I nearly missed this next Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024 as I was frantically trying to finish Episode 26 of my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights. It was overdue by over two months from the last day my characters appeared on duty. However, I finished and posted it with a day to spare:
Unfortunately, if the election of President Trump stands, Ukraine could be forced into a peace which cedes not just territory but thousands of Ukrainians who do not want to be second-class Russians. Also, Putin and other autocrats will be emboldened, and countries like Taiwan will feel threatened. What then?
Slava Ukrayini
The other writing news is I’ve drafted an acceptable query letter for my Welsh police procedural. I was unsure what books to compare it to, but I chose a series set in South Wales and a lesbian crime writer I admire. Ultimately, it must stand up in its unique way.
**
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or a 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!
November 6 question – What creative activity do you engage in when you’re not writing?
It would be great to do something creative other than writing but I’m aware of a drawback or two. My fingers are not nimble enough for some activities I’ve attempted. Nor do I have the space on the desk over my bed.
A few months ago, I attempted to revive my photography which was part of my career as a journalist from my early twenties onwards… although with breaks for other careers in farming, wholesale food marketing, and the film industry. Sadly, I’m struggling to upload any recent photos. Maybe one day.
My last photo of Quetzal RIP
Many decades ago, a girlfriend taught me to knit, and I made a scarf for her. A few years later, when we had both married other people, she admitted to dismantling my only attempt at knitting.
My attempt to play the flute lasted longer, although I eventually sold that flute to a more adept player. However, I still have the wooden Nepalese flute I bought in Kathmandu… the start of my flute adventure.
As a kid, I made a lot of plastic models from kits, mainly 1st World War biplanes, which my brother and I hung from the ceiling by thread. Making them was very fiddly so not a hobby to revisit.
My wife plays computer games that involve designing and building structures, from houses to workshops. I used to play the same games, and I’m tempted to return to them… when I’m not writing.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and our 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!
This is Episode 26 of Freedom Flights. This episode concludes events in early July and sets up events in August that precipitate occurrences throughout September.
Although the Kursk incursion doesn’t directly involve the Night Witches, I am unable to ignore it and so this episode’s actions lead into Episode 27, which includes Kursk as well as the first engagements with F-16s. However, the Witches might get to use other NATO jets in their arsenal.
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 continue to reach the frontlines and in time to change their fortunes.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page via the left-hand sidebar.
Episode 26 – Deceptive Intuition
2024
Tuesday, July 16th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Nadia Lysenko and Aleks Górski discussed their possible role before entering the Squadron Command Centre for the 0600 meeting with the Special Forces team.
“They need volunteers to fly a helicopter with Special Forces troops somewhere covert,” said Nadia. “Perun from Sikorsky Brigade suggested we had the right craft for such an operation.”
“Anatol is here to help Janina Patriksson and her team modify the helicopter,” said Aleks. ”Are you ready to join a crazy crew?”
“Probably when we learn more.”
They arrived outside the Command Centre as Ruslan Medved and his comrades went in, so they joined them.
Lieutenant Petrenko was sitting beside Maksym Bondarenko and the Chayka majors. Maksym opened the briefing.
“Last night, we were unable to discuss why Special Forces needed to approach the 2022 Night Witches Squadron. I’ll let Lieutenant Lukyan Petrenko explain.”
The dark-haired sturdy officer stood and surveyed the select group.
“Everything you hear here is highly classified as is everything connected to this operation. I have been tasked by my superiors within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces with finding the best helicopter pilot to fly a crack unit behind enemy lines on a secret mission.”
“What are the criteria?” asked Perun sitting aloof from the others.
“It was suggested that someone in your Sikorsky Brigade must have the expertise to sneak in low and fast flying a suitable helicopter. Yet, you say this squadron has more modern craft and a pilot experienced at flying special forces behind enemy lines.”
Lukyan looked at Nadia.
“Kapitan Nadia Lysenko, please tell me about your military experience before joining the Night Witches?”
Nadia stood and saluted.
“Before I joined the Night Witches and became Ukrainian, sir, I served in the French Air and Space Force. I flew with the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment, primarily attached to the 13th Battalion Chasseurs Alpins and saw action low-level flying a Eurocopter Cougar to get the troops in and out, sometimes flying a Eurocopter Tiger to harass and defend, like Afghanistan in 2011. Also, I flew missions in the 2nd Ivorian Civil War in 2011. Seven years later in northern Mali, I flew for the 1st Combat Helicopter Regiment as my previous commander said I was ‘adept at surprising the enemy by coming in very fast and low’… a reputation I aimed to keep.”
“Impressive and no doubt exactly the pilot we need. However, can any of your helicopters here match or exceed 300 km/h?”
He grinned mischievously.
“Not in our current inventory, sir,” said Nadia. “But in the 1st Combat Helicopter Regiment, I flew NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters… abbreviated to TTH. The 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment took delivery of 18 in 2023, so if I could persuade either of my former commanders to lease us one, an NH90 has the speed and stealth capabilities for a covert mission into enemy territory.”
Lukyan smiled and nodded towards Maksym.
“It seems your Kapitan Lysenko knows our minds. Let me introduce everyone to Kapitan Lysenko’s former comrade, Lieutenant Aline Bonheur.” He gestured to a lithe redhead who emerged from a side door.
Nadia and Aline embraced, kissing each other twice on the cheek and exchanging a flurry of French.
Lukyan coughed politely, and the two French pilots snapped to attention.
“Apologies Lieutenant Petrenko, it’s been four months since we served together in the 1st Combat Helicopter Regiment,” said Aline. “As agreed between Kyiv and Paris, I flew one NH90 TTH Caïman Standard 2 to a secure location in Poland where its French roundels were changed to Ukrainian roundels and trident insignia and your night camouflage were added. The NH90 is here in a ground-floor hangar bay.”
There were surprised murmurs from everyone
NH90 TTH Caïman transport helicopter of the French ALAT (Light Aviation of the Army): (Photo Stéphane GIMARD)
“Excellent. This Caïman is the French Army designation for the NH90 TTH Standard 2 variant for special ops,” said Lukyan. “As Nadia correctly observed the NH90 will match or exceed 300 km/h… with any modifications engineers can make. It also has stealth features like the infrared suppression system of exhaust gases for decreased sensory visibility against heat-seeking missiles.
“Also,” added Aline, “According to Airbus Helicopters, the NH90 possesses the lowest radar signature in its class, principally due to its diamond-shaped composite fuselage.”
Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth and Chief Warrant Officer Janina Patriksson studied schematics on one of the room’s screens.
“These NH90 TTH Caïman Standard 2 diagrams show a few areas where modifications could be made,” said Janina. “But I’m unsure whether we have all the right material here.”
“We probably do at Dęblin, but the University might not be such a secure location to work in unnoticed,” added Anatol.
Lukyan nodded. “That is why we came here to prepare, while the main incursion force gathers as if ready to reinforce front-line positions. However, I’m not a party yet as to where or when the incursion occurs. For now, we’ll be training while the NH90 Caïman is being modified. Any questions?”
Ruslan’s friend Danylo raised his hand.
“Where are we training? Is there a suitable area here?”
Kalyna whispered to Lukyan and he nodded.
“An all-female security unit patrols this base. Your mission is to enter at the northwest end and reach the hangar at the northeast end. Enter and identify the hostage before he or she is executed… and without all being captured or killed.”
“Should be easy,” said Danylo.
“Not when GROM, the Polish Special Forces, trained our security unit,” replied Nadia. “And some are K9 handlers.”
“This will be a night mission,” said Lukyan. “Commencing any time tonight after 2100. Both sides will use non-lethal Simunition which Chayka will supply. As usual wear body armor and headgear. I advise caution when engaging with K9s though as they are highly trained. However, if confronted by drones, shoot to disable them. If there are no questions, you are dismissed. Debrief at 0800.”
Kalyna stood and addressed the special forces.
“If you wait here, First Lieutenant Andżelika Sówka of the Night Owls will take you to our armoury to equip you with all the Simunition supplies you’ll need tonight. Take time to familiarize yourself with the equipment. Be aware that the base is now on lockdown. Janina, the floor is yours. ”
Janina waved the two pilots over to where she and Anatol studied the schematics.
“We’ve identified where we might commence testing for modifications. Aline, I’ll call the rest of our engineering team, and you can take us to your NH90.”
After four hours of analyzing the modifications feasible on the NH90 Caïman, the engineering team started implementing what seemed achievable, especially when Anatol could acquire crucial equipment and materials from Dęblin.
“I’ve been worrying for an hour or more about one key oversight,” said Nadia to Aline when they slipped down to the Zvenigora Restaurant for an early evening meal.
“Which you failed to mention earlier to everyone. Why?” asked her friend.
“Because I wanted to talk to you first… alone. Do you know anything about the terms under which we’re using this helicopter? Is it still a French craft or Ukrainian? Are we meant to return it relatively unscathed? Most importantly, will our ‘improvements’ be acceptable to the ultimate owners?”
“I guess it’s still the property of the 1st Combat Helicopter Regiment or French Army Light Aviation. I hope ‘our improvements’ will be appreciated. However, my commander’s parting words were ‘Don’t let any sensitive technologies fall into enemy hands or’… well you can guess what the Lieutenant colonel said.”
“What would that be, cherie?” asked a flirtatious journalist. “I’m this squadron’s friend, aren’t I Nadia? Your friend looks to have sensitive armes d’amour.”
“Moi? I’m as lithe as a jungle cat and my claws are too sharp for you.”
“Meow. Your claws or the armaments on the NH90 you landed masterfully this morning. Tell me more about this beauty. Will you let Nadia fly her?”
At that moment, Andżelika and Estera Sówka arrived and hurriedly escorted Aaron Garcia out of the restaurant protesting his innocence so all the customers heard.
“Let’s follow,” said Nadia. “This should be interesting if I know what they’re up to.”
She paid for their meal and then they followed.
Estera turned and grinned as she spoke.
“Do you want to join this game and add some spice? You’d be perfect.”
“What’s this all about?” asked Aaron, voice wavering. “I was only flirting. It was harmless.”
“You’ll see when we’ve tied you up,” said Andżelika and chuckled.
Surprised by Aaron’s sudden removal from the restaurant by her fellow Night Owls, Anhelina Tkachuk wondered if the night exercise had started. Except it was still 19.45.
“Don’t worry, you’ve got another hour,” helicopter pilot Polina Moroz said. “Plenty of time to finalise tomorrow’s arrangements to see your cousin Olha at Superhumans.”
“They’re expecting all four of us,” added Olha’s flight leader, Adriana Pavlenko. “Including Estera since she agreed to drive the old Toyota truck with the donations for the centre.”
“Five if I’m allowed to bring Quetzal?”
“Of course. She’s a service dog… who will flatten a special forces guy tonight.”
They all cheered for Anhelina’s red & white Siberian Husky.
*
Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
The special forces unit crouched off the road into the airbase ten minutes before the exercise commenced.
“What was the final Night Owls count? Any change from your tally, Ruslan?” asked Lukyan. “Remember from here on use call signs.”
“Understood Panther. No change from 12 GROM trained with four K9s.”
“OK, Lynx. Same numbers now our reinforcements were sneaked in. But they’re on home ground. Spare the Simunition as we’ve shared it out. Use unarmed combat rather than weapons. Infiltrate in fours along the four agreed routes. Slava Ukrayini.”
*
Kalyna and Vasy studied the monitors in the Saab MSHORAD as Aslög used the hidden Giraffe AMB radar to sweep the northwest end of the base, assisted by drones designed to detect armed humans.
“Strange there are now sixteen intruders. Unfortunately, we’re only observers. However, our eighteen Owls will handle them, especially with five K9s, ensuring all approaches are covered,” said Kalyna.
“Our task,” said Vasy, “Is to ensure the real enemy doesn’t use the exercise as cover for a sneak attack. At least Sable Flight is patrolling around Lusk to protect them and us, while Gold Flight is covering Lviv’s northern flank. Everyone else is on standby. Tamila Medved volunteered to run the Command Centre tonight until I return.”
*
Lukyan looked at his watch, 2100. He directed Puma’s four on the far side of the road to infiltrate along the southern fence line.
Then he launched a spotter drone towards the main buildings hoping to detect defenders protecting the concealed hangars. There was no movement, only a large black vehicle with ground-to-air missiles mounted ready for launch.
“Hopefully for the enemy not us,’ he whispered to his team before they moved forward a few metres in a crouch.
Silence. A solitary bird call which he struggled to identify until another answered.
“Night Owls. They’ve spotted us. But where are they?”
Suddenly a burst of gunfire shattered the calm. But the team couldn’t see anything with their night equipment.
“The shots were towards the southern fence,” said Leopard. “Will Puma cope?’
*
Using the southern fence line, the Puma team made progress until gunfire forced them to crawl into cover searching for the combatants.
“Has one of our teams found the first line of defense?” asked Cheetah. “Or do we sneak past and make for the objective.”
“Mission first,” said Puma. “Anyway, we don’t have a team in the centre. Only Panther by the buildings.”
“This must be a trap,” said Cougar. “We’re wise to ignore it.”
As they continued they heard a flight of jets take off heading towards Kyiv.
The sound muffled the whispering engine of a drone overhead observing them.
*
Andżelika and Estera Sówka chuckled as their two drones tracked the groups that hadn’t walked into the sound effect trap. Alicja Dubicka lowered the tape machine’s volume gradually and switched it off.
The Night Owls split into two groups of three plus a K9 unit as a less noticeable tracker while they followed the teams.
*
All three of the Panther team heard the drone at once. Jaguar got the nod to disable it
“We’ve got to be faster,” said Panther. “A real enemy would’ve killed us. I suspect the Owls have surrounded us. Our first objective is to check if that missile launcher is neutral or hostile.”
Once they had surrounded the launcher, Kalyna stepped out.
“Welcome to Chayka Field’s main ground defence, Saab’s MSHORAD. We’re just observing your exercise while watching for the real enemy. Rather than give your opponents an advantage, Lieutenant, we’ll save the tour for tomorrow.”
Aneta Filipek and her Owl colleague, recruited at Dęblin, waited in a hidden trench for a Sówka team to appear behind the approaching intruders.
A shot winged the rear figure and his three colleagues dived for the bushes hiding the trench.
But Aneta and her colleague had perfect shots lined up, so they ordered the men to surrender as a dog growled behind the trio.
“Taika, ground,” said his handler Aldona Jagoda.
“Guess you Polish ladies outwitted us,” said Panther. “But at what cost? Half your owls to capture just a few of ours. Now you have to guard us.”
“Aneta and Aldona. Lock them up in the cellar and then join us,” said Estera.
The Panther team were escorted into the trench built under part of the main terminal. They were led through a concealed door into a small room with two beds, a stove and a kettle. At the back was a cage in which the trio were locked with water and rye bread.
“There’s a bunk bed and we’ll return before the debrief. Escape is futile with concrete all around you,” said Aneta.
Taika barked a warning.
*
Zyta Sadowska and another Owl recruit waited in a trench under an abandoned armoured car. A ladder led up to makeshift bunks. A machine gun was planned to increase the position’s strength.
Zyta was looking out of the gunport when she spied a drone scanning ahead of approaching hostiles. She was tempted to disable it, but that would give their position away.
The lead gestured at the AC and his team of four stealthily moved around the vehicle.
One fired into the trench and Zyta heard her comrade scream. Her attacker shouted, “Inside”.
She slammed the AC hatch closed and bolted the rear doors. Then as she was about to shoot the drone, one of the squadron’s capture drones neutralized it and it fell groundward. Before it hit the earth, Mariyka Shevchuk caught it in a large butterfly net.
“First successful use of our ground-launched capture device without damaging the target. Our special forces visitors should be pleased to get this back intact plus some Chayka capture drones.”
Andżelika was watching the feed from their spotter drone which none of the escaping quartet had noted.
“They’re heading across the runway to the control tower where I hope Estera’s group are waiting to spring the next trap.”
*
Confronted by the woodland behind the terminal, Ruslan and the Lynx team had reached the same conclusion as Danylo and the Ocelot team.
“If they hide jets in here, Owls are going to be tough to find before they wing us,” said Ruslan. ”Lynx team will take the northern perimeter while Ocelot skirts the buildings thus evading the trees.”
Everyone agreed to regroup at the end of the woodland before the final approach to the hangar.
*
There was almost no light in the hangar, a single bulb where the three hostages were tied in chairs fastened to a central girder.
The rest of the space was dark except where shafts of moonlight revealed skeletons of ancient planes, covered with a shroud of cobwebs.
Aaron glanced into the shadows where he feared the guards were lurking and listening to his questions. Why didn’t Nadia or Aline know anything?
He leaned closer so the guards couldn’t hear.
“Is it something about this NH90 Caïman? I’ve seen one before when the Spanish Army took delivery of its HT-29 Caimáns in December 2014. Back then, I did a lot of research to write a complimentary in-depth review. They were the NH90 Gslot PA TTH variant, an earlier model than yours.”
“Did you notice any differences worth mentioning in your paper?” asked Nadia. “Remind me of your magazines, please Aaron?”
“Mainly ‘Vuelo del Águila’ but a few others feel the coverage helps. Variations on helicopters always interest enthusiasts… like your craft seems to have larger fuel tanks and different gun mounts. Without you saying more Aline… or cherie Nadia, it’s not much of a story.”
Neither pilot responded so Aaron was left dreaming up another ploy.
*
Lieutenant Petrenko was surprised to be released from the cellar by Major Kalyna Chayka and escorted to the Squadron Command Centre where Major Vasy Chayka was waiting with new orders.
“Your superiors within Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces have requested you and your men return to your base of operations with the NH90 TTH Caïman Standard 2 piloted by Lieutenant Bonheur and Kapitan Lysenko.”
“What will happen to the modifications which were incomplete last night? We were due a delivery of crucial equipment and materials from Dęblin.”
Vasy and Kalyna discussed the issue and Vasy gave their conclusion.
“Identify the key personnel you need to complete the modifications and your assignment. Then your most crucial will fly in your NH90 and when the delivery arrives from Dęblin the rest can follow by the most efficient means.”
Lukyan nodded, accepting the orders but he had a final question.
“Why the sudden change of plans?”
“It was your superiors’ decision. Please ask them.”
*
Wednesday, July 17th – Helicopter Hangar Bay, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Fifteen special forces troops and two pilots stood beside the NH90 TTH Caïman Standard 2 at 0600 when Lukyan Petrenko and Kalyna Chayka entered the Hangar Bay. Everyone saluted, and then Lukyan addressed them.
“It was unfortunate last night‘s exercise was called off, but this means the real action will be soon. Although we are leaving Chayka Field, some of their engineers are following shortly with the means to make our NH90 faster and stealthier. Major Chayka wishes to say a few words.”
Kalyna saluted Lukyan and then spoke.
“We are glad to be helping you first, by lending you our best helicopter pilot, Kapitan Nadia Lysenko, whom I know will do everything to ensure your safe return. Second, we are sending our best engineers with Dęblin’s Anatol Krakarth to help make your NH90 so stealthy and swift the enemy won’t see you coming. Whatever your mission is we at Chayka Field all wish you success. Teach our enemies a deadly lesson they won’t forget and may your actions hasten the peace we strive for.
She paused then shouted, “Slava Ukraini”
Everyone cried out, “Heroiam slava!.”
*
Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Anhelina Tkachuk never missed her morning exercise routine with Quetzal. Her red & white Siberian Husky thrived on the daily sessions and today they faced a three-hour road trip to the Superhumans Center in Wynnyky near Lviv.
She had a sleepless night worrying about seeing her cousin Olha after her amputated left arm had been replaced with a prosthesis. The noise from a helicopter leaving the base around 0630 had triggered her fear of Olha ever flying again.
She slumped on the ground and Quetzal leaned her head on Anhelina’s chest.
Siberian Husky: Image Credit: Aleksandr Abrosimov, Shutterstock
“Are you okay, Anhelina? At least Quetzal is guarding you.”
From the curved prosthetic foot, she knew Polina Moroz had been running.
“I took a break after my workout. Are the others waiting?”
“Olha’s flight leader Adriana went to help Estera refuel the old Toyota truck we all loaded with the donations for Superhumans”
The sound of a vehicle approaching made them look towards the entrance. The Polish truck drew closer and Polina waved, recognizing the two helicopter instructors from Dęblin, Brajan Rudawski and Igor Dubicki.
“I guess you want Anatol. He’s in the Blackhawk hangar, the one with open doors.”
“Correct. We’ve brought the equipment and materials he wanted,” said Igor. “If Aleks is around, can you tell her I’m here, please?”
“We’re leaving for Lviv shortly, but we’ll pass on a message.”
Anhelina, Quetzal and Polina cut through the terminal to reach the Toyota and met Kalyna.
“The Dęblin truck has arrived so we told the guys where Anatol was,” said Polina. “Igor wants to see Aleks, but we’re leaving for Superhumans—”
“To see Olha Tkachuk. Wish her love and strength from all of us. We miss her and want her back in full health. Travel safely, sisters.” Kalyna paused and then added, ”I’ll ensure Aleks sees Igor. She hasn’t taken Nadia’s departure at all well.”
At the rear of the terminal, Polina, Anhelina and Quetzal climbed into the Toyota where Estera and Adriana were estimating how long the journey took.
They drove around to the front of the terminal. The Blackhawk was outside being loaded with the delivery from Dęblin by the engineers and crew. They waved to everyone before leaving the base and heading for the H17 southwards.
Having found Aleks sitting alone and brooding in Alpha Tiger, Kalyna told her that Igor needed her where the Blackhawk was being loaded. She led her there hoping Igor could lift Alek’s mood. She let the couple talk while she went to find the helicopter’s crew.
They were discussing which passengers to take. Kalyna handed the flight instructions from Special Forces to the pilots Captain Henrika Visser and Lieutenant Beitris Berengar.
“Is all that equipment restricting your passengers to less than must go, Henrika?”
“Yes. We’re down to six, but Anatol needs Janina, Mariyka and her three flight engineers, plus the two instructors from Dęblin. We must drop two of those and can’t agree on who is dispensable.”
Looking around the gathered group, Kalyna made a risky decision.
“ Are your two gunners needed? Isn’t anyone else able to cover that role?”
Cecilija Lusk whispered to her colleague who nodded.
“We could be replaced by some here,” said Cecilija adding, “ Aren’t engineers more crucial to this mission?”
Kalyna nodded and Henrika said, “The engineers loaded correctly and I’m sure two or more of them can fire these guns.”
Brajan stepped forward. “Igor and I instructed our helicopter cadets on various armaments with the assistance of weapons officers.”
“If you can persuade your colleague to leave his friend,” said Henrika, “we would be ready to fly.”
Writing Wings 