A minor change in format for this episode of Freedom Flights. I will continue with the multi-part episodes, but not always introduce each part. However, expect me to include the monthly movie night… even if I don’t make the theme obvious.

Until a just peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes, never forgetting the brave people fighting for freedom. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons like F-16s reach the frontlines in time to change their fortunes.

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

Episode 23 – Witches Troupe

2024

Part 1

Saturday, June 1^st – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The Chayka cousins had worried about who to invite to this meeting. However, it would be easy to add someone if necessary.

“First, the news we needed weeks ago as the Russians bombarded Kharkiv, finally our allies say we can use the weapons they supplied, to fight back and hit the Russians cowering over the border. Somewhat late as usual,” said Kalyna. “However, our graduate recruits have been integrating well into the Witches routine for two weeks. Meanwhile, we’ve been adapting to having extra crew and new equipment. It’s time to assess how ready we are to take on the implied new duties for Air Command West. I suspect that means our helicopter brigade, so over to you Nadia.”

This time Nadia had prepared some charts she could project on the wall from her laptop.

“With the help of Aleks,” she nodded towards her usual co-pilot.” Plus, with the assistance of Brajan Rudawski and Igor Dubicki, outside their University commitments, we have been able to assess the relative aptitudes of our ten recruits using the craft we have, the University’s simulator, and a stiff questionnaire. This is the current crew list with an initial assessment of roles and responsibilities. Some are best as pilots, others as co-pilots.”

Vasy flicked through the notes she had compiled beforehand.

“Doesn’t this depend on what helicopters we can rely on receiving?”

Nadia projected another chart.

“This lists the craft that have arrived or ones which seem likely. At present, we have two Eurocopter Tiger HAPs –one provided by Airbus and another from my old regiment. Our favourite Latino journalist… sigh please… has secured a third Tiger, although he failed in his bid to persuade Conchita a supposed ace pilot to join us.”

“Was he serious?” asked Mariyka, “his reputation proceeds him.”

“Aaron says he has photos.” Nadia shrugged, then continued, “Let’s move on to Chayka Air. Kalyna, you have news.”

She scrolled through computer files, and then said, “I can vouch for this as my daughter, Aliona, the CEO of Chayka Air emailed that with the aid of the Royal Canadian Air Force, we will receive one Bell CH-146 Griffon. That’s a multi-role utility helicopter with a crew of three, that carries eight to ten troops or six stretchers. Aliona said it might be flown over in one of our C-130 Hercules. She also hinted at more Canadian recruits… and possibly another helicopter.”

“So, even if the South Korean KAI LAH arranged by Ji-Yeon arrives, although from GROM, so indirectly,” replied Nadia. “I must depend on obtaining  another Tiger from the Australian Army… or other craft.”

Aleks laughed.

“Calling us the Tiger Brigade might prove correct… or should we be Tigress Streak. Our final issue is maintenance and I believe Mariyka has found us a great solution.”

Dressed half as an engineer in worn overalls, Mariyka was also clutching her flying mask.

“I was due to test our latest MiG-29 rebuild when I remembered Nadia needed to learn about Janina Patriksson. She’s been a stalwart of the Engineering Department since she graduated over ten years ago but never left here. My team know her well and feels she’d assemble an ace squad once she starts scouting her sources.”

“I presume she understands copters—”

“Inside out, Nadia. Her small team maintains all the Academy helis. Ask Brajan and Igor… and they feel she’s more than ready for a bigger challenge. So, they won’t stop her from joining us.”

Nadia switched off her projections, adding that the Tigress Brigade was having a group dynamics session over a meal at 2000… when they also expected further news from Spain.

Vasy turned to Kalyna.

“I am pleased to report the Night Witches are again at full strength, although two of our five flights are focused on training on the four makes of jets here: Hornets, Gripens, MiGs, and eventually F-16s. As with pilot training so too with the crucial ground crew, we must be thorough. The foreign trainers will be here in the next few days, for another month of F-16 and Gripen E advanced sessions.”

“Didn’t we also discuss the need for ensuring the recruits especially could handle jets and rotary craft in an emergency…or at least some of them?”

“Although both Aleks and I can fly fixed wing and rotary,” said Nadia. “I sense that most of the recruits like our experienced pilots find learning on two different craft confusing. If it’s optional, there may be more volunteers wanting to learn.”

The others looked at each other and agreed.

“I suggest we adjourn,” said Mariyka. “We can meet again for a meal at the Zvenigora… say at 2000… if the Tigress Streak hasn’t devoured everything.”

**

Saturday, June 1^st – XADO-Holding, Haharina Ave, Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine

After two weeks of investigating the Snipex factory in Kharkiv, Geralt and Ji-Yeon secured the storage of all the sensitive blueprints, ensuring they had copies in the office management had given them.

Ostensibly they were checking on the viability of the Snipex receiving funding from the South Korean firearms manufacturer responsible for arming most frontline units of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. The company also produced ROKAF’s standard sniper rifle and might wish to acquire a license to produce Snipex for the lucrative Far Eastern market.

“I suspect ROKAF themselves could adopt the Snipex,” said Ji-Yeon. “The South Korean arms industry has found a lucrative market in Eastern Europe—”

“Ever since Putin invaded Ukraine, my country has been spending billions of dollars buying your arms,” said Geralt. “Although persuading my GROM superiors to sign off on that KAI LAH proved difficult, even saying it was part of the smuggling investigation—”

“And it wasn’t costing Poland anything, just burying South Korea’s arms to Ukraine.”

There was a knock at the office door. It was the factory manager, Ruslan Baran.

“We’ve been invited to a meal tomorrow evening by one of our suppliers. I’ve been running some checks on his activities and something feels wrong. Just drop round to my flat at 6 after work and I’ll explain on the way to his place. Better dress smart, he thinks he’s posh.”

**

Saturday, June 1^st – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The twelve members of the Tigress Brigade were sitting at one of the long tables opposite the restaurant’s kitchen. Aleks was in the far corner of the table, talking to one of the first graduates to join, Marusya Dudziarz.

“I’ve been wondering for days if you’re part Polish like me?”

“By our surnames… yes. I guessed Górski meant you were. But my Ukrainian mum wanted me to go to Kharkiv to be near our home in the east.”

Aleks grinned. “Opposite for me as my Polish dad persuaded me to join the Polish Air Force after I trained here at Dęblin.”

Marusya’s friend Raisa Vezzoso looked around at all the familiar faces and nodded.

“Awesome how we’ve all committed to sacrificing our lives for Ukraine, yet we also carry other genetics if you look at our names. You’re both Polish and Ukrainian. I’m Ukrainian-Italian—”

“While Nadia is French-Canadian and Canadian-Ukrainian,” added Aleks. “It’s the diaspora settling our ancestors in troubled times worldwide. Now our motherland is threatened, the descendants return to defend our precious heritage.”

“And others fear our plight, so we’ve become an international army. You know our fellow graduate, Odrija Kalniņa is Latvian. But she too has ancestors who suffered under the Soviet yoke,” said Raisa. “What we need is a group event to bring us together… like a birthday celebration;  Whose is next?’

Everyone glanced along the table.

Raisa pointed at her friend, Marusya. “Yours is soon… how old?”

“Wednesday, June 5^th and I’m going to be a scary 27. Suggestions please – no strippers.  I’m a strong-willed fighting woman.” She got a sheet of paper from the bar and started with a list of challenges like darts, bowling, running, soccer, and swimming. Then invited votes, comments, and even suggestions. Finally, the sheet was passed along the table.

All down the table as the birthday challenge sparked ideas, friends made discoveries, shared hidden dreams and dared to skim along the thin edges of their fears. And food and drink inspired ideas and new ambitions that might bear invaluable fruit.

And the challenge reached a new milestone when it passed onto the far end of the table nearest the door. With the arrival of latecomers, Nadia was juggling with a dilemma and a sense of impending embarrassment for someone.

Marusya’s challenge had to wait its turn.

First, Nadia had to ask Agnieszka to add an extra table section for at least one more Tigress, Janina Patriksson, an oversight the supreme mechanic might take offence over.

“It might seem to you, dear Nadia, that you’re worried I’m the 13^th person at this table. Forget it, your clever hostess has laid these extra places so your table now seats fifteen.”

“Who else are we expecting?” asked Polina Moroz, scanning the challenge sheet and casting a crucial vote.

“Nobody tonight,” said Nadia. “Maybe tomorrow or the next day, we’ll receive the helicopters from Canada and Spain. Possibly South Korea. So, maybe some of our fixed-wing sisters are joining us.”

Janina whispered something to Nadia who replied, “That’s unexpected.”

Then the restaurant door opened and a figure in black walked in. All the ladies sighed… not all in anticipation.

Aaron Garcia made a determined move towards the Tigress table, stopping in front of Nadia and casually saluting her.

“The Spanish Tiger is on its way, lady boss.”

Unaware of Nadia winking at Janina, and oblivious to them writing on the challenge sheet, Aaron sat down adjacent to Polina and leaned towards her.

“What do you recommend for a starving traveller?”

She pointed to the menu board. “The Spicy Special.” Then she leaned back.

He went quiet once he’d ordered.

Suddenly he stared at Polina mystified. She smiled back.

“Not what you expected when you started playing footsie with my left leg.”

“It’s prosthetic, yet you fly a helicopter.”

“Brilliantly. And she scores goals playing soccer,” said Nadia. “Serious question. Did you feel any of the inappropriate leg groping, Polina?”

Aaron was bright red as Polina answered.

“Not exactly. But I have trained my leg to know when it encounters a solid object… like a soccer ball or a foot pedal. It’s more akin to the phantom pain I first got when I lost the limb.”

“So, basically… not a… positive sensation. I was totally out of order… unforgivable.”

He dropped his head in his hands… until a strong pair of arms pulled him out of his chair. He turned to face an angry dark-haired man.

“Meet my boyfriend, Dmytro Kovalchuk, we met at Superhumans. You better apologize before he shows you what he can do with a prosthetic right leg.”

The restaurant door swung open, and two women walked in.

“What are you going to do to my Aary? Only I get to hit him… or my co-pilot, Adelita.”

Nadia stood up and said, “No fighting in here, please. Save it for the orcs.” She directed the Spanish duo to the seats beside Janina… as Aaron and Dmytro were left looking aimless. ”This table is for Tigress sisters only.”

Fortunately, Sergei was around to direct wayward male egos to the male-only table where he had been listening to Brajan and Igor extolling the virtues of women pilots. They passed him a message from his journalist colleagues, which he read and his smile returned.

“If their latest scheme, called ‘Fund a Fighting Tiger’, bears fruit, especially with our help, the ladies might have another reason to celebrate.”

Meanwhile, Polina was hearing about the secret before Aaron arrived.

“I saw him wandering purposefully while I was on duty,” said Janina. “So, I checked in our welcome Spanish arrivals while he was plotting.”

“She ensured we all moved our Tiger in the hangar with the two French ones,” said Conchita, “Then told us you were eating here.”

“It’s the regular haunt for all of us Night Witches,” said Nadia. “I hope you’re offering to join us… we could use ace pilots like you. The more experience in the Brigade, the faster our graduates will learn.”

Polina revealed her prosthetic leg. “And not get shot down like me. A valuable lesson they need to understand.”

“You’re brave to come back,” said Adelita. “Some wouldn’t.”

Nadia glanced down the table at her courageous Tigress sisters, sensing more coming and the crucial need for more copters.

She glanced again at the challenge sheet, nodded down the table at Marusya Dudziarz, and then ensured everyone around her voted for the more exciting options.

Finally, she took the challenge sheet to the fixed-wing pilots who would make the event memorable.

**

Sunday, June 2^nd – Kotliary, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine

Driving up the remote lakeside property, Geralt and Ji-Yeon squeezed hands.

“Dangerously or conveniently close to the Russian border,” said Geralt pointing at the boathouse.

“He had a float plane in there,” said Ruslan Baran, the factory manager. “Before the invasion, but it might still be there.”

He got out of his car. “There’s more if you just follow me… and let him do most of the talking.”

The stone-flagged path led to a covered porch with an intercom security camera, which rang a bell inside. A tall silver-haired man dressed in a tweed suit and tie opened the heavy timber door.

“Good evening, Aliaksandr,” said Ruslan before their host led them into a room with a panoramic window, obviously triple-glazed.

“Are these your investors, Ruslan? Explain while I get the correct drinks.”

“Captain Song Ji-Yeon is a Republic of Korea Army arms expert looking for investment opportunities for the burgeoning South Korean arms industry. She was drawn to XADO-Holding due to the success of the Snipex.”

“To warm us all up, here’s some glasses of traditional Sbiten, our own mulled wine… the best you can find.”

Aliaksandr served the Sbiten in frosted glasses with silver holders. The honey, ginger, and spices made for a relaxed mood as they sat watching the sunset over the lake.

“Every day I’m fortunate to be here, I fish and dream of better times when there was no violence. War is destroying everything precious. It’s harsh times when we have to sell arms to survive, don’t you remember the good times, Ruslan when it was all about cars? When XADO was only into car maintenance, not sniper rifles.”

He went quiet for a few minutes. But then he stood and led his guests to a polished oak table.

“Let’s eat. My housekeeper made us Slavonski Fiš Paprikaš, that’s Slavonian Freshwater Fish Stew using today’s catch, plus she made borsht, salad, and blinis. And a proper meal has to be served with vodka… or kompot for the drivers.”

The meal was superb, although Geralt soon noticed the weapons displayed all around the room along with trophy heads interspersed. Had these weapons brought down the prey? Possibly except over the fireplace was a SnipeX Alligator Mega Rifle with no obvious trophies.

Eventually, Ji-Yeon asked which weapon Aliaksandr was seeking investment for.

“My private design, the Kotliary Aliaksov, is a Bullpup though like the Polish MSBS Grot B, whose predecessor the Grot C16 FB-M2 assault rifle has been getting extensive use by the Ukrainian Ground Forces in Russia’s Special Military Operation. The US Special Forces Command has also bought into Grot, so here’s the chance for ROKA and your arms industry to get involved upfront in another homegrown success. I can supply all the crucial paperwork this evening…after dessert.”

“I presume you have a prototype I can try somewhere nearby.”

As they’d arrived, Geralt had spotted the hidden range, so he wasn’t surprised at Aliaksandr Ivanov’s reply.

“Of course. My private range will be ready after you’ve sampled my selection of teas.”

He quickly called his security detail as the housekeeper brought in some Vatrushka pastries and tea.

*

Although the night sky was bright enough to walk beside the lake, the firing range was hidden until lights came on as they neared the depressed viewing gallery.

Aliaksandr was carrying three rifle cases suggesting they were all intended to shoot. However, instead, there were two different variants of the prototype and a case of modifications.

“This is the B for Bullpup prototype on the left, and right is the assault rifle, carbine, configuration which can mount a grenade launcher or other configurations from machine gun to sport civilian semi-auto variant. Extremely versatile in its proposed uses so a viable investment I’m sure you see.”

Ji-Yeon picked up the Bullpup and inspected, dismantled, reassembled it, and then turned to Aliaksandr.

“Please can I test-fire this impressive prototype?” As the body target was moved into the range, she added, “At its maximum range please.”

The target was moved to the end position, shrouded in low-hanging branches.

“To make it more realistic,” said their host. “You can crouch. And we can simulate weather effects too.” And he chuckled. “Even snow.”

Ji-Yeon crouched and loosed a burst of shots, all hitting mid-body centre-mass where all the vital organs would be.

Geralt whistled. “Impressive. Want to fire the assault rifle?”

As she picked up the rifle and ran through the same checks as she’d done with the Bullpup, Aliaksandr removed a controller from his left jacket pocket.

He pressed a button at the top. The rear wall of the range slid back, allowing three moving targets to patrol the new back wall, again shrouded in branches. This time shadows and night mist were added.

“You need more of a challenge to prove what sort of investor you are.”

A warning shiver went up Geralt’s spine. He casually inspected the Bullpup and he detected what he suspected. It wasn’t based on a Grot, it was a Grot… one made for Polish, not Ukrainian troops. Probably smuggled out of Poland.

Aliaksandr began a countdown and called out.

“Erratic pattern leading to countermeasures.”

Ji-Yeon threw herself into a prone position. Geralt grabbed the smuggled Grot Bullpup and rolled a few feet near her.

“Interesting behaviour for investors. If you handle what my range concocts, we can discuss more opportunities… back in the comfort of my home. Another tea, Ruslan?”

“Not right now, Aliaksandr. I’m intrigued to see this play out. An interesting challenge for your inventions.”

The devious host walked off, fumbling in his pocket once more.

Once Ji-Yeon and Geralt fired, hidden guns at the far end of the range forced them to seek better cover in a shallow ditch.

Ruslan crouched behind the console with the case of modifications. He removed one device and then slid the case over to Ji-Yeon, who attached the underbarrel grenade launcher to the assault rifle.

As Geralt continued to fire bursts of bullets from the Bullpup, Ji-Yeon launched explosive grenades at the concealed machine guns at the far end of the range.  She then followed with some smoke projectiles down the length of the range.

“When we’re ready let’s move to the truck.”

Three ready calls.

“Go on 3,” said Geralt. “1,2, THREE.”

They ran crouched to Ruslan’s pick-up, ensuring they had the guns and modifications.

As Ruslan accelerated away from the range, he said, “I didn’t feel like staying for his tea.”

Behind them, there was a muffled explosion and a glow.

“A final modification to Aliaksandr’s range console, courtesy of a dissatisfied factory manager.”

*

“I do not doubt that Aliaksandr Ivanov is behind the SnipeX Alligator smuggling via his residence in Kotliary,” said Ruslan. “Please, ensure whoever you report to knows that.’

“We will,” said Geralt. “There were lots of signs culminating with that ridiculous firearms display. These guns aren’t  prototypes but smuggled Polish Grots.”

“I suspect some of those guns displayed in the house were illegal too,” said Ji-Yeon. “Especially that Alligator blatantly exposed in the manner…”

The blast from the ambush drone blew the truck off the road. Bullets from the second drone were meant to ensure there were no survivors. But Geralt ended its attempt with the MSBS Grot B, and then dragged two bleeding bodies from the wreckage as he called for assistance.

*

They found him clutching Ji-Yeon and failing to stifle the sobs.

“She kept begging me to protect Chae-Yeong as she would protect me. Chae-Yeong? Who is she? I want Ji-Yeon… but I failed to save her.”

Medics had kept Ruslan alive and talking. He tried to make sense of the tragedy.

“We’ve exposed a traitorous smuggler, but he tried to silence us. Ji-Yeon hasn’t died in vain. Geralt tried to save both of us, but she was hit too badly. But he bugged Aliaksandr’s home so his smuggling ring will be broken.” Ruslan stopped and looked at the lost couple. “Ji-Yeon and Geralt are the heroes here.”

**

Monday, June 3^rd – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Nadia, Aleks, and the Chayka cousins watched the controllers track the incoming craft in the busy control tower.

“One Chayka Air C-130 Hercules clear to land on the main runway,” said Controller 1.

“When the runway’s open, I have an internal flight,” said Controller 2. “From Wrocław Airport, but it’s a South Korean KAI LAH assigned to GROM. Is this one expected?”

Nadia realised Ji-Yeon and Geralt had secured the promised KAI LAH.

“It’s one of ours so let it land, please. Any others?”

She looked at her colleagues wondering if they might have heard other rumours.

“Aliona, my daughter mentioned a second helicopter from Canada. Is anything showing on the radar or communications? Or we could ask the Hercules crew?” said Vasy.

“Control to C-130. Did one or two copters accompany you?”

“C-130 to control. One Griffon in our hold. Refueled Black Hawk mid-Atlantic before it landed at RAF Valley, North Wales. As we’re twice as fast, expect them tonight… before we leave.”

Vasy scribbled a message.

“Major Chayka says ‘Reception party before leaving’. Over and out.”

*

Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The welcoming meal was the usual Witches Ukrainian spread and all the day’s arrivals were invited, especially those heading home.

“You’re spending the night here,” said Agnieszka. “Courtesy of Zvenigora, the Night Witches’s second home. Better introduce them to the regulars, Kalyna.”

“By craft then, Chayka’s first,”

“I’m Aleksandr, pilot of the Hercules reluctantly leaving after all this hospitality. And my crew are Dariy, Leonid, Fedir and Martyn. We brought a Griffon with two Chayka Air recruits.”

“And I am the Griffon pilot Xenia Ahlberg and this is Iryna Forsberg, my flight engineer. We graduated through the RCAF and we’re Canadian Ukrainians with Swedish dads. We are anxious to find a co-pilot, our third crew member here.”

Nadia turned to the two Koreans. “We are grateful when non-Ukrainians join our fight, so, welcome. What brings you both to make this gesture?”

“I am Captain Jeong Chae-Yeong formerly of the Republic of Korea Air Force, and for this flight, my co-pilot was my Crew Chief, Warrant Officer Kang Eun-Ji.”

“You say formerly. Aren’t you returning?” asked Vasy. “Or were you intending to stay over here?”

Chae-Yeong went silent, exchanging a nod with Kang Eun-Ji.

“Perhaps, if the situation is better here. We transferred to the Republic of Korea Army recently. Captain Song Ji-Yeon recommended us for the KAI LAH training. Then we volunteered to help over here.”

Nadia wondered if she was responsible for letting these Koreans know what had gone wrong with the smuggling investigation… her investigation. Not Geralt’s responsibility. Her stomach felt sick at what she knew.

“Captain Jeong, please can I talk to you both privately… outside?”

Agnieszka touched her shoulder. “My office is small but warmer. Follow me, please ladies.”

*

It had been emotionally taxing, but Nadia was relieved she had told Chae-Yeong and Eun-Ji about the assassination of Ji-Yeon. Now she had to find them the ideal co-pilot and had one in mind.

However, as she glanced at the growing crews and pondered the craft they had, she wondered if she had created an unwieldy brigade in her enthusiasm and willingness to accept any donated craft.

Three Tiger attack aircraft, one KAI LAH armoured helicopter, two multi-role utility helicopters, and one utility passenger transport helicopter.

“We’re not a Tigress Brigade, nor a Tiger Ambush nor a Tigress Streak, just some mish-mash of rotor blades. Who am I fooling?” she whispered, unaware of the silent crowd about to cheer her.

And they did, then all shouted ‘Slava Ukrayini’ followed by the Ukrainian national anthem.

“Our journalist trio have just announced their ‘Fund a Fighting Tiger’ campaign has attracted two more,” said Aleks. “From the Australian Army and the German Bundeswehr,plus funds, maybe not enough for one more, but enough for substantial supplies.”

Profinansuyte biytsivsʹkoho tyhra 

Fund a Fighting Tiger

Ufunduj Walczącego Tygrysa

**

Tuesday, June 4^th – Aviation Engineering Centre, Dęblin Military Air Base, Poland

Geralt Sówka parked the jeep at the side of the Engineering Centre and let the three volunteers from XADO out of the back. He led them into the Engineering hangar, looking for Mariyka Shevchuk.

She noticed him first and guessed why he was there.

“You’re after our new helicopter maintenance team, Geralt. They had to move as they have six copters to service now.”

“They’ll be glad of these three volunteer monkeys from the Snipex factory. They’re keen to turn their hands to rotary-wing aircraft. Where can I find the new team?”

Mariyka explained how Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth and the heli-tutors had found a hangar in which the University stored old equipment. It hadn’t taken much to clear the space for the maintenance of the Tigress Brigade’s growing fleet.

It wasn’t long before Geralt introduced himself and the volunteers to Janina Patriksson. She in turn presented Warrant Officer Kang Eun-Ji and Iryna Forsberg who were the rare maintenance crew who flew if needed.

He knew at once that Eun-Ji must know Chae-Yeong.

His body betrayed him. He shivered and heard Ji-Yeon’s voice. Her words ‘protect Chae-Yeong’ kept repeating in his head. He clutched his head, muttering ‘protect Chae-Yeong… I must protect Chae-Yeong’.

Eun-Ji smiled and took his hand.

“I know. Nadia Lysenko told us what happened. I’ll take you to my Captain, Jeong Chae-Yeong.”

*

Tears hovered behind Geralt’s words as he attempted to relive Ji-Yeon’s last mission for Chae-Yeong and pay tribute to a person whose soul he had touched.

Yet ever since she had died in his arms after that horrific ambush, he had felt guilty.

“She believed I could protect her. As I was special forces… a GROM officer, then I would be her bodyguard.” He closed his eyes, but all he could see was her blood.

“She believed I could pose as Ukrainian. But that smuggler knew what I was… so she died in my unsafe hands. Now all I see is her bleeding body… and hear her telling me to protect Chae-Yeong. You, but how when I failed her?”

Chae-Yeong consulted with Eun-Ji in Korean, and although Ji-Yeon had taught Geralt some key phrases, it wasn’t enough for him to follow their conversation.

“We have an idea, which will allow you to fulfill your obligation to Ji-Yeon and me. But we must talk to Nadia and the squadron commanders. Come with us, please.”

*

Ten minutes later, they were in the Night Witches office with the Chayka majors, Nadia, and one of the Kharkiv recruits.

“We believe you have a suggestion, Captain Jeong.”

“Forgive the intrusion, but Kapitan Geralt Sówka presents me with both a problem and an obligation to Captain Song Ji-Yeon. She requested Geralt protect me, yet he is not part of my crew or this squadron. However, do we have any regular security other than our volunteer patrols?”

“Nothing regular, although our patrols are armed and use armoured vehicles. But we rely on our ground crews too much.”

“Geralt, could you supply and train a ground patrol to GROM standards… with female personnel?”

He hesitated, assessing the impact on his regular work. Yet, he wasn’t ready to abandon his new friends. Not yet or not ever. There was a future here. Chae-Yeong wasn’t Ji-Yeon but there was something about her.

“If you could recruit suitable military police,” asked Vasy. “Could we expect them to pledge allegiance to Ukraine?”

“No doubt. Many Poles want to help… and Ukrainian refugees here still want to help.”

“An excellent suggestion, Chae-Yeong. Start when you can, Geralt… and we’ll work on uniforms,” said Kalyna. “I think you have something to add, Nadia.”

The Tigress Brigade leader nodded.

“You need a second pilot for your KAI LAH, Chae-Yeong, and this recruit beside me, Cadet Raisa Vezzoso, is keen to prove herself. Tomorrow’s trials at the range would be an ideal challenge.”

FCA 4,796 words

Slava Ukrayini