This is Part 2 of Episode 23 of Freedom Flights. I will post Part 3 of Witches Troupe, the last part in a few days.
Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page on the left-hand sidebar.
Episode 23 – Witches Troupe
2024
Part 2
Wednesday, June 5th – Environs of Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin, Poland
Nadia and Aleks had set up links from their Tiger, with Vasy in the Dęblin Control Tower, and Kalyna observing the trials from the Puszczyk piloted by Odrija Kalniņa. The rest of Tigress Brigade was waiting at the main Dęblin base, as were Sabre Flight led by Maryna Sobol.
Nadia ran a last radio check.
“Alfa Tiger, White team defender over.”
“Tango Tower Black umpire receiving.”
“Papa Puszczyk White umpire receiving.”
“Bravo Tiger Black attacker receiving.”
“Charlie Tiger Black attacker receiving.”
“Golf Griffon Black attacker receiving.”
“Kilo KAILAH Black attacker receiving.”
“SABRE Support receiving, over.”
“Alfa to Tango and Papa. Can we proceed with trials? Over.”
Vasy let Kalyna say, “Proceed” and then Vasy issued the initial order to five attackers.
“Tango to Bravo and Charlie. Make first run now. Kilo and Golf follow 30 seconds later. Sabre fly interference as instructed.”
As their Tiger hovered beyond the ground targets, Nadia and Aleks tracked the incoming Tigers. Unexpectedly, Bravo and Charlie attempted to disguise their approach paths before launching their anti-tank missiles. Alfa detected the approaching Hellfires so Aleks activated the flares and chaff dispensers. All the missiles missed their tank targets.
But Kilo and Golf approached from different directions, both firing at the targets… the KAI LAH with its four Chun-gum air-to-ground missiles and the Griffon with its door-mounted machine guns.
Aleks used countermeasures against the missiles, while Nadia used their Tiger’s agility to position them to target all four attackers. However, the four MiG-29s of Sabre Flight streaked across Alfa’s path confusing pursuit and targeting. Now, they were the outnumbered target, not the tanks.
That was until two more Tigers and a Black Hawk approached from Dęblin and a familiar voice warned the attackers.
“This is Papa, leading two more incoming MiG-29 flights to support Alfa Tiger and these extra defenders. White wins through deception. Please return to base for debriefing.”
*
Once everyone returned to Dęblin and all craft secured for the night, Kalyna debriefed everyone in the squadron office.
“First, let me introduce our three new copters: Delta Tiger donated by the Bundeswehr; Echo Tiger donated by the Australian Army; and Black Hawk callsign Hotel, donated by Chayka Air and the RCAF. As yet, we have not discussed how many crew are volunteering.”
“I will admit my errors,” said Nadia. “Technically, Alfa was about to be overwhelmed by Vasy’s attackers… especially, when Sabre Flight arrived. I should have counter-attacked earlier when we were only one against two—”
“My fault too,” said Aleks. “I used too many countermeasures and didn’t foresee the Griffon’s machine guns. Fortunately, Xenia wasn’t landing troops with weapons like MANPADS, which would have brought us down.”
“However,” said Kalyna, “The attackers made mistakes too. Which were, Polina, Conchita?”
The two Tiger pilots conferred with their co-pilots.
As the most experienced pilot, Conchita spoke up.
“We should have fired our missiles in more than one salvo, preferably three or more to deplete their countermeasures. Then at least one salvo might have hit a tank,”
“And we chose the wrong approach,” said Chae-Yeong, “We should have approached along opposite flanks, so we didn’t give Alfa so many forward targets… but then Sabre shifted everything.”
Vasy glanced from the single defender to all the attackers.
“Not as us umpires intended. But I was interested in what Alfa would do… until the three new helicopters arrived. By then I suspected four helicopters supported by four MiG-29s would force Alfa to retreat.”
“Unknown to either side,” said Kalyna. “I had ordered Odrija to fly me in the Puszczyk back to Dęblin, where Mariyka Shevchuk and Tamila Medved had already prepared four MiG-29s for us to scramble Red Flight—”
“While I briefed our three arrivals,” continued Vasy. “And ordered our remaining three privates to scramble Green Flight. Hence, our surprise appearance at the range.”
“In a real scenario, be prepared for the unexpected. Next time, expect us to vary today’s scenario. Any questions to any of us?’ asked Kalyna.
Mariyka stood and addressed everyone not just the squadron leaders, slowly looking all around the gathering.
“Every day I work alongside university staff, cadets, and students who seem to welcome us. Yet, our presence here grows. We now have nine helicopters and twelve MiG-29s, plus the ones being restored with the help of the Engineering department,” She paused as the facts took effect.
Then she continued. “That’s not all we have at Dęblin. We have 22 NATO jets already here, plus four 2-seater F-16 trainers, and one 2-seater Gripen trainer. And 33 aircrew and about 20 ground crew are billeted in the vicinity. Fortunately, two flights of MiG-29s are in Ukraine at Kalyniv. At what point will we become a burden on the University? Of more concern is when the Russians decide F-16s for Ukraine are legitimate targets on NATO bases, will we be making Dęblin a target?”
The room filled with discussion, some animated.
“Hold it, sisters,” said Kalyna and Vasy in unison, both with raised voices.
Kalyna continued, “Maksym Bondarenko and his colleagues have been aware of the dilemma for some time. Some weeks ago, plans were set to upgrade an airport just 14 kilometers south-east of Lutsk, some 176 kilometers north-east of Lviv and another 66 kilometers to Kalyniv.”
“Airfield Krupa is in Volyn Oblast,” added Vasy. “It’s been out of military commission since 1996, and now handles small planes. However, ACW feels it will suit us if the derelict buildings that were Lutsk Airport are repurposed. But since it is within 100 kilometers of the Belarus border the base has to seem derelict superficially so it doesn’t attract attention… until it’s operational and defended,”
Kalyna continued grinning mischievously, “I asked ACW to use the latest Swedish dispersed airbase tactics – the Bas 90 system using forest cover and highways where possible. Although, the area seemed to require some inventive use of other natural features as you will eventually discover.”
“We will have to move in stages,” said Vasy. “Kalyniv will be our main base in Ukraine for a while longer, and possibly with all the MiG-29 flights going there initially.”
Nadia pointed at the clock. “We mustn’t forget this evening’s preparations for the anticipated challenge match. Everyone’s invited to watch the Tigresses beat the Witches. Tomorrow’s kick-off is at 1700 at Stadion Wojskowy Dęblin.”
**
Thursday, June 6th – Stadion Wojskowy Dęblin, Lublin, Poland
Lieutenant Cecilija Lusk, the Black Hawk’s senior Crew Chief & Gunner was impressed by the Dęblin sports stadium. However, growing up around Saskatoon, she had seen several impressive sports facilities attached to both academic and military establishments. Having played soccer all across Canada, she wished she was playing now. But serving her ancestral home as a Canadian Ukrainian was the priority.
She turned to Cadet Gabriela Borysova beside her, who had volunteered as their new junior Crew Chief & Gunner.
“Is this a one-off special or a regular event I must prepare for?”
“This is the first match, but I’m sure it won’t be the last… nor the last birthday we celebrate this way. Today is my fellow Cadet, Marusya Dudziarz’s 27th birthday. She’s Bravo Tiger’s co-pilot and one of our team’s two strikers alongside her pilot Lieutenant Polina Moroz who is now leading the Tigresses onto the pitch. The Witches, our jet fighter sisters, are being led on by their strikers Lieutenant Katia Antonov and Sergeant Polina Melnyk.”
Cecilija studied the two teams, assessing them as a fellow soccer player. One stood out.
“One of our strikers has a prosthetic leg. Amazing. Doesn’t it affect her?”
Gabriela chuckled. “Only her opponents I believe. Polina Moroz has a great reputation… supposedly with a trademark kick.”
The two captains Aleks Górski for the Tigresses and Mariyka Shevchuk for the Witches joined the neutral referee at the centre of the field for the coin toss.
“The challengers,” said the referee, “invited the Witches to call the toss, and their captain selected heads.” The referee tossed the coin. “And they win.”
Mariyka gestured at the centre circle indicating the Witches wanted to kick off.
All the players took their positions on the field.
“Two different formations,” said Cecilija. “But both teams are aiming to dominate possession.”
“I’ve yet to watch a live match,” said Gabriela. “Is the first score crucial?”
“Not often. But the speed of the first goal can set the tempo of play sometimes.”
The ref blew his whistle and Maja Andrysiak pretended she was passing to her nearest colleague. Yet she immediately passed the ball wide to her captain Mariyka who sped towards the Tigress’s goal as if intent to score herself as she neatly dribbled past midfielders then defenders.
At the last moment, Mariyka slipped the ball through a gap between defenders to Polina Melnyk who slammed it into the top left corner of their opponents’ goal.
1-nil to the Witches.
Cheers from the stand where their supporters had gathered.
From the sidelines, Tigress coach, Nadia Lysenko shouted encouragement to her teammates. When they kicked off again, they dominated the game. But the Witches’ goalkeeper, Svitlana Kravchenko, dealt with every shot the Tigresses made on goal.
“If she keeps making saves like that,” said Gabriela, “what do we do?”
“There’s time to make changes… even if we need the coach to give them a serious talk at half-time.”
Which was needed after the next goal.
Mariyka made another break down the left wing, but the rival captain, Aleks, made a determined attempt to tackle her. But the jet pilot outwitted the helicopter co-pilot and headed around the next defender, Adelita Palomo who limped as she tried to catch the flying captain. As Mariyka was about to pass to one of her strikers, she feinted and scored the Witches’ second goal.
2-nil to the Witches.
After an extra minute for stoppage, the ref blew the half-time whistle as Mariyka was smothered by hugging teammates.
Both teams went inside to their respective locker rooms to rest, rehydrate, and receive instructions from their coaches.
Nadia’s first concern was injuries affecting their ability to play more. Adelita’s limp was the priority as Nadia guessed it had occurred earlier.
“She slipped making an early tackle,” said her friend Conchita. “You must treat and rest her.”
“We will. Marichka Petrenko can take her position.” She gestured for the sub to continue the warm-up routine she had kept ticking over during the first half.
Other players had minor injuries treated as Nadia discussed team strategy with Aleks and key players like Marusya Dudziarz and Polina Moroz.
Meanwhile, the Witches’ coach Maryna Sobol had also prioritised injuries, before encouraging her team to keep playing their game denying their opponents any goals.
“If we score another goal, that makes it 3-nil to us. They’ll struggle to pull the match back. Just ensure their mythical star player remains a fantasy. Don’t let her prosthetic leg make you treat her differently. She’s a brave fighter just like us. I just wear my scars on my face… and as Katia knows, in my heart. Win this for our lost sisters.”
Before anyone could see the tears for her lost love, Maryna stood in the doorway waiting for the game to resume.
When Nadia returned to her bench, two non-playing Tigress supporters came up to her.
“Are you allowed to make another substitution?” asked Gabriela. “If you are, then my Black Hawk crew sister, Cecilija Lusk was a semi-professional in Canada.”
“If the ref agrees, you’re our next sub, Cecilija.”
As the game hadn’t restarted, Nadia ran over to the ref and asked if the Tigresses could add a sub, making their total three.
The ref called Mariyka over and explained how he saw the situation.
“The Tigresses were one sub short, but now one of their new pilots has volunteered.”
Mariyka could see no objection so the ref restarted the match with one substitution: Marichka Petrenko for the injured Adelita Palomo, who was watching from the sidelines comforted by journalist Aaron Garcia, but under Conchita’s watchful eye.
The second half started with Aleks kicking off and dribbling past the two Witches strikers, but passing to Odrija Kalniņa who sprinted down the left wing, and then crossing to Polina Moroz who headed the ball not past the clump of defenders blocking her, but toward birthday girl Marusya Dudziarz. Unmarked, she shot into the top left corner of the net.
2-1 The Witches, still ahead and confident.
Meanwhile, Marusya was being mobbed by all her teammates.
Buoyed by their first goal, the Tigresses swept through the Witches’ lines with a skilful interplay between numerous players until the ball reached Raisa Vezzoso who had just a wrong-footed goalkeeper between her and the back of the net.
2-2, a draw and the result nobody wanted. Time to make substitutions and stop the deadlock.
The ref hesitated when Maryna Sobol said she wished to make all three substitutions, but it was her right. So, Inna Gavrilyuk would replace back, Zlata Kovalchuk. Klaudia Fedorova replaced midfielder Maja Andrysiak, and the surprise was Zuzia Melnik taking over from opening goal scorer Polina Melnyk.
Nadia made her surprise decision with Cecilija Lusk taking over the captaincy from Aleks Górski.
When the teams took the field with these changes, Kalyna turned to Vasy beside her in the stands.
“Brave and unexpected changes—”
“Which could decide the match. Is that how we win the war… unexpected moves?”
Another Witches kick-off almost saw another swift goal. But this time Marichka Petrenko rallied the Tigresses’ defence and the game settled into another deadlock.
Until Klaudia Fedorova made a break from midfield and found an opening to pass to Katia Antonov, who seeing the gathering defenders blocking her approach, curled a long ball over their heads and in past the goalkeeper who only saw the shot as it flew past her into the goal
3-2 to the Witches.
Cecilija Lusk gathered the team around her as they regrouped.
“Polina, I believe you have a trademarks shot. Could you pretend to set it up or something to distract their defence… twice.”
“I think that could work… if we play with a third striker… like you perhaps”
As they walked back to the center, Polina explained her strategy.
Odrija kicked off, and passed to Cecilija, who slipped the ball to Marusya. She dribbled around one defender then passed it back to Cecilija who turned to face Polina, who seemed to be facing the wrong way. But she deftly turned and sideways to the goal, scored with her right foot, her normal scoring and kicking foot.
3-3 draw.
Polina Moroz disappeared under a heap of giggling teammates.
The ref blew his whistle announcing 3 minutes of stoppage time, and allowed the coaches onto the field.
Maryna told her team to push for the winning goal, while Nadia was convinced that Polina would pull off her trademark winning kick even though nobody had ever seen it
With the advantage of kicking off, the Witches’ intent from Klaudia’s first touch was total possession and a goal in the short stoppage time. She weaved through the Tigress defence until able to pass to Mariyka on the left wing. But after her earlier runs, Mariyka was tightly marked, although she managed to get the ball to Katia. However, she again was contending with markers forcing her to one-touch pass to Zuzia, who had found a clear path to the goal.
Until Marichka ran in for a side tackle, neatly stealing the ball from Zuzia. Running back to the midfield, Marichka passed the ball to Raisa who jinxed away from Nadzieja. Another quick run allowed her to flick the ball to Odrija, whose one-touch reached Cecilija hovering by two expectant defenders. Another flick was all that was needed for Marusya to be moments away from a birthday goal
Polina meanwhile had shaken her markers by turning her back to the goal. The two defenders and goalkeeper Svitlana focused on Marusya, closing down all angles at goal. She merely lobbed the ball towards Polina as she leapt backwards into the air using her prosthetic leg to strike the ball with force and precision into the Witches’ goal. Her other leg remained bent at the knee, resembling a pedalling motion.
The crowd all leapt to their feet at this audacious display of skill and acrobatics.
For a moment the Witches looked on in dismay, until they realized Polina was one of their own even if she flew a helicopter.
So, both groups of players engulfed her and the birthday girl who had made the challenge happen.
“All the time I played soccer in Canada,” said Cecilija, “I never saw a bicycle kick done with such style and never with a prosthetic leg.”
Polina’s dark-haired friend from Superhumans, Dmytro Kovalchuk threw his arms around his love. “At least now, I’ve many more witnesses to your talent.”
“Thanks to your coaching… and Marusya’s birthday, which we must change for. There are other festivities.”
The players and coaching staff began walking back to the changing rooms as the floodlights came on.
“You might have won the soccer match,” said Maryna. “But we will beat you at darts.”
*
The Stadium’s clubhouse had been tastefully decorated with the help of some cadets and students. Agnieszka had moved all the facilities of the Zvenigora Restaurant and was able to cater for larger numbers, although it had been necessary to close the restaurant. But regular bookings were treated as guests of the squadron.
One of the side rooms had even been set aside for the after-dinner darts match. A Men’s Team was allowed to enter which could include partners, Academy tutors, male cadets and students.
The set meal comprised Polish and Ukrainian dishes served with a range of drinks… not all alcoholic.
There were numerous offers of music, but the choice was easy… a popular and versatile folk band formed by some graduates from a few years back… when Mariyka graduated.
“I suspect music became their calling,” she told Sergei. “You’ll enjoy dancing to them… after the darts distraction.”
Nadia and Maryna shook hands before joining their respective teams, although rivalry on the pitch had vanished as soon as their combined strength as a merged squadron became apparent. Especially when Kalyna and Vasy’s guests of honour arrived.
A Puszczyk landed on a grass pad, and Colonel Maksym Bondarenko escorted Colonel Alfhild Falkborg and her daughter Carita Forsström inside to the Chayka Air table, where they were welcomed by Kalyna, Vasy and her daughter Klara Holub.
Maksym greeted the Chayka contingent passing over two boxes.
“You can’t have a tournament without presenting trophies.”
Alfhild and Carita also handed over two boxes each.
“Please eat before your food spoils.”
*
Marusya turned to Nadia. “I can’t believe this all… not just for my birthday. Why all this? I’m just a graduate student who got to be the co-pilot for one of the bravest pilots here.” She smiled at Polina and then kissed her on the cheek.
“To me as an outsider,” said Dmytro, “This feels like the squadron reinforcing its comradeship, its sisterly bonds.”
“My feeling when I discussed your challenge with the majors,” said Nadia, “was that there was such an influx of recruits, we needed an event to build cohesion, especially operating from more than one base.”
“Yet I don’t believe everyone’s here. Aren’t two flights of MiG-29s at Kalyniv for three weeks at a time?” asked Polina. “Does that mean another event involving them?”
“Probably when the squadron has moved to Airfield Krupa near Lusk,” replied Nadia. “Aleks and I are going there tomorrow to check on the progress of the upgrades. Then we might have some idea when we can expect to move.”
“For now I want to see what else my birthday brings. Let’s eat and drink up. Are any of us good at darts?”
*
“Sounds like we might field a strong darts team tonight,” said Maryna having canvassed all the Witches’ tables during the delicious dinner. “We can’t let the Tigresses win both matches.”
“Are the Men going to mount a challenge, Mariyka? While Sergei is helping with drinks, what do you know about him and darts?”
She glanced towards her partner.
“I know he’s played a bit, so he should be one to watch. But I’ve never played with or against him. I’ll check the room now and who is there already. An advance recce.”
She wasn’t alone in checking in advance. A few people were in the darts room, including the umpire who had already laid out the area with a regulation dartboard hung on the wall 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. The standing board from where players launched their darts was set between seven feet nine-and-a-quarter inches (2.37 meters) to eight feet zero inches (2.44 meters) from the board while throwing.
The three teams had selected where they would sit in separate areas, the Men in the centre of the semi-circle around the playing area. The Witches were on the left and the Tigresses on the right.
Given the time constraint, each team had chosen their four best players: for the Men, Igor, Brajan, Geralt, and Sergei; for the Witches, Tamila, Mariyka, Maryna, and Katia; and for the Tigresses, Marusya, Raisa, Polina, and Conchita.
One player from each team was selected to throw a dart with the one nearest going first in their 501 game.
“Does that mean Geralt, Katia, and Polina are the best shots,” Klara asked her mother Vasy.
“In theory if we discount gamesmanship, yet Geralt and the Men, are mostly Poles who play darts so should win.”
“And second have to be our Witches as better shots—”
“In jets, yes. But I’d say they can’t face another sporting defeat so that’s their advantage,” said Maksym.
The game proved both tight and fast with every player notching up respectable points to knock their 501 starting figure down to zero. However, the winning team had to hit a double to reach zero exactly or keep playing for the same double & zero.
After an hour the match concluded.
“Let’s return to our seats in the main room,” said Kalyna. “We have some presentations to make and then we can dance… but remember your morning training flights.”
As they settled back at their table, Aleks asked Nadia, “Are we serious about our 0500 start for Krupa?’
“With a war on, we have to set an example. We were given command of this Brigade for a reason.”
Kalyna ended further debate by announcing the first presentation.
“The winners of the Soccer are The Tigresses, so will their captain… joint-captains collect this fine trophy of a woman scoring a goal.”
Aleks Górski and Cecilija Lusk came up together and held the trophy aloft.
“I’ll take team photos at my booth outside,” said the photographer.
“The Soccer runners-up are the Witches,” said Vasy. “Who ensured the match was fought into the last minute.’
Mariyka Shevchuk collected the trophy of a female player heading a ball.
Vasy handed the next trophy, a Golden Bicycle to her daughter Klara Holub.
“The Player of the Match for the stunning bicycle kick-winning goal is Polina Moroz.”
Polina danced up on her prosthetic leg and kissed Klara on both cheeks before receiving her hovering bicycle trophy.
“This was the most suitable trophy we could find,” said Klara returning a more meaningful embrace.
The presentation picked up pace as the teams drifted outside for photographs recording their triumphs.
Colonel Maksym Bondarenko presented Geralt Sówka with the tankard as captain of the Men’s team who won the Darts
Colonel Alfhild Falkborg likewise presented Katia Antonov with a goblet for the Darts runner-up team The Witches.
“We come to the final presentations,” said Kalyna. “So, I’m handing over to the architects of this cohesive Challenge, Nadia Lysenko and Maryna Sobol.”
When they tossed for the mike and Maryna won she picked up a wrapped gift.
“Today’s events couldn’t have gone ahead without access to this amazing Stadion Wojskowy Dęblin with all its facilities and thanks to the man who ensured it was available. Today’s match referee, Master Engineer Anatol Krakarth.”
Nadia and Maryna handed Anatol the gift, embracing him and whispering something in his ears.
He returned to Mariyka’s table where she hosted her engineering team and other fixed-wing stalwarts.
“What secret did they whisper?” asked Mariyka as he unwrapped a bottle of the finest Glenmorangie Signet malt whisky.
“Only share this with true friends to make it keep.”
“Tough decisions ahead, Anatol,” they said in unison.
As the friendships flourished, Carita Forsström took the mike.
“I have the honour of presenting the final gift… to our Birthday girl – Marusya Dudziarz.”
She handed her a leather box and a scroll of paper.
Marusya opened the box and removed a glittering Amber pendant, which Carita explained.
“The symbol on it consists of eight interlocking arms that form a central point, surrounded by protective runes. It’s the Viking symbol for courage, the Aegishjalmur or Helm of Awe, worn by warriors to instil fearlessness and bravery in battle. The Helm of Awe is also associated with protection and invincibility. May it protect you as it has my ancestors.”
Back at her table, Marusya unrolled the scroll so her friends could read the invitation from Colonel Alfhild Falkborg and Saab.
“One of the two Saab 340 AEW&Cs Ukraine is getting will be stationed in Poland so it is less likely to get destroyed. This invites me to accompany Colonel Falkborg on one flight which will be amazing and instructive.”
“Deserved as without you, today wouldn’t have happened,” said Aleks, glancing outside. “We better get our photos done before the photographer packs up.”
*
There was almost as much activity outside as in, with some people even preferring to dance in the cool night air.
However, a few couples had taken to discreet spots to show their affection for each other. How many bonds would be strengthened by morning, whether any new relationships had been kindled today, and perhaps a few troubles would be averted tonight.
Yet it was already clear that the joint force of the Night Witches squadron and the Tigress Brigade were entering a promising new chapter.
**
Slava Ukrayini
FCA 4,366 words
Writing Wings 