Although I’d finished this WEP/IWSG Challenge entry last week, fate intervened on Thursday evening when my left leg was badly twisted while I was being repositioned in my bed. It’s now painful and harder to do many things. Editing and posting this has been a struggle. But determination won through.

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.

The current stories open with Part 1, Rainbow Firebreak, for the WEP/IWSG April: Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall/.

Part 2, Winged Woes, for the WEP/IWSG June Challenge:     https://rolandclarke.com/2022/06/15/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-please-read-the-letter/

Part 3, Moonbeam Magic, for the WEP/IWSG August Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/08/17/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-moonlight-sonata/

Part 4, Winged Death, for the WEP/IWSG October Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/10/19/wep-iwsg-october-challenge-thriller/

Part 5, Soul Seeds, for the WEP/IWSG December Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/01/wep-iwsg-december-challenge-first-time-ever/ 

Part 6, Swords to Ploughshares, to conclude the WEP/IWSG December Challenge and close 2022: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/10/swords-to-ploughshares/

Part 7, Winter Resolution https://rolandclarke.com/2023/01/31/wep-iwsg-challenge-resolve/  This extra post leads into this month’s Challenge entry and included a plot event I foreshadowed in Part 6.

Part 8, Winds of Change https://rolandclarke.com/2023/02/15/wep-iwsg-february-challenge-gone-with-the-wind/

Part 9, Precious Relations, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/  

Part 10, Inception, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/06/12/freedom-flights-part-10-inception/ .

Part 11, Shaped Encounters, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/06/23/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-close-encounters/ .

Part 12, Chocolate Pots, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/08/16/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-chocolate-pots/

Blurb: Chaos from the shadows delivers a crippling blow to the Night Witches.

Part 13 – Masked Nemesis

2023

Friday September 22^nd – CAF Fort York Armoury, Toronto, Canada

As students and teachers from St. Demetrius Ukrainian school responded to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Slava Ukrayini by singing the Ukrainian anthem, Marko Holub and Leonid Sokol joined others singing along and waving Ukrainian and Canadian flags.

1,000 people were gathered in the Canadian Armed Forces facility, a chance for everyone to reaffirm their commitment to freedom.

“Canada trains our guys, our soldiers, our warriors,” said Zelenskyy. “Canada gives weapons to Ukraine to move forward to push back Russia. I thank you for this. Thank you all.”

Marko leant towards Leonid, whispering, “Let’s pray the support brings peace soon—”

“—without more senseless sacrifices.”

Zelenskyy added words of hope for the inspired throng. “The day will come when we gather at a similar place in Ukraine, many people, millions, cheering crowds, blue and yellow flags and Maple Leaf flags. Whole Ukraine will say, thank you … Canada.”

Tuesday October 3^rd – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border, Ukraine

Responding to a nighttime wave of Russian missile attacks across Eastern Ukraine, the two Witches MiG-29 flights were deployed from Kalyniv.

Vasy’s four Green jets intercepted some cruise missiles east of Lviv. All incoming targets were destroyed, so the flight continued patrolling east of the city.

Meanwhile, Maryna’s Sable flight went further north to intercept missiles launched from bombers over the border. Again, all were destroyed, and patrol guarded the northern approaches.

However, with the airfield’s defenses reduced, Kalyniv became the target.

“We can’t recall our planes,” said Bohdana to her fellow mechanics, “but we can warn them if the runway is destroyed.”

“And we need to clear any rubble now.”

While the controller warned the flights, the mechanics ensured the runway was serviceable.

**

As Sable flight approached the base, Maryna attempted to contact control without success.

While her three wing sisters circled above, she flew low over the airfield.

“Some buildings have been hit including control, but the runway is intact so we can land.”

The flight followed her in, but then chaos ensued.

Saturday October 7^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

“Have we traced everyone?” asked Kalyna. “Vasy wants to return.”

“We’ve told her the runway will be clear tomorrow,” said Maksym Bondarenko. “As long as we can still transport the three wrecked MiGs here.”

Mariyka Shevchuk replied, “We’re ahead of schedule so can start another rebuild next week.” She paused before asking, “How bad… is the damage. Who—”

“Was killed? Only one pilot… although some groundcrew died trying to save their pilots.” He hesitated, then added, “All three planes were heavily damaged as you will see…”

Sensing Maksym was struggling with whatever he’d seen, Mariyka said, “We’ll rebuild, for all those who gave their lives for Ukraine.”

He raised his head, then said, “Here and hundreds on the front. Other than the three groundcrew, two other pilots were severely burnt…  Their burns are so extensive, we can’t identify them… until we test DNA plus dental records from Canada. Or if either come out of coma—”

He was shaking as he spoke, so Kalyna continued, “I know other than Green Flight, only Sergeant Katia Antonov is the conscious survivor of the disaster that destroyed Sable Flight and much of Kalyniv Airfield.”

“Exactly. Sergeant Antonov and the nine surviving groundcrew described the Russian missile and rocket attack. It seemed targeted, and there is evidence of a collaborator… who we will unmask.”

Thursday October 26^th – Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center, Lviv, Ukraine

Vasy sat between the two bandaged pilots, who remained in their comas. However, the Canadian medical records had arrived, so their identities would be revealed.

Katia Antonov came into the room with the burn specialist.

“Tragically,” said Katia, “DNA and dental records confirm my wing-sister Aleks Vanov was killed in the third plane…” She paused to close her eyes and cross herself. “…as I feared.”

Vasy stood, then embraced her wing-sister.

“So, these must be Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Sergeant Iryna Kovalenk.  Doctor, when will you remove their bandages.”

The doctor examined them, then said, “In a week, but we must pray their comas lift. Then the rehabilitation may take months.”

Tuesday October 31^st – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

“Will they fly again?” asked Mariyka. “Flying was their passion.”

Kalyna reached a hand over, then replied, “We will ensure they can, after treatment. Let’s hope we’re at peace by then. This war has cost too many lives.”

“Lives we’ll remember as we celebrate Veles night,” said Agnieszka, as she laid empty places for departed loved ones on a table under a poster for ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.

More guests arrived, including an unexpected group with Maksym and Vasy. They came over to Kalyna’s table.

As the cousins embraced, Kalyna said, “A welcome surprise. Did everyone leave Kalyniv?”

“All. Although the collaborator was arrested, the attacks continued,” replied Vasy. “As the runway is dangerous to maintain, Air Command West will move us to another base.”

“However, I bring other tragic news,” said Maksym. “Sergeant Iryna Kovalenk died overnight…” He closed his eyes, then crossed himself.

“I’ve agreed with her family,” said Vasy, “that Chayka can send her body home to Canada. Our other wing-sister, Maryna, is out of her coma and responding well to treatment. However, we have yet to tell her that her partner, Bohdana Shvets, died saving her in the attack.”

While Agnieszka extended their table and laid extra places, Maksym introduced the newcomer in their group.

“This is Jane Wetherby, a British journalist, whom ACW has approved to write an in-depth Night Witches feature.”

“I look forward to being embedded with you brave ladies.”

Once all the guests had arrived, Mariyka stood.

“Departed friends and ancestors, come to us, tonight’s meal is for you. Squadron and guests give thanks to those who gave us life, remember their good deeds, and honor their memories.”

Everyone stood, then shouted, “Slava Ukrayini.“

Among them, all the departed spirits shared their power, yearning for a peaceful resolution.

**

FCA 1004 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:

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com

Useful Information

https://ukrainefrontlines.com/discover-ukraine/history/the-veles-night-customs-and-beliefs-around-ukraines-own-halloween/

https://slavic-girl.com/ukrainian-halloween-or-veles-night.htm

Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center, :https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/ukraine-hospital-lviv