Episode 35 of Freedom Flights continues the medevac plotline and deals with the Kursk aftermath in Ukraine. Because of the events in this episode, it will become apparent that there will be scenes in Poland next time.
I will continue trying to foreshadow future incidents without making my characters react as if they know what will happen in 2025.
Until a just and lasting 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 continue to reach the country, despite what some leaders threaten. Plus, that assistance must arrive on time to change their fortunes and prepare for the genuine peace that must come soon.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page via the left-hand sidebar.
Episode 35 – Heroes Never Die
2024
Thursday, September 26th – Main Military Clinical Hospital, 16 Hospitalna St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Captain Henrika Visser landed the Black Hawk, with Lieutenant Beitris Berengar guiding them safely to the nearest open ground to the hospital. Their two paramedics began passing the six stretchers to the hospital’s waiting nurses.
“Are these all the patients from the Chernyakhivka apartment attack?” asked a nurse.
“Another six critical are coming in another helicopter, callsign Golf,” said paramedic Alicja Dubicka. “The less critical are coming by road. However, a larger craft, callsign Sierra, is bringing a dozen patients from another town.”
“We’ll ensure more staff can receive those patients.”
As the last stretcher was unloaded, Beitris radioed their colleagues.
“Hotel to Golf. We’re about to leave, but there’s space to land on our port side. Over.”
“Golf to Hotel. Understood. We’re three minutes away. Over and out.”
Once the hospital staff cleared the landing area, Captain Xenia Ahlberg landed the Griffon with Lieutenant Acacia Berntsen’s guidance. While they waited for more nurses to retrieve their six patients, Beitris called the NH90 Caïman as her crewmates prepped for takeoff.
“Hotel to Sierra. About to leave, so will be space beside Golf for you to land. How near are you? Over.”
“Sierra to Hotel. We’re five minutes out, with one seriously critical patient requiring emergency attention. Medical staff have been alerted already. See you at the northern meet-up later. Over and out.”
The Black Hawk also arranged to meet the Griffon on the north side of Kyiv, where their Bravo Tiger escort would join them all.
*
Capitaine Aline Bonheur and Kapitan Aleks Górski could see the emergency medical staff waiting for them to land the NH90 Caïman. Chief Paramedic Osinniy and First Lieutenant Estera Sówka ensured their seriously critical patient was the first unloaded when Lieutenant Cecilija Lusk opened the side doors.
On alighting from the NH90, Osinniy handed the doctor her notes.
“The patient displays signs of crushed internal organs from falling masonry. We scanned for internal bleeding, hence the urgency.”
“Thanks. We’re all set to operate,” replied the doctor as two nurses wheeled the patient away. The rest of the hospital medics began receiving the other eleven wounded in the Russian attack.
Inside Sierra, Spanish journalist Aaron Garcia was talking to the crew.
“I’m grateful to all of you Night Witches for the stories you’ve helped me with. Aline, my thanks to you all for giving me the chance to cover this medevac operation. I intend to write an article that moves readers to donate, and some might even volunteer.”
“I sense you’re not coming back to Chayka Field,” said Aleks. “What are you planning next?”
He grinned. “First, to end this story with the hospital’s medical staff caring for those injured last night.” He paused to collect his backpack, from which he removed a letter. “Then, I’m going home to Ferrol… in Spain. I want to spend more time encouraging Spaniards to train and serve here as paramedics.”
Then he embraced Aline and kissed her on each cheek, from the right to the left. Next, he kissed farewell to Cecilija and then Aleks. After he kissed Aleks, he handed her the letter.
“This is for Conchita… Conchita Gutiérrez. We spent our last night together… before I left Chayka Field. I asked her to my home in Ferrol when the war ends. But I’ve always feared the damn Russians killing her. I needed to tell her again I loved her… in writing. Please give her this.” He paused before continuing. “When Nadia gets back from Russia with Dasha, tell them both farewell. Maybe one day, one or two of you will visit Ferrol.”
Aaron jumped out of Sierra and approached the team members outside. He kissed Osinniy farewell, then Estera and K9 handler Aldona Jagoda, bending down to stroke her dog, Taika. The Belgian Malinois licked his face, so he kissed him.
“Keep rescuing more people, my friend.”
Waving, the journalist disappeared towards the hospital.
*
Antonov International Airport, Hostomel’, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
After two years, there were still obvious signs from the Battle of Antonov Airport in the spring of 2022. However, despite the damaged runway, there were places where helicopters could land.
The NH90 Caïman joined the Black Hawk, Griffon, and Tiger escort. But as Aline landed Sierra, the crew received a message.
“Chayka Field to Sierra. Ensure all medics and K9 handlers return to the base on Hotel or Golf. Remain at Antonov and await new passengers with a critical mission. A four-fighter escort will join you near the new destination. Over.”
Aline replied. “Sierra to Chayka Field. Understood. Will await new orders. Over and out.”
She turned to Osinniy, Estera and Aldona.
“There should be more room on the Black Hawk, but let’s check.”
All the crew accompanied their friends, including Taika, to where their colleagues waited.
“Sierra is being sent on a mystery mission,” said Aline. “No clue what. Henrika, do you have space for two medics and one K9 with handler?”
“Of course, they’ll be welcome,” replied Henrika. “Where’s Aaron?” She paused, then pointed at two approaching black SUVs with tinted windows. “If that’s your mission, it looks covert. Good luck. We’ll see you back for tonight’s movie.”
“Aaron Garcia went into the hospital, then back to Spain. As for this mystery, let’s hope it’s not another border crossing, or we’ll miss the movie. But you’ll see us again.”
The Sierra crew waved their friends off as six uniformed men climbed out of the SUVs. One gestured to them, and they recognised him.
*
Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine
Capitaine Dasha Isakova was relieved when her friend Kapitan Nadia Lysenko regained consciousness before they crossed the border into Ukraine.
“I was about to land our purloined Sukhoi Su-30SM at Myrhorod Air Base solo but having you back with me is a great relief. Will you need a doctor when we arrive?”
“Couldn’t miss your landing. The doctor can wait a bit longer.”
As they began their descent, Nadia contacted the base.
“Phénix to Myrhorod Control Tower, Rossignol and I request permission for ‘Les ailes de la Phénix’ to land and refuel. Give our greetings to Major Medved. Over.”
“Permission granted Phénix. Major Medved invites you to see him. Over and out.”
With Nadia’s encouragement, Dasha landed the Sukhoi Su-30SM, and the ground crew directed them to a shielded revetment off a curving taxiway. A mechanic placed a ladder for them to climb down. He pointed at the Red Stars on the jet.
“I’m Yuri. Do I hide those stars beneath camouflage netting? Don’t want our pilots targeting it.”
They all laughed.
“We’re more concerned the Russians will locate their missing plane, which we liberated from Kursk,” said Dasha. You don’t have a paint shop to transform it into Ukrainian livery?”
“We do, but you’ll have to clear it with the Major. I guess you’re from the Night Witches like his daughter.”
“Tamila Medved’s a good friend,” said Nadia. ‘Just cover the Sukhoi with netting for now, please. Many thanks, Yuri.”
*
Major Illya Medved, Commander of Myrhorod Air Base, greeted Nadia and Dasha as they entered the main building.
“Your escape from Russia sounds incredible, and with one of their best multirole fighters.” He paused as he led them into his office, where photos of his children, Tamila and Ruslan, were proudly displayed on his desk. “Later, you must tell me how you got away. First, we need to discuss what you intend for the Sukhoi Su-30SM.”
Dasha nodded at Nadia.
“We’re aware that the only Sukhoi Su-30SMs in Ukraine are wrecks, no doubt examined in detail by our aviation experts and probably some from NATO. So, this is possibly the first intact example ever brought to the West. It’s too valuable to be risked in combat-“
“Although, two enemy Su-30SMs tried to shoot us down near Sudzha,” added Dasha. “We shot one down with a Cobra manoeuvre, and Sudzha’s defenders claimed the other jet.”
Illya chuckled.
“They misjudged you, unaware you were experienced pilots capable of outflying them. Everyone‘s glad you prevailed.”
“As are we,” replied Nadia. “We asked one of your maintainers, Yuri, about repainting the Su-30SM as Ukrainian, and he told us to talk to you. This is presuming the UAF keeps her and merely allows our NATO allies to study her somewhere safe, like in Poland.”
Illya smiled and nodded.
“A wise suggestion, starting with the repaint, although we will need to discuss this with-“
He was interrupted by a call from the Control Tower.
“Our Delta flight has escorted the helicopter here with your other guests, Major Medved. I told them you’d meet them as arranged.”
*
Somewhat prepared, Dasha and Nadia followed Illya to the main entrance, where they met Colonel Maksym Bondarenko with a bearded UAF Major-General and two NATO officers, followed by Aline Bonheur, Aleks Górski, Cecilija Lusk, and two guards.
“We came as soon as Kapitan Nadia Lysenko informed you that she and Capitaine Dasha Isakova were landing their priceless Sukhoi Su-30SM here,” said Maksym. “The ‘Les ailes de la Phénix’ message alerted us to meet you wherever you landed. Major Illya Medved, we are in your hands.”
“You are all welcome to Myrhorod Air Base. Please follow me. The squadron briefing room has been prepared for this crucial meeting.”
As the group walked down a side corridor, Aleks moved alongside Nadia and linked arms.
“I’m overjoyed you’re back safely, sister. I was about to give up until Dasha reassured me she’d get you back. When you returned with your prize, I was pleased Maksym asked the Night Witches to fly these important officers here in our NH90 Caïman.
Before Nadia could do more than squeeze Aleks’s hand, the group reached the briefing room in which a round table with chairs had been placed. Illya arranged the seating with Maksym, the UAF Major-General, the NATO officers, and himself, then all five Night Witches. The guards stood by the door.
“I hope this seating arrangement retains our unity in these discussions,” said Illya. “I invite Major-General Natan Isaiev to open the meeting.”
“I’ll start by saying President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sends his congratulations to our brave pilots for escaping with this valuable multirole fighter. I will add my praise for this heroic act. However, today we must decide how to ensure our advantage is not missed or wasted. Kapitan Nadia Lysenko and Capitaine Dasha Isakova what were your intentions in taking this Sukhoi Su-30SM?”
As in Illya’s office, Dasha let Nadia explain.
“The fighter was the fastest escape route using our code phrase and easy to steal during the coordinated attacks from Ukraine and by the Kursk resistance. We intended this Sukhoi Su-30SM to be a Ukrainian Air Force asset, although we were aware that our allies would also want to examine the plane.” She inclined her head to the NATO officers, then continued. “However, we’re aware the fighter is not safe until she’s in NATO airspace, beyond Russian reprisals. We were considering Poland as the squadron trains from Dęblin Airbase.”
Natan nodded and placed his palms together.
“An excellent explanation. The UAF is grateful for this asset, which I believe should be assigned to the 2022 Night Witches Squadron, but based at Dęblin in Poland, where our allies can have their technicians examine the plane. However, the UAF won’t allow this Sukhoi Su-30SM to be dismantled, although we will ensure the wreckage of the two Su-30SMs downed near Sudzha, plus other similar wrecks, are available for disassembling. Does everyone agree so far?”
The two NATO officers whispered to each other and then one spoke with an American accent.
“I’m Jason Ayers, USAF, sent with my English, sorry Scottish colleague, Group Captain Callum McNeilly RAF, to assess this Sukhoi Su-30SM or Flanker-H to use its NATO reporting name. Your plan to relocate to Poland seems sound, although I have one initial question. It presumably has Russian insignia, so shouldn’t that be changed before continuing to fly in friendly airspace?”
Illya raised his hand to speak.
“We discussed that, as we have a paint shop that can make the changes, but changing the livery will take longer than the few hours needed for the insignia. Other suggestions?”
“Our NH90 Caïman had its French livery and markings changed in Poland,” said Aline.
“Perfect,” said Callum McNeilly. “Once we’ve looked at the Flanker-H here, its ruddy stars can be replaced with your tryzubs, while we talk more over lunch. Then we all escort the Ukrainian Sukhoi Su-30SM…” He winked. “To this Dęblin airbase in Poland. Agreed?”
Everyone nodded and smiled, although Nadia’s head dropped. Aleks and Dasha immediately held her.
“She hasn’t slept for hours,” said Dasha. “And she was tortured by the Russians in Malaya Loknya Women’s Prison.”
“She’s not going anywhere until Doctor Yevhen Baran has checked her over,” said Illya. “I’m amazed she managed to fly.”
“She’s a Night Witch and an undercover operative,” said Aleks proudly.
*
While Doctor Baran examined Nadia and Aleks kept her company, Dasha took the senior officers to examine the Sukhoi Su-30SM. Yuri, the mechanic, brought a ladder so Jason and Callum could look at the cockpit controls and instruments.
“We guessed there was no devious ‘kill switch’,” said Callum as they turned on the electrical circuits. “Otherwise, the Russkies would have triggered it remotely mid-flight. There may be a spare parts issue unless Su-27s have compatible parts.”
“When I was working undercover at Khalino Airbase, the maintainers implied many parts were,” said Dasha. “Ironically, the French systems that have become an integral part of the Su-30SM are dependent on Kazakhstan. Fortunately, we can deal directly with the French firm Thales, which has integrated its excellent holographic Head-Up Display 3022 system.”
“Helps to have ex-French Air Force pilots,” said Illya. “Like Dasha, Nadia, and Aline.”
“Seven more French pilots are at Dęblin training our pilots to fly Mirage 2000-5Fs,” said Aline. “And their maintainers are training ours to service Mirages.”
“Natan, with this Sukhoi Su-30SM stationed at Dęblin,” said Maksym. “We’re allowing our allies to examine it. Right?” Natan, Jason and Callum nodded. “But there must be restrictions. First, shouldn’t the Polish Air Force be invited, as Dęblin is their training academy? Also, France has technical personnel there, as do the Swedes, since Colonel Falkborg of the Swedish Air Force has arranged for our Night Witches to train on Gripen E/Fs. Do we hold off on issuing other invitations by restricting information?”
“So far, the Russians haven’t said a Sukhoi Su-30SM has been stolen, only that drones hit their airbase near Kursk,” replied the Major-General. “Russian mil-bloggers broke the news, forcing an announcement that doesn’t mention any planes lost. We’ve not released a statement yet, but this plane was seen entering our airspace unchallenged. Something needs to be said to the press and our allies. Let’s plan over lunch while our prize becomes Ukrainian.”
*
Aleks was as shocked as the doctor at Nadia’s injuries.
“Your doctor at Chayka Field must treat these wounds. I’ve done what I can for now, but I’ll compile my recommendations… starting, Nadia, with a break from flying at Mach speed.”
“But who’ll navigate for Dasha?” asked Nadia.
“I will,” said Illya, walking into the doctor’s office. “I’m a Sukhoi Su-27 pilot and was a navigator. You need to heed Yevhen’s advice. Let’s see if Dasha agrees. We’re all having lunch in the squadron mess, so please all come.”
When they were ready, Illya led them to the simply decorated mess, featuring squadron memorabilia, from photographs to banners.
Everyone was seated around a large round table again, but no longer with the Witches opposite the men. Illya managed to find two empty seats beside Dasha, who turned to Nadia and hugged her.
“Good news, I hope. I notice the doc hasn’t kept you in his sick bay.”
“Almost. He’s told me I can’t fly, so I guess I’m stuck here.”
Sitting opposite, Yevhen shook his head. “You can still fly helicopters. I was concerned about you flying at Mach speed in a jet.”
“You can fly to Poland in the NH90 Caïman,” said Illya. “I’ve offered to navigate for Dasha if she agrees.”
Dasha placed her hand on Nadia’s. “Like you, I wanted to deliver our prize all the way together. You’ll still be there, sister. We did the risky part.”
Aline was chatting to Jason and Callum, but then Jason turned to Illya.
“If you are flying to Poland, Major, you’ll need a lift back here. I’m sure Aline and her crew will offer to drop you back after dropping Maksym and Natan in Kyiv.” Aline nodded in agreement before Jason continued. “However, Callum and I are staying there for a few days, and we’re both capable of navigating for Dasha.”
“That would work for me as well,” said Natan. “I’ve asked Maksym to arrange for Colonel Alfhild Falkborg of the Swedish Airforce to meet us in Dęblin to see the Sukhoi Su-30SM and discuss her Gripen training programme.”
Illya looked disappointed yet nodded.
“However, Illya deserves something,” continued Natan. “I believe our most trusted squadron commanders, like him, should be invited to Dęblin so we can decide with our technical advisors in Ukraine and among our staunchest allies how we develop a superior version of the Sukhoi Su-30SM over the next few years. Ukraine has a first-rate aviation tradition.”
“Thank you,” said Illya. “I’m sure Callum or Jason will be an ideal navigator. I’ve had an idea regarding footage of when this plane flew into Ukrainian airspace. Dasha said the Kursk Sukhoi Su-30SMs used many Su-27 parts… so our captured jet is a hybrid Su-27 made to look like a Su-30SM, but we have discovered it does not behave like one.”
They all chuckled.
“Ingenuous and devious,” said Natan. “Let’s develop this. Could we even create footage showing that she performs like a hybrid? Okay, we need to leave for Dęblin this afternoon with your fighter escort, Illya. Who is Dasha’s navigator for this last leg?”
“I believe Jason is better qualified,” said Callum. “I wanted another chance to see a French ace fly the NH90 Caïman.”
“Scottish flattery is always appreciated,” said Aline.
*
Thursday, September 26th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
The Black Hawk crew had saved places for their Sierra friends, but there was no sign of them.
“The NH90 Caïman must have been sent on another cross-border op,” said Beitris.
“Those officers looked very important,” said Henrika. “I think one was a UAF Major-General, but I’d be surprised if they went to Russia.”
The Chayka Majors entered the restaurant and requested everyone’s attention.
“Most of you already know Kapitan Nadia Lysenko and Capitaine Dasha Isakova returned from Russia this morning in a captured Sukhoi Su-30SM,” said Kalyna.
Shouts of Slava Ukraini rang out, followed by Heroiam slava! After the cheers subsided, Vasy continued the announcement.
“We hoped to welcome them back here this evening, but it was decided the fighter was too valuable to remain in Ukrainian airspace. So, escorted by our NH90 Caïman crew, this Sukhoi Su-30SM has been flown to Dęblin, our Polish training base, where select experts will examine it. However, the plane has been assigned to this squadron and will never be dismantled for research.”
The cheering was renewed until Kalyna spoke again. “This remains classified until the UAF releases more details.”
She paused, then continued. “Tonight’s movie is being shown as a tribute to all our brave warriors of Ukraine. However, instead of another too-realistic war drama, we’re lightening your mood with My Thoughts Are Silent, a 2020 Ukrainian comedy-drama by director Antonio Lukich, which won the Special Jury Prize at the 54th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Although the film examines the eternal problem of parents and children, there’s a curious choice for the protagonist between ‘uncomfortable Ukraine’ and ‘attractive Canada’ Strange that the Chayka grandmothers faced that choice.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Thoughts_Are_Silent
**
MPA target 3,320 words
Slava Ukraini
Heroiam slava!
Writing Wings 
