This is the second Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024, so, I’m conscious that I must avoid repeating last month’s gripes and usual writing failings… as everyone has to be bored by them after months of identical posts.
In brief, then, my health continues its steady decline. The revision of Fevered Fuse plods on, and Episode 17 of Freedom Flights is due out this week.
Slava Ukrayini
Unfortunately, my 2023 tax return was not submitted by January 31st. Maybe later this week.
However, distressingly my poor wife Juanita was in the hospital for two nights with heart and lung failure. Fortunately, she is back home and on oxygen, so the whole family is praying for her full recovery.
**
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional! February 7 question: What turns you off when visiting an author’s website/blog? Lack of information? A drone of negativity? Little mention of author’s books? Constant mention of books?
It depends on why I’m visiting their site. The key plus elements are being informative, not long-winded nor rambling, and if books are mentioned… just a few titles & blurbs or links if the author is prolific. Good site navigation like a clear menu is important too.
Plus, avoiding the errors I attempt to eliminate on Writing Wings.
So, please let me know where my website fails. Yes, I know a few links are dead ends, which must be irritating.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and our hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
If this fails to appear on February 1st, blame HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) for wanting me to file my 2022-2023 tax return by midnight on January 31st, 2024. Failure to submit by the deadline incurs a £100 fine, which increases after 3 months. Unfortunately, I won’t have submitted the return by the time this post appears, as I’m still missing one document.
However, this WEP Get Together may be about more than writing, yet scribbling might distract me from worrying about unforeseen mishaps.
As I wrote in my last blog post, I will continue writing more Freedom Flights episodes until a just peace for Ukraine is reached. I’m aiming for one episode per month and have devised a thread echoing the 2023 WEP/IWSG Challenges movie theme. February’s episode may appear next week.
My crucial and ongoing issue is editing. Although I have an excellent editor in London, Yen Ooi, I’m over a year behind on her suggested revisions of Fevered Fuse, my North Wales police procedural… the first novel with Sparkle Anwyl. I’m slow, partly as ‘Freedom Flights’ keeps demanding my attention, but mainly as I struggle with health problems including deteriorating eyesight. I fear another rewrite may be a draft too far, even though my UK editor understands my style and approach. Incidentally, Yen was the UK editor of my first novel, Spiral of Hooves.
Maybe I must seriously consider finding a ghostwriter to ensure that at least two more novels are published. A UK journalist cousin did offer to help… but for a price. As for my American stepfamily, there were no serious offers… at any price.
What price is reasonable? Have you ever considered any form of writing partnership?
“The writing world changes constantly and is not without its challenges.” Denise Covey
As promised, I will continue writing more Freedom Flights episodes until a just peace for Ukraine is reached. Hopefully, I can manage one episode per month, and now there are sadly no more WEP/IWSG Challenges, I have devised a thread echoing 2023’s theme.
Once again, many thanks to the WEP team for inspiring us writers to create more gems with those Challenges. My thanks too to IWSG for their participation, and to my fellow writers and readers for their support and encouragement. Without all of this, I wouldn’t have created this fictional reflection of a crucial struggle for self-determination.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my new Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.
Episode 16 – Beacons of Hope
2023
Monday, December 18th – Chayka Air, Cold Lake, Canada
Chayka’s main hanger was transformed from how Maryna Sobol and Katia Antonov remembered when training in Cold Lake. Although the first fundraising event in December 2022 had proved crucial, the two pilots hadn’t yet joined the squadron.
However, Aliona Sokol was ensuring the sole survivors of Sable Flight felt welcome for this second event.
“We are grateful you came back for this evening’s dinner, but so saddened at the human cost—”
“—many thanks,” said Maryna. “But although it was a traumatic night for us, our ground troops on the front are facing far greater losses.”
“So tonight, we must make that clear,” said Aliona. “Last year, some of the money raised was sent as aid to Eastern Ukraine, and for night-vision equipment plus drones at the front.”
“Hopefully, our experiences and knowledge should raise awareness,” said Katia, realizing Maryna’s burns were unmissable.
Her Flight leader had stopped in front of a display case explaining the story of Chayka Air and the evolution of the Night Witches.
Pointing at the earliest section, she asked, “Is that feather the one your aunt’s grandmother brought from Byelorussia in 1944? It’s beautiful.”
“Yes. The famous Zharptica feather,” replied Aliona. “Vasy Chayka and my great-grandmother brought it when they emigrated to Canada.”
1944 Polikarpov Po-2 of The Shuttleworth Collection, United Kingdom
“Has it become a family heirloom then?” asked Katia. “Much like that Polikarpov U-2 hanging above us perhaps?”
Aliona walked to where the iconic biplane of the original Night Witches was suspended above the central tables. “This was the same plane flown to freedom by the Chayka sisters in 1944, although they were forced to leave it in Sweden until 1950.”
“Why? Too far to fly, I expect,” said Maryna. “But it’s beautiful with that Zharptica nose art—”
“—which my great-grandmother and her crew painted,” said Aliona, turning towards the first guests as they arrived. “Mingle freely until dinner is served.”
While their hostess went to welcome the arrivals, Maryna explained to Katia an idea she’d devised.
*
Once the guests were seated, Aliona welcomed everyone.
“As we all know, this is a crucial time for Ukraine with another winter, renewed Russian aggression, and other global distractions. Now is not the time for political wavering, but time for us to stand with our brave kindred struggling for freedom.” She paused to allow for applause.
“Before we enjoy this traditional Ukrainian dinner,” she continued, “I would like you to watch a documentary about the Russian Invasion and our reborn Night Witches – Nochnyye Vedmy. Originally made in 2022, it has been updated with the assistance of embedded British journalist Jane Wetherby.”
As Maryna and Katia had joined the squadron in early February, they had never seen the film, unlike those who had supported the previous fundraiser. However, some events referenced by Jane’s additions were familiar, not least the subtle references to departed sisters.
By the end of the documentary, they prayed it had set the guests discussing the issues raised.
After it concluded, Aliona said, “While you’re enjoying your meal, study the sheet on your table listing the items Ukraine needs, especially this winter. Many like warm gloves are things we take for granted as Canadians when winter temperatures fall as low as over there.”
“Now consider what you can spare this holiday season to donate to their struggle for their freedom… for our freedom. Whether it’s money for blankets, a generator, protective equipment, or drones, no sacrifice goes unseen. We thank you. After we have eaten, two of the Nochnye Vedmy will recount some of their experiences over 2023.”
Aliona returned to her seat at the table with the pilots, Jane Wetherby, and officers from the Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake.
“Miss Sokol, we are glad to do what we can to help,” said the senior officer, Lieutenant-colonel Todd Manning. “Chayka Air is special to us.”
A memory triggered for Aliona. “Was Major Felix Manning an ancestor of yours? If so, my great-grandfather Denys Kohut flew with him in WW2.”
Todd chuckled. “Exposed. Felix was my idol growing up. And yes, he was great friends with all your family. He even talked about the day he helped escort that amazing biplane hanging above us back to Kohut Air.”
“Seems like there’s a whole saga hidden here,” said Jane. “And I can do more than answer questions arising from the documentary.”
*
Listening to the concern for Ukraine in the conversation around the table, Maryna realized the struggle she and Katia might face attempting to persuade hesitant supporters to demonstrate their commitment. She shared her thoughts with Katia, but they reassured each other to draw strength from fear.
When coffee was served Aliona introduced her special guests.
“Tonight, we are privileged to have two Canadian-Ukrainian Nochnye Vedmy. Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Lieutenant Katia Antonov have served with the squadron since February 2023. After they have spoken, I’m sure they will answer your questions, as will our other special guests.”
Maryna and Katia stood, with the senior pilot taking the mike first.
“If you look above, you will see the original Polikarpov U-2 flown by Kalyna Chayka, the Nochnye Vedmy who was one of the Ukrainian founders of Chayka Air, along with her sister Vasy and their husbands. Katia and I are honored to serve under their granddaughters in the reborn Nochnye Vedmy, the 2022 Night Witches.
Unlike too many of our fellow fighters and far too many civilians, our casualties have been endurable, although traumatic. Katia and I are the sole survivors of Sable Flight, which came under Russian missile attack on the night of October 3rd. As you may have realized, I suffered severe burns although I was pulled from my burning MiG-29. But two pilots and three ground crew gave their lives for freedom.”
Maryna sat down, then closed her eyes remembering her dead friends and lover.
Katia continued.
“Although we’ve had our losses, as a squadron we’ve flown missions during which our jets have inflicted losses on the enemy. Unfortunately, due to the political hesitation of our allies and delays in sending weaponry, we have been forced to rebuild crashed MiG-29s. We are training in Poland on F-16s sourced through Chayka Air, and we have the NATO jets from all our staunch supporters.
A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)
However, if Ukraine’s western allies fail to ensure the frontline troops have the supplies such as artillery shells, and if the air raids take their toll on the civilian areas, morale will decline to Russia’s advantage. Then the Nochnye Vedmy will struggle to play an effective role in this war.”
As Katia stopped talking, her Witch friend stood up again.
“This is Ukraine’s darkest hour. It’s wrong to say 2024 will be the third year of this war. Never forget Russia invaded Ukraine ten years ago and annexed Crimea. Yes, there was a ceasefire… on Putin’s terms. The pro-Russia separatists violated the Minsk agreements ensuring the war never truly ended. We must ensure such a false ceasefire never happens again. No escalation. No capitulation. No partition.
But it’s always darkest before dawn. Now is the decisive moment for the West to step up and supply everything needed for victory. The post-World War 2 world order has changed but we can still avoid a third world war by acting effectively today.
I look up at that venerable biplane and although she was scarred by fire like me, I focus on the stunning nose art… Zharptica, the Firebird, whose fiery presence is often seen as a beacon of hope and a source of ultimate wisdom or power that can lead us to our ultimate destiny. Let Zharptica guide us in this hour of need. Katia and I will use this image on our jets in the months ahead. Slava Ukrayini.”
Everyone clapped, then repeated the battle cry.
When the enthusiastic response subsided, Aliona invited questions to any of her special guests.
An older man addressed his question to the British journalist Jane. “I found the documentary informative as my family fled Soviet persecution a few decades ago. I’m wondering if the United Kingdom is more committed to aiding our people than Canada’s isolationist neighbors?”
“I believe that even if Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives lose the election due probably this year,” replied Jane, “The likely Labour government under Keir Starmer will continue to aid Ukraine. Tragically, I fear what Donald Trump could do. As our brave pilots have made clear, the West must be staunch in its resolve to stop Russia.”
Further questions confirmed there was determination throughout the gathering. A final answer from Lieutenant-colonel Todd Manning provided the perfect lead-in for donations.
“I’m proud that as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s leading training squadron, 410 nicknamed the Cougars has trained a few of the volunteers in the Night Witches, including the two Majors leading them… although before my time. However, I was in this squadron when these two pilots Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Lieutenant Katia Antonov were training, so I’m honored to be here with them. We know our training has helped and will continue to. So, please give generously tonight.”
The carpet of snow around Dęblin made driving challenging. Hence, the Holub and Sokol families chose to walk across to the Zvenigora Restaurant, which was hosting a Christmas Eve, or Sviat Vechir celebration for friends.
Although most of the squadron had previously observed Christmas according to the Western calendar, now after an official break from Russian Orthodox traditions all of Ukraine was now celebrating Christmas united.
Mariyka and Sergei welcomed their guests with the traditional glasses of Uzvar, made with a medley of dried fruits, while Tomas and Sabina showed them to the tables arranged in a square at the center of the decorated restaurant.
“My Aunt Agnieszka has had us all making the twelve customary Ukrainian dishes for Sviat Vechir,” said Sabina.
Her nephew Tomas added, “And we cooked some other Christmas yummies. I made gingerbread for everyone too.”
The two youngsters from Canada introduced themselves as they helped Sabina and Tomas bring in food from the kitchen.
“I’m Daryna Holub, Vasy and Marcus’s youngest daughter—”
“—And I’m her cousin Mykola, Kalyna and Leonid’s only son… and desperate to be a pilot.”
“When you’re older,” said his sister Aliona. “You might have a few trainers lining up… or not.”
“Or when you reach the right age,” said his cousin Klara, “You could enroll here in Dęblin at the Polish Air Force Academy.”
“Except unlike you dear cousin, my Polish is terrible. But maybe someone at Chayka will take pity and help me qualify for the military.”
At the door, the last two guests arrived in a gust of snow. As they unbundled themselves of scarves and hooded jackets, Sergei was waiting to pounce.
“No evening would be perfect without my favorite cousin and her wife.” He embraced Larisa, then pulled Anzhela into the huddle as Mariyka squeezed in.
“When you guys have finished with your reunion, please, may I bless this meal?” asked Leonid. “Thank you.”
Once all were seated, they bowed their heads and Leonid prayed.
“Let us pray for fellowship as we gather around the Christmas dinner table. May our hearts be filled with love and joy as we share this special meal. Lord, we thank you for the blessing of family and friends who have come to celebrate this joyous season with us.
Help us to cherish these moments of togetherness and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Bless our conversations with laughter and warmth, and may your presence be felt among us as we share in this feast.
Grant us the grace to reach out to those who are lonely or lost during this holiday season, so that they may also experience the gift of fellowship in their lives.”
Agnieszka as head of the household dipped a deep spoon in the traditional kutia, a porridge made from unground grains sweetened with honey, jam, and dried fruits. She threw one spoonful of kutia to the ceiling, and everyone looked to see how many grains had stuck: many grains meant there would be a bountiful harvest and happiness for the family.
Mariyka threw another spoonful to the main window, as a donation to the frost, to prevent the crops from freezing.
She then explained, “Ukrainians traditionally give part of the kutia dish to their cattle and save another for children to give to their godparents and grandparents when they greet each other and receive gifts. We give part to a local farmer and there are enough relatives to spread love and gifts.”
Sabina told everyone to help themselves to the spread starting with Borsch. This was served with small buns stuffed with mushrooms and with sweet-filed Pampushky sprinkled with powdered sugar.
This was followed by a spread of treats including Varenyky, savory dumplings stuffed with cabbage, mushroom gravy, pickled herring, jellied fish, and marinated mushrooms.
“You realize someone spent many hours foraging in the snow,” said Agnieszka. “And patient ice-fishing. Thanks, Sergei.”
“Tomas was good company. We talked about tractors, plows, and farming.”
Laughter and casual chatter merged with satisfied eating, and then Agnieszka proposed a toast.
“To absent friends and family, both the departed souls and those celebrating elsewhere.”
Everyone raised their glasses of Uzvar or Medovukha, a fermented honey drink.
“Did many of the other Witches get home for any of the holidays,” asked Leonid. “I know Maryna Sobol and Katia Antonov were staying on for another week or so with their families in Canada, after the successful fundraiser.”
“Unless Air Command West puts the whole squadron’s three active MiG-29 flights on emergency standby,” replied Vasy. “It’s just the pilots around this table who are on call during the Christmas period. So, just one flight… Kalyna, Anzhela, Mariyka, and me.”
“And as the sole Chief Mechanic,” added Larisa, “I’ll be dependent on cadets like Klara who are still here to get four MiGs up.”
An ominous silence swept over the restaurant.
“I pray my despicable former comrades don’t use this period to launch more massive aerial attacks on Ukraine,” said Sergei.
Agnieszka stood up. “We need to change the mood with coffee and Piana Vyshnia.”
“A brandy and cherry drink originally from Lviv,” explained Mariyka. “Then we can discuss the film evenings we are planning as entertainment in 2024.”
Sabina and Tomas held up a poster for the first film.
This is the first Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024 so, Happy New Year to everyone. May this year prove better than the one past, despite any gloomy predictions… forecasts which should be ignored as always.
2023 felt like a turbulent year from my health and my wife’s to writing and world events. I’m praying for positive developments in 2024, starting with everyone’s health… not just mine. As this is a writing blog, I wish you all a fruitful year, filled with inspiration.
I must prioritize completing the revision of Fevered Fuse and avoid distractions. Unfortunately, another urgent deadline is approaching fast… my 2023 tax return due January 31st. However, I cannot ignore world events, from Red Sea piracy to primarily the war in Ukraine. Even with the final draft of my Welsh police procedural preying on my conscience, I still get diverted by nightmares… well, Night Witches.
The WEP/IWSG challenges may be over, but I intend to continue writing episodes of my saga about the Ukrainian Chayka family. Even over New Year’s Eve, I was updating my notes about my fictional squadron. In 2024 the war will enter its third costly year – the third year of my coverage. However, I pray that a just peace with reparations will soon be reached. Then, that will be a perfect conclusion to the Freedom Flights collection.
Slava Ukrayini
Finally, I am hoping this post is seen by friends whom I have lost touch with over the last few years. This occurred in part because I stopped checking my Facebook pages. If you are one of those who wondered where I disappeared to, comment below and I’ll attempt to rekindle our friendship.
**
Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional! January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?
The easy answer is I’m not conscious of having any BookBub readers, nor if my single novel is on the site. To be honest, I haven’t read anything on BookBub… well, not that I remember.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and our hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
First, many thanks to the WEP team for inspiring us writers to create more gems with their Challenges. My thanks too to IWSG for their participation, and to my fellow writers and readers for their support and encouragement. Without all of this, I wouldn’t have written as much.
For those who didn’t realize, this is the final WEP Challenge. However, this is not the end of my Ukraine posts as I intend to write more Freedom Flights episodes until we reach a just peace. But as some commentators are talking about a long war or an enforced peace that allows Putin to invade again when his forces are stronger, I may have been forced to cease writing if that’s three or more years.
Moving on to this month’s theme Over To You and ‘the movie that inspires’, I knew early on what the choice would be. Well, okay, it could have been my favorite film, as that would have fitted since one of the two leads is a pilot. That 1946 film is A Matter of Life and Death, released in the US as Stairway to Heaven: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Matter_of_Life_and_Death_(film). I recommend the movie if you like classic fantasy-romances.
Official UK cinema poster for A Matter of Life and Death – Copyright: Eagle-Lion Films
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, that this present-day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Blurb: The Witches family yearn to dispel their winter gloom with light… and snow.
Episode 15 – Zvenigora Snow
2023
Wednesday, December 6th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
F-16 jets in March over Poland. Training for Ukrainian pilots could take place there. Credit: Lukasz Glowala/Reuters
Snow flurries blew across the runway outside the Night Witches’ office. Kalyna and Vasy watched the last F-16 trainer land.
Back at their desks, Vasy placed a conference call with their husbands in Canada. Within five minutes they were discussing Winter plans.
“We’re sorry not to be joining you for the Chayka Air Fundraiser Dinner,” said Kalyna. “Is Aliona expecting to raise as much as last year after the media switched focus to the Middle East and now Guyana Essequibo?”
“Hopefully,” said her husband Leonid. “Canadian-Ukrainians remain committed, as do the refugees. Aliona believes the two survivors from Sable Flight attending, Maryna Sobol and Katia Antonov, will raise awareness.”
“Let’s hope so,” said Vasy. “That’s crucial for 2024.” She paused before asking, “Who’s coming here for Christmas? You’re all invited.”
“Since our daughter Klara is with you, our family will come,” said Marcus, her husband. “But we haven’t persuaded Leonid’s brood yet.”
“First, there’s the fundraiser to organize.”
Vasy scribbled a note for Kalyna, then pointed at the time.
“Save your answer for tomorrow’s call. We have a double gathering now,” said Kalyna. “Instead of honoring Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, yesterday evening, the Witches are celebrating today as it’s also Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day.”
“Appropriate as we must defend our precious children,” added Vasy, “while Putin kidnaps hundreds from Eastern Ukraine, then brainwashes them.”
*
Thursday, December 7th – Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Mariyka and Sergei watched the snowflakes spiral in the cold air as they walked home.
“It’s hard to enjoy such natural beauty,” said Mariyka, “while a few hundred kilometers east of us, mud and blood are all our brave comrades live with.”
“When will the violence end?” asked Sergei. “How many more deaths?”
She let a snowflake melt on her palm.
“I hate to think… too many. This war drags on too long.” She let out a sigh, her breath freezing in the air. “I must do more. I fear Russia grinds ahead in this war of attrition.”
“But at what cost to my friends… to those I love? Putin doesn’t care what happens to Russia or Ukraine.”
Walking into the restaurant, Mariyka said, “Unless his empire rises from the ashes, even if that takes ten years of war—”
“—or a false peace during which he rearms.”
Her aunt came over from the bar. “Depressing thoughts for Hanukkah, when we should celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. We must be positive. Putin will be defeated, whatever faith we follow.”
Memories of Christmas Eve midnight mass in St. George’s Cathedral in Lviv, wrapped around Mariyka, as she and Sergei followed her aunt to where other guests waited.
After Agnieszka lit the first candle on the Chanukiah, the family brought in Jewish food, including potato latkes and pastries.
Sergei asked, “I’m not familiar with Hanukkah so please explain why your menorah candelabra has nine branches?”
“The eight-branched menorah or Chanukiah has a place for a ninth candle, the shammes,” said Agnieszka. “As I just did, the ninth is used to light the others… one on this first night of Hanukkah, and an additional candle is lit on each successive night until, on the eighth night December 14, the Chanukiah is fully illuminated.”
“Many thanks,” said Sergei. “It’s fascinating how many festivals of light are held this time of year. Like December 13th is St. Lucia’s Day—”
“—which used to occur on the shortest day. Hence the saying ‘Lucy light, Lucy light, shortest day and longest night’,” said Mariyka.
*
Friday, December 8th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)
The overnight wind had swept sparkling snowdrifts against the Engineering Hangar. By floodlight, the cadets cleared the drift blocking the main door, ensuring another refurbished MiG-29 could be moved outside later.
“Who will be test-flying the plane today?” asked Daria. “Not that I’m judging our rebuilds.”
Anzhela Havrylyuk and her chief mechanic, Larisa Kovalyov, appeared out of the darkness.
“Nor are any of the squadron. Every MiG-29 you’ve rebuilt has flown better than new. Larisa is just here for her normal flight check.”
The group moved further inside as more mechanics and cadets arrived.
“How many more MiGs are we scheduled to rebuild this month,” asked Maja.
Her colleague Nadzieja checked on the Planner board. “One, if the holidays disrupt our usual two per month.”
One cadet moved towards them, shaking her head.
“Am I wrong to worry when the head of Poland’s National Security Bureau warns Russia could attack Eastern NATO countries after Ukraine?” asked Klara Holub. “Should we prepare for that confrontation over the next three years?”
“I suspect we will,” said Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth. “Not just Poland, but also the three Baltic nations, plus Finland and others bordering Russia. The initial German report said NATO should plan for six to 10 years, but it’s wiser to be ready sooner.”
“But for Ukrainians,” added Anzhela. “We must survive this winter, and then a year at least with decreasing allied support. A year ago, we could dream of the F-16s some of us are training on. Now, this squadron may still be relying on these refurbished MiG-29s in 2024.”
Larisa threw her arms around her dejected partner. “We must remain positive. Remember today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. At Mass tonight, we should pray for peace and justice everywhere.”
*
Monday, December 11th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Fairy lights danced around Zvenigora Restaurant, snow crystals adding to the magic. The Witches shook powdery whiteness from their boots as they went inside.
“Can we put aside all our winter dread tonight?” asked Vasy, putting an arm around her daughter Klara. “It’s depressing enough learning about more truckers blockading the borders.”
“All supply problems and infrastructure attacks were dismissed in the doorway,” said Kalyna.
“For beautiful snowscapes and the arrival of our imagined 200 Gripen jets,” said Anzhela, walking over to a movie poster with Cyrillic script. “Last year, I forgot Zvenigora was a silent film by Ukrainian director Alexander Dovzhenko, which we saw when we were students.”
Mariyka smiled, tears in her eyes. “My murdered mother said our posters held a clue. Can you remember anything about the film?”
“Though fragmented, wasn’t there a legend about treasure buried in Mount Zvenigora?” replied Anzhela. “Around scenes blending industrialization and the beauty of the Ukrainian steppes.”
“It re-told ancient myths, I remember,” added Larisa. “One of the first films we saw together. When snow brought peace on earth.”
Poster for the 1928 Soviet Ukrainian film Zvenigora, by Alexander Dovzhenko.
FCA 1,092 words
Slava Ukrayini
As a classic Ukrainian film blending a mix of elements, I felt ‘Zvenigora‘ worked as an ideal and unusual name for my fictional restaurant. Here are a few links:
In October, I posted my most recent WEP/IWSG Challenge episode, Masked Nemesis. Below you will find the next episode, Embedded, which I wrote as the first part of my 2023 NaNoWriMo entry. For the rest of that entry, I wrote three more Freedom Flights episodes Forest Elusion, Prairie Pride, and Saskatoon Sunrise – set respectively in 1944, 1947, and 1950. These are the first of the stories linking my original WWII story Feathered Fire and my ongoing present-day episodes.
For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, that this present-day tale began with my World War II story Feathered Fire, which introduced the Chayka family from Ukraine and appeared in the 2020 IWSG Anthology (No. 5), Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
Wednesday November 1st – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
It was still dark when Mariyka and Sergei finished cleaning the dining area of the restaurant after the successful Veles celebrations.
“You must have time for breakfast,” said her sister Sabina from the doorway into the kitchen, which she and Aunt Agnieszka had been cleaning. “We’ve made enough pancakes to feed a room of cadets.”
Hearing a knock at the front door, Mariyka checked.
It was her chief mechanic, Dariya Boyko, with the journalist writing about the squadron.
“Jane Wetherby wanted to talk before you’re needed in the Engineering hangar.”
“Let’s chat over breakfast with my family.”
“Perfect. I’d hoped they were here as well.”
Once they were all seated with plates of food and everyone was introduced, Jane took out her notepad.
“Do you all feel it’s brave and necessary for a woman like Mariyka to serve in a front-line unit?’
“Of course,” said Agnieszka. “As brave and important as the men. But as her aunt, I worry every time she flies in combat… as we all do.”
“Braver than men like me,” said Sergei. “But as a Russian, I surrendered, unwilling to fight. Now I can admire my partner Mariyka instead.”
Jane let the others express their admiration, then asked another question.
“Mariyka, I believe your family is part Jewish. Do you have relations in Israel, who might be involved in the war?”
“Yes,” replied Agnieszka. “Some cousins, who left Poland in 1993 and still live there—”
“—and like me, one was a pilot… but she was killed… fighting for a cause they believed in,” added Mariyka. “Dare we believe Hamas doesn’t want the destruction of Israel. Nor Putin ours.”
Sabina nodded. “Let’s pray neither war escalates, and more innocent lives are lost.”
“Unfortunately, with thousands already dead in Gaza,” said Dariya, “fatalities in Ukraine no longer provoke concern. The world’s focus has shifted away from us.”
*
Saturday, November 11th – Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center, Lviv, Ukraine
“Kapitan Sobol, I wish you a steady recovery. Do you miss the squadron?” asked Jane Wetherby.
Maryna squeezed her fellow survivor Katia’s hand. “My flight sisters… who died especially. And the ground crew who tried to save them. Lives lost. So many casualties everywhere. My precious Bohdana. Why?”
“Freedom,” said Katia. “Isn’t that why we fight? Except some of our allies forget that I fear. Are we still fighting for Ukraine and Canada? Or just our ancestral motherland?”
“How many of you Witches were born in Canada?”
Maryna closed her eyes, letting Katia answer.
“Seven… less our two late sisters, who joined along with us. Whether other Canadian-Ukrainians become Witches depends on how this war is reported.”
Dropping her head, Jane paused before saying, “I hope my article helps. Where has the West failed Ukraine?”
“Supplying key weapons too late,” said Maryna. “Like ATACMS and cluster munitions. It’s exactly a year since Kherson was liberated yet we should have progressed further since then. We needed those weapons before our counter-offensive. Our brave forces have managed a multi-prong approach. But NATO doctrine recommends combined arms, an air-land campaign… when the right weapons are available. We are fighting an enemy NATO never has.”
“Without them, shaping operations were a slow tough grind,” added Katia. “Did our allies expect a swift assault while they delayed? We need better mine clearance and electronic measures. Only now are we being allowed to train on F-16s. Can Ukraine survive until the promised jets arrive?”
*
F-16 jets in March over Poland. Training for Ukrainian pilots could take place there. Credit: Lukasz Glowala/Reuters
Friday, November 17th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
“F-16s alone will not ensure our victory,” said Maksym Bondarenko, “but they will be a factor. We must convince our allies of the pressing need for their unwavering support.”
“Until the F-16s arrive, our engineering team will keep rebuilding and upgrading MiG-29s,” added Anatol Krakarth.
Mariyka nodded in agreement.
Jane looked at the group gathered in the squadron’s office.
“If your allies propose a peace plan, what form must that take?”
“It can’t allow Russia to keep any Ukrainian territory,” replied Maksym. “Including Crimea.”
“So, no peace that allows them to invade again,” added Vasy. “Difficult but crucial.”
“There must be a means to include reparations,” said Kalyna. “We can’t expect the West to cover all the costs of rebuilding what the Russians have destroyed.”
Jane held up her hands. “Possibly controversial, considering the heated discussions currently over the legality of using seized Russian assets. So, how dependent is victory on the extent of Western fatigue and further delays in support?”
“Extremely,” said Mariyka. “I fear what this winter might bring. Yet I know we must keep believing and doing everything we can to press forward.”
“And hope the crisis within US politics doesn’t favor Putin,” added Vasy.
*
Tuesday, November 21st – Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
The images on the screen might be ten years old, but everyone watching had vivid memories of Euromaidan on this Day of Dignity and Freedom. Even the Canadians since they all had Ukrainian ancestry, especially the cousins Kalyna and Vasy, whose grandmothers had escaped Stalin’s tyranny in 1944.
“Were your grandmothers alive to witness Putin’s invasion of Crimea the following year?” asked Jane.
“Both were,” replied Vasy. “The one I’m named after was doing great at 82, while Kalyna’s was as spry at 92. They were comparing Putin to Stalin, yet still optimistic after the Euromaidan events.”
“Were you tempted to come here and help?”
“Tempted yes,” said Kalyna. “But we were still serving in the RCAF. Although at 42, we were thinking of retiring. Four years after Crimea we did when we were unofficial guests at Clear Sky 2018 hosted by Starokostiantyniv air base.”
Jane turned her attention to the Ukrainians in the Witches’ office.
“Did any of you take part in the Euromaidan demonstrations?”
“I was on leave from the Airforce,” said Maksym. “In Kyiv, where my family lived, before we moved to Lviv. I was meant to remain loyal to the government, yet I felt torn. So, I went to Maidan Nezalezhnosti on that first day and realized from all the speeches, that our country needed to be free of the old Soviet ties.”
“How long did you remain in the central square?”
“A few hours at first. But I returned every day I was on leave, doing what I could to support the protestors. Mainly with food and first aid, although back then I didn’t join a Maidan Self-Defense unit. If I wasn’t a serving officer, I’d have joined. Unfortunately, when the Crimea invasion happened, the armed forces proved too late to respond.”
*
Saturday November 25th – Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland
Moonlight cast shadows beside the Witches and their colleagues as they gathered for the remembrance ceremony on the 91st anniversary of the devastating 1932-33 famine in Ukraine.
“Why is it known as the Holodomor?” asked Jane, as they all prepared to light memorial candles.
“It means ‘death by hunger’ as an estimated 7 million Ukrainians died,” replied Vasy as her husband clutched her hand.
Marko explained. “I was privileged to know Vasy and Kalyna’s grandmothers, who escaped Ukraine after their parents died—”
“—of starvation in Stalin’s famine,” added Kalyna’s husband Leonid.
With respectful reflection, everyone lit their candles. Then in their flickering light, observed a minute of silence remembering the victims.
As they returned to the airfield, Mariyka and Agnieszka invited everyone back to the Zvenigora Restaurant for a final act of remembrance and food.
*
Inside the family lit candles on every windowsill.
Maryka explained. “The tradition of ’Candle in the Window’ was suggested by Holodomor researcher James Mace in 2003, saying ‘Even seven decades later, a candle that flickers in the window seems to me to be a worthy reply’. We do this every year.”
“Even more relevant when Putin is again using hunger as a weapon,” added her sister.
“A weapon affecting people already near starvation in other countries,” said Nadzieja Chlebek. “Like the majors, I have family who suffered during Holodomor. My great-grandfather lost his parents in 1932.”
“Although I trained to fly in Canada. my family are originally Polish-Ukrainian,” said Adriana Pavlenko. “And I grew up learning about the suffering of millions over those decades.”
Jane kept making notes, then said, “Sending drones on the eve of Holodomor to attack Kyiv adds to the affront.” She continued, asking, “Has it ever been suggested that the squadron gets sent to guard the alternative grain route to the Black Sea.”
“Not yet,” said Kalyna. “For now, it’s either ground defenses or planes stationed nearer the Danube River ports.”
“But as long as Russia threatens any sensible grain deal,” added Leonid, “this is genocide against Ukraine and others. Yet one of many war crimes they must be held accountable for.”
“And your father, Vasy,” said Marko, “is attempting to pursue some of the children Russia has kidnapped from Eastern Ukraine.”
“As we often say, unpunished evil grows like cancer,” added Agnieszka. “Poland’s prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki last year said, “If we allow Putin to continue, he will become the Stalin of the 21st century,”
Slava Ukrayini
The next Freedom Flights episode will be the final WEP/IWSG Challenge of 2023, Over To You, which allows us to choose a film that inspires our post… so, I understand. I aim to have something up in the next 24 hours. The clue to the film hangs in a restaurant.
