Episode 47 of Freedom Flights is set in July 2025 and will be released in two parts, with the second part released next week. Some events foreshadowed in this episode will take a few months to play out, while others may be resolved in Part 2. I have also continued to try writing each scene in 3rd-person limited POV.

I’m 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 focus on just a few RL incidents from a specific month, along with character and squadron development.

Therefore, until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is reached and rebuilding begins, I will continue to write more episodes. Perhaps after that, I can finish writing the pre-2022 growth of the  Chayka Family and Chayka Air, their aviation business based in Canada.

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 47. Rapid Aggravation. Part 1. Record Assault.

2025

Wednesday, July 9^th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Reacting to the news that the Russians had launched hundreds of drones at Ukraine from multiple locations, Kalyna & Vasy Chayka activated their defence strategy. The squadron’s jets and attack helicopters took off from various dispersal points to attack any drones threatening Western Ukraine.

The Medevac and SAR teams were scrambled to react to any impact emergencies in the area, while the base’s defences were activated to counter the rare drone strikes on Chayka Field.

As Kalyna monitored the progress of their units through Conchita Martinez and Marielle Simonova, Vasy tracked the massive assault.

Suddenly, Vasy projected the UAF’s latest map of the drones’ course.

“They’ve all flown over the Central cities and changed course… primarily towards the Northwest. Let our teams know.”

*

SE border of Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Captain Jeong Chae-Yeong closed the distance between Kilo KAI LAH-1 Miron and the first swarm of drones.

Sergeant Raisa Vezzoso aimed the Tryzub 90.5 laser at the nearest Shahed strike drone, destroying it.

Her crewmate, Warrant Officer Kang Eun-Ji, scanned for potential decoy UAVs that were dissimilar to real attack drones, then marked them for their sisters.

“Bravo to Echo. Decoys noted,” said Marusya Dudziarz from one of the two Tigers on Drone Response with them. “Destroying Shaheds with our  Tryzub laser.”

“Charlie to Echo. Same,” said Adela Klymenko, from the second Tiger.

Before Adela could say more, a transmission came from base.

“Chayka to Drone Response. 700 attack and decoy drones are all targeting Lutsk.  Regroup with jet flights. Transmitting target intercept coordinates. Over & Out.”

*

Environs of Lutsk, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Nilda & Leandra Silveira positioned their F-16s on the flanks of the three Night Witch flights, preparing to engage the incoming Shahed drones well beyond the city’s ground defences.

The three attack helicopters with the Tryzub 90.5 lasers flew behind and below the five Mirage 2000-5Fs and two flights of MiG-29s.

Another squadron’s F-16 flight was quartering ahead to engage the first swarm, but using traditional anti-drone tactics, from expensive missiles to risky cannon fire.

Like the other thirteen jets from Chayka Field, the Silveira twins’ F-16s each carried twelve on-base-built interceptor drones. Even after identifying potential decoys, Nilda knew that each of the squadron’s 180 interceptors needed to take out two drones. She prayed that ground defences could destroy the remaining drones after the helicopter lasers had killed some more.

“Gold Leader to Witches Wing. Launch first interceptor wave when drone front in range. Target only actives,” said Adriana Pavlenko. “When debris clears, launch second wave. Turn and repeat interception.”

As the drones appeared on screen, Nilda avoided likely decoys and targeted an active cluster on her flank, then launched.

Fourteen other interceptors closed on the approaching menace, while every jet launched a second interceptor as drone fragments fell away. Then all fifteen turned in formation to face the tidal wave, now closer to Lutsk.

Nilda realised the swarm was barely broken.

*

Lutsk, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Daniela Stasiuk told Rihi, her Dutch Shepherd, to search the side of the collapsed warehouse for any accessible entrance, as the regular doorways were still blocked after the drone attack.

“There were five people inside when it was hit,” said the foreman. “I was supervising a truck leaving. Otherwise…”

“You’d be inside with your colleagues,” added Corynn Amsel. “Did the truck escape the blast?”

“Unscathed, as the driver was well clear. But it may be worth your dog checking the building’s far side, while I call for clearance equipment.”

Corynn led her German Shorthaired Pointer, Rikke, around the warehouse to where the roof had collapsed, bringing down the corner walls. She instructed Rikke to search for access. The GSP steadily followed the rubble’s edge, then froze, her muzzle and bent foreleg pointing to a barely noticeable space. Corynn moved close enough to inspect the small gap and then carefully cleared some bricks.

Corynn rewarded Rikke and radioed her colleagues

“SARM leader to team. Narrow stable opening detected northeast side. Over.”

“Team to leader. Nothing here. We’re en route now. Over and out.”

Moments later, Daniela arrived with her K9, Rihi, and the team medic, Aitana Salcedo. Instructed to investigate the opening, Rihi squeezed through.

Silence.

Then a muffled bark of success. Daniela told Rihi to ‘search’ via the microscopic two-way radio in his emergency harness.

After anxious minutes, Rihi barked softly, and a woman spoke.

“Are you looking for us, boy?”

“Rihi is,” replied Daniela. “The rest of us are outside, searching for a way to get you out. First, though, are you all together, and is anyone injured?”

“We weren’t when the attack came, but we’ve moved together in the loading bay. Two of us were injured when the roof caved in. Avrora has head gashes, but the bleeding has stopped. Yosyf’s leg was crushed when the main doors here collapsed as he tried opening them after the attack. He needs medical help, please.”

“I’m Aitana, this team’s medic. I’ll do what I can, while your foreman shows us where the loading bay is blocked. What’s Yosyf’s visible condition?”

The woman described what she could as the clearance team began to move the rubble.

“He’ll need a painkiller. In the dog’s harness, there’s a section with a red cross. Unfasten it. Inside, you’ll find three syringes of morphine. Inject one into Yosyf’s arm under the skin. Tell me when that’s done.”

A minute later, that was confirmed.

“In the same section of Rihi’s harness, there’s a bandage and ointment to stem the worst of the bleeding from Yosyf’s leg. Maybe not enough for all his wounds, but I’ll be with you soon.”

As soon as the doorway to the loading bay was clear, the SARM team went inside, where Rihi was comforting the trapped group. Daniela rewarded her K9, while Aitana examined and readied Yosyf for medevac. Then Corynn and Daniela placed him on a stretcher, and Aitana checked Avrora’s head wounds and checked that nobody else was injured.

Corynn called for Golf  Griffon to transfer Yosyf under Aitana’s care.

“Golf to SARM 2 leader. Chayka Field just advised that the Russians recently launched seven Kh-101 and Iskander-K cruise missiles and six Kinzhal ballistic missiles toward Lutsk. Air defences should deal with them. Over.”

“SARM 2 leader to Golf. Presumably, SARM 3 has been informed. Over,” asked Corynn, praying their colleagues were safe.

“Golf to SARM 2 leader. ETA 03.45. Informed SARM 3. Assigned to search a severely damaged garage cooperative for survivors. Over & out.”

*

Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Aslög Hellström continued to use the MSHORAD system to scan a four-kilometre radius around Chayka Field. The first fast, but accurate detection of the unexpected UAVs had allowed her and Estera Sówka to activate the base’s ground defences.

Estera’s sister, Andżelika, had ensured the Night Owls were alerted, along with base facilities.

Like the base commanders, Aslög and Estera were monitoring UAF and local frequencies. They’d noted UAF’s warning of seven cruise missiles and six Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles heading for Lutsk. 

“We need to be prepared for more UAVs or missiles,” said Aslög. “We can’t trust that was a stray cluster.”

“Not when the Russians attempted to raid Chayka Field earlier this year,” replied Estera.

*

Warned of the drone attack, Mariyka Shevchuk & Sergei Kovalyov had cleared the Zvenigora and the Canteen in case any attacks hit the terminal. They’d advised everyone to shelter in the ground-floor corridors, which were designed to double as air raid shelters.

The warning spread throughout the building, proving invaluable when a second drone wave struck the base.

Sheltering in one corridor, Mariyka and Sergei emerged and began checking how everyone had fared.

One surprised woman emerged from a room that had become their first school.

“The children and I heard something, but we felt nothing.”

“These underground facilities were designed to be safe,” said Sergei. “Especially rooms like this school. They’re seven metres underground, so secure during an air raid.”

*

Andriy Oliynyk launched his last AIM-120 AMRAAM at the approaching Kh-101 cruise missile and turned his F-16 away to escape the blast.

“Tailor to Chef. Another mad manoeuvre,” radioed Fedir Kravets. “Stop flirting… with death. You’re married. Over.”

 “Dive right,” screamed Leandra Silveira. “Avoid the missile fragments.”

Andriy dived right but felt his Falcon shudder, and the turbofan engine struggled to keep them flying.

Then his left eye throbbed as if he had been stabbed in the head. Liquid ran down his face… blood. He fought to stay conscious… and flying… away from houses.

“I need to land as my wounds can be treated.”

“We’ll guide you down,” radioed Fedir, bringing his F-16 alongside.

“I’ll take the other side,” said Leandra. “My sister will lead.”

“Chayka Field is near,” said Nilda. “They’ll need a warning.”

“Red Leader to Chayka Tower. Prepare all emergency services for crippled jet. Over.”

“Chayka to Red Flight. Crash response. For you, Valquíria, or Leoa? Over.”

“Neither. Friend. Over and out.”

With comrades guiding him down, Andriy fought the Falcon every metre, praying Amante would be there… flying with him.

“Stay with us, Andriy,” said Fedir. “You’re almost down and home.”

As the wheels touched the ground, he tried slowing the jet as he blacked out.

*

The F-16 skidded to a grinding stop off the runway. The base fire truck and ambulance moved in, and as the voluntary firefighters doused the plane with foam, the paramedics freed Andriy and stretchered him off to the ambulance.

“How serious are his wounds?” asked Fedir, praying they were better than they looked.

“That’s for Doctor Proulx to say,” replied Estera Sówka, from the vehicle.

“We’ll follow,” said Leandra. “Once our jets are in the hangar.”

Their maintainers gestured that they would secure the F-16s for the pilots.

A Night Owl waved Fedir, Leandra, and Nilda over to a jeep, then followed the ambulance.

*

Kalyna and Vasy were assessing the damage after debris had hit the terminal building. A fire in one section had been under control before the jet crashed.

However, parts of the mezzanine had fallen into the Sanctuary, trapping people in two corridors. Although it had been possible to evacuate them through the emergency exits, a K9 team, Kseniya Łaska and Nyx the Doberman, was checking the rubble for any missing personnel.

Meanwhile, Zofia Bukowska, the Owl’s explosives expert, and K9 handlers, Tetyana and Zoriana Douglass, with their Doberman Pinschers, Borago and Steinarr, were checking the upper levels for unexploded ordnance.

Fortunately, the Medical Centre and the Veterinary Clinic had already been relocated to secure underground areas.

Although Taisiya Martynyuk and her East European Shepherd, Tryzub, were patrolling the terminal until the first attack, she was now on duty with Danylo Karpenko for the other K9 units at the base.

“Let’s pray no K9s are injured tonight,” said Danylo.

“Although there are sometimes wounds to paws from things like broken glass and brick shards,” added Taisiya.  

*

In Doctor Proulx’s Medical Centre, Andriy’s wounds were being treated by Sacha, assisted by Osinniy and Estera.

Fedir, Leandra and Nilda were anxious to reassure Marielle that her unconscious husband would pull through.

Shaking and trying to speak, she continued studying the displays with his vital signs.

“Wouldn’t he be better… treated at a larger clinic?” She scanned the low readings. “I know you’re ex…perienced, Sacha, so what can you do?”

“If we’d moved him elsewhere when he crashed, he’d be dead. His oxygen supply was damaged by debris, and he’s lost a lot of blood from where he was wounded. We’re giving him a blood transfusion and have him on oxygen, nutrients and various medications.”

Marielle glanced at the numbers.

“How long will he remain comatose? Those levels look so low. Why?”

Sacha held Marielle’s hands.

“We’ve induced this coma as his brain is injured. This is a lifesaving procedure that can help it recover, given time.”

“But can you save him? He’s my angel. Please. I’m carrying his child. He wants a daughter… so he mustn’t die.”

“We’re doing everything we can. The CT scan revealed where the damage is, so I might need to operate. But only when more medics are back from Lutsk.”

*

Throughout the surgery, Marielle fought back her tears, arms around friends, none of whom left. Others arrived to comfort her. She tried to suppress her fears, not ready for life on her own.

Eventually, a few hours later, Andriy was wheeled back from the theatre.

“We removed the blood clots and performed some essential operations,” said Sacha. “He should come round soon, but I fear his injuries were too severe. Yet, he’s fighting to be with you for longer. This time is valuable.”

Marielle thanked Sacha and the medical team before sitting beside her only love. She stroked his forehead, his hands, then his face, before kissing him.

She talked to him about plans they’d made with their families and their friends, praying he could hear her.

Meanwhile, Fedir was playing Andriy’s favourite music, so Marielle hummed along.

She was holding his hands when he opened his eyes and spoke.

“I needed to be with you once more, Amante. Live for our daughter, Zoya, and for me.”

Andriy’s eyes closed as he died in Marielle’s arms, and she felt a jolt of his power leaving through her.

***

MPA – 2,230 words

**

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

*

HEADLINES

Lutsk under the most massive attack: how the city survived the night of missiles and drones on July 9: https://newssky.com.ua/en/luczk-pid-najmasovanishoyu-atakoyu-yak-misto-perezhylo-nich-raket-i-droniv-9-lypnya/

Weapons of mass deception: What are decoy drones and how Russia and its allies are trying to bypass air defense (13 April, 2025): https://global.espreso.tv/russia-ukraine-war-weapons-of-mass-deception-what-are-decoy-drones-and-how-russia-and-its-allies-are-trying-to-bypass-air-defense#goog_rewarded