Episode 40 of Freedom Flights features a crucial annual event in the Night Witches’ and Chayka Air’s calendar. Or rather, the clear up before the event. The episode was becoming too long to add more scenes. Can you tell what will happen next, or do you need a Part 2 before Episode 41, which will be set in January 2025? I am planning to reference key events in this episode, rather than ignore any vital details.

Apologies if I’ve left gaps previously. If I have, please let me know.

I will continue trying to foreshadow future incidents without making my characters react as if they know what will happen 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 40. Winter Warning.

2024

Monday, December 16^th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Kalyna and Vasy Chayka studied the squadron personnel list in the Command Centre.

“We must decide who we’re sending to Canada for the Christmas Chayka Air Fundraiser,” said Kalyna. “What are our priorities this year?”

“At our meeting last month on defensive measures, we made an extensive list,” said Vasy. “Some items are in the pipeline, but others are outstanding. Most of all – personnel.”

“Our journalist friend, Aaron Garcia, recruited medics recently… and one K9 unit. Could he raise the security personnel? Or is he going home again?”

“Not if it means leaving Conchita Gutiérrez,” replied Vasy. “I thought Andżelika and Estera Sówka, as they are the First Lieutenants in charge of our security… the Night Owls.”

“Excellent. The Sówka sisters understand our security requirements. However, the Kearneys also want a Ukrainian pilot on their podcast. Someone who can inspire all our supporters. Their coverage is always invaluable.”

“Who do you have in mind?”

“Pilots who have flown combat missions. I’ve narrowed those down to two… both recovering from injuries.”

“Master Sergeant Polina Melynk is off duty, as is Lieutenant Olha Tkachuk. Whether our doctor feels Olha has adapted to her prosthesis well enough to travel is one question we need answered.”

“We can check about both pilots,” said Vasy, messaging Sacha Proulx.

*

Medical Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Doctor Sacha Proulx and Chief Paramedic Osinniy were discussing general medical issues when the Chayka majors arrived as arranged.

“Many thanks for sparing the time,” said the cousins in unison.

“We’ve discussed our two patients,” said Sacha. “Both have recovered, although neither is ready for active duty. Lieutenant Olha Tkachuk had more serious injuries, but it’s been over four months since her prosthetic left arm was fitted on July 16^th. Even the second prosthesis fitting was over six weeks ago. Olha is fit enough to fly to Canada.”

Osinniy continued, “Master Sergeant Polina Melynk was wounded on Tuesday, September 3^rd, so would be healthy enough physically to travel. But she isn’t managing to handle her mental recovery. She needs more psych sessions, rather than a long journey and press attention.”

The cousins nodded, and Kalyna replied.

“If Olha agrees with your assessment and feels ready for such a protracted trip, we will send her and two others as the Night Witches’ representatives fundraising in Canada.”

Sacha handed her some printouts.

“These are guidelines for Olha, concerning travelling abroad with a prosthesis, although she is aware of almost everything. Flying as a pilot is more demanding than flying as a passenger. We’ve also included documents to ensure that there are no problems at security checkpoints, especially regarding medical questions.”

**

Friday, December 20^th – Edmonton International Airport, Alberta, Canada

The Sówka sisters and Olha waited for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority screening officers to finish checking their documents and kit bags. Despite the paperwork, the officers were confused when they found three military uniforms.

“Why are you in Canada and not fighting in Ukraine?” asked the older officer. “Maybe these aren’t yours,” He glanced at their passports. “Since when were Polish women involved?”

“We are volunteer security personnel,” said Andżelika, indicating her sister. “Our pilot companion is Ukrainian and was wounded while serving with an all-female squadron.”

“We’re guests of Chayka Air in Cold Lake,” added Estera. “The documents should confirm everything.”

“If they’re not forged,” said the younger officer. “How do we know you’re not dangerous Russian spies?”

An intercom buzzed in their office. A minute later, a colleague came out and whispered something to the older man, and the officers all left the interrogation room.

“We must insist on calling Chayka Air,” said Olha. “I don’t understand why these officers refused?”

After a short wait, a different man came in and told them to follow. He led them to the main office, where a woman and a Canadian Air Force officer greeted them.

“I’m Aliona Sokol from Chayka Air, and my RCAF friend here is Lieutenant Colonel Todd Manning. These CATSA officers were being extra diligent due to an anonymous tip-off about foreign agents attempting to infiltrate via a flight from Warsaw. A scam call, perhaps?”

“When you didn’t appear on time, despite your Verified Traveller IDs,” added Todd. “I was forced to use my RCAF rank to inquire whether you were detained incorrectly. I also fear the threat may not be a hoax, so we’re investigating that.”

Once the CATSA officers returned all their documentation and apologised profusely, Aliona and Todd escorted Olha, Andżelika and Estera out into the central area of the terminal.

“How far is Cold Lake?” asked Olha. “It will be good to stop travelling… although it’s a change of pace for us.”

The trio of travellers smiled.

“Almost 200 miles, or about 320 kilometres,” replied Aliona. “But we’ll get there soon, and then you can relax until tomorrow. What time did you leave Chayka Field?”

“0700 on Thursday,” said Estera. “We needed enough time to catch today’s 0600 flight from Warsaw.”

“A long flight,” said Todd. “I saw you had a layover at Amsterdam Schiphol, which means over 15 hours in the air. Apologies for the next hop.”

They approached an area providing access to smaller private jets.

“In Chayka Air’s Phenom 100,” added Aliona. “It’s fast and comfortable, so we’ll get you to Cold Lake in plenty of time to recover before tomorrow afternoon’s itinerary.”

“Just don’t tell her mother, Kalyna,” said Todd. “She’s the latest Chayka pilot to graduate.”

“Although my brother Mykola is sure to tell… or dad.”

**

Saturday, December 21^st – Chayka Air, Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada

Olha raced the Sówkas back to the guesthouse behind the Chayka Air hangars and administrative buildings. She might have won, but a shout from nearby made her stop.

“Hiya. Are you the three Ukrainians over here to raise funds for the war? I’m Mykola Sokol, son of your commander…well, one of your leaders. The other’s my aunt.”

The twenty-something boy leaning out of a window waved them over.

“I’m the only Ukrainian,” said Olha, putting her arms around the sisters. “My friends are Polish and support the squadron.”

“We coordinate the Night Owls,” said Andżelika. Providing security, medics, and K9 units for search and rescue, and guard duties. We’re after recruits while we’re here.”

Mykola glanced behind him before responding.

“I wanted to fight in 2022, but my parents claimed I wasn’t experienced. I haven’t learned to fly, like my sister Aliona, although she runs the company. I help when I can.” He looked round briefly. “I’m being called. Cya later.”

The trio dashed back to the guesthouse, knowing their first appointment was imminent.

*

Aliona showed the trio into the spacious hangar being set up for the fundraiser. Olha looked up as they passed under Zharptytsia, the prized Polikarpov U-2, the original Chayka sisters had escaped war-torn Europe in.

“Amazing and brave that they flew from Byelorussia so far across occupied territory to Sweden. Our Night Witch sisters, forever revered.”

The others nodded as Aliona led them onto the stage at the end of the hangar. Clodagh and Darina Kearney had set up an area for recording the next session of Kearney Encounter, their podcast. They directed the uniformed trio to seats in front of the main camera and microphones. Behind was a Ukrainian flag and the squadron’s Zharptytsia insignia.

“We’re pleased you three agreed to this,” said Clodagh, taking seats to the side with her sister. “This is not going out live since we will edit in footage from tonight’s fundraiser. So, you can take your time answering our questions. Okay?”

The interviewees smiled and agreed.

“Welcome, Kearney Encounter friends. Today’s podcast comes from Chayka Air, where their annual Fundraiser for Ukraine takes place,” said Darina, to a second camera covering the hostesses. “Every year since 2022, a few of the Night Witches squadron have attended the event to talk about the war and how we can help Ukraine achieve peace.”

Clodagh continued the introduction.

“This year’s guests, from left to right, are Lieutenant Olha Tkachuk, one of the squadron’s Ukrainian fighter pilots. In the centre is First Lieutenant Andżelika Sówka, co-founder of the Night Owls with her sister, First Lieutenant Estera Sówka, on the right. Before the sisters tell us about the Night Owls, I must ask Olha if she can talk about the squadron’s current operations?”

“I can, in general, although as some may have noticed, an injury postpones my return to active duty. However, I am aware of the missions my colleagues are flying. With the Russians launching almost nightly attacks at our cities, most night missions involve intercepting rockets and missiles. After many of these cowardly attacks hit civilian targets, our medevac helicopters respond, taking search and rescue teams to destroyed buildings. Our attack helicopters protect them… and often destroy the aerial threats too.”

“I presume the enemy uses drones to spot targets like runways,” said Clodagh. “So, your flights still move between airfields”

Olha winced while the Sówka sisters glanced at each other.

“The drones have increased steadily, especially since the summer.” She hesitated before adding, “I’ll leave the issue for the Night Owls to address.”

“Before that, are you willing to talk about your horrific drone experience, please?” asked Darina.

Olha closed her eyes but nodded.

“On July 13^th, a group of Russian ORLAN 10 spy drones recced Myrhorod Air Base, minutes before Blue Flight landed. My wing sisters, Taisia Kovalchuk and Halyna Boyka, were killed, but I escaped my MiG-29, only for a cluster bomb to destroy it. The flying debris mangled my left arm…” She paused and bit her lip. “My arm was amputated.” She lowered her head. Then she rolled up the sleeve on her left arm. “It was replaced with this prosthesis at the Superhumans Center near Lviv. Only my flight leader, Adriana Pavlenko, survived the attack… physically unscathed.”

 Andżelika put a comforting arm around the shaken pilot, who leant into her.

“A traumatic experience,” said Clodagh. “Our thanks for bravely sharing that. This is just one example of what the heroes in Ukraine can face any day, often every day.” She let the truth kindle the audience’s emotions. Then, she continued. “The Russian attacks continue, and not just on military targets in the East, but on cities across the country. The Night Witches must prepare for the likelihood of attacks on their airfield, and this is why the Night Owls were formed. Please, tell us what you can, Andżelika?”

Estera smiled encouragingly at her sister, who replied.

“Last summer, the squadron asked our uncle, Geralt Sówka, to form a trained security unit to replace the ground crews’ patrols. He recruited us and ten other female officers, all of us trained by GROM, the premier special missions unit of the Polish Armed Forces. We selected these space cadet blue uniforms, and Uncle G  chose the Owl insignia for its powerful symbolism… and ‘sowa’ means owl in Polish.”

“And like owls, you operate predominantly at night,” said Darina. “Sorry. Please continue and explain the Ukraine angle.”

“Like the Night Witches, every recruit to the Night Owls swears allegiance to Ukraine, sharing the fight for freedom. We’re not just armed with guns, we’re also trained in unarmed conflict. Although our main recruits have been Ukrainian, we welcome other nationalities.”

“You are here with a purpose. Estera, please explain?” asked Clodagh.

Estera took a sip of water.

“The squadron’s defence plans require an enlarged squad, especially when some of us assist as medics with the medevac missions. We also operate six K9 units, which again serve on patrols and search & rescue missions. For example, Olha’s cousin, Anhelina Tkachuk and Quetzal, her red & white Siberian Husky, are one of our K9 units, specialising in search & rescue. The goal is to double the squad by recruiting security specialists, paramedics, and versatile K9 operatives.”

“Are you able to offer supplementary training?” asked Darina. “Or do they need to be fully trained?”

The Sówka sisters conferred before Andżelika replied.

“As long as they know the fundamentals, we have the personnel and facilities to instruct them further. We also have access to language facilities for anyone needing to brush up on their Ukrainian.”

Before anyone could say anything more, there was a commotion at the hangar entrance. Aliona rushed in, followed by her brother and a Chayka Air security guard with her Doberman Pinscher. All three had semi-automatic pistols as sidearms.

“There are six armed intruders on the airfield,” said the guard. “My colleagues are attempting to apprehend them.”

“We also alerted the Cold Lake RCMP detachment,” said Mykola. “Of course, Aliona warned the Canadian Forces Base as our neighbours.”

“Neighbours concerned about intruders after yesterday’s alert at Edmonton International. It’s wiser to be forewarned.”

Automatic gunfire echoed through the avenue of buildings. Colleagues called on the guard’s radio.

“Intruders heading your way, Tetyana. We’ll try to stop them. Secure the hangar immediately.”

As Mykola and his sister began to slide the hangar doors shut, Andżelika and Estera ran to help them. Tetyana dashed to a side room, shouting in what sounded like Canadian-Ukrainian.

“There should be other weapons in here. We might need them.”

“We keep some in that office… locked away,” Aliona said to the Sówka sisters. “I’m sure you two are more than proficient.”

As Olha joined them, Aliona led them to where Tetyana unlocked a hidden gun safe and took out three SIG Sauer P320s.

“Aliona, as Chayka Air’s CEO, can you authorise these three officers as security?” asked Tetyana in her Ukrainian dialect. “Since they’re from the Night Witches, they’re trained.”

When her employer nodded, Tetyana handed Olha, Estera and Andżelika the pistols. Then she radioed her colleagues.

“Zoriana, what’s your status? We now have six armed personnel, plus an eager Borago. Over.”

“They’ve split into two groups. One is preparing to blast the main hangar door… but the RCMP will deal with them. Steinarr is tracking the others, who are likely looking for a side entrance. Over.”

“Will prepare reception at rear. Over and out.”

Tetyana left Aliona, Mykola, and Olha covering the main door from a safe distance and dashed with her K9 and the Sówka sisters onto the stage.

The Kearneys and their two camera operators were filming the developing crisis.

“Shadow both groups. We must record this,” said Darina, dividing their team.

Down steps behind the stage were a narrow corridor and a large central steel door for bringing supplies or equipment into the hangar. Tetyana checked the handle, and the door swung inwards. Unable to lock it, she looked around.

A metal staircase at one end of the passageway went up to a gantry leading around the inside of the hangar. A small window gave a view from the gantry to the rear of the building.

Telling her K9 to stay, Tetyana climbed up to the window. She glanced through the dusty glass, then pulled away, gesturing down towards the door. She pointed to a pile of crates at the opposite end of the corridor.

Andżelika and Estera gave thumbs up and hid behind the crates, with a camera operator. Borago noted this and hid near the foot of the stairs, waiting as his owner crept down and lay beside him.

The door moved slightly, then swung open as three armed men slipped inside, rolling instinctively. Crouching, they scanned what must have seemed an empty corridor. Unaware they were being watched, but hearing voices, the trio moved towards the steps onto the stage.

Swiftly, Tetyana released her dog and fired a warning shot, which was followed by two from the crates. The intruders spun round, but Borago bowled them over as they tried to shoot.

Another dog entered the fray through the open doorway. The intruders found themselves surrounded by armed security guards and forced to the ground.

“Great timing, Zoriana,” said Tetyana. “I guessed Steinarr would be right behind them.” She bent down to where both Dobermanns were terrifying the prisoners. “She wasn’t going to let Borago have all the fun.”

As the male intruders stood, arms handcuffed behind them, one garbled something. Another shook his head to silence him, but not before Andżelika smiled.

“Too late. Some of us understand Russian.” She turned to the Chayka Air security guards. “He mentioned a third group already here.”

“The ones sent to neutralise our alarms,” said Zoriana. “Our military police colleagues caught them sneaking around. They’re interrogating them.”

“No doubt that bunch disabled this rear door, so I couldn’t lock it,” said Tetyana, escorting the first prisoner outside.

The handcuffed intruders were taken around the outside of the hangar to where the RCMP officers had secured three more intruders.

Aliona had escorted everyone else outside and appeared relieved that the Sówka group were safe.

“Lieutenant Colonel Manning has commandeered our securest room for Cold Lake’s Military Police to interrogate all three groups of intruders.”

“With our assistance,” added the senior RCMP officer. “You also have the use of one of our K9 officers, Corporal Isla Clacher.” He indicated a female handler with a  German Shepherd. “She trained with your Douglass sisters before they found their Ukrainian roots.”

Tetyana and Zoriana grinned and then saluted both RCMP officers.

“Experienced officers have advised me,” said Aliona, “That the hangar needs to be thoroughly searched for explosive devices before our Fundraiser. Guests will start arriving in about two hours.”

“We’ll need more than three K9 units,” said Isla. “Even with human assistance.”

Before anyone could respond, two vehicles pulled up with K9 insignia, one Military Police, the other Air Transport Security. The handlers let their dogs out, then attached tactical gear and leashes to them.

“I’m Sergeant Corynn Amsel, and my German Shorthaired Pointer is Rikke,” said the Military Police handler.

“And my Beagle is Rosheen,” said the CATSA handler. “I’m Ailish… Ailish Delaney.”

Mykola turned to his sister, “Five K9 units from four units. How’s our CEO going to coordinate them?”

She smiled. “I’ll delegate to one of the Night Owl First Lieutenants.” She glanced from Andżelika to Estera. “They’re both experienced in leading a team which includes six K9 units from three countries. Does one of you Sówka sisters want to take charge… if our handlers accept?”

Estera encouraged her sister to step forward, saying, “Another chance to demonstrate teamwork.”

Cameras still rolling, five keen handlers gathered around Andżelika with their eager dogs.

“This will be a perfect example of the solidarity Ukraine needs,” said Aliona. “Ensuring our venue is secure for another extremely successful Fundraiser.”

**

MPA – 3,100 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!