Episode 41 of Freedom Flights is set in January 2025 and will be released in two parts. Can you guess what world-shattering event occurs in Part 2? Some events foreshadowed in this episode will take a few months to play out.
I will continue trying to foreshadow future incidents without making my characters react as if they know what will happen later in 2025… even if they fear what could happen. Also, I want each episode to tackle just crucial incidents in a specific month, thereby I hope to reach the present quicker. I don’t want to be stuck writing about earlier months when the last shot is fired.
Therefore, until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes. After then addressing the essential rebuilding, I must finish writing the pre-2022 growth of the Chayka Family and their aviation business based in Canada, Chayka Air.
We must never forget the brave people fighting for freedom, with too many losing their lives. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons continue to reach Ukraine, despite how some leaders vacillate. 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 41. Conviction and Commitment.
Part 1
2025
Sunday, January 5th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
The group of children were gathered outside the old hangar, which had been decorated to resemble a stable with a nativity scene inside for the Christmas celebrations.
A child exclaimed with delight and pointed into the darkness as three figures in magnificent outfits emerged.
“Los Reyes Magos,” said Adelita Palomo, then added in Ukrainian, “The Three Kings.” She introduced them individually as they approached. “As I’m sure you know, these Wise Men are Melchior… Gaspar… and Balthazar. Follow them, please. They have gifts for children.”
https://frescotours.com/the-most-important-dates-and-traditions-of-christmas-in-spain/
As Los Reyes Magos led the children inside the hangar, Adelita approached Aitana Salcedo, who was guarding the door, and switched into Spanish.
“Are the others inside?”
“Conchita and Jacinta are, as is Aaron now, wearing his King costume. But Katiuska is patrolling with Treka and the other K9 handlers, including the five new ones from Canada. Protecting these kids is the Night Owl’s priority this evening. So, let’s join the children when I’m relieved.”
Shortly, K9 handler Ailish Delaney and her Beagle, Rosheen, took over, so Adelita and Aitana went into the hangar.
Inside, Los Reyes Magos were kneeling before the infant Jesus in his crib and presenting their gifts. Gaspar gave gold, representing Jesus’ kingship; Melchior offered frankincense, symbolising his divinity; and Balthazar brought myrrh, which indicated his mortality.
“Is that real gold?” asked Adelita.
“Only if my engagement ring is,” replied Conchita. “Aaron wouldn’t say when he proposed yesterday. He just borrowed the ring for this evening’s event.”
The Kings bowed once again to Jesus, then backed up a few steps before turning to the children. Three thrones had been set up for Los Reyes Magos, who sat and began presenting the kids with candy and practical presents.
https://frescotours.com/the-most-important-dates-and-traditions-of-christmas-in-spain/
“Where did you leave your camels?” asked one small girl of the imposing Gaspar.
Tugging his dark beard, he replied, “On the far end of the base, where the dogs can guard them. Later tonight, we’ll visit your houses when you’re asleep and leave gifts for your families.”
“We can put out some grass or carrots,” said another girl. “Your camels will enjoy those.”
As the Kings and the children chatted, Conchita and her friends were ensuring the parents had what they needed… gifts from Los Reyes Magos donated by the squadron.
An hour later, Los Reyes Magos said farewell to the children, and everyone escorted them outside, where K9 handler Ailish Delaney and her Beagle, Rosheen, were on duty.
The kids all wanted to stroke Rosheen, whom they decided was the cutest dog they’d ever seen.
“Rosheen loves her work and this kind of attention,” said Ailish. “Her nose helps us find things that are hidden or lost.”
**
Monday, January 6th – Recreation Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Returning from the Epiphany service in the base chapel, Conchita and Aaron led the Spanish contingent to a corner of the rec room, originally the airport’s main lounge. Some comfortable chairs and couches were arranged around two low tables.
“Did the Three Kings leave these gifts?” asked Adelita, staring at Aaron. “Or did they take off with their camels?”
“Treka and I saw them leave towards Lutsk last night,” said Katiuska, winking at Aaron, who was already handing out presents.
Conchita unwrapped hers and held up her engagement ring and a St Christopher pendant.
“Seems Gaspar added another gold treasure to my ring.” She kissed Aaron, handing him a narrow parcel.
Removing the paper, he took out a box and opened it, revealing a pen.
“It’s also a digital recorder. I’ve left a message for you alone.”
Their friends unwrapped anonymous gifts, all selected individually, even Treka’s. But by whom? They stared at each other, then at Aaron and Conchita.
“If you were Gaspar, who were the other Kings?” asked his sister Jacinta.
“I don’t know. They just arrived,” replied the distracted journalist. “With the camels, perhaps.”
He was staring at a crowd gathered in front of the rec’s television. The Spaniards wandered over to the Canadian TV channel broadcasting Justin Trudeau’s press announcement.
“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I have been inspired by the resilience, generosity and the determination of Canadians,” he said. “It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office. That is why, since 2015, I have fought for this country – for you -”
The ten Canadians nodded as Trudeau continued.
“-to strengthen and grow the middle class, and why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy, and to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future.
We are at a critical moment in the world…”
Everyone murmured in agreement, although Kalyna Chayka muttered, “But what’s next?”
As if in response, Trudeau eventually answered.
“That’s why, this morning, I advised the governor general that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request, and the house will now be prorogued until 24 March.”
“Suspending Parliament may lead to a Spring election,” said Tetyana Douglass.
Then, as expected, Trudeau said, “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process. Last night I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process.
This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
“So, who will lead the Liberals, and what will happen to our fight over here?” asked Zoriana Douglass.
“I pray they choose Chrystia Freeland, after all she’s done for Ukraine,” said Ailish Delaney.
“Like all of us, she has Ukrainian ancestors,” added Corynn Amsel.
“And the family all speak Ukrainian at home,” continued Isla Clacher.
“As have our clan, ever since the two Chayka sisters escaped Nazi and Soviet tyranny in 1944,” said Vasy.
“Marrying two brothers from an earlier refugee wave from Ukraine,” said Kalyna, then concluded, “The ten of us need to decide what we do next, especially as there will be a Parliamentary election in Canada, sooner than expected.”
The Ukrainian Canadians all agreed and followed the Chayka cousins to a quieter room.
**
Thursday, January 16th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Kalyna Chayka turned back to the nine Night Owls waiting for the meeting.
“That was Commandant Raphaëlle Balode, our senior officer at Dęblin in Poland. She wanted to confirm the reports that Poland’s Operational Command did scramble fighter jets to secure Polish airspace last night, but there were no violations by the Russians.”
“However,” added Vasy. “As you know, Western Ukraine came under massive attacks right up to the Polish border. The enemy targeted our key energy infrastructure. 43 cruise and ballistic missiles and 74 attack drones were launched in last night’s barrage.”
After a strategic pause, Kalyna continued.
“Yet, our air force downed 30 missiles and 47 drones, of which our pilots contributed a respectable number, with zero casualties.” Cheers and fist pumps greeted the encouraging news. “President Zelensky announced the authorities have maintained the ‘operation of our energy system’. But we must be prepared for the Russian aerial onslaught to continue night after night.”
Murmurs of agreement and determination followed.
“Your responses suggest you are prepared for this,” said Vasy. “We suspect otherwise you wouldn’t have volunteered initially, given what you were told beforehand. However, we’re interested to learn your motivation behind serving with the Night Owls.”
Kalyna gestured at the three Spaniards.
“You’ve been here just over two months and were inspired by Aaron Garcia. Is there a common motive?”
They all nodded.
“I may be Aaron’s sister, but I speak for all three of us”, said Jacinta. “Everything he witnessed and reported made us aware of the suffering of Ukrainians as well as their desire to fight for every meter of their land. So much blood is being spilt every day, which must be stopped, whatever it takes. We were comfortable back in Spain, trained in our professions, but watching the people here suffer and, in too many cases, die. Aitana and I are qualified paramedics who can contribute far more here. Katiuska and her K9, Treka, are an experienced search and rescue duo. Together, this Hispanic trio is a team.”
Jacinta’s speech received a round of applause.
“The plight and the courage of Ukraine’s people inspire us all,” said Vasy. “Have our new recruits from Canada found a common purpose and someone to present them? We do have time for personal contributions.
The five K9 handlers smiled at each other. Then let Corynn Amsel talk.
“Ensuring the venue for the Chayka Air Fundraiser was secure brought us together as a team. Being at the event and watching the Kearney Encounter footage made us all aware of the importance of this country and the struggle to drive the Russians out. Tetyana and Zoriana encouraged us to discover our Ukrainian roots, in some cases deeper than expected. As we talked with your colleagues in Cold Lake and explored the war online, we realised our involvement out here would not only save lives through the search and rescue work, but our protection of your combat units would allow them to be more flexible in their dispersed operations. Like our Spanish sisters, we are a team… proven before we arrived.”
More cheers and applause followed.
“Excellent again. Does anyone want to add anything?” asked Kalyna.
“On a tangent,” said Isla Clacher. ‘We’re all from NATO countries and helping a country not yet a member. But the Russians claim they are fighting NATO, while our governments try to avoid escalating to that scenario. We are like the Americans in WW2, volunteering while the USA was holding back… like the ones in the Eagle Squadrons.”
“Your point being?” asked Vasy. “Are you suggesting we need non-NATO recruits?”
“Almost all of Ukraine’s support is from NATO countries,” replied Isla. “Although Russia leans towards other autocratic regimes, the Global South, led by India, continues to support them. Does Ukraine get any support from non-Western countries?’
The cousins conferred and then Kalyna answered.
“This squadron has some South Korean crew and some equipment donated from Australia. Within Ukraine, there are several volunteers from such NATO partnership countries… non-member allies for mutual security and co-operation. Recruiting qualified personnel won’t be easy… even using Chayka Air contacts-“
“Although having non-NATO personnel has advantages,” continued Vasy. “Wherever we can counter Russia’s accusations of Ukraine as a Western puppet, we should seize on it. First, we need to develop our South Korean links with the assistance of Captain Jeong Chae-Yeong and Warrant Officer Kang Eun-Ji. Second, Kalyna, we should ask your daughter, Aliona, to investigate the company’s Far Eastern, Indian, African, and Latin American connections.”
Kalyna agreed and invited further suggestions.
“My brother and his fiancée, Conchita, were discussing fighter jets recently,” said Jacinta. “They have South American and Portuguese acquaintances in the military. Whether they could persuade any to volunteer, I don’t know… but I could ask.”
**
After the new recruits left the meeting to resume their security and medical duties, Kalyna rang her daughter in Canada. Aliona understood the imperative of exploring all Chayka Air’s avenues to garner support for the Night Witches and Ukraine.
“Another concern over here,” said Kalyna, “Is the Trump inauguration on Monday receiving appropriate attention from the Canadian media? Everyone here is already uneasy, as he promised to resolve the war in 24 hours.”
“At Chayka Air, we share your unease, but Canadians are more concerned about Trump’s impact on the economy with his threatened tariffs. The press is devoting as much attention to who will be the next Liberal leader, therefore, our new Prime Minister.”
“If there is a Spring election as predicted, we’ll need to ensure the Canadians out here can vote,” said Kalyna. “Ukraine could be a key issue.”
Aliona paused before replying.
“Unfortunately for Ukraine, the Conservatives are well ahead in the polls… whoever ends up leading the Liberal Party.”
**
MPA – 2,033 words
Slava Ukraini
Heroiam slava!
Writing Wings 