Episode 32 of Freedom Flights begins a new chapter for the Night Witches and picks up on the MIA story in Kursk. But there is more to come in Episode 33.

Until a just peace for Ukraine is reached, I will continue to write more episodes, never forgetting the brave people fighting for freedom. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons like F-16s continue to reach the frontlines and in time to change their fortunes in preparing for the just peace that must come.

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

Episode 32 – Trust is a Mirage

2024

Thursday, September 5^th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Lieutenant Aline Bonheur remained in the Command Centre after all the participants in the Medevac meeting had left, leaving her to talk with the Chayka Majors.

“Did Maksym Bondarenko give any more clues to this special overseas group who flew into Dęblin?”

“Not really,” said Kalyna. “The message was coded, implying confidentiality. You know as much as we do. Unless you and Nadia contacted anyone before you flew into Kursk? Could it be a Zoo Sécurité group?”

“I can think of a few organisations back in France-“ She paused considering another possibility. “If it’s a Swedish group like Saab, they’d have asked for someone like Adriana Pavlenko. It must be French. I plan to take the NH90 Caïman, so there’s space to bring a few people back.”

“Good idea,” said Vasy. “Adriana Pavlenko will be going to Dęblin with the next Gripen E training group, so if Saab is there, you can both talk to them.”

Aline nodded, feeling reassured.

“I’ll leave within the hour once Aleks and Cecilija are ready.”

*

Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

As Aline eased the NH90 Caïman down to a gentle landing assisted by Aleks, there was no obvious sign of visitors.

After Adriana Pavlenko landed with Lieutenant Ganna Kohut, Lieutenant Katia Antonov, and Sergeant Albina Zyma, Aline contacted the Control Tower.

“Sierra to Tower. We’re meant to be meeting an overseas group who recently flew in. Have you had any visitors looking for the Night Witches in the last few days? Over.”

“Tower to Sierra. The Swedish Gripen E trainers arrived yesterday to install Saab’s Gripen Mission Trainer simulator, which we believe is for your pilots and our cadets. Your recently landed Gripen C flight is meeting the instructors as usual. Over.”

“Sierra to Tower. The flight leader was expecting to meet them. Great news about the simulator. How many other foreign delegates are still here, perhaps awaiting us? Over.”

“Tower to Sierra. Two. A Canadian C-130 Hercules registered to Chayka Air landed this morning at 1008 and offloaded a convoy of vehicles, but we believe your Squadron leaders are now expecting them. The convoy’s leader may be found in your old offices. The other arrival was a French Dassault Mirage 2000s flight currently exercising on our range. Their commanding officer is also in the offices. Over.”

“Sierra to Tower. Many thanks for that invaluable rundown. Our meeting must be in the offices. Over and out.”

Everything was beginning to make sense to Aline as she disembarked with Aleks and Cecilija.

“Are we meeting the Canadians or the French?” asked Aleks. “And how is Nadia involved?”

“Indirectly, Nadia and I invited the French before we flew to Kursk. It all started when French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 6^th that Mirage 2000s would be sent to Ukraine. We just pulled a few strings to get a flight for the Night Wings, not knowing that would happen.”

“And the Canadians?” asked Cecilija.

“A timely coincidence, no doubt, by Chayka Air.”

*

In the office overlooking the Dęblin Airbase, a mixed group was pleased to see the Night Witches.

“I’m Lieutenant Aline Bonheur, and these are my crew sisters, Kapitan Aleks Górski and Lieutenant Cecilija Lusk. I’m afraid my original co-pilot, Kapitan Nadia Lysenko, whom some of you thought would be here, is sadly MIA in Russia. However, Aleks is her best friend and co-pilot in their Eurocopter Tiger. Please introduce yourselves.”

Another uniformed redhead who could have been Aline’s twin stepped forward, and they saluted each other.

 “I’m Commandant Raphaëlle Balode of L’Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace, the French Air and Space Force. My six colleagues and I flew from Luxeuil—Saint-Sauveur Air Base in the Franche-Comté region of France in six Dassault Mirage 2000s. Five were Mirage 2000-5Fs, and one was a two-seater Mirage 2000B trainer.”           

“Escadron de Chasse 1/2 Cigognes, I see the storks are migrating north,” said Aline, echoing the squadron’s WW1 origin. “Did our message to Capitaine Éliane Nowicki inspire you to help us?”

Raphaëlle smiled and then kissed Aline on both cheeks.

“Éliane encouraged the squadron to help Ukraine since our President said France could. All seven of us, including her, are committed to the fight, having blood ties to Eastern Europe. We are ready to join your Night Witches whenever other Ukrainian pilots have finished training on Mirage 2000-5Fs in France. Meanwhile, we can train any of your squadron on our Mirage 2000s and hopefully obtain more jets.”

Another uniformed woman stepped forward, saluting.

“Sorry to interrupt. I’m Captain Lyana Rudenko. Chayka Air recruited my four friends and me after leaving the RCAF. We are all French Canadians with ties to Ukraine or its neighbours, so we would like to train to fly Mirage 2000-5Fs and fight  as Night Witches.”

“If Raphaëlle agrees with the training,” replied Aline. The French officer gestured her agreement. “Did you arrive with the convoy? Can anyone give us details?”

“We all flew together from Chayka Air. The convoy was the initiative of Clodagh and Darina Kearney at the desk over there. I’m sure they’ll come over when they’ve finished their logistics checks.”

Aline studied the sisters, who were identical even in dress, which could pose a challenge

Meanwhile, Raphaëlle was talking to Lyana.

“We look forward to seeing you fly. Presumably, you speak Quebecois and English. What about Ukrainian?”

 “We speak all three but less Ukrainian, although Chayka Air runs courses in the language as its founders were Ukrainian. As for flying, there are twelve CF-18A Hornets here, the jets we flew in the RCAF. How would your Mirages fare against our Hornets, Commandant?”

Everyone laughed, and Aleks said, “That would be an interesting match-up. In the Polish Air Force, I flew an F-16 and saw other NATO jets in action on exercises.”

“If you don’t need to return to base today, we could arrange that for 0900 tomorrow,” said Raphaëlle. “Let’s stick to first names, please.”

Aline looked at Aleks and Cecilija, and both then grinned.

“If there’s no Russian action requiring our response,” said Aline. “I’ll check with base shortly. If Ruby Flight wasn’t on night patrol, I’d suggest the winners take on our Gripen Cs. ”

“Interesting suggestion,” said Lyana. “we’ll also have to have our chief mechanic, Warrant Officer Adrienne Laine, talk with the University’s mechanics to ascertain the five best Hornets they’re maintaining for the Witches. Are any of your mechanics here, Raphaëlle?”  

“All the essential maintenance equipment and five mechanics arrived with us in a CASA CN-235 tactical airlifter. We were hoping to train five more. Our chief, Adjudant Léana Melnik, should talk to yours, and afterwards, they can liaise with the University together.”

“Makes sense,” replied Lyana. “A suggestion. They have simulators here, and I’m sure there are programs emulating both Hornets and Mirages. While our four mechanics prepare our jets for tomorrow morning, we can hone and compare our skills… on both airframes. Simulator Training is always invaluable.”

“Round One, which allows Aline to make her arrangements. Agreed, Lieutenant Bonheur?”

**

Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Kalyna and Vasy Chayka had expected a full report from Aline. But not what it contained.

“We received a message from Aliona back in Canada, although the Kearney sisters have yet to confirm their itinerary. Given its content, please tell them it might be safer not to send it. Bring the details when you return,” said Vasy. “The arrival of Mirages and new pilots is a surprise, even though we might have to wait until other squadrons have them. Kalyna asks if this is something you and Nadia engineered?”

“Nadia and I spoke to a mutual friend from our academy days, who is in the Mirage squadron that sent us these seven volunteers, including her. They will train the new Chayka Air recruits who arrived with the convoy. We will talk to the Kearneys next and obtain their itinerary. However, are we needed back tonight, or are enough crew available if the squadron is scrambled?”

The cousins checked the duty roster before Kalyna replied.

“We’re covered. Are Ruby Flight returning or able to scramble from there? I suspect you’re planning something.”

“The Canadians are facing the French at 0900 tomorrow, Hornets versus Mirages in Dissimilar Air Combat Training. And Gripens take on the winners… if they are available. I suspect the French Mirages will be the offensive threat or red air, with the Hornets as defenders or blue air. The rules will be restrictive to avoid accidents.”

“Ensure they are,” said Vasy. “We can’t afford any losses, although air combat training is vital. Tell Adriana to have Red Flight ready to scramble… their ground crew, which must include any Swedes there, must ensure their Gripens are already prepped for live combat against Russian attacks. Let’s all pray it’s another quiet 24 hours.”

**

Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko and Ruby Flight had agreed to stay for the morning’s DACT exercise and be ready to scramble if necessary.

“If we’re scrambled tonight, will we be expected back here tomorrow?” asked Lieutenant Ganna Kohut.

Adriana replied after Aline gestured at them all.

“It depends on how hectic the night is. However, it would be interesting and invaluable for us. Any thoughts?”

“Looking at our potential opponents,” said Sergeant Albina Zyma. “We have a chance to outfly and outmanoeuvre both. Haven’t we?”

They all agreed they had, and Lieutenant Katia Antonov added,

“Our jets are the more modern, even if we aren’t using Es. We’ve all flown Hornets, so let’s hope they beat the Mirages.”

Aline chuckled.

“On that prediction, I’ll leave you to your meal and strategising.”

She walked back through the restaurant to where Clodagh and Darina Kearney sat with some of their convoy team.

“Evening, everyone. Have you finalised your itinerary? Is Chayka Field still your first stop?”

A general agreement left her wondering how to inform the base.

“Don’t worry,” said Clodagh. “We don’t intend to miss Chayka’s finest beat the French. Also, we know the border crossing won’t be fast, so you’ll get home first.”

“We intend to do our first podcast in Ukraine from there,” said Darina. “Yes, we’ve been told by Aliona Sokol not to reveal its location since it is a secret base hidden from enemy surveillance.”

“I believe you can hide your podcast’s immediate IP address by using a VPN outside Ukraine,” said Aline. ‘Will you do that from other locations you plan to visit?”

“Yes, since we must ensure the enemy doesn’t know where we are,” said Clodagh. “Especially when we deliver aid to frontline units.”

There was agreement all around the table.

“We’re carrying essential supplies to those guys,” said one of the team. “Our supporters from numerous countries but mainly Canada, thanks to Chayka Air’s PR, not only encourage our work with these specific brigades but also raise funds for humanitarian groups.”

“Looking towards the future is essential,” said Darina. “Once victory and the just peace are reached, Ukraine must be rebuilt, and those NGOs will be part of that reconstruction. Whenever Clodagh and I do a podcast, we try to cover the human side of the ongoing conflict and the massive restoration required beyond the war. Some of that is already happening with the invaluable work to heal both the physical and psychological wounds of combat personnel and civilians. When needed we fundraise during live podcasts.”

Clodagh handed Aline a USB drive.

“That contains a detailed itinerary and all the necessary information on who we have deliveries for, not just brigades but also medical facilities and NGOs. I’ve included all the contact details needed to remain in touch with us. Aliona gave me the means to encode the file so only one of your code talkers can decipher it.”

“Clever. I’m sure many at Chayka Field will follow your journey online with interest,” Aline replied. “I know colleagues who have subscribed to your site since you started supporting Ukraine… and Chayka Air. Those people who only look at the news from the comfort of their homes struggle to comprehend the full extent of this war, from the causes to the scale.”

She paused, letting everyone voice their agreement. Then she continued, “I didn’t understand fully, even though I’d been in conflicts while serving France. Until you live it, the magnitude alone is hard to comprehend with a thousand-kilometre frontline involving multiple trenches… this is non-stop, massive  and bloody warfare where drones are dominant.”

“It’s a tragic war, too,” said Clodagh. Every time we visit Ukraine, we all pray the next time will be when there’s peace to rebuild the country and its brave people. Sadly, some days, I feel I’m feeding it by supplying, for instance, drones, yet if the enemy continues to invade, the heroic soldiers need them and much more. Please tell your sisters we trust them. Slava Ukraini!”

“Heroiam slava!”

Aline left the Kearney sisters and their crew, saying she would see them at the Chayka Field base if not before.

Before Aline reached her crew, Adriana shouted from the door to the restaurant through which Ruby Flight was leaving.

“We’ve been scrambled. Another Russian air raid has been launched. We intend to be back tomorrow primed for another victory.”

Before Aline could wish the Flight luck, Adriana had gone. So, she mouthed a quiet prayer for them instead. Then she searched for Aleks and Cecilija.

Her friends were sitting at the farthest table, which meant negotiating her way past groups of pilots sharing their thoughts on the next day’s exercise. This was like her crewmates, who were learning what the Chayka pilots thought of the rival jets and which ones they’d face.

“It’s clear our Hornets have an age advantage over the Mirage 2000-5Fs,” said Captain Lyana Rudenko. “The Mirages could be less manoeuvrable, despite their speed.”

“However, when we win, we face the Gripen Cs,” said Lieutenant Célia Lázár. “They’ll be a tougher challenge as we believe.”

“But will they return,” asked Lieutenant Tatiana Ojala. “I noticed them leaving. Were they scrambled?”

“Yes. For another Russian air raid,” replied Aline. “However, they sounded keen to get back… after practising by shooting down enemy missiles and drones.”

“Nothing like real targets to set them up for us,”  said Sergeant Joëlle Vanaga. “If they’re not half-asleep.”

“Once we’ve won against the Mirages, that will be our practice run,” replied Sergeant  Adélie Levchenko. “Haven’t we had more flight hours in our jets?”

Aline and her crew chuckled.

“You’re forgetting their combat experience in Ukraine, not all in Gripens, as they had to switch to MiG-29s,” said Aline. “Their leader, Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko, also knows some of the flight flew Hornets and understand their capabilities—”

“And any vulnerabilities,” added Aleks. “I only flew an F-16 in the Polish Air Force, and I believe Adriana trained on them at Chayka Air and probably on Hornets.”

“Seems Night Witches have to be incredibly versatile,” said Lyana. “ Since the RCAF decided not to acquire Gripen Es & Fs, I’ve always wanted to fly one. What dream preferences do you have, fledgling, sister Witches?”

“Rafale rather than a Mirage,” said Tatiana. “Although a Mirage 2000-5F is a step in that direction.”

“F-35,” said Célia. “Since leaving the RCAF meant missing the chance to fly one.”

“Gripen E,” said Adélie. ”The Cs might lose to us, but Canada made the wrong choice,”  

“I may have ended up as a fighter pilot,” said Joëlle. “But I dream of flying an attack helicopter.”

Aleks chuckled, and everyone joined in.

“They may be laughing at you, but this helicopter crew isn’t. We know the Tiger attack bird I co-piloted is crewless. One day soon, Joëlle, I’ll show you how she handles.”

As they started discussing different planes, from MiG-29s to Raptors, Warrant Officer Adrienne Laine joined them with her three maintainer colleagues.

“Our hornets are all set for tomorrow, although we’ll run more checks before you fly-ladies wake.“ Winks all around. “It’s been a hectic but interesting evening. All the grease monkeys were comparing our work on different jets… Hornets, Mirages 2000-5Fs and Gripen Cs to Fs. Even Mig-29s. This squadron must have the most incredibly versatile maintenance team ever.”

**

Friday, September 6^th – Rylsk, Kursk Oblast, Russia

The drone chased the Russian officer down the Rylsk side street. He cowered, covering his face.

A single bullet crippled the aerial spy, and the wreck plummeted down beside the shivering man.

Dasha Isakova tucked her MP-443 Grach out of sight and ran to the man, who hadn’t noticed why the drone had crashed.

Helping him up, she asked if he was okay in Russian.

“Perfectly. I was about to shoot that infernal Ukrainian machine when it malfunctioned. I couldn’t have it chasing defenceless young women like you. I’m Lieutenant Dimitri Bogomolov, responsible for city security.”

Dasha knew to be respectful to Dimitri, given all she’d gleaned about him. This two-faced liar could know where Nadia was.

“Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant. Your reputation precedes you.  Anzhelina Isakova at your service, sir.”

He smiled and then looked hard at her.

“Where do you live in Rylsk? Maybe I can escort you home… in case there are more killer drones.”

Dasha knew she could confuse this man, and half-truths were the way to build trust.

“At 92 Ulitsa Lenina. But I’ve just moved to Rylsk from Saint Petersburg, so I’m still getting settled.”

“Aah, I thought your accent was familiar. Strange moving here from such a beautiful city. What brought you here? It’s getting dangerous with the diabolical Ukrainians launching missiles at us every day.”

Dasha resisted laughing at his gullibility.

“A dear friend from University, Elvira, was killed in one of those terrible attacks, so I’m staying with her grieving mother.”

A military vehicle drew up, and a soldier stepped out and saluted Dimitri.

“Get in, Anzhelina, and my driver will take us to your friend’s home.” He paused and then told the soldier where to drive.

“What did you both study, Anzhelina? Where do you work?”

“We studied ‘Information Systems and Technologies’. Elvira worked at the Khalino Air Base, but I’ve yet to find anything.” Dasha paused as they drew up outside the sympathiser’s home where she was staying.

”This is the house. Do you want to come in? My friend’s mother will appreciate you bringing me home.”

“Of course, with pleasure, Anzhelina. Incidentally, I’d like to offer you a job assisting me… if you are willing to provide formal references. It may not use all your skills, but with my help, we might get you interviewed for your friend’s job at the Khalino Air Base.”

*

Once Dimitri Bogomolov had cross-questioned Elvira’s mother about her daughter, unaware they were Ukrainian sympathisers, he asked Dasha back to his office for an interview.

The room was stark and cold, with one guard and a receptionist on duty. Portraits of Putin in the reception and his office indicated his allegiance. Dimitri handed Dasha a two-page form to complete.

“These are merely a formality now I’ve talked with you. I trust the FSB won’t find anything embarrassing. I’m sure you were a model student and are an upright Russian Federation citizen?”

Dasha was confident her cover identity would withstand any scrutiny by the Federal Security Service. She knew Zoo Sécurité had created every conceivable detail, and she had memorised everything.

As she completed the forms, she noticed Dimitri was watching with glee a news broadcast showing murdered Ukrainian prisoners, most in uniform but some naked and female. She held her breath as the camera panned across one naked woman.

For a sickening moment, she thought it was Nadia until it zoomed in on a tattoo that couldn’t be Nadia’s.

“The Ukrainians will call us ‘cowardly murderers’ for that,” said Dimitri. “They were ready to do that to us. We had to kill them first… before we abandoned Sudzha. The useful ones we took for further interrogation. Security demands sacrifices.”

MPA 3,334 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!