches will have an advantage when we start training them on F-16s.”
Kalyna carefully wiped all the obvious names off the board leaving just the cadets.
“Even though the six cadets have been flying Gripens and have that invaluable head start, we should give them extra hours in our F-16… unless we attempt to think long-term with them and create one or two flexible deployment flights. The original Night Witches were able to deploy”
“That would be a lateral approach to encouraging Saab’s renewed interest,” said Anzhela. “And one Maksym and Air Command West could endorse.”
“We’ll update our Swedish contact and see if there’s a positive response,” said Vasy. “As for the three Polish volunteers they’ll start on the MiG-29s when they are rebuilt, but eventually they will need to be trained on our F-16.”
Vasy went back to the board and began writing as she said, “We need a MiG-29 Flight Team, which can grow as more volunteers emerge in the area. These will be the future F-16 pilots, the ones who keep the skies of Ukraine and Poland free after the peace is secured. Some will fly with us as Witches, while others will join the Polish Air Force flying F-16s and F-35s. All we can do is ensure we train them so well, they’re amongst our finest survivors.”
‘Violet Flight (MiG-29): Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk*, Cadet Daria Jankowski, Cadet Maja Andrysiak, and Cadet Nadzieja Chlebek (4). Chief mechanic: Dariya Boyko* (until Cadet trained for role?)’
Kalyna studied the names. “Clever… Violet blends Polish and Ukrainian colors. Mariyka will be a strong leader with her three enthusiastic cadets. She would choose her faithful chief mechanic. I just wonder how the news from Lviv will impact their lives here though?”
**
Saturday, April 22nd – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
It had been three long days since Aunt Agnieszka had tearfully embraced Mariyka and told her that her mother Danuta had been killed in the bombing attack on March 4th.
Her sister Sabina pulled Mariyka closer to her and their orphaned nephew Tomas’s whose mother Gaja had also died in the raid. His face was streaked with dried tears, but he was being brave.
“Our mothers are together fighting with my father, and St George. One day we’ll join them and his army of saints driving the monster out.”
Sabina smiled. “It’s faith like his that will win this war.” She paused then continued, “You know our mother never gave up… nor Aunt Gaja. When we were buried, they kept digging, creating safe zones with air pockets… until…”
She subsided in choking.
Agnieszka continued. “There was another explosion. The rescuers said a second rocket killed them but cleared a path to your sister and Tomas.”
“We were in a temporary medical shelter for over a month,” said Sabina, “before we were allowed to come here.”
“And you are all three welcome to make this home.”
“Thank you, Aunt Agnieszka.”
Together they all settled into the family routine of Zvenigora Restaurant, tinged with memories, love, and tears.
**
Slava Ukrayini
Lviv Fountain: Bright Emotions in the Heart of the City. Ukraine 2023
As our health costs spiral, living off two pensions is a struggle, requiring careful budget savings. Sometimes harsh reality catches us out. We are now having to pay $860 p.m as our monthly ground rent has been increased by $65 p.m. Fortunately, my brilliant wife made a major grocery saving by getting us accepted for meals on wheels.
Our house move plans are progressing slowly.
My care team are still aiming to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips. But now they intend to avoid depending on commercial therapists, by us all learning simple massage techniques to help straighten my knees.
I’m now planning with my wife, for when I move on/pass. When we lived in Wales, we found a woodland cemetery, where we wanted to be buried. In Idaho, there is no such green option. So, I’ve been dreaming of being in Sussex again with my wife, somehow.
Restaall Peaceful Forest Cremation Urns
Probably. two cremations, one urn shared with our fur-babies. Wakes in Idaho and Sussex so everyone who wants to entertain with memories is welcome.
On to the writing… well, briefly as this month’s question is a departure from scribbling.
For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due in three weeks around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’
So much has happened over the last few weeks, notably the announcement about Western jets, relevant to my 2022 Night Witches as they face returning to Ukraine,and now on June 6th the destruction of Nova Kakhovka Dam .
The post should be up next week.
Slava Ukrayini
**
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?
Clue: Before reading more, decipher my photo clue and mention your thoughts in a comment. Please. Then read my answer.
June Answer: When I stopped photography, I found time to write. Therefore, photography might be my replacement for writing.
I gave up professional photography when my Canon pro-camera became too heavy to use due to my declining health. My wife agreed especially as all my lenses made the equipment too bulky to carry around.
Lumix FZ100
We bought a lighter Lumix, which my wife still uses. The photo from our office window in North Wales of the view towards Snowdon is hers, and I asked her if I could use it for ‘Writing Wings’.
Snowdon above Portmeirion by Juanita Clarke
However, I still struggle to lift some things – like the Lumix.
Solution: 4K Digital Camera for Photography and Video Autofocus 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card 3” Flip Screen Flash 16x Zoom Anti-Shake Travel Camera for Beginner.
However, this small camera offers possibilities beyond stills. So, prepare for videos and vlogging. Will this get me out of my bedroom into the wider world? First though, I have transfer photos off the camera successfully.
Then decide how to target Sussex into my plans…remotely. I need to find a UK base unit.
Clue Answer: Selfie taken in family graveyard, at All Saints, Highbrook, near where we plan to rest forever, with a view over the Sussex countryside… once we’ve finished vlogging.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Writing Wings 