Episode 42 of Freedom Flights is set in February 2025 and is released in two parts, which I hope proves easier to absorb. World-shattering events may occur in future episodes. Some events foreshadowed in Parts 1 & 2 of this double-episode will take a few months to play out.

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

Episode 42. No Cards Game. Part 2.

2025

Monday, February 24^th – Recreation Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Around the room were portraits of all the Night Witch losses, including the three latest.

“The enemy will pay for every single one,” said Kalyna Chayka, raising a glass to all Ukraine’s fallen. “They will be remembered forever for their sacrifice.”

The entire squadron had gathered to honour the fallen on this third anniversary of the 2022 invasion. Everyone draped flowers around the portraits and hung Ukrainian flags on each one. They tried to rise above their sombre mood, but it never took long to befriend someone living under war conditions.

Vasy added to her cousin’s tribute.

“We must remember each lost life through our memories of them. Our comrades in Dęblin are doing likewise, although their thoughts must be different, having joined the Night Witches more recently. Their flight leaders need to pay the final tributes.”

“Lieutenant Ganna Kohut and Private Inna Gavrilyuk were integral members of Gold Flight,” said Anzhela Havrylyuk. “They will continue to fly with us. Nobody expected the drones to swarm as they did. Learn the lesson when you remember Ganna and Inna.”

“And Master Sergeant Oksana Shevchenko,” added Adriana Pavlenko. “She gave her life to take down a rogue drone threatening Albina Zyma. That’s the most extraordinary deed we can do, whether for a fellow pilot or for civilians. Any of us would do that, especially for friends.”

The squadron members bowed their heads in memory and tribute. Then they sang the Ukrainian anthem.

Everyone settled around tables or returned to their duties.

The two flight leaders approached the Chayka majors.

“It may seem callous and early to mention this,” said Anzhela Havrylyuk. “But all the flights are now under strength. Should we be adding some of the pilots from Dęblin?”

“If our Mirage numbers aren’t increased with airframes from France,” replied Kalyna. “Although our Québécois pilots have flown Hornets and been training on Mirages and Gripens.”

“Red Flight, the Gripen flight could become fully operational,” said Adriana. “Then we could combine Gold, Blue and Sable to make two MiG-29 flights.”

“If only we had some F-16s… and a longer runway,” said Anzhela. “But new airframes would test our maintainers.”

“Well, my daughter Aliona might have a dilemma for us,” said Kalyna. “She’s got some volunteers with their own jets. They’re flying into Dęblin in a couple of weeks to make us even more international.”

“New nationalities and jets?” asked Adriana.

Vasy laughed, and Conchita Gutiérrez came over to explain.

“Aaron’s flings from Portugal and Colombia. So, one or two F-16s or IAF Kfirs. As usual, my fiancé is being vague, even though it’s ancient history.”

**

Friday, February 28^th – Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine

Marielle curled closer to Andriy, trying to ignore Éliane and Lyana holding her clothes.

“I thought you would resist him,” said Éliane. “At least for a few more encounters.”

Marielle slid off the bed and began dressing.

“He proved irresistible… even that first day. But I tried to combat my feelings… until yesterday when I finally caved in.”

Andriy was watching intently.

“Can you blame me?” he asked. “She’s my warrior princess. Clothed or naked. Didn’t you say she earned her ‘Lover’ call sign in true French fashion? I was smitten.”

“No, you’re besotted… like all the men she’s ambushed. She should be Sirène, not  Amante.”

“That’s unfair. Andriy’s the first man to unlock my mind,” replied Marielle. “Time to check the political news… together.”

She took his hand and led him out of the room.

*

Myrhorod’s canteen was abuzz with off-duty personnel talking noisily about the news.

“He was ambushed.”

The lovers froze at the words. Then they heard more.

“Trump and Vance planned to discredit our President. Even when Zelenskyy tried to stand up for our country…”

“Putin’s lackeys spouting Kremlin propaganda…”

It didn’t take long to discover all about the disastrous Oval Office charade in Washington.

Fedir saw them and took the Mirage pilots to one side.

“Not surprising after they called our leader a dictator. Trump has shown whose side he’s on. Anyway, the base Commander, Major Medved, guessed I could find you… well Marielle. He’d noticed you and Andriy yesterday-“

“He needs to see us is your message, Fedir,” said Éliane, leading the trio towards the commander’s office.

Before they went in, Marielle kissed Andriy and said, “Neither of us can leave without saying goodbye.”

“Et je t’aime, ma Amante.”

Inside his office, Illya Medved was waiting.

“I’m sorry to drag you away from socialising with Ukrainian pilots, it’s essential to do that. Nevertheless, I have received your new orders. Our superiors believe it’s safer to keep our flights moving around.”

He handed Éliane the instructions.

“Thank you.” She read the message aloud. “Leave for Kanatove Air Base at 1300.” She paused and then said, “Maybe when the Chayka Field runway is extended, we’ll meet the other Witches.”

“Including Tamila, my daughter. One of my brave children. The other, my son, Ruslan, is serving with Special Forces somewhere. I’m pleased Night Witches from other countries, like you, are joining us in our fight for freedom. But I don’t understand the US administration attacking our President and not the warmonger who invaded us.”

*

Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The Dęblin Night Witches were expecting the four new volunteers but were unsure what exactly they’d be flying. Capitana Conchita Gutiérrez and Teniente Adelita Palomo had flown Charlie Tiger from Chayka Field to act as Spanish representatives, not expecting Aaron Garcia to return in time.

“If they’re coming from Canada, they’ll have to refuel mid-Atlantic,” said Conchita. “The Kfir is equipped for that, so it’s possible with Chayka Air’s tanker.”

As she said this, four craft appeared in the distance.

Commandant Raphaëlle Balode was the first to identify them.

“A pair of IAI Kfir, possibly C.12s, and two F-16 Fighting Falcons, AM models.”

The four jets landed and taxied towards the waiting ground crew. However, a Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland AW119 Koala crossed the runway and landed near the jets.

Five maintainers, by their uniforms, climbed down from the helicopter, closely followed by Aaron.

Conchita strode over and challenged him.

“When you went silent, I feared the worst. But not this… more conquests. Why?”

“It’s not what you think. I flew to Portugal to ensure everything came together. I knew Aliona Chayka would get the Colombians to Europe, but someone needed to coordinate with the Portuguese.”

One maintainer in a Portuguese uniform stepped forward and saluted Conchita. Then she addressed her in Spanish.

“Capitana Gutiérrez, your fiancé pulled everything together at Beja Airbase in Portugal. I’m Primeiro-sargento Maurícia Correia, heading up the maintainer team… two came to support the Kfir jets. Our F-16 fly girls persuaded me and my two colleagues to help. Your man ensured everyone gathered at Beja, then flew up here in stages.”

“Once the Koala has unloaded all the essential gear it could carry,” added Aaron. “It will return to Beja. But I arranged for a truck with spares and three more maintainers to follow, though more slowly.”

The pilots came forward and saluted the waiting Night Witch officers.

The two Colombians introduced themselves first.

“I’m Capitana Tamya Seraphina Echeverría, call sign Lluvia.”

“Teniente Killa Trinidad Echeverría, call sign Matador. Pleased to join your famous squadron.”

“We’re glad to have you here at Dęblin,” replied Conchita. “I realise you are sisters… identical twins. Is there a way to tell you apart?”

“The way we wear our hair,” said Killa.

“Unless they’re switching roles,” said Aaron. “Over time, you’ll learn other traits.”

Everyone stared at him, some disapproving.

The Portuguese duo added to the confusion… again identical and speaking Spanish, but with an accent.

“I’m Capitã Nilda Caetana Silveira, call sign Valquíria,” and she pointed at a female warrior badge on her uniform.

Then her twin introduced herself.

“Tenente Leandra Talitha Silveira, call sign Leoa,” and she indicated a snarling Lion badge.

Conchita looked at Aaron. “I presume there are corresponding tattoos.”

Raphaëlle let Aaron deal with the comment and addressed the new pilots in Spanish.

“Welcome to Dęblin. The Polish Air Force has generously allowed the Night Witches to use many of their university’s facilities, primarily for training and as our gateway to Ukraine. Most of our personnel presently here are French, like me, or French Canadian. They will gradually introduce themselves.”

She allowed Conchita to conclude.

“I’m Capitana Conchita Gutiérrez, and this is my Tiger co-pilot, Teniente Adelita Palomo. We’re based at the Night Wings airfield in Ukraine, but are here to answer questions about Chayka Field, the squadron’s presence in this war. Here in Dęblin, you will prepare for the freedom fight. This is also a good place to brush up on any Ukrainian you have managed to learn, as the University has an excellent language centre. Let’s continue inside, where it’s warmer for us hot-blooded fighters.”

*

Once inside, Conchita, Adelita, and Aaron were kept busy translating between new arrivals and Dęblin personnel.

“How long before we see action?” asked Killa. “We realise our Kfirs aren’t the advanced fighters you need as they’re only third generation.”

“Colombia was due to replace them,” added Tamya. “Supposedly with Saab JAS 39 Gripens. But we left before we got to fly one.”

“Now you’ve joined a squadron with a flight of Gripen Cs,” replied Raphaëlle. “Some get to train to fly Gripen Es, here at Dęblin, often with some of the best Swedish trainers.”

“Plus, Dęblin has flight simulators that replicate Gripen training,” added Adelita.

“Won’t our Portuguese F-16s fit Ukraine’s needs?” asked Talitha.

Her sister, Nilda, added, “Aren’t there F-16s already flying combat missions in Ukraine?”

Capitaine Dasha Isakova joined the discussion, proving she could speak another language, Portuguese.

“One or two flights in other squadrons. But I’m sure our Majors will want to fit you two in a unique mixed flight.”

“Possibly with two of my Mirage sisters once we develop a formation,” suggested Raphaëlle.

As the newcomers mingled with the other pilots, Raphaëlle asked Dasha in French about her language skills.

“You forget about Nadia’s and my other identity as security operatives,” replied Dasha. “We’ve operated undercover in other countries, both in Portugal and Spain, including the Basque Country with a colleague.”

Raphaëlle pondered this for a moment, then said, “That must give you an unusual perspective on current affairs, especially as I know you are fluent in Russian.”

“That can be invaluable when listening to responses by Kremlin mouthpieces like Lavrov to Western actions. Russian, like our languages, has nuances not easily expressed in translation. Often, Russian TV provides another angle on incidents, like the Oval Office ambush of Zelenskyy.”

“Which was a gift for Putin. A division in the West is only going to perpetuate this war.”

“Exactly,” replied Dasha. “Zelenskyy was aware of that, while Trump and Vance clearly weren’t. Their egocentric administration will dismiss the warning of European intelligence agencies that, within the next three to five years, Russia could rebuild its forces to launch a new war, testing the resolve of NATO.”

“While Trump’s split from the US’s allies not only makes Ukraine vulnerable but also leaves America alone in a global economic contest it can’t risk losing.” Raphaëlle paused, then continued, “Trump ignores the facts about the true cost paid by Ukrainians for everyone’s freedom… and the financial benefit to US companies and thousands of their working people. Yet, he simplifies the situation and insults Ukraine’s leader by saying he’s not in a good position as he doesn’t have the cards right now. With the US, you start having cards.”

Dasha nodded and pointed at the pilots.

“Except, Zelenskyy replied, ‘I’m not playing cards. I’m very serious…’ To Trump, even his business deals are about playing cards. I fear that when Trump accused Zelenskyy of playing cards and gambling with millions of lives, he was wrong, as Trump’s the reckless gambler who would do anything to get his way.”

“But can he broker a real peace for Ukraine?” asked Raphaëlle. “Or will Putin emerge as the real winner of Trump’s card game?”

“Impossible to predict either outcome,” replied Dasha. ”Trump was unpredictable during his first term, while Putin’s ambitions have been clear for years. However, the fact that the Night Witches have a role the UAF hasn’t explained yet, suggests Ukraine has some cards which must remain secret until they’re played. Maybe President Zelenskyy’s team are building a winning hand.”

“And we’re a part of it.”

**

MPA – 2,079 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

Episode 42 of Freedom Flights is set in February 2025 and will be released in two parts, making it easier to absorb. Can you guess what world-stunning event occurs in Part 2? As always, 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… although they might fear what could happen. Also, I want each episode to tackle just crucial incidents in a specific month, so I hope to reach the present quickly. 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, thus 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, but that will be posted elsewhere.

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 42. No Cards Game

2025

Friday, February 7^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Commandant Raphaëlle Balode allowed Sergeant Adélie Levchenko to land the two-seater Mirage 2000B trainer at Dęblin. Behind them, Capitaine Éliane Nowicki led the flight of five Mirage 2000-5Fs onto the Polish Air Force University runway, and all six craft taxied to where their maintainers could take responsibility for their charges.

“Anything to report?” asked Adjudant Léana Melnik. Her combined French and Canadian team were ready to inspect and, where necessary, repair the Mirages.

Raphaëlle gave the other pilots time to respond. None did.

“Another routine flight, Léana. You gals are keeping these precious birds in top form. As of yesterday, we officially became an active part of the UAF. These jets will be flown to Ukraine once we get our orders. Léana, can your team please inspect, arm, and fully refuel the five 2000-5Fs?”

As the maintainers began their inspection, the pilots went up to their control room, where the other French and Canadian pilots were waiting.

After greeting them, Raphaëlle checked the time and then called Chayka Field. Kalyna answered.

“Perfect timing, Raphaëlle. After President Zelensky welcomed the Ukrainian-piloted Mirages from France yesterday, you asked Vasy and me to remind Colonel Bondarenko about your Mirage flight in Poland. As expected, Maksym hadn’t forgotten. His UAF superiors have granted permission for your three best pilots to fly into Ukraine today. You also need to send a maintainer team to support them. However, the destination will be transmitted via talker after our conversation.”

Raphaëlle nodded to the Dęblin code talker, Tayanita Brave Beaver, before responding.

“I’ll supply the three names and call signs using the same method.” When Captain Lyana Rudenko gestured, Raphaëlle continued. “Are the Hornets required, or do we continue the training programmes?”

“As yet, the UAF is being advised by our NATO allies to only use two NATO 4th generation fighters, which rules out our Hornets, except for any exercise outside Ukrainian airspace.”

“However, our Gripen C is a 4th-generation fighter,” said Vasy. “Except unofficially, the UAF realises that a single squadron, ourselves, has a flight and is training on the E & F variants in Poland. Officially, the ongoing plan to transfer Swedish Gripen C/D jets is still on the table. Let’s hope a keen jet-spotter doesn’t expose our subterfuge.”

“If they do, we can claim we are saving money,” said Lyana. “The UAF knows the Mirage 2000-5F is cheaper to operate than the F-16, but we’ve proved the Gripen is easily the most cost-efficient 4th generation fighter.”

*

Half an hour later, Chayka Field’s code talker, Nauja Tall Gull, sent the encrypted instructions to her colleague, Tayanita Brave Beaver, who deciphered the message for Raphaëlle to read aloud.

“Night Witch Mirage flight to proceed to Kalyniv Airfield. Then await further orders.” Raphaëlle destroyed the message, then continued. “We need to discuss which of you will fly this first mission. I know we all want to fight for real.”

“Haven’t your original flight the most experience?” asked Lyana. “Although two of us Canadians, Tatiana and I, had flight time at Chayka.”

Raphaëlle checked her training notes on the computer.

“We have all notched up excellent flight times and done Dissimilar Air Combat Training. But almost nobody has real combat experience. However, in April 2018, Éliane Nowicki was one of four Cigognes selected for the attacks against illegal chemical weapon sites during the Syrian Civil War. The Mirage 2000-5Fs were supporting five SCALP missile-armed Rafale-Bs.”

“I was the most junior pilot in the flight,” said Éliane. “Not sure that makes me combat-hardened.”

“However,” said Raphaëlle. “Our trio will be Capitaine Éliane Nowicki, call sign Soleil, Capitaine Marielle Simonova, call sign Amant, and Captain Lyana Rudenko, call sign Red Cardinal.”

**

Thursday, February 13^th – Recreation Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Kalyna and her cousin Vasy sat in a group of Night Witches personnel watching a disturbing news report.

“What more can this US administration do to disrupt the world?” said Vasy. “They’ve turned so much upside down in just a few weeks.”

“I’m worried now about the peace deal,” said Kalyna. “Does Trump expect dictating terms to work? This weekend’s Munich Security Conference could go either way.”

The group went silent for a moment, failing to ignore the images on the television.

“Judging by last week’s sudden dismantling of USAid,” said Adriana Pavlenko. “More unexpected announcements by his team are likely. As that TV report shows,177 recipient countries are already struggling without USAid.”

“If the Trump team can be that callous,” added Tamila Medved. “What hope have we of a just peace for Ukraine. My father, Illya, fears our people and land in the east will be sacrificed to make Putin stop.”

“Only for him to invade again in a few years,” said Vasy. “Even before Trump’s inauguration, US military aid was being held up by the Republican-controlled Congress. Uncertainty about supplies of ammunition, spare parts, and armoured vehicles is critical, especially at the front.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Tamila concluded, “The doubt over our continued fight is worse with Trump’s return to power. His regime can halt shipments anytime, even those initiated by Biden’s administration. When Trump froze foreign aid, that included Ukraine.”

 Doctor Sacha Proulx and Chief Paramedic Osinniy joined them from another table.

“Seems you were also shocked by that USAid report,” said Sacha. “We’ve been assessing what it means for Ukraine, already struggling with vital shortages of critical supplies.”

“At the front, they’re just holding on. There’s no other choice,” Osinniy said, shaking her head. “When I was a medic there, armoured cars were a lifeline. Not just for getting troops and equipment to their positions, but also for getting the injured out. Otherwise, without the means to rescue them, the wounded die alone beyond our lines.”

**

Sunday, February 16th – Kalyniv Airfield near the Polish border

Éliane Nowicki was talking with her colleagues, Marielle Simonova, and Lyana Rudenko in French after their night sortie over Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblasts, patrolling the border with Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.

“They’re moving us to another airfield tonight,” said Éliane. “Our three maintainers told me when we landed. After preparing our Mirages, they’re going ahead of us in the Puszczyk.”

“When will we know our destination?” asked Lyana. “I know we can’t land at Chayka Field yet. We don’t want a repeat of last year’s incident with a Sukhoi Su-24.”

“That must be the reason we’re hopping around bases,” said Marielle, shaking her auburn hair loose. “And UAF policy of evading the Russian attacks.”

“Where do you feel safest?” asked a male pilot, slicking back his black hair. “Kalyniv is my squadron’s base. I’m guessing you beauties are Night Witches from Chayka Field. Haven’t seen you around… and you’re not speaking our language.”

Éliane laughed.

“Witches, yes. Chayka Field, not yet… until our runway is extended.”

“Same reason we can’t land our F-16s there,” said another pilot, dragging up another chair. “Our last visit was… memorable.”

Lyana chuckled.

“You were the two Sukhoi Su-24 pilots who blocked our runway.”

“Kapitan Andriy Oliynyk,” said the first pilot.” My friend is Lieutenant Fedir Kravets. You lovely trio must be Mirage 2000-5F trainers from France. Except, weren’t you training Ukrainian pilots in your country?”

“We were training Ukrainian Canadians in Poland,” said Éliane. “We also volunteered as Night Witches, but we’re not the official flight… so, you never met us.”

Then the women introduced themselves.

“Do you have call signs in case we encounter you in the air attacking orcs?” asked Andriy.

“Soleil, Cardinal Rouge and Amante,” said Marielle, winking. “You’ll have to guess which is which Witch when we use them.”

Andriy chortled.

“Easy. You’re Cardinal Rouge,” he said, pointing at Marielle. “I know what rouge means. One of the few French words I know. I guess Soleil might be Éliane, and Lyana is Amante.”

As he concluded, the Base Commander appeared and handed Éliane a message, which she glanced at.

“Our flight’s next haven.”

“Why the secrecy?” asked Fedir. “Or can you tell us?”

The three Witches all shook their hands.

“Like you, we’re all under orders,” said Lyana. “We all have to keep the Russians guessing. For now, they know from the media that there are two, maybe three Mirage 2000-5F in Ukraine. But no one is sure where those ones are. We don’t. Our presence confuses things. We never know where we might be deployed next.

“And there are more crucial events happening,” added Marielle. “Like what JD Vance stirred up at the Munich Security Conference. Has he shaken up the transatlantic partnership?”

Everyone nodded.

“You’re not just an ace pilot,” said Andriy. “You’re politically astute. You saw through his attack on Europeans. His version of democracy means pandering to the far-right and Putin, not genuinely helping us. Meanwhile, you’re fighting alongside us.” He glanced at her colleagues and added, “All three of you are with us.”

“Our President, Zelenskyy, was correct in saying the time had come for a European army,” added Fedir. “As we’re doing, Europe must join together.”

“Canada as well,” said Lyana. “We’re with you… and Europe. Like the modern Night Witches. Forget us being the 51^st state… Trump’s lackey.”

“Don’t forget Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, also added ‘Europeans can’t make an assumption that America’s presence will last forever’, pointedly,” said Éliane. “Yet, our countries are expected to buy US weapons, gas, and goods. Or they can be like France and other nations developing our home-grown defence industry.”

They all paused for thought until Marielle concluded, “We need to see this move by the Trump regime as a challenge to our sense of freedom. I may be taking a political stance when, as a servicewoman I should remain neutral, but I agree with those who say we should speak out more forcefully about building inclusive societies and against the hate-mongers.”

Andriy stared at her and smiled.

“As I said, you have a perceptive mind. And I believe establishing a European security regime crafted and owned by us Europeans would be less vulnerable to the whims and tides of US policy and beneficial.”

“Before you two resolve every political crisis, some of us need rest”, said Éliane, and she winked, adding, “That includes you, Captain Simonova.”

As they all rose, Andriy embraced Marielle.

“Yes, you need your beauty sleep, Amante.”

She eagerly returned his kiss.

**

MPA – 1,726 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!