WEP/IWSG June Challenge – Close Encounters

June 23, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Apologies for the delay in posting this WEP/IWSG June Challenge, and not editing either. The death of my beloved Quetzal last Saturday was a blow I’m still dealing with.

For those new to this ongoing creation, please note, 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.

The current stories open with Part 1, Rainbow Firebreak, for the WEP/IWSG April: Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall/.

Part 2, Winged Woes, for the WEP/IWSG June Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/06/15/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-please-read-the-letter/

Part 3, Moonbeam Magic, for the WEP/IWSG August Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/08/17/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-moonlight-sonata/

Part 4, Winged Death, for the WEP/IWSG October Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/10/19/wep-iwsg-october-challenge-thriller/

Part 5, Soul Seeds, for the WEP/IWSG December Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/01/wep-iwsg-december-challenge-first-time-ever/

Part 6, Swords to Ploughshares, to conclude the WEP/IWSG December Challenge and close 2022: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/10/swords-to-ploughshares/

Part 7, Winter Resolution https://rolandclarke.com/2023/01/31/wep-iwsg-challenge-resolve/ This extra post leads into this month’s Challenge entry and included a plot event I foreshadowed in Part 6.

Part 8, Winds of Change https://rolandclarke.com/2023/02/15/wep-iwsg-february-challenge-gone-with-the-wind/

Part 9, Precious Relations, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/

Part 10, Inception, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/06/12/freedom-flights-part-10-inception/ .

Blurb: The Night Witches struggle with three contrasting tactics

Part 11

Shaped Encounters

Sunday, April 23^rd – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Mariyka Shevchuk slipped out of the family restaurant into the busy dawn of birdsong pierced by a returning night exercise.

A dewy kiss brushed her cheek. Just the familiar greeting of the oak guarding her new home.

Why couldn’t it be Sergei? There had to be a way to get a harmless Russian POW into Poland. Another prayer when she thanked the Lord for the lives he has spared.

As she jogged to the hanger, she saw her chief mechanic Dariya and knew the next step.

“Dariya, heard from your pet prison guard Odarka?”

“I’m expecting to see Odarka on Wednesday evening, so we’ll have to let MiG-29 repairs distract us until then.”

“Yet another military solution,” said Mariyka, saluting the sunrise.

Monday, April 24^th – Control Tower, Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland

Kalyna and Vasy stood behind the air traffic controllers monitoring the incoming flight from Chayka Air. Yet the single two-seater F-16 had grown into a flight of four jets en route from Sweden.

“All the call signs indicate an impressive mix of nationalities,” said the lead controller. “Fortunately, this University base receives numerous foreign visitors.”

“Let’s count them down,” said Vasy. “So, we know what favors Kalyna’ daughter, Aliona called in for this training operation. I’m guessing four, plus the surprise.”

Their Chayka Air F-16 was first to land, followed by a US National Guard trainer, then a retired Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16.

“Your fourth plane is circling,” said the controller. “But it’s smaller than an F-16.”

He instructed the ground crews to move the three F-16 trainers into vacant revetments, then signaled the circling plane to land.

As the jet landed, Kalyna cheered the gift from their Swedish friends – a Saab JAS 39D Gripen two-seater advanced trainer.

“Your daughter Aliona’s excelled herself again. Three F-16 trainers will boost our training schedule, and that Gripen will open up the option we wanted for the Gripen flights.”

“There’s a lone F-16 on our radar, sending a Polish call sign, but claiming she’s with your Chayka training flight,” said the lead controller. “Authorize her landing?”

“Yes, definitely. Sounds just what the flight needs,”

When all five planes were safely in their designated bays, their air crews assembled for inspection and debriefing.

As the cousins approached the Chayka Air pilots, Vasy froze at sight of her oldest daughter in uniform. But the CA officer saluted and spoke.

“Majors, I’m your latest Polish-Ukrainian recruit Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko, and I’ve already spent over four months training on F-16s. Aliona Sokol hopes these other trainers will prepare the 2022 Night Witches for the next offensive.”

Before Vasy could question her daughter, Klara Holub saluted. “I’ve enrolled in the Faculty of Aviation here at Dęblin to train as a jet fighter pilot like you. Maybe I can aspire to be a Night Witch.”

“It’s in your blood. Make us proud.”

The two US National Guards saluted and the Major explained they were Major Lidka Andrysiak & Captain Natalie Kuzmenko from the 162nd Wing, a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard.

“We’re from mixed Ukrainian-Polish stock and have been determined to help Ukraine since last February. As the primary mission of the 162nd Wing is education and flight training of international F-16 aircrews, we instantly volunteered our services.”

In contrast, Major Signe Berntsen & Kaptein Amalie Falk had just retired from the Royal Norwegian Air Force as had the F-16 two-seater acquired by Chayka Air. Both were keen to aid the Ukrainian struggle against the Russians,

The Polish F-16 was one of Mariyka’s contacts, and already regular trainers at the University. However, over a meal at the Zvenigora, Marijka had persuaded Major Klaudia Smolak and Kapitan Zuzia Czajka to help train Witches.

Kalyna ensured all the F-16 crews had their kitbags, then showed them to their accommodation, leaving Vasy with their Swedish guests.

“I’m Major Ottillia Elmersson and my co-trainer here is Kapten Pernilla Eklund. Your friends at Saab are sending some support equipment so you can establish a dispersed strategy.”

“That will be invaluable as some of us believe the Night Witches’ eight Gripens give us a unique role in Ukraine’s fight. The freedom to swiftly change locations makes us special. Let’s introduce you to our Gripen flights.”

Thursday, May 25^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland

The Flight of four F-16 trainers made a low-level pass over the airfield, then in turn pulled up into steep climbs, before reforming, heading south.

“Chrome leader, proceed to bombing range. Switch to Chayka channel 2.”

“Understood. Over and out.”

In the Control Tower, Kalyna smiled, pleased Anzhela Havrylyuk was proving so adept, even if Major Lidka Andrysiak was her trainer/co-pilot. Lidka had already expressed her amazement at the speed Anzhela had adapted. The other trainers were almost as impressed with their students.

“Chayka 2 to 1. Chrome Flight arriving over range. Will report on my return. Out.”

After the exercise, Vasy and the trainers gathered in the Witches’ office.

“Of all your pilots who have flown this exercise,” said Lidka, “These four are the most promising-“

“-so far,” added Vasy. “None of the eight pilots flying Gripens have even flown an F-16 simulation.”

“We need to see how the Swedish trainers assess them on dispersal exercises,” said Kalyna. “We mustn’t forget Ukraine might be better suited to a jet able to use shorter runways, even dispersed sites alongside highways.”

The Polish trainer, Major Klaudia Smolak, added, “I sense you Witches are a squadron with multiple tactics.”

Friday, May 26^th – Gripen Revetments, Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeiship, Poland

Ottillia and Pernilla watched the last of their two Gripen flights land after the dispersal exercise. They compared their digital stopwatches and nodded.

“The fastest turnaround yet,” said Pernilla. “If we had more support vehicles, we’d be faster and more flexible.”

“Agreed. Now the Swedish Defense Minister wants Ukrainian pilots to practice on JAS 39 Gripen fighters, we should be allowed to build more support vehicles. We just need approval from Saab to replicate their design.”

Monday, June 7^th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Mariyka Shevchuk welcomed Maksym Bondarenko to the family restaurant. “After we left Ukraine, the Witches have adopted three tactics, represented at this table by my friends.”

They joined a table under a ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ movie poster.

“First, you know Anzhela Havrylyuk, and this is Major Lidka Andrysiak.”

”I’m one of their F16 trainers, and Anzhela is my star pupil. But already the squadron has two flights capable of being effective solo.”

“With the help of our Swedish friends at Saab, we’ve started a dispersal strategy.”

“I’m Major Pernilla Eklund and this is Sergeant Zlata Kovalchuk who has proved along with her colleagues that Ukrainians can adopt a dispersed strategy with Gripens”

“Finally, this is my friend Cadet Daria Jankowski, with whom we are rebuilding crashed MiG 29s for NATO tactics.” She waved over Sergei. “And this my reformed Russian.”

FCA 1183 words

Slava Ukrayini

Apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments or struggle to visit all your posts.

Please, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via:

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com

QUETZAL 2014-JUNE 17th 2023 R.I.P.

June 18, 2023 by Roland Clarke

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we have to tell you that our sweet fur baby Quetzal went over the rainbow bridge at around 7:00 pm tonight. She just laid down and was gone. Juanita found her and it has hit us both so hard.

RIP Quetzal we will never forget how gentle and sweet you were.
Feb 13 2014 – June 17 2023.

— in Boise, ID.

My tribute follows when my thoughts aren’t jangled by the loss of my most precious fur-baby.

TRIBUTE: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/06/25/quetzal-tribute/

Freedom Flights – Part 10 – Inception

June 12, 2023 by Roland Clarke

As there have been several crucial events concerning Ukraine over the last month, ‘Inception’ picks up from the last outing of the Night Witches in the WEP/IWSG April Challenge.

Watch out for the next episode ‘Shaped Encounters’ due at the end of next week. Perhaps by then some of my Witches will be ready to fly in Ukraine skies again. Finally, my apologies for again running too long to make this episode work.

The current stories open with Part 1, Rainbow Firebreak, for the WEP/IWSG April: Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall/.

Part 2, Winged Woes, for the WEP/IWSG June Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/06/15/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-please-read-the-letter/

Part 3, Moonbeam Magic, for the WEP/IWSG August Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/08/17/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-moonlight-sonata/

Part 4, Winged Death, for the WEP/IWSG October Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/10/19/wep-iwsg-october-challenge-thriller/

Part 5, Soul Seeds, for the WEP/IWSG December Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/01/wep-iwsg-december-challenge-first-time-ever/

Part 6, Swords to Ploughshares, to conclude the WEP/IWSG December Challenge and close 2022: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/10/swords-to-ploughshares/

Part 8, Winds of Change https://rolandclarke.com/2023/02/15/wep-iwsg-february-challenge-gone-with-the-wind/

Part 9, Precious Relations, https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/

Watch out for Part 11, Shaped Encounters, the WEP/IWSG June Challenge due next week.

***

PART 10

Inception

Wednesday April 19^th– Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Mariyka was amazed at the size of the gathering drawn to the hanger used for aircraft maintenance by the Aviation Engineering Training Centre. All the squadron’s chief mechanics had realized the urgency of the situation, as had the flight leaders. The three cadets encouraged some aviation engineering students to attend, and crucially their senior trainer, Master Engineer Krakarth.

A MiG-29 Fulcrum takes off from Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 9 as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

He turned to the students, “Our brave guests are inviting us to help them rebuild these three MiG-29s,” he gestured behind him. “They were recovered after a costly night raid near the Kherson front, when six heroic Witches gave their lives for freedom. With their resources and ours, we can ensure Ukraine has three more MiG-29s to drive the Russians out.” He gestured towards Mariyka, “I will let Kapitan Shevchuk take command of this operation.”

Daria, Maja, and Nadzieja each went and stood by a MiG as Mariyka said, “We need three teams made up of our combat trained mechanics. So, Daria with Gold Flight’s Chief mechanic, Larisa Kovalyov. Maja with Sable Flight’s Chief mechanic, Bohdana Shvets. And Nadzieja with Green Flight’s Chief mechanic, Dariya Boyko.”

Mariyka noticed the teams coming together, and added, “plus the best students.” She glanced towards Krakarth, who added, “The University will be pleased to not only supply our facilities, but this will give invaluable experience to all our aviation engineering students, especially as you intend these MiGs to be using NATO tactics and missile systems.”

Mariyka’s chief mechanic Dariya Boyko chuckled, then said, “We’ve learnt a lot about reverse engineering – even in sub-zero temperatures, albeit on Hornets. But adapting a MiG to use JDAMS missiles will be easier.”

The Chayka majors who were quietly helping allocate crew to MiG teams, nodded to each other, then said in unison, “From the present ‘mutual air denial’, we can achieve Ukrainian air supremacy… when we receive the requested air defence systems and NATO jets.”

“Of course,” said Krakath, “Some of you have managed to source the requisite jets.”

Kalyna and Vasy hurriedly whispered to Mariyka.

“Great plan,” said Mariyka. “But can Chayka Air spare more resources to train Witches?”

“Whatever it takes to drive the enemy out,” said Kalyna. “First fast-jet training for our Polish comrades and anyone who needs it. Then we train as many as we can on an F-16 or the next available NATO-compatible platform…whichever we have permission to train on.”

“Fortunately, as Chayka Air’s qualified trainers, we have the company’s authorization to train on most fourth-generation fighter aircraft. We will double check with our legal expert…my father,” said Vasy, grinning. “When we are totally covered, our hard-acquired two-seater F-16 jet trainer will be flown here.”

“Although most Ukrainian pilots want F-16s, our newest recruits liked the Gripens,” said Vasy, “as did our mechanics, which we told our Swedish contact-“

“-in that message I delivered?” asked Anzhela Havrylyuk. “Gripens would make this squadron more flexible in terms of being able to effectively operate from dispersed locations.”

“Viable solution, but long term,” said Vasy. “We mustn’t forget it though. Join us upstairs if you’re free.”

As the trio were about to leave through the rear hanger door, Kalyna turned to Mariyka.

“We know you and Master Engineer Krakarth have this in hand. Just let us know your MiG-29 rebuild teams later today. Slava Ukrayini.”

When the two Majors and Anzhela left, Mariyka and Krakarth checked they had three balanced teams, without too many experienced engineers on one.

“We ought to record their names. I’ll ask the first three cadets who volunteered, to compile lists, sir.”

“Please call me Anatol. Sir is what the cadets use.”

“Anatol then. Please keep calling me Mariyka.”

A few minutes later, she returned with three rosters, “Real initiative – already done.”

“I’m not surprised. They’re our fastest learners. But the others will soon catch up. Most of them feel threatened by the Russian invasion… and many know people dying on the front. It’s going to be difficult stopping more volunteers… especially when they have Ukrainian ancestry.”

“Like me… you realize I graduated from here. Also, the majors are Canadian-Ukrainians.”

“Explains a lot.”

Mariyka headed for the rear door. “I better deliver these rosters, and report in.”

Once her flight leader had left, Dariya Boyko asked Krakarth, “Master Engineer, are there enough MiG-29 air frames and parts to build another plane for Mariyka? It would be great if we can create a flight of MiG-29s.”

“I’ll investigate that as I suspect there could be, even on another base. We could be starting an invaluable service here.”

F-16 jets in March over Poland. Training for Ukrainian pilots could take place there.
Credit: Lukasz Glowala/Reuters

Despite the eight-hour time difference between Lublin and Cold Lake, the majors were still finalizing arrangements with Chayka Air. Kalyna was on phone, while Vasy was taking notes,

“Okay, so we’ll expect our two-seater F-16 trainer in five days, with an intelligence gathering stopover in Sweden.” She paused, then continued, “Polish air traffic control will need more than the pilots’ names and serial numbers …at least a secure military call sign when they reach NATO airspace, please.”

“Why the mystery, Kalyna?” asked Anzhela as Mariyka walked in. “We don’t have any pilots we’ve grounded.”

Mariyka handed the MiG repair team lists to Vasy. “Our teams are so keen we’ll have the 29s rebuilt faster than we expected. Anatol… I mean Krakarth, feels we won’t be short of volunteers to fight the Russians soon. But I wonder if enough of us speak sufficient Polish to instruct-“

“-in American cockpits,” added Kalyna.

“Luckily the University’s Foreign Languages Centre,” said Mariyka, “has extensive English Language courses with NATO and related technical jargon.”

“Would they be able to help our Ukrainian pilots who might struggle with NATO-speak on the frontlines?” asked Vasy. “Any Ukrainian troops trained on NATO equipment might expect us to use the same terms and phrases. Tanks work best with infantry and air cover that is operating on the same page.”

“I’ll go and ask the Centre as soon as you’ve finished with me.”

“Just one thing, but you need to talk to your aunt for the details. There were survivors from the Lviv restaurant bombing. We don’t know more so ask her… and if you have to move there, just ensure you report for duty regularly.”

Mariyka was tempted to run straight to the Zvenigora Restaurant, but her mission to the Foreign Languages Centre was crucial.

It proved well-timed as one of the senior NATO tutors with sufficient authority approved a special program for officers on active duty.

“This program will have its roots in past conflicts, but the innovative use of weapons means I must integrate new terminology into the program, a relatively straightforward task for me. Call it another inception requiring dinner sometime.”

Gripen taking off from a from a forest road/runway.

Meanwhile, back at the squadron’s office, Vasy and Kalyna had written all the flights on the roster board.

“We need to identify those pilots we’ve already given an advantage in adapting to F-16s through the Western jets they fly in their Flight, and doing the course in Canada,” said Kalyna, “especially where the instrumentation is in English. Or when we were the trainers in charge.”

“I remember all the Gripens were bi-lingual for the RCAF – English and French,” said Vasy. “And we were changing the French instructions to Ukrainian. Looking at all these pilots, I feel the Witches will have an advantage when we start training them on F-16s.”

Kalyna carefully wiped all the obvious names off the board leaving just the cadets.

“Even though the six cadets have been flying Gripens and have that invaluable head start, we should give them extra hours in our F-16… unless we attempt to think long-term with them and create one or two flexible deployment flights. The original Night Witches were able to deploy”

“That would be a lateral approach to encouraging Saab’s renewed interest,” said Anzhela. “And one Maksym and Air Command West could endorse.”

“We’ll update our Swedish contact and see if there’s a positive response,” said Vasy. “As for the three Polish volunteers they’ll start on the MiG-29s when they are rebuilt, but eventually they will need to be trained on our F-16.”

Vasy went back to the board and began writing as she said, “We need a MiG-29 Flight Team, which can grow as more volunteers emerge in the area. These will be the future F-16 pilots, the ones who keep the skies of Ukraine and Poland free after the peace is secured. Some will fly with us as Witches, while others will join the Polish Air Force flying F-16s and F-35s. All we can do is ensure we train them so well, they’re amongst our finest survivors.”

‘Violet Flight (MiG-29): Kapitan Mariyka Shevchuk*, Cadet Daria Jankowski, Cadet Maja Andrysiak, and Cadet Nadzieja Chlebek (4). Chief mechanic: Dariya Boyko* (until Cadet trained for role?)’

Kalyna studied the names. “Clever… Violet blends Polish and Ukrainian colors. Mariyka will be a strong leader with her three enthusiastic cadets. She would choose her faithful chief mechanic. I just wonder how the news from Lviv will impact their lives here though?”

Saturday, April 22nd – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

It had been three long days since Aunt Agnieszka had tearfully embraced Mariyka and told her that her mother Danuta had been killed in the bombing attack on March 4^th.

“I always believed our cellar location would protect us. Why didn’t it’?””

Her sister Sabina pulled Mariyka closer to her and their orphaned nephew Tomas’s whose mother Gaja had also died in the raid. His face was streaked with dried tears, but he was being brave.

“Our mothers are together fighting with my father, and St George. One day we’ll join them and his army of saints driving the monster out.”

Sabina smiled. “It’s faith like his that will win this war.” She paused then continued, “You know our mother never gave up… nor Aunt Gaja. When we were buried, they kept digging, creating safe zones with air pockets… until…”

She subsided in choking.

Agnieszka continued. “There was another explosion. The rescuers said a second rocket killed them but cleared a path to your sister and Tomas.”

“We were in a temporary medical shelter for over a month,” said Sabina, “before we were allowed to come here.”

“And you are all three welcome to make this home.”

“Thank you, Aunt Agnieszka.”

Together they all settled into the family routine of Zvenigora Restaurant, tinged with memories, love, and tears.

Slava Ukrayini

Lviv Fountain: Bright Emotions in the Heart of the City. Ukraine 2023

#IWSG – Written Replacement

June 7, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for the latest news updates:

As our health costs spiral, living off two pensions is a struggle, requiring careful budget savings. Sometimes harsh reality catches us out. We are now having to pay $860 p.m as our monthly ground rent has been increased by $65 p.m. Fortunately, my brilliant wife made a major grocery saving by getting us accepted for meals on wheels.
Our house move plans are progressing slowly.
My care team are still aiming to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips. But now they intend to avoid depending on commercial therapists, by us all learning simple massage techniques to help straighten my knees.
I’m now planning with my wife, for when I move on/pass. When we lived in Wales, we found a woodland cemetery, where we wanted to be buried. In Idaho, there is no such green option. So, I’ve been dreaming of being in Sussex again with my wife, somehow.

Probably. two cremations, one urn shared with our fur-babies. Wakes in Idaho and Sussex so everyone who wants to entertain with memories is welcome.

On to the writing… well, briefly as this month’s question is a departure from scribbling.

For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due in three weeks around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

However, first I’m working on yet another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/.

So much has happened over the last few weeks, notably the announcement about Western jets, relevant to my 2022 Night Witches as they face returning to Ukraine,and now on June 6th the destruction of Nova Kakhovka Dam .

The post should be up next week.

Slava Ukrayini

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!

June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

Clue: Before reading more, decipher my photo clue and mention your thoughts in a comment. Please. Then read my answer.

June Answer: When I stopped photography, I found time to write. Therefore, photography might be my replacement for writing.

I gave up professional photography when my Canon pro-camera became too heavy to use due to my declining health. My wife agreed especially as all my lenses made the equipment too bulky to carry around.

We bought a lighter Lumix, which my wife still uses. The photo from our office window in North Wales of the view towards Snowdon is hers, and I asked her if I could use it for ‘Writing Wings’.

Snowdon above Portmeirion by Juanita Clarke

However, I still struggle to lift some things – like the Lumix.

Solution: 4K Digital Camera for Photography and Video Autofocus 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card 3” Flip Screen Flash 16x Zoom Anti-Shake Travel Camera for Beginner.

However, this small camera offers possibilities beyond stills. So, prepare for videos and vlogging. Will this get me out of my bedroom into the wider world? First though, I have transfer photos off the camera successfully.

Then decide how to target Sussex into my plans…remotely. I need to find a UK base unit.

Clue Answer: Selfie taken in family graveyard, at All Saints, Highbrook, near where we plan to rest forever, with a view over the Sussex countryside… once we’ve finished vlogging.

**
The awesome co-hosts for this June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine,Diedre Knight,Olga Godim,J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and 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!

#IWSG – Inspired Creation

May 3, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for a news update.

First, I must remember to celebrate our 13^th Wedding Anniversary on May 14th.

Second, our house move may take longer than hoped. Some of the houses we were interested in, we can’t view yet as they are not ‘active’ in the market. Our realtor explained he gets fined $1,000 for each ‘inactive’ property he shows prospective buyers around. Maybe all our funds will be in place when we find the perfect home.

At least a delay gives my care team more time to get me in my power wheelchair for indoor trips… and then outside with trees and grass in a gated, over 55 community with amenities.

Until the move happens, gaming and writing keep my brain active and alive. Tomorrow, May the Force be with you.

Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. Next episode is due around June 21st – prompt ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’ However, first I’m working on another Ukraine piece to build on my April entry: https://rolandclarke.com/2023/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful/

The June prompt presents a challenge.

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

Slava Ukrayini

Remember, the question is optional!

May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Interesting question with at least two answers, depending on which story I’m working on:

Snowdon Shadows: Characters have inspired me as I wrote the various stories within my Snowdon Shadows world, especially my crime-fighting duo, Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai. However, other characters involved in their cases have proved inspirational in their own way.

[graphic]

Fevered Fuse, the first Snowdon Shadows novel, has seen this trend continue. Furthermore, I note another inspiring element – the setting, notably North Wales. In many ways, Snowdonia is another character. Therefore, I chose ‘setting’ as another ‘inspirer’.

2. Freedom Flights: Events inspired my ongoing Ukraine saga, initially real-life events. Then those inspired the fictional events to develop the episodes within the saga. Again, the characters proved inspirational. However, when I come to link the present-day stories back to my initial World War II story, ‘Feathered Fire’, I will use real events woven within fictional ones… and characters. My intention is to work on these pre-2022 episodes during NaNoWriMo 2023.

**
The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler,Ronel Janse van Vuuren,Meka James,Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

WEP/IWSG April Challenge – Life Is Beautiful

April 20, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Apologies for the delay in posting April’s WEP/IWSG Challenge. Although ‘Life Is Beautiful’ was a good fit for my ongoing Ukraine stories, I struggled to write recently, mainly for my usual excuse of declining health. Also, this piece required extra backstory and some political maneuvering – not least getting the Witches’ NATO jets out of Ukraine before any are in Ukraine for real. I hope the next episode will allow my Witches to fly in Ukraine skies again. Finally, my apologies for running too long to make this episode work.

The current stories open with Part 1, Rainbow Firebreak, for the WEP/IWSG April: Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/04/20/wep-iwsg-april-challenge-a-hard-rains-a-gonna-fall/.

Part 2, Winged Woes, for the WEP/IWSG June Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/06/15/wep-iwsg-june-challenge-please-read-the-letter/

Part 3, Moonbeam Magic, for the WEP/IWSG August Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/08/17/wep-iwsg-august-challenge-moonlight-sonata/

Part 4, Winged Death, for the WEP/IWSG October Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/10/19/wep-iwsg-october-challenge-thriller/

Part 5, Soul Seeds, for the WEP/IWSG December Challenge: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/01/wep-iwsg-december-challenge-first-time-ever/

Part 6, Swords to Ploughshares, to conclude the WEP/IWSG December Challenge and close 2022: https://rolandclarke.com/2022/12/10/swords-to-ploughshares/

Part 8, Winds of Change https://rolandclarke.com/2023/02/15/wep-iwsg-february-challenge-gone-with-the-wind/

I’m unsure what fate has waiting for my Witches. Unless I ignore reality, NATO holds the cards on when they can be deployed. However, I resolve to continue these stories until there is a just conclusion to the horrendous war.

Blurb: Night Witches find family, new friends and allies.

Precious Relations

Part 9:

Thursday February 16^th – Airfield “Kalyniv” near the Polish border

All twenty Night Witch pilots, and their ground crews crowded the briefing room. Even Kalyna and Vasy were unaware of why Maksym Bondarenko had called this emergency meeting.

“Air Command West’s intelligence believes this airfield will be targeted by Russian missile strikes… imminently,” he said. “Tuesday’s encounter with other pilots in the Lviv restaurant and further incidents indicate Russian informers in this area.”

He let the muttered shock subside.

“We cannot afford to lose this squadron or let the presence of NATO-standard jets provoke an excessive response.”

“Should we evacuate somewhere?” asked Kalyna.

“All essential elements should leave as speedily as possible. We have arranged with the Polish Air Force University in Deblin to relocate the squadron there. Arrangements have also been made for the 2022 Night Witches to train in Polish air space with other NATO air units, until the squadron is needed.”

“So, who remains?” asked Vasy.

Maksym produced a modified ground plan for the airfield. “We have a team who will create wooden dummy Soviet-style planes in camouflaged revetments here. Other jets will fly in and out giving the impression of activity.”

“While the full squadron trains in Poland,” said Kalyna. “And I recommend we take our three crashed MiG 29s to rebuild.”

“We can begin the evacuation tonight commencing with all five flights,” said Vasy. “Please don’t see this as any more than a tactical withdrawal while building on our training. In fact, this confuses the enemy—”

“And gives them another fake victory over wooden targets,” added Maksym, waving them to the exits.

As the squadron left the briefing, Mariyka Shevchuk tried to suppress her conflicting emotions knowing she couldn’t tell those she loved why she was leaving again. Yet she had connections to Deblin, so tears formed.

Her friend and Chief mechanic, Dariya Boyko said, “We’ll return soon, I’m sure.”

“We will. But Deblin is where I trained.”

But fear tore at her. Was Sergei suspected of spying? But how as a prisoner?

The five flights left their home base in darkness, taking a circuitous route to confuse unfriendly observers.

Shortly afterwards the ground crew made the five-hour truck journey to Deblin. Just a skeleton detachment remained to assist with camouflaging the base.

Thursday, March 2^nd – Deblin Military Air Base, Lublin, Poland

The two Chaka Majors had requested their flight commanders come up to their tiny makeshift office. It was best the University had found for them, overlooking the revetments where their precious twenty jets were parked.

“We’ve been here two weeks,” said Kalyna. “And from your reports, all our pilots have mastered the NATO jets they were assigned with. Next, we must fly more mock combat missions against Polish Air Force MiG 29s… except unannounced. If there are no questions, have any of you anything to report?”

No one spoke, so Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk stepped forward. “As our appointed Recruitment Officer, Colonel Bondarenko advised me there may be fewer volunteer from within Ukraine, so I should look here—”

“—among the refugees?” asked Vasy, “Or the students?

“Both as we must prepare to cover losses in the next counter-offensive. I’m focusing on refugees as Mariyka is our Student Liaison. Anyway, I might have found a couple of refugees, but training will be an issue. I told them how to get in touch.”

Kalyna thanked Anzhela, “Good start. Even if they require basic training, we will need cadets in peacetime. How are the students reacting to our presence, Kapitan Shevchuk?”

Mariyka answered. “At first, curious about our all-women squadron. A small group always gathers when I’m trying to eat in the canteen. Being a graduate from here helps… and half-Polish.”

“I’m sure you’re careful what you say,” said Kalyna. “There are issues we cannot discuss – even with our allies.”

Mariyka nodded. “Like why we have NATO jets. And why we are here. Being a Polish speaker, I can detect when anyone is too inquisitive. However, overall, they welcome us. There are two or three female cadets who wish they could fight the Russians now.”

The Chayka majors consulted each other, then Kalyna said, “If they are mature cadets, close to getting their wings, they may prove suitable recruits… if they’re serious. Find out more, and we’ll talk with their instructors and the Commandant.”

“I will arrange to talk to them somewhere off-campus and find out more about them. Anzhela, should join us.”

“Good idea. Keep us updated,” said Vasy. “Kapitan Sobol, you have a report from Kalyniv Field.”

Maryna stepped forwards. “As ordered, Sable Flight has been flying night patrols in Polish airspace near our homebase. We were joined by a flight of M-346 advanced jet trainers from here, flown by their best cadets. During this joint exercise, we observed signs of damage at Kalyniv. Rather than endanger the training flight, I requested a ground unit operating a drone to assess what the Russians had destroyed.”

As Maryna handed over the footage, she added, “If we had stayed, the Night Witches would have been crippled,”

Saturday, March 4^th – Deblin Military Air Base, Lublin, Poland

Mariyka fought back the tears as she gazed across the runway in the direction of Lviv… towards home… everyone she loved. Who had the missile buried?

“We’re so sorry to tell you like this,” said Kalyna.

“There is still hope for everyone,” added Vasy. “The rescuers will keep working through the night… and we’ll keep you informed. Have you comrades you can be with?”

“Anzhela and I were planning to spend time with those three Polish cadets. But—”

“Go as planned. Is there somewhere special you went as a cadet?”

“Too special… my aunt has a mirror restaurant. But she doesn’t know I’m here—”

“Then you need to be there for her tonight. Tell her everything you can. An ideal test for your cadets too.”

Zvenigora Restaurant, Deblin

Too many echoes of her buried home… Mariyka shivered, but she forced herself down into the identical cellar restaurant as Lviv.

“Larisa and I are here for you, sister,” said Anzhela. “Observe and learn, cadets. Repeat nothing unless we instruct you to.’

A tall woman left the bar and rushed over to Mariyka. They embraced, tears flowing.

“What brings you here, my special niece. Although your uniforms—” She paused seeing the cadets. “I remember you graduating in that Polish academy uniform – I was so proud.”

Her tears returned, and Mariyka knew she must give the terrible news.

“Aunt Agnieszka, the tragedy is not official yet, but—”

“I already heard, Mariyka. Family grapevine. We will mourn my sister Danuta and the others. But at the right moment as we have done since the Warsaw Ghetto. First, we celebrate life’s beauty. Please eat with us… when you have introduced your friends.”

“This is a 2022 Night Witches Squadron sister, Kapitan Anzhela Havrylyuk and her partner, Larisa Kovalyov.”

Anzhela presented the Polish cadets, “This trio, Daria Jankowski, Maja Andrysiak, and Nadzieja Chlebek, are due to graduate from the University… from ‘The School of the Eagles’. Bravely, they wish to fight the Russians, so we are advising them.”

Agnieszka bowed to them all in turn, then led them to a private table.

“Welcome, Enjoy a family meal with us.”

After a Jewish blessing, they were treated to Cheese Lokshen Kugel.

Observing the movie poster for ‘Life is Beautiful’ on the wall, Anzhela said, “That was an emotional film. Excuse me for asking, Agnieszka, but you mentioned the Warsaw Ghetto. Did you—” t

“Lose family during the Holocaust. Our Jewish grandmother died in Warsaw ghetto, as did many of her friends later. They will never be forgotten. I’m sure there are others here who lost ancestors.”

Daria and Maja nodded and closed teary eyes.

Nadzieja glanced around the table, then said, “Genocide continues, though not on that scale. My Ukrainian grandmother tries to ensure we don’t forget Stalin’s attempted ethnic cleansing – the Holodomor, the man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine, when millions died.”

“And now Putin talks of more genocide,” said Mariyka. “Together we must stop him.”

FCA 1354 words