Episode 45 of Freedom Flights is set in May 2025 and will be released in two parts, as I edit them. Some events foreshadowed in this episode will take a few months to play out, while others may be resolved in the next part.
A crucial point for some readers, football = soccer, not American Football, as you will realise, especially given my characters’ nationalities. As well. There are references to a key football scene in Freedom Flights: Episode 23 – Witches Troupe – Part 2, as it impacts events.
I have also made a POV change in this episode. I realised that almost all the modern Freedom Flights episodes are in a 3rd Person Omniscient POV, whereas the Night Witches origin story was written in a single 3rd Person Limited POV, and the Chayka Air creation chapters I’ve written each scene in a 3rd Person Limited POV. The latter is what I’ve attempted to use this time, with some male POVs for a change.
I will continue trying to foreshadow future incidents without making my characters react as if they know what will happen later in 2025… although they might fear what could happen. Also, I want each episode to focus on just a few RL incidents from a specific month, along with character and squadron development.
Therefore, until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is reached and rebuilding begins, I will continue to write more episodes. Perhaps after that, I can finish writing the pre-2022 growth of the Chayka Family and Chayka Air, their aviation business based in Canada.
We must never forget the brave people fighting for freedom, with too many losing their lives. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons continue to reach Ukraine, despite unexpected interruptions. Assistance must arrive on time to change their fortunes and prepare for the genuine peace that must come soon.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page via the left-hand sidebar.
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Episode 45. Underground Advances. Part 2. O Jogo Bonito.
2025
Wednesday, May 7th – Arena, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Dmytro Kovalchuk had woken briefly to register the naked blonde slipping out of the bed. Now, she was flat on her back, a bare leg stretching against a crutch. Nearby, her prosthetic leg was lying safely on a bench.
“You slipped out hours ago, Polina. Have you been exercising out here while I slept?”
“Not quite. Marusya and I flew our Tiger to a safe dispersal site. Then, we raced back, but you were so cute sleeping, I came out here alone.”
Before they could josh around more, Cauã and Nilda jogged over to the arena, and he inspected it.
“Good pitch. Right size too. Intended?”
“It was our K9 training area,” said Polina. “Until Dmytro suggested placing the obstacles outside to create an outer ring. A step towards a real sports complex.”
Nilda raised her hand, translating for Cauã.
“You’ll quickly learn what he understands,” said Dmytro. “Football is our common lingo.”
Cauã grinned, holding up his thumb.
“Now I must see what your star can do.”
Polina stood and, using just one crutch, dribbled one ball accurately through a line of cones.
“Excellent. Only one crutch, not two. Skillful.”
“That’s my Polina. Sad her bicycle kick needs her prosthesis.”
“Not anymore. Ball, please.”
She let Dmytro flick it to her, dropped the crutch, and leapt backwards into the air using her normal leg to strike the ball with force and precision.
Cauã and the others were amazed.
“A Brazilian skill. Fearless and agile,” said Cauã. “But how?”
“Secret training and a few falls,” said Polina.
*
“Our coach believes in you,” said Dmytro, as they lay in the arena looking at the night sky. “I want you here, my treasure. Naked, blessing this ground.”
Polina slid out of everything and onto his waiting body.
“Quieter this time,” she moaned. Or the dogs will hear us.”
**
Thursday, May 8th – Sanctuary, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Lóránt Bátori finished making additions to the assessments from Janina Patriksson’s team, then gazed at the captivating woman who had turned his life upside down… in the best way possible. Maybe when today’s priorities were resolved, they could sneak somewhere private, and…
“Dreaming of possibilities?” asked Janina. “Tell me more.”
For a moment, Lóránt considered his options, but erred towards priorities.
“This building was designed to withstand the loads it would be subjected to as a terminal, but not to endure an aerial attack. We can expand the space safely as you planned. However, I’ve proposed some modifications that require materials not typically used in this type of structure.”
He slid the adjusted assessment across the table to Janina.
“By unusual materials, I presume you mean ones usually found in aircraft manufacture. We may have some here, but short of cannibalising our existing airframes, we’ll have to turn elsewhere.”
“Or increase existing load-bearing structures considerably,” replied Lóránt. “If you want to sleep on it… I’ll help.”
**
Sunday, May 11th – Viktor Bannikov Training Complex, Kyiv, Ukraine
Dmytro led Polina and his teammates to the stands, where Cauã was waiting with Nilda and their other friends, including Isla Clacher with Kenina.
‘Good timing. The Crusaders from Lutsk can win this First League final,” said Cauã. “Did you arrange our demonstration, Dmytro?”
“Of course. After this match, but on another pitch.”
“There are other amputee women here,” added Polina. “Both inspiring and tragic to see… and children too.”
Nilda, now his constant companion, translated for Cauã, even though his nods suggested he understood.
“Too many innocents,” he replied. “This game makes a better future.”
Everyone agreed. Dmytro knew all the team had an immediate purpose, but making drones wasn’t a future. But as a community with a shared struggle, maybe there was something to build on.
By the final whistle, FK Khrestonostsi, the Crusaders, outplayed the Kharkiv-Dnipro side Nezlamni 3-0, winning the First League.
“They’ll lift the trophy at the Awards Ceremony,” said Dmytro. “After the Super League match, but first we’ve got to leave for our demonstration.”
He led the team and their supporters to where another side, which intended to join the growing leagues, was showing their skills.
“Another mixed side,” said Polina. “With some talented players, especially that young woman. Makes me nervous.”
“Why?” asked Cauã. “Your play is assombroso.” He looked to Nilda.
“He means, ‘amazing’. I agree, since top Portuguese players are assombroso.”
Polina blushed, and Dmytro hugged her.
“When you finish,” said Cauã. “Prove me right.”
As the other team came off, Dmytro led his team on, and they ran through their moves. Dribbling balls, neat passing patterns, intuitive flicks, swift breaks, feigned shots on goal, and their goalkeeper blocking well-placed balls.
With their allotted time running down, Cauã shouted for their set-piece… four defending and three attacking.
Although rehearsed, the defenders were unsure when Polina would strike or who would make the flick pass. The first run was a feint by Leonid, with Polina dropping her crutch, distracting the defenders, so Dmytro could attempt to score.
Then Dmytro feinted, but Leonid flicked the ball, and Polina dropped the crutch again. While the defenders were confused, she backflipped, and her bicycle kick propelled the ball past the goalkeeper.
Spectators were stunned, then broke into applause as Cauã shouted, ”Ukrainian style. O jogo bonito.”
The entire team was surrounded, especially Polina.
“You know, some referees call that a foul,” said a photographer. “Not me, that made an amazing picture.”
“Impressive. I’m Taisiya Martynyuk, and my K9 is Tryzub,” said the young blonde woman, whom Polina had been impressed with earlier. “Can you do that every time?”
Dmytro, proud of Polina, had to answer.
“Every time now she’s perfected her new approach… without a prosthesis.”
“I had to change when I learnt the rules,” said Polina, admiring Tryzub. “Same when I lost my leg, I had to adapt to using my prosthesis. One of life’s many challenges.”
“Says my girl who learnt to fly a combat helicopter.”
The blonde looked at Polina with amazement, then asked, “Hasn’t your leg grounded you? Our wounds can… change us.”
Dmytro knew he’d drawn more attention as others listened too. So, he tried to sidetrack.
“We’re all trying to do our bit for the war effort… like building drones.”
Dmytro luckily noticed Isla Clacher and Kenina were now distracting Taisiya.
He led the team back to the main ground, arriving as cheering erupted when Pokrova beat Shakhtar in the Super League, triggering celebrations. Then everyone stood to sing the National Anthem.
As everyone prepared for the Trophy Presentations, Taisiya approached Polina and quietly asked who her unusual team was.
“They were a team from Kyiv, but since signing me, they became part of the base’s family, where my squadron flies from.”
“Are you the only amputee there?”
“I have a fighter-pilot sister with an arm prosthesis.”
“A sister injured with you?” asked Taisiya, voice shaking.
Polina wondered what the reaction meant. But responded, “We’re actually a squadron of women-“
“The Night Witches,” said Dmytro.
Cauã added, “Our team needs women with style. Join, please.”
“Our K9 squad would welcome you too,” said Isla.
Before Taisiya could answer, an air-raid siren interrupted the peace.
**
Monday, May 19th – Arena, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Isla Clacher watched as Kenina sped around the obstacle course outside the football pitch. Her fellow K9 handlers cheered as the German Shepherd cleared the final wall.
Isla’s radio beeped, and she answered, nodding. Moments later, a camouflaged 4×4 swung through the base’s entrance.
The vehicle stopped beside her, and Taisiya Martynyuk climbed out, with Tryzub.
“Fellow Night Owls and K9 handlers, meet our newest recruit and experienced vet, whom I told you about. She can tell you more.”
Aldona Jagoda came over, comparing the size of her Belgian Malinois, Taika, to Taisiya’s Tryzub.
“Yours is the largest Shepherd I’ve seen. Is he a VEO? Was he hard to train?”
“Tryzub is an East European Shepherd, but I didn’t train him initially. He trained me.” Everyone laughed before she added, “My partner and I were near the front rescuing abandoned dogs, when a Russian bombardment destroyed the house we were searching inside. Lyuba was killed instantly…” She paused, closing her eyes.
Isla could see Lyuba had been precious, so she let Taisiya continue when ready.
“I was trapped under rubble, but an injured dog crawled to me. Helped me survive until we were pulled out. I lost my leg and my sister, but Tryzub found me. A neighbour said his owner was killed in the fighting. Since then, we’ve healed and trained together.”
Isla guessed they’d be wrong to pry deeper. Instead, she introduced the K9 team.
“Great to meet you all, and over time we’ll learn more,” replied Taisiya. “Now, my 4×4 is full of veterinary resources, which I’ll put in whatever you use as a veterinary clinic.”
**
Monday, May 26th – Sanctuary, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine
Dmytro, Cauã, and Lóránt were studying the new screen on a wall in the Sanctuary’s relaxation area.
“Does this show where every aircraft is?” Dmytro asked Conchita and Marielle. “After the massive raids over the weekend, we wondered why so few came back here.”
The two Dispersal officers nodded.
“Pretty much,” said Marielle. “Every craft or flight has a call sign, and most are at our twelve Dispersed locations or here.”
“Except for Golf and Hotel, which are in Kyiv,” said Lóránt. “Working or waiting for orders?”
“On medevac duties after the devastation,” replied Conchita. “Mercifully, Vasy and Kalyna had the system operational before then, as the squadron was all scrambled. So, we had a better idea where everything was.”
“Then we could allocate landing locations quicker, with the correct maintainers,” added Marielle. “We’ll need to make a few improvements and additions.”
“Like a means for keeping track of your husband,” joked her friend. “Which reminds me, Aaron needs to update me on his drone assignment near the front.”
Dmytro stood and looked to where his colleagues were working. “That also reminds me I ought to ensure that our drone order gets finished today. Not as urgent as the special task a few months ago.”
Cauã winked. “Was that the one my guard hurried me away from?”
“Probably a Special Forces guy code-named Medler, hinted at an operation to shake Russia.”
“Medler? Sounds like Ruslan Medved,” said Conchita. “His sister, Tamila, is a Witch in Blue Flight. After this weekend, Ukraine needs something to hit back.”
“At least our allies have finally agreed we can use long-range missiles,” replied Dmytro. “Tragic it took the largest Russian attack in three years, and so much destruction and trauma to reach that crucial decision.”
*
Lóránt was relieved when Janina came into the Sanctuary with some maintainers. She collapsed onto the couch beside him, exhausted.
“More damaged aircraft?” he asked. “From the attacks?”
She shook her head.
“Almost none. But keeping some of these birds flying takes a lot of love and attention. Have you been assessing our progress?”
“Once we checked the new flight screens. The extra accommodation areas are working, so we won’t be so cramped upstairs. There are some additional projects we might need to tackle as required.”
“Once this becomes a safe haven for families, we’ll discover more. A creche might happen sooner than when Conchita and Marielle give birth.”
“The gym upgrade has become a priority… now we’ve attracted a football team.”
“That’s been around for longer than you think.”
Some chairs over, Dmytro was reminiscing.
“Last June, Polina’s bicycle kick goal won the match between the Tigresses and the Witches at Dęblin Sports Stadium.”
“With her prosthesis?” asked Cauã. “Meaning they have two teams.”
Dmytro shrugged, then smiled as Polina walked across the room with Marusya Dudziarz.
“Great to have you both back.” He embraced Polina and mentioned Cauã’s query.
“Not since we left Dęblin, but we have kickabouts.”
“But now there’s an arena,” said Marusya. “Plus, multiple coaches. Don’t forget Cecilija Lusk played semi-professional in Canada.”
Noticing the footballers, Taisiya came over with Tryzub and, seeing Olha Tkachuk, Polina waved her over.
“Also, Olha has agreed to be the amputee women’s team’s goalie. But I pray future members are already playing”
“Amen to that, wouldn’t wish our injuries on anyone,” said Taisiya. “Nor what Tryzub went through. I’m praying the augmented vet clinic only treats minor mishaps to the K9 squad.”
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MPA – 2,070 words
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Slava Ukraini
Heroiam slava!
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Headlines
Kyiv’s League of the Mighty: how amputee football supports Ukraine’s survivors:
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Writing Wings 