As promised, I will continue writing more Freedom Flights episodes until a just peace for Ukraine is reached. Hopefully, I can manage one episode per month, and now there are sadly no more WEP/IWSG Challenges, I have devised a thread echoing 2023’s theme.

Once again, many thanks to the WEP team for inspiring us writers to create more gems with those Challenges. My thanks too to IWSG for their participation, and to my fellow writers and readers for their support and encouragement. Without all of this, I wouldn’t have created this fictional reflection of a crucial struggle for self-determination.

Links to the previous episodes can be found on my new Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.

Episode 16 – Beacons of Hope

2023

Monday, December 18^th – Chayka Air, Cold Lake, Canada

Chayka’s main hanger was transformed from how Maryna Sobol and Katia Antonov remembered when training in Cold Lake. Although the first fundraising event in December 2022 had proved crucial, the two pilots hadn’t yet joined the squadron.

However, Aliona Sokol was ensuring the sole survivors of Sable Flight felt welcome for this second event.

“We are grateful you came back for this evening’s dinner, but so saddened at the human cost—”

“—many thanks,” said Maryna. “But although it was a traumatic night for us, our ground troops on the front are facing far greater losses.”

“So tonight, we must make that clear,” said Aliona. “Last year, some of the money raised was sent as aid to Eastern Ukraine, and for night-vision equipment plus drones at the front.”

“Hopefully, our experiences and knowledge should raise awareness,” said Katia, realizing Maryna’s burns were unmissable.

Her Flight leader had stopped in front of a display case explaining the story of Chayka Air and the evolution of the Night Witches.

Pointing at the earliest section, she asked, “Is that feather the one your aunt’s grandmother brought from Byelorussia in 1944? It’s beautiful.”  

“Yes. The famous Zharptica feather,” replied Aliona. “Vasy Chayka and my great-grandmother brought it when they emigrated to Canada.”

“Has it become a family heirloom then?” asked Katia. “Much like that Polikarpov U-2 hanging above us perhaps?”

Aliona walked to where the iconic biplane of the original Night Witches was suspended above the central tables. “This was the same plane flown to freedom by the Chayka sisters in 1944, although they were forced to leave it in Sweden until 1950.”

“Why? Too far to fly, I expect,” said Maryna. “But it’s beautiful with that Zharptica nose art—”

“—which my great-grandmother and her crew painted,” said Aliona, turning towards the first guests as they arrived. “Mingle freely until dinner is served.”

While their hostess went to welcome the arrivals, Maryna explained to Katia an idea she’d devised.

*

Once the guests were seated, Aliona welcomed everyone.

“As we all know, this is a crucial time for Ukraine with another winter, renewed Russian aggression, and other global distractions. Now is not the time for political wavering, but time for us to stand with our brave kindred struggling for freedom.” She paused to allow for applause.

“Before we enjoy this traditional Ukrainian dinner,” she continued, “I would like you to watch a documentary about the Russian Invasion and our reborn Night Witches – Nochnyye Vedmy. Originally made in 2022, it has been updated with the assistance of embedded British journalist Jane Wetherby.”

As Maryna and Katia had joined the squadron in early February, they had never seen the film, unlike those who had supported the previous fundraiser. However, some events referenced by Jane’s additions were familiar, not least the subtle references to departed sisters.

By the end of the documentary, they prayed it had set the guests discussing the issues raised.

After it concluded, Aliona said, “While you’re enjoying your meal, study the sheet on your table listing the items Ukraine needs, especially this winter. Many like warm gloves are things we take for granted as Canadians when winter temperatures fall as low as over there.”

She paused, and everyone looked at their lists.

“Now consider what you can spare this holiday season to donate to their struggle for their freedom… for our freedom. Whether it’s money for blankets, a generator, protective equipment, or drones, no sacrifice goes unseen. We thank you. After we have eaten, two of the Nochnye Vedmy will recount some of their experiences over 2023.”

Aliona returned to her seat at the table with the pilots, Jane Wetherby, and officers from the Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake.

“Miss Sokol, we are glad to do what we can to help,” said the senior officer, Lieutenant-colonel Todd Manning. “Chayka Air is special to us.”

A memory triggered for Aliona. “Was Major Felix Manning an ancestor of yours? If so, my great-grandfather Denys Kohut flew with him in WW2.”

Todd chuckled. “Exposed. Felix was my idol growing up. And yes, he was great friends with all your family. He even talked about the day he helped escort that amazing biplane hanging above us back to Kohut Air.”

“Seems like there’s a whole saga hidden here,” said Jane. “And I can do more than answer questions arising from the documentary.”

*

Listening to the concern for Ukraine in the conversation around the table, Maryna realized the struggle she and Katia might face attempting to persuade hesitant supporters to demonstrate their commitment. She shared her thoughts with Katia, but they reassured each other to draw strength from fear.

When coffee was served Aliona introduced her special guests.

“Tonight, we are privileged to have two Canadian-Ukrainian Nochnye Vedmy. Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Lieutenant Katia Antonov have served with the squadron since February 2023. After they have spoken, I’m sure they will answer your questions, as will our other special guests.”

Maryna and Katia stood, with the senior pilot taking the mike first.

“If you look above, you will see the original Polikarpov U-2 flown by Kalyna Chayka, the Nochnye Vedmy who was one of the Ukrainian founders of Chayka Air, along with her sister Vasy and their husbands. Katia and I are honored to serve under their granddaughters in the reborn Nochnye Vedmy, the 2022 Night Witches.

Unlike too many of our fellow fighters and far too many civilians, our casualties have been endurable, although traumatic. Katia and I are the sole survivors of Sable Flight, which came under Russian missile attack on the night of October 3^rd. As you may have realized, I suffered severe burns although I was pulled from my burning MiG-29. But two pilots and three ground crew gave their lives for freedom.”

Maryna sat down, then closed her eyes remembering her dead friends and lover.

Katia continued.

“Although we’ve had our losses, as a squadron we’ve flown missions during which our jets have inflicted losses on the enemy. Unfortunately, due to the political hesitation of our allies and delays in sending weaponry, we have been forced to rebuild crashed MiG-29s. We are training in Poland on F-16s sourced through Chayka Air, and we have the NATO jets from all our staunch supporters.

However, if Ukraine’s western allies fail to ensure the frontline troops have the supplies such as artillery shells, and if the air raids take their toll on the civilian areas, morale will decline to Russia’s advantage. Then the Nochnye Vedmy will struggle to play an effective role in this war.”

As Katia stopped talking, her Witch friend stood up again.

“This is Ukraine’s darkest hour. It’s wrong to say 2024 will be the third year of this war. Never forget Russia invaded Ukraine ten years ago and annexed Crimea. Yes, there was a ceasefire… on Putin’s terms. The pro-Russia separatists violated the Minsk agreements ensuring the war never truly ended. We must ensure such a false ceasefire never happens again. No escalation. No capitulation. No partition.  

But it’s always darkest before dawn. Now is the decisive moment for the West to step up and supply everything needed for victory. The post-World War 2 world order has changed but we can still avoid a third world war by acting effectively today.

I look up at that venerable biplane and although she was scarred by fire like me, I focus on the stunning nose art… Zharptica, the Firebird, whose fiery presence is often seen as a beacon of hope and a source of ultimate wisdom or power that can lead us to our ultimate destiny. Let Zharptica guide us in this hour of need. Katia and I will use this image on our jets in the months ahead. Slava Ukrayini.”

Everyone clapped, then repeated the battle cry.

When the enthusiastic response subsided, Aliona invited questions to any of her special guests.

An older man addressed his question to the British journalist Jane. “I found the documentary informative as my family fled Soviet persecution a few decades ago. I’m wondering if the United Kingdom is more committed to aiding our people than Canada’s isolationist neighbors?”

“I believe that even if Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives lose the election due probably this year,” replied Jane, “The likely Labour government under Keir Starmer will continue to aid Ukraine. Tragically, I fear what Donald Trump could do. As our brave pilots have made clear, the West must be staunch in its resolve to stop Russia.”

Further questions confirmed there was determination throughout the gathering. A final answer from Lieutenant-colonel Todd Manning provided the perfect lead-in for donations.

“I’m proud that as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s leading training squadron, 410 nicknamed the Cougars has trained a few of the volunteers in the Night Witches, including the two Majors leading them… although before my time. However, I was in this squadron when these two pilots Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Lieutenant Katia Antonov were training, so I’m honored to be here with them. We know our training has helped and will continue to. So, please give generously tonight.”

*

Sunday, December 24^th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The carpet of snow around Dęblin made driving challenging. Hence, the Holub and Sokol families chose to walk across to the Zvenigora Restaurant, which was hosting a Christmas Eve, or Sviat Vechir celebration for friends.

Although most of the squadron had previously observed Christmas according to the Western calendar, now after an official break from Russian Orthodox traditions all of Ukraine was now celebrating Christmas united.

Mariyka and Sergei welcomed their guests with the traditional glasses of Uzvar, made with a medley of dried fruits, while Tomas and Sabina showed them to the tables arranged in a square at the center of the decorated restaurant.

“My Aunt Agnieszka has had us all making the twelve customary Ukrainian dishes for Sviat Vechir,” said Sabina.

Her nephew Tomas added, “And we cooked some other Christmas yummies. I made gingerbread for everyone too.”

The two youngsters from Canada introduced themselves as they helped Sabina and Tomas bring in food from the kitchen.

“I’m Daryna Holub, Vasy and Marcus’s youngest daughter—”

“—And I’m her cousin Mykola, Kalyna and Leonid’s only son… and desperate to be a pilot.”

“When you’re older,” said his sister Aliona. “You might have a few trainers lining up… or not.”

“Or when you reach the right age,” said his cousin Klara, “You could enroll here in Dęblin at the Polish Air Force Academy.”

“Except unlike you dear cousin, my Polish is terrible. But maybe someone at Chayka will take pity and help me qualify for the military.”

At the door, the last two guests arrived in a gust of snow. As they unbundled themselves of scarves and hooded jackets, Sergei was waiting to pounce.

“No evening would be perfect without my favorite cousin and her wife.” He embraced Larisa, then pulled Anzhela into the huddle as Mariyka squeezed in.

“When you guys have finished with your reunion, please, may I bless this meal?” asked Leonid. “Thank you.”

Once all were seated, they bowed their heads and Leonid prayed.

“Let us pray for fellowship as we gather around the Christmas dinner table. May our hearts be filled with love and joy as we share this special meal. Lord, we thank you for the blessing of family and friends who have come to celebrate this joyous season with us.

Help us to cherish these moments of togetherness and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Bless our conversations with laughter and warmth, and may your presence be felt among us as we share in this feast.

Grant us the grace to reach out to those who are lonely or lost during this holiday season, so that they may also experience the gift of fellowship in their lives.”

Agnieszka as head of the household dipped a deep spoon in the traditional kutia, a porridge made from unground grains sweetened with honey, jam, and dried fruits. She threw one spoonful of kutia to the ceiling, and everyone looked to see how many grains had stuck: many grains meant there would be a bountiful harvest and happiness for the family.

Mariyka threw another spoonful to the main window, as a donation to the frost, to prevent the crops from freezing.

She then explained, “Ukrainians traditionally give part of the kutia dish to their cattle and save another for children to give to their godparents and grandparents when they greet each other and receive gifts. We give part to a local farmer and there are enough relatives to spread love and gifts.”

Sabina told everyone to help themselves to the spread starting with Borsch. This was served with small buns stuffed with mushrooms and with sweet-filed Pampushky sprinkled with powdered sugar.

This was followed by a spread of treats including Varenyky, savory dumplings stuffed with cabbage, mushroom gravy, pickled herring, jellied fish, and marinated mushrooms.

“You realize someone spent many hours foraging in the snow,” said Agnieszka. “And patient ice-fishing. Thanks, Sergei.” 

“Tomas was good company. We talked about tractors, plows, and farming.”

Laughter and casual chatter merged with satisfied eating, and then Agnieszka proposed a toast.

“To absent friends and family, both the departed souls and those celebrating elsewhere.”

 Everyone raised their glasses of Uzvar or Medovukha, a fermented honey drink.

“Did many of the other Witches get home for any of the holidays,” asked Leonid. “I know Maryna Sobol and Katia Antonov were staying on for another week or so with their families in Canada, after the successful fundraiser.”

“Unless Air Command West puts the whole squadron’s three active MiG-29 flights on emergency standby,” replied Vasy. “It’s just the pilots around this table who are on call during the Christmas period. So, just one flight… Kalyna, Anzhela, Mariyka, and me.”

“And as the sole Chief Mechanic,” added Larisa, “I’ll be dependent on cadets like Klara who are still here to get four MiGs up.”

An ominous silence swept over the restaurant.

“I pray my despicable former comrades don’t use this period to launch more massive aerial attacks on Ukraine,” said Sergei.

Agnieszka stood up. “We need to change the mood with coffee and Piana Vyshnia.”

“A brandy and cherry drink originally from Lviv,” explained Mariyka. “Then we can discuss the film evenings we are planning as entertainment in 2024.”

Sabina and Tomas held up a poster for the first film.

Slava Ukrayini