Episode 44 of Freedom Flights is set in April 2025 and will be released in multiple parts, as I create them. Some events foreshadowed in this episode will take a few months to play out, while others may be resolved in the next part.

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 the crucial RL incidents in a specific month, so I hope to reach the present quickly, as well as the character development. I don’t want to be stuck writing about the previous year when the last shot is fired.

Therefore, after a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes, thus addressing the essential rebuilding. I also intend to 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 unexpected interruptions. 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 44. Trying Times. Part 2. Prenotion.

2025

Tuesday, April 8^th – Medical Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Sacha Proulx checked her Medical Announcement, hoping she’d phrased it as intended.

Medical Advice

After the successful wedding celebrations last weekend, I wish all four couples a fruitful union. While we welcome the next generation, I remind you to remain fit to fly. It’s risky for military personnel to fly when pregnant, especially at high G-forces. For further information, please approach me.

Doctor Sacha Proulx

She emailed the announcement and printed a copy to post on the noticeboard.

*

Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine

Carrying her helmet, Captain Natalie Kuzmenko followed Major Illya Medved, Commander of Myrhorod Air Base, towards the hangar where the maintainers had finished ensuring the Sukhoi Su-25M1 was ready to be flown to Poland.

“My apologies for the delay,” said Illya. “We had to ensure the Frogfoot was totally airworthy. I’m unwilling to risk the lives of pilots, especially Night Witches. And we won’t clear you for takeoff if the enemy is around.”

“Your daughter said you respected the squadron… as did many others. Staying here overnight proved that your base personnel feel that way, too. Other than Tamila, have many Witches been here?”

Illya hesitated, and a darkness darkened his face.

“Tragically, when a group of their ORLAN 10s conducted a reconnaissance of this base, the enemy targeted the next flight,  four Night Witches. Russian cluster bombs destroyed the MiG-29s of Sergeant Taisia Kovalchuk and Private Halyna Boyka, killing them, and wounding their wing-sister, Lieutenant Olha Tkachuk.” He closed his eyes, remembering. “Other Witches, led by Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko, the surviving flight leader, assisted us along with your medics and K-9 units.”

“Their names are commemorated on our tribute wall at Chayka Field,” said Natalie, bowing her head. “Along with the other Witches, who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let’s pray peace comes before the death toll rises much further.”

Illya led Natalie inside a hidden hangar, where they were met by Crew Chief Stepan Marchenko and three other maintainers, who saluted.

“The Sukhoi Su-25M1 is ready for you, Captain. We’ve overhauled and refuelled her for your flight.” He glanced at his team and blushed. “Some guys wondered how many flying hours you had, sir? I told them you were a Night Witch, so probably hundreds.”

Natalie grinned as Illya replied.

“Captain Kuzmenko fought in Afghanistan and trained some of our pilots on F-16s, which tells me she’s earned our gratitude.”

The ground crew stared wide-eyed.

Doctor Yevhen Baran joined the group and handed Natalie her AIRUS device hastily.

“Thanks for letting me examine this. Encouraging to see something designed for women pilots first. I’m sure men will want them too… unless they’re exclusive for Witches.”

Natalie laughed, especially when she noticed the confused faces.

“Chayka Air obtained these urine collection devices for us before many US squadrons had them.”

As the ground crew moved the Sukhoi Su-25M1 out of the hangar, Stepan and Natalie ran through more flight checks before she made her external inspection.

Illya and Yevhen helped her put on her helmet and ensured her flying suit and AIRUS were ready before she climbed into the cockpit.

With the canopy closed, the system checked, and the engine started, Stepa saluted, which Natalie acknowledged. The tower cleared the Frogfoot for take-off with no Russians around. She climbed quickly and joined the waiting F-16 flight.

**

Saturday, April 12^th – Recreation Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

The TV documentary on ‘Rebuilding Post-War Ukraine’ fueled an informed debate among the recently returned helicopter aircrew. Most speculated on the best means to rebuild the country with Western help. Their countries, ranging from Poland to South Korea, had all begun assisting, but the extent varied, depending on their economic situations.

“In the midst of this war, some aid is trickling in,” said Maike Fabian, pilot of the Bundeswehr-supplied Delta Tiger. “The Defence Industry seems to be the principal beneficiary, although our political leaders have been slower to act than private companies.”

Her co-pilot, Adela Klymenko, nodded and added, “President Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for a ‘Marshall Plan for Ukraine.’ If we look at what the post-World War Two investment did for West Germany, a similar plan for Ukraine makes sense and must be feasible.”

“Especially if Ukraine’s allies use the frozen Russian funds in Western banks,” said Xenia Ahlberg, pilot of the Griffon. “Infrastructure as well as Defence is needed.”

“Russia must pay for reconstruction,” added her ex-RCAF colleague, Iryna Forsberg. “But the recovery must be led by Ukraine, with support and observation from the donors.”

As the conversation drifted to other concerns, more aircrew arrived, and other units left to patrol and move to dispersed locations.

Captain Maryna Sobol and Lieutenant Katia Antonov ordered drinks and food for their new flight, while Captain Tamya Echeverría and her twin sister, Lieutenant Killa, found them a table.

“How was your first patrol in Gripen Cs?” Maryna asked the twins when they were all seated.

“Not as intense as expected,” replied Tamya, letting Killa add, “We trained in Poland for combat encounters.”

“They’ll come when we’re patrolling nearer Kyiv,” said Katia. “At the moment, we’re not officially flying Gripens in Ukrainian airspace.”

“That will come in time,” said Maryna. “For now, Sweden has agreed for us to be training on their C and D airframes officially. It seems we’re the test squadron, gauging the Gripens’ versatility.”

“Does that mean they’re trying to time releasing the jets here?” asked Killa, prompting her twin to ask, “Are they only likely to send us their secondhand Gripen Cs?”

“They’re most likely to send Cs,” replied Katia. “But only when the Swedish Air Force receives their first new-build Gripen E.”

“Saab, not the SAF, provided the two Gripen Es and one F two-seater trainer in Dęblin,” added Maryna. “Chayka Air have contacts in Sweden dating back to World War Two.”

The Recreation Centre went dead quiet when the Ukrainian TV news reported on the night’s Russian raids, concluding with yet another tragic announcement.

“The night has also cost another brave Ukrainian F-16 pilot his life during a combat mission against these ongoing attacks. His name will be released only  when his family is informed.”

“Andriy,” cried Marielle Simonova. “I knew it when I said goodbye.” She clutched her face and started shaking. Then she stopped when her friend, Éliane, threw her arms around her. “Am I acting crazy? There are other F-16 pilots, not just Andriy.”

“Fedir, his friend. He flies them, too,” said Leandra  Silveira, biting her lip as her twin, Nilda, clutched her.

Maryna and Katia came over.

“Every day, we know death is out there. Death is so close in Ukraine. Far nearer if you’re in a trench. Unexpected… as some of us know,” said Maryna. “I understand how important mourning can be. I’ve lost loved ones in recent years. But never presume someone has died.”

“They wouldn’t want you to,” added Katia. “We’ll learn more later. Andriy and Fedir are more likely to be alive and will be pleased to see you. Make each day count.”

***

The Marshall Plan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Plan#

https://diplomacy.state.gov/online-exhibits/diplomacy-is-our-mission/development/the-marshall-plan/

**

MPA – 1,177 words

**

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!