This is part 4 of the August episode of Freedom Flights. The next and final part will conclude with coverage of events in early July when various key events occurred in Europe and the USA. As foreshadowed in the last scene of  Episode 24, the monthly movie night will happen in the final episode.

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.

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

Episode 25 – Irreversible Path

2024

PART 4 – Drones, Messages and Ashes

Saturday, July 13^th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The Academy had hardly woken up when Cadet Marusya Dudziarz walked toward the briefing room with Colonel Alfhild Falkborg of the Swedish Air Force.

“I’m glad you could make it, Marusya. As many UAF aircrews as possible need to learn first-hand what the Saab 340 AEWC brings to the battlespace. This is not just a birthday present. You’re a Night Witch, in a squadron we believe holds the key to Ukraine’s future in your skilled hands as I hope we can prove today.”

The pulse of turboprops behind them announced the sleek Saab 340 AEWC moving out of its hanger. Eventually, the pilot emerged and saluted.

“She’s ready for you, Colonel, as soon as you’ve briefed us.”

Inside the briefing room, in front of a tactical map of Ukraine and its neighbours, the other five crew members were seated.

 Colonel Maksym Bondarenko met Alfhild with two code talkers, whom he introduced.

“Tayanita Brave Beaver and Aenoheso Little Hawk, they allow me to send and receive messages undecipherable by the enemy. If Tayanita flies with you, Aenoheso can read any coded messages you want to send me.”

“More likely, Maksym, you will be sending me instructions. I guess the Night Witches are behind these… code talkers. I’m convinced the Russians will struggle to decipher our messages.”

Alfhild and Maksym led their trio of new faces for the Saab 340 AEW&C crew to the front of the room.

“Some of you may know Colonel Maksym Bondarenko from UAF’s Air Command West. He is the Ukrainian officer overseeing today’s Irreversible Path exercise, so he will explain how it differs from our routine flights over the last few days. As usual, we will fly within NATO airspace along the Ukrainian border, down through Romania to the Black Sea, and then back here… as shown by the blue line on the map. Again, we are monitoring enemy activity and giving Ukraine’s defenders sufficient warning to counter the threats. Any questions?”

Her co-pilot put his hand up.

“Is the yellow line the second Saab 340?”

“Correct. They are taking off near the Lithuania-Latvia border to detect enemy activity initially further north but then following a similar route to us with variations. They are also continuing to train Ukrainian technicians as we’ve been doing. Okay, before there are more questions, I’ll hand over to Colonel Bondarenko.”

Maksym indicated the three new faces.

“This Ukrainian helicopter pilot, Marusya Dudziarz, is from the 2022 Night Witches Squadron an all-female unit, some of whom have trained on Saab Gripens. Tayanita Brave Beaver and Aenoheso Little Hawk are two of the Witches’ code talkers, who can send and receive messages undecipherable by the enemy. As well as your usual duties, today’s Irreversible Path exercise involves monitoring how efficiently several UAF squadrons move to different airfields. UAF has used this tactic throughout the war to evade enemy attacks on active bases. This will become even more vital with the arrival of F-16s which require longer and smoother runways. The few of these  in Ukraine are prime targets for the Russians already.”

Maksym paused while the crew absorbed this first purpose of the exercise.

“The other objective of Irreversible Path is to monitor the effectiveness of the helicopter-launched drone interceptor developed by the Witches’ engineers. The interceptor is designed to neutralize and capture drones like the ORLAN 10, which the Russians use in groups to designate targets for artillery and missiles, including airfields. Any questions?”

One of the crew raised a hand.

“Am I correct in assuming Pilot Dudziarz will observe on board and report to you?”

“Marusya Dudziarz will report to her squadron, primarily on the ORLAN 10 as the helicopter she co-pilots is one of the five participating in the interceptor trials. Tayanita Brave Beaver will also fly with you and if there is sensitive information to send me, Aenoheso Little Hawk can decode messages for me here. If there are no more questions, I wish you a successful exercise. May our archangel Michael fly with you. Slava Ukrayini.”

**

Zvenigora Restaurant, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

The large space which would be the new Zvenigora Restaurant in two days was packed for the Irreversible Path briefing. The whole squadron including most of the Night Owls had been assigned their roles. Only the Code Talkers had left in advance, each with an Owl, to bases essential to the exercise.

The K9 units and the paramedics were returning to Kyiv in the KAI LAH and the Black Hawk to continue the rescue work at the Children’s Hospital. Anhelina Tkachuk was telling Aldona Jagoda how badly she felt not searching through the night.

“Agreed, although the dogs were tiring… at least Taika was. I guess a Siberian Husky like, Quetzal is bred for stamina.”

“But you’re right she was losing her edge. Today they start afresh.”

Two arms embraced Anhelina from behind. She turned to face a grinning Lieutenant.

“Olha Tkachuk,” she said returning the hug, “I didn’t know my cousin was a serving pilot.”

 ”I’m with Blue Flight, flying a MiG-29. I’ve been with the Night Witches since 2022. But Anhelina, did I hear you’re one our valuable K9 handers—”

“Our newest recruit I believe,” said Adriana Pavlenko, the Blue Flight leader. “When today’s exercise is over you cousins need a long reunion. First, say farewell and then we all must fly.”

**

Kalyniv Airfield near the Polish border

Nauja Tall Gull and Aneta Filipek, her Night Owl companion had been welcomed by the 41st Tactical Aviation Brigade, especially when the Night Witches were mentioned.

“We briefly shared this base,” said Kapitan Andriy Oliynyk. “We also trained on F-16s alongside them at Dęblin… before you ladies joined them.”

Nauja avoided saying, she’d had a crash course in Ukrainian at Dęblin, in case he criticized her poor grasp of his language. She suppressed a grin thinking of him trying her Inuit language, Inuktitut.

Andriy ensured his colleagues treated them with respect, although she knew Aneta was trained to deal with aggression.

Now the Sukhoi Su-24 flight had been readied for the day’s mission, Nauja and Aneta were in the Control Tower ready to message each occurrence to Maksym via Aenoheso. ‘6 Sukhoi Su-24s left Kalyniv’ was the first.

41st Tactical Aviation Brigade was rumoured to be receiving F-16s, so Kapitan Andriy Oliynyk’s flight would be from base to base as if searching for a suitable runway. When he said he might visit Chayka Field, Aneta had reminded him that it had a shorter runway, and he laughed.

“That makes it a better challenge.’

Nauja warned their base if he came to advise caution.

An hour later, an ORLAN 10 slipped high over Kalyniv, out of their defenses. Nauja sent out a warning hoping a Tiger was close enough to deal with it.

Two more ORLAN 10s appeared but then a Tiger arrived and launched two drones. The first neutralised the ORLANS which wavered. The second interceptor captured one drone as the other two fell earthwards.

While Nauja sent a coded success report, the Tiger landed to retrieve all the drones.

Nauja followed Aneta down to greet the Tiger’s pilots.

Aneta greeted the sole pilot with a prosthetic leg, one of the iconic Witches heroines.

“Nicely done Lieutenant Polina Moroz… Cadet Odrija Kalniņa. We wondered who was replacing Cadet Marusya Dudziarz in Tiger Bravo. The best choice had to be the pilot who dropped us off in the Puszczyk yesterday.”

“Please message that Bravo’s mission was a success. I’ll be collecting you both when this exercise is over.”

“A success if the Russians don’t launch missiles at this base,” said Polina. “We need to quickly clear up here before leaving, Odrija.”

During the clear-up, Aneta detected activity in one of the crashed drones.

Polina rushed to the Tiger.

“Stand back, we have one interceptor left  I should be able to set it to neutralise without launching.”

A short while later, Aneta confirmed all activity had ceased so they finished loading all the drones and their fragments into Bravo Tiger.

“We’ll fly these back to Chayka Field where our engineers can examine them,” said Polina. “And when you sisters are finished, Odrija will collect you.”

**

Saab 340 AEWC, Polish Airspace over Przemyśl, Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Poland

Alfhild brought a coded message to where Marusya and Tayanita were watching a technician monitoring activity on the Eastern Ukrainian border with Russia.

She took them to the area behind the pilots where there was a table and chairs.

“Let me know if we need to act on this. I may be flying so no surprises, please.” She grinned and left.

A minute later, Tayanita said, “It’s an update from Nauja in Kalyniv. Bravo Tiger’s mission was a success and they’re taking the ORLAN 10 and fragments back to base. No sign of Russian missiles. Let’s tell Alfhild.”

The Colonel was pleased but qualified her reaction.

“The non-appearance of Russian missiles means that the cluster of ORLAN 10s didn’t manage to transmit any sensitive images back to the operators, such as details on planes stationed there. However, they can still target the long clean runway.”

“I keep wondering how these drones were launched as the front is so far to the east,” asked Marusya.

“Same here,” said Alfhild. “Air-launched is my initial guess… if that’s feasible. Or Russian sympathizers are launching them inside Ukraine. The third option is Transnistria if there was a way to get the ORLAN 10s to the Russian troops there… more likely the designs that are not complex.”

“Maybe our engineers can identify their origin,” said Marusya. “Do we distract them with more crucial questions to answer?”

**

Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine

Kapitan Adriana Pavlenko led Blue Flight low towards Myrhorod Air Base although the clearance had been confusing with talk about reconnaissance drones. But with no warning not to land, she began her descent.

It was only when the ground crew frantically directed her away from the main base towards some dispersed hard standings that she knew something was wrong. A curving taxiway took her to the far end of the base and a vacant pad, between two Su-27s. A mechanic hurriedly threw a camouflage netting over one side of her MiG-29 and she pulled it over the other side.

Then she was running behind him as there were explosions towards the runway and the main base. The mechanic grabbed her hand and pulled her into a slit trench with a shelter burrowed into the ground.

**

Kanatove Reserve Air Base, near Kropyvnytskyi, Kirovohrad Oblast, Ukraine.

Zyta Sadowska led Mahihkan Wolf Sister towards the Tiger, whose pilots were already inspecting the neutralized drones.

“Impressive use of the new drone neutralizer,” said Zyta. “Mahihkan couldn’t wait to report it works. Let’s hope the engineers can make a ground defence version.”

“It would be invaluable for everyone,” said Conchita Gutiérrez. “For now, though, Adelita and I were concerned about Myrhorod Air Base. We were a distance from it and couldn’t investigate as your ORLAN alert came through, but there were multiple explosions. Can you please request help from the Witches with a coded message? Muchas gracias amigas.”

**

Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Aenoheso read Maksym the decoded message.

“Major explosions at Myrhorod Air Base. They may need help.”

He knew at once this was urgent, so dictated a new message.

“Blue Flight at Myrhorod Air Base, which is under attack. Send available craft.”

Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

As Kapitan Andriy Oliynyk approached the Night Witches’ base, he grinned thinking about their surprised reception.

He informed their Control Tower of his imminent arrival.

“This is Kapitan Andriy Oliynyk of the 41st Tactical Aviation Brigade with a Sukhoi Su-24 flight seeking hospitality.”

“You are clear for landing but be aware that our runway is short so take care.”

Same warning he’d got at Kalyniv. However, he’d show them real skill. He’d soon be an F-16 pilot.

He eased back on the throttle as he touched down. He glanced to one side and noticed how rundown the base was. Weeds everywhere, rusty doors, peeling paint.

Too late he realized he was running out of runway and options. He dropped every flap but still buried his Su-24 in the earth bank barrier at the runway’s end. His headcoms crackled but he leapt out of the jet as his Number Two skidded towards him on the earth his jet churned up.

His friend Fedir shouted down from the Su-24.

“The Control Tower says as we’ve blocked the runway they are landing the other Su-24s on their road runways, part of their dispersed system. We can stay until someone helps us recover our planes.”

Since nobody was coming to meet them, Andriy and Fedir walked to the base.

**

Mariyka Shevchuk was struggling with who to send to help Blue flight once she knew more from Myrhorod Air Base, although it was confusing.

Her best option was sending Golf Griffon with the Canadian crew of pilot Captain Xenia Ahlberg, her co-pilot Lieutenant Acacia Berntsen, and their Flight Engineer 2^nd Lieutenant Iryna Forsberg. They’d have space for  8-10 Night Owls or 6 stretchers.

First Lieutenant Andżelika Sówka could take charge of explosives expert Zofia Bukowska, plus the two K9 units not sent to Kyiv, Alyona Jabłońska and Zeb her Bloodhound, and Kseniya Łaska and Nyx her Doberman.

Nette Little Feather agreed that for now she and Nawel Leaping Jaguar could cope at Chayka Field. Zyta Sadowska and Mahihkan Wolf Sister had completed their mission at Kanatove, so could be collected by the Bell CH-146 Griffon en route to Myrhorod Air Base.

“If the Russians are still attacking Myrhorod Air Base with repeat hits, we must send a coded message to Maksym and Alfhild so the Griffon is not flying into a firestorm without backup.”

**

Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

“Golf flying rescue mission to Myrhorod Air Base under repetitive attack. Blue might be in danger. Need suitable backup implemented from up high. Chayka resources being depleted by exercise.”

The message was cryptic even decoded, but Maksym knew where some units were allocated. Alfhild would have a clearer view from the Saab 340 AEWC so he sent her instructions.”

“Further to Chayka’s request. Action recce overflight by nearest Witch flight and Tiger monitoring of status.”

**

Saab 340 AEWC, Romanian Airspace over Brăila, Brăila County, Romania.

The Saab 340 AEWC had begun its return trip from the Black Sea when the messages came in for Alfhild.

After Tayanita had decoded them, she walked along the monitor screen estimating which of the Witches’ aircraft was nearest to Poltava Oblast.  She hesitated when she realized Sabre flight was nearest and they’d just recovered from a devastating missile attack on Kalyniv. Yet, their scarred leader Kapitan Maryna Sobol was the ideal survivor to bolster morale. So, she sent her an order for Sable to overfly Myrhorod.

Alfa Tiger was nearby and  Kapitan Nadia Lysenko and Kapitan Aleks Górski had proved invaluable in a crisis.

**

Okhmatdyt Children’s  Hospital, Kyiv, Ukraine

Although much of the rubble had been removed,  the hospital bore a horrendous scar… the staff and patients would carry theirs longer. Whenever someone was pulled out alive, they feared that would be the last. Fortunately, hope lived on.

 Anhelina Tkachuk and Quetzal had found a few people, all effusively grateful to her red & white Siberian Husky.

Her K9 friends, handlers and dogs, had successful rescues and were now resting in what shade was available on this scorching day.

Aldona Jagoda slept with Taika the Belgian Malinois’s head on her lap, while Daniela Stasiuk shared her water with Rihi the Dutch Shepherd.

Leo, their supervisor and friend, gently called them back to work and led them into a new covered area.

“The roof has already been made secure. All we need to do is search the passages. Hopefully, this is the last area we’ve been assigned.

An hour later, they found a group trapped by a fallen wall. Amazingly they had survived as a vending machine was in the same small space and had been smashed supposedly by falling masonry.

The walk back to the helicopters was more tiring than the walk in the passages. However, only the KAI LAH was waiting, Captain Jeong explained the Black Hawk had flown to Myrhorod Air Base with the medics and stretchers.

“Did something happen there?” asked Aldona.

“The Russians attacked the base. I believe Sabre and Blue Flights are there and Alfa Tiger are helping so we’re in control.”

“Blessed Archangel Michael, I pray we are,” said Anhelina. “My cousin Olha is in Blue Flight… and we hadn’t seen each other for two years until this morning.”

**

Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine

Sable Flight had rendezvoused with Alfa Tiger, Golf Griffon and Hotel Black Hawk at Kanatove Reserve Air Base and picked up Zyta Sadowska and Mahihkan Wolf Sister.

As agreed, Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Sabre Flight led the approach to Myrhorod, as Nadia and Aleks monitored the base with their Tiger’s array. They also knew Alfhild was ensuring the Saab 340 AEWC had at least one monitor watching, probably with Marusya noting every detail.

On the overflight, Sabre Flight were not attacked but the Control Tower explained why the runway was blocked by two crashed MiG-29s and bomblet craters.

“A group of ORLAN 10s made a surveillance and reconnaissance of our base, so they could target the next flight—”

“Our sister flight,” said Maryna. “I see at least two destroyed planes. Were there more casualties? We are nearby with help if you can take helicopters.”

“Permission to help granted for your helicopters. If you wish to land your MiG-29s, you can try the nearby roads we use for dispersed training. Transmitting coordinates now, Welcome friends,”

“Slava Ukrayini.”

Maryna checked the helicopters had heard the conversation and then circled the base until her jet homed in on the coordinates.

The road runway was well disguised and led to cleverly laid out concrete revetments. The ground crew met all four pilots and spread camouflage netting over every plane.

“We’re sorry about your colleagues. We guessed you must be the famous all-female Night Witches even if we hadn’t seen the amazing nose art,”

“Copied from a 1944 design on an original Night Witches biplane in Canada.”

*

Nadia promptly assessed the situation with the help of paramedic Estera Sówka, whose experience at the Kyiv Children’s Hospital disaster had prepared her for another incident.

“I counted 2 fatalities and six injuries,” said Yevhen Baran, Myrhorod Air Base’s doctor. “Two are critical, two are serious, and two are walking wounded. All six are still in the med bunker… which is blast-proof.”

Estera was anxious to start treating patients asap. “Can we treat the critical injuries here, Yevhen?”

“We only have the means to stabilize them. One needs amputation. Both should be taken to a full equipped facility, but the only vehicle has been commandeered for the front.”

Nadia glanced at Henrika Visser, prompting her to make an offer.

“Our Black Hawk is equipped with stretchers and has made two flights with patients from Kyiv to Lviv recently. But it might be riskier with the Russians regularly targeting this base.”

“Sabre Flight will escort you,” said Maryna’

“And Alfa Tiger can ensure no drones are lurking nearby”

“I’m very grateful,” said Adriana Pavlenko. “The patient requiring an amputation is my Lieutenant, Olha Tkachuk. She’s from Lviv and her cousin is Anhelina, one of our K9 handlers.”

“Shall I tell her?” asked Estera Sówka. “I welcomed her to the Owls in Kyiv.”

“We both should,” said Adriana and then went and stared out of a window at the runway.

Doctor Baran told Estera to follow him to the med bunker, so they left with the other Owl medics Zyta Sadowska and Alicja Dubicka.

Henrika Visser and her crew went to prepare the Black Hawk for the flight to Lviv.

A senior officer walked into the room, and everyone saluted.

“I’m Major Illya Medved, Commander of Myrhorod Air Base. After today’s tragedy, I should have come to welcome you. I hope Doctor Baran was helpful, even though we had casualties. I wanted to ensure our flights managed to find bases for the night, while we cleared the runway.”

“I’m Lieutenant Andżelika Sówka from the Night Owls, our squadron’s security. We can help if anyone is MIA.” She was anxious her team needed to do more, so she added, “We even have K9 units and an explosives expert if there is any unexploded ordinance.”

Illya Medved hesitated, unused to so many female officers. Then he relaxed.

“I should have realised the Night Witches would be resourceful and fearless. I’m unsure all our ground crew reported back after the attacks.”

He stepped away and called his Senior Chief Mechanic, then turned to Andżelika.

“Stepan Marchenko will meet you and your team at Taxiway A. Some mechanics were last seen near where the first MiG-29 was destroyed.”

When the Night Owls left, Adriana approached the doctor who had returned and was talking to the Major.

“Was my Lieutenant, Olha Tkachuk in that second jet… she should have been. Yet I’ve seen the wreckage. How did she survive with her arm… mangled?”

Yevhen looked at his commander, who let him answer.

“Like you, she got out, but when the cluster bomb hit her MiG, she was hit by some debris and knocked over, trapping and mangling her arm.” He paused then continued, “I came to say she’s ready to be taken to the Black Hawk in one of their stretchers. The other patient, as you know Illya, is a mechanic who has third-degree burns after trying to rescue one of your other colleagues. We’re sorry for your double loss.”

Maryna choked back her tears, memories of the attack on Sable Flight flooding back.

“Almost your whole flight. I hope Olha flies again. I’m so grateful I had Katia to help me recover and fly again. Come with us on the flight to Lviv, please.”

“I can’t leave without… Taisia and Halyna—”

The Major put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

“We will ensure whatever we find of their remains are reverentially sent to you for burial if that seems acceptable.”

“Aleks and I will remain here to bring them to you if you agree. You must be in Lviv for Olha. She needs you, please.”

Adriana thanked Illya and Nadia before leaving.

“We need to scan for drones,” said Aleks, “ but will return to send an urgent message,”

Outside they said farewell to the Black Hawk crew and passengers.

“We’ll monitor for any unfriendly forces, then tell the Control Tower when it’s safe to leave. Plus, we’ll ensure you are expected in Lviv.”

*

Having watched the Black Hawk leave with its five-fighter escort, Nadia and Aleks returned to Illya Medved.

“I have some questions, Major,” said Nadia.

“Anytime.”

“Say no to any of these. First, please can we send an urgent coded message?” She paused to let him refuse. “Second, do you have a brave daughter called Tamila?” He nodded and smiled. “Third, can we call you Illya?”

“Of course, you are friends of my daughter, Lieutenant Tamila Medved. I was proud when in 2022 she became one of the fearless Night Witches despite the prejudice female pilots faced from some. Then later that year she shot down a cruise missile and three drones at the cost of an injured ankle.”

“Because she flew her stricken jet away from residences,” added Nadia. “A few months later, visiting the hospital where Olha will receive a prosthetic arm, she persuaded a courageous helicopter pilot with a prosthetic leg to join us as one of our best pilots… and our goal-scoring winning soccer star alongside your daughter.”

“This I must see as soon as possible. My daughter playing soccer with a prosthetic-wearing helicopter pilot. Plus, I must visit the Night Witches base. ”

“Then the sooner we send our coded message, the sooner we can all go to Chayka Field.”

Nadia asked Mahihkan Wolf Sister to code a message for Maksym, Alfhild, and Mariyka.

“Hotel heading to Lviv with first patient requiring arm amputation and second with third-degree burns. Please make arrangements. Sable Flight escorting. Golf and Alfa remain at Myrhorod to help clear three wrecked MiG-29s. Will return with the ashes of two brave pilots. Adriana Pavlenko will name the deceased on return.”

**

FCA 4,082 words

Slava Ukrayini

This is part 3 of the August episode of Freedom Flights. The next part will continue to cover events in early July when various key events occurred in Europe and the USA. As foreshadowed in the last scene of  Episode 24, the monthly movie night will happen.

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.

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

Episode 25 – Irreversible Path

2024

PART 3 – Immoral Attack

Monday, July 8^th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine1

Nawel Leaping Jaguar in the Squadron Command Centre sounded the alarm at 0608 when Aenoheso Little Hawk passed on the alert from Maksym.

“Russians are launching dozens of cruise, aerial ballistic and guided missiles in a combined attack on key cities. Scramble all interceptors safely over time.”

Before any craft took off, the Saab MSHORAD and all the Night Owls scanned the area around the base. Once the skies were clear, the five MiG-29 flights took off at ten-minute intervals, each followed by a Eurocopter Tiger scanning for hostiles.  

“Tell Maksym the remaining four helicopters are on standby with security including K9s and stretchers,” said Kalyna.

For ages, all they heard were brief reports of missiles intercepted. Then the frantic reports of missile hits… strategic infrastructure and unwarranted civilian destruction.

Then Aenoheso Little Hawk sent a coded message from Maksym.

As Nawel Leaping Jaguar decoded it, tears were choking her voice.

“Massive attack on Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, Kyiv.” She paused briefly, before continuing.  “Staff and children trapped. Send help.”

Kalyna glanced at the details on the waiting helicopters.

“Control, clear Kilo and Hotel for relief flight to Kyiv. We’ll prepare reception.”

She turned to Nawel Leaping Jaguar. “Code to Maksym. K9 searchers and stretchers sent. Expect Kilo and Hotel.”

The four K9 units would arrive by KAI LAH while two paramedic-trained Night Owls would bring five stretchers in the Black Hawk. But how safe would they be?

She studied the table map and noted that Vasy with Green Flight were patrolling near Kyiv.

“Green Leader, protect Kilo and Hotel flying relief to Kyiv.”

*

Aldona Jagoda was pleased her Belgian Malinois, Taika had been calm during the flight from Chayka Field, as had the three other K9s. Before they climbed out of the KAI LAH, Captain Jeong Chae-Yeong reassured them that she’d remain in the park where they landed for as long as necessary.

A volunteer driver was waiting with a truck, and she noted the approaching paramedics from the Black Hawk.

“I’m Olha, there should be room for all six of you and the stretchers. Great you’re here… especially the dogs. We don’t know how many are trapped under the rubble.”

“Our dogs are keen to help,” said Kseniya, Nyx’s handler. Her Doberman rested his head on her knee as the last stretcher was loaded.

As they drove towards the devastation, it was clear the bombing of civilian targets was paramount in this campaign of terror.

Approaching the hospital the Owls saw one section of the building had collapsed burying staff and patients. How many were still alive? Hundreds of people from the surrounding area were removing rubble brick by brick.

Estera Sówka and her sister paramedic, Alicja Dubicka approached a senior medic.

“We’re paramedics from UAF. We have an evacuation helicopter nearby if needed… and stretchers on that truck. But we’ll help where ordered.”

“Evacuation might help with seriously wounded or seriously ill children but leave the stretchers until needed. For now, follow me. We’ve set up an emergency station to treat the innumerable injuries.”

It wasn’t long before Estera and Alicja were using all their medical skill to treat people with injuries from flying glass gashes to fractured limbs on trapped victims pulled from the wreckage.

In an area where floors had collapsed on each other, Aldona and the other K9 handlers had joined two other units to try and detect trapped victims so rescuers could remove debris and free them.

After five minutes, Taika froze at the same time as one of the local dogs crouched.

Aldona and the other handler waved over Leo, their supervisor.

He knew the local handler, Anhelina Tkachuk, so he addressed her.

“Has Quetzal sensed someone?”

She pointed at Taika, “They both have…  and my friend here is the experienced team.”

Leo smiled at Aldona and then radioed for a rescue team but gestured for the other handlers to keep searching for signs of more trapped people.

Anhelina and Aldona knelt midway between their dogs, then called out to the trapped people.

“Can you hear us? Help is coming.”

A muffled male voice replied.

“We worried nobody would find us… in time.” He coughed a choking sound. “I’m Doctor Avenlosky… in haematology. There are three kids here needing help.” Another cough. “One is serious…”

Then silence.

“We’ll be here for them,” said Aldona.

By the time the rescue team arrived, two more groups of survivors had been found by the other local K9  and by Kseniya’s Nyx.

Leo suggested that the noise of the rescue might make it harder to search in the same area, so they should move to another spot.

“As long as we know when those people are saved,” said Anhelina and everyone agreed.

On the way to the new search area, Daniela Stasiuk’s Rihi abruptly sat down.

“More trapped people?” asked Leo.

“I don’t think so,” replied Daniela. “Rihi usually freezes. This could be explosives.”

She marked the spot where Rihi sat, and then they cleared the area while Leo called in a Bomb disposal team.

The team arrived and carefully examined the area. Eventually, they detected what looked like a curved, red metallic object embedded in the earth. Slowly, the lead expert excavated the object and then stood up.

“Now we can be sure the Russians are responsible for this barbaric attack. This is part of one of their Kh-101 cruise missiles. Your dog must have detected traces of explosives on this component. The Security Service of Ukraine will be grateful you both found this.”

Leo’s radio beeped and he passed on an update.

“The doctor and the children have been saved and want to meet the heroic dogs… before the medics take them to another hospital.”

Back at the collapsed building, Doctor Avenlosky and the three kids were on stretchers and being cared for by medics, including Estera and Alicja. All the kids wanted to meet Quetzal and Taika, give them treats and cautiously stroke them.

However, Estera apologised.

“We have to evacuate Stepan here to Lutz for an operation.”

“But we insist on going too,” said the other two kids. “We’ve got to see that he behaves.”

“Nothing to do with flying in a helicopter of course,” said Estera. “I’m staying to help, while Alicja accompanies these youngsters and another two emergencies in the Black Hawk.”

When the patients and some medics had left, Estera and the others waited for the second rescue

Five minutes later, a nurse and a girl in a wheelchair were winched to safety. The paramedics methodically checked them over for injuries. If it wasn’t for the nurse’s comforting presence, the girl might have been traumatized from being trapped in the dark. Again meeting the dogs helped both patients relax.

With the light beginning to fade, Leo was hesitant to continue, but the Night Owls were trained for this.

“Rest for a short while. Make sure your dogs have food and water,” said Estera. ‘Then continue with night gear,” She realized Anhelina probably had none, so said to her, “If you want to continue, you can use mine. I’m going back to the medical station. See you all later.”

Anhelina took the goggles and infra-red torch. “Does this make us part of your awesome team… even if I hardly speak any Polish.” She laughed.

Estera and the others chuckled.

“I think Anhelina Tkachuk and Quetzal proved themselves earlier,” said Aldona. ”Can they be recruited to the Night Owls, please? If they’re okay relocating to our highly secret base up north.”

“You’d be more than welcome to wear our uniform,” said Estera. “And you’ll find Ukrainians, Poles, Canadians, plus other nationalities at the base. All sisters united for freedom.”

Anhelina knelt and whispered to her Siberian Husky., who lifted her red and white head licking her handler.

“She wants in and all I must do is tell Mum… she’s helping here too. But she always wanted us to serve somehow. This is perfect.”

*

Kalyna watched from the blacked-out Control Tower as the squadron returned to Chayka Field at cautiously staggered intervals. Each flight used a different approach and the prepared farm roads as a landing strip. With multiple taxiways, each plane could manoeuvre to its designated concrete pad among the concealing trees.

Between each flight their shadowing Tiger landed and scanned the area for prying enemies like drones. Throughout the evening and into the night, the Saab MSHORAD and the Night Owls also scanned the area.

Finally, when Green Flight returned safely, Kalyna began to relax… until she remembered the helicopters sent to Kyiv.

She rushed down to the Command Centre where she found Vasy receiving a cipher message from Maksym.

“Echo, Kilo, and Hotel are returning late from Kyiv together when the worst of the rubble at the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital has been cleared. They are reluctant to abandon this disaster, but I’ll ensure a flight escorts them home. I’ll remind them about tomorrow’s Irreversible Path exercise.”

Kalyna hoped they returned at a reasonable time and were not exhausted. The whole squadron needed to be involved and that included all the helicopters since they were the most vulnerable if the Russians attacked across the border in multiple places. As yet Lutsk had avoided the heavy fighting the East had suffered.

But in the early days of the war, there had been key incursions from Belarus. Best to be prepared for the worst scenario.

“What’s with this Irreversible Path name,” asked Vasy. “Who decided on that? Does it mean there’s no turning back?”

**

FCA 1,581 words

Slava Ukrayini

This is part 2 of the August episode of Freedom Flights. The next part will continue to cover events in early July when various key events occurred in Europe and the USA. As foreshadowed in the last scene of  Episode 24, the monthly movie night will happen.

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.

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

Episode 25 – Irreversible Path

2024

PART 2 – Code Talkers

Sunday, July 7^th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

The group for the Chayka inspection tour gathered in the Squadron Command Centre so Kalyna and Vasy could show the group on the map where they needed to inspect. Then they led them down a back corridor and out to a camouflaged Toyota Tacoma truck into which all six piled, with Nadia driving.

“We must show you the earthwork firebreaks the mechanics are building around the standings in the trees, then the farm roads we need to use for fast scrambles… if you can persuade the farmers.”

After inspecting the dispersal sites, they drove the farm roads to confirm that MiG-29s and Gripens could use them. They saw the farmers who agreed to their requirements.

When they drove onto the runway, they heard gunfire and jet engines, yet all they could see were four K9 units training and three horses being exercised.

“A training session with sound effects,” said Andżelika Sówka. “Not that anyone fires guns or flies jets around here… well, that’s what we claim.”

“But if a plane needs to land,” asked Vasy. “What happens?”

As if on cue a klaxon sounded, the horses moved back out of the gallops and the K9 units began patrolling.

Instead of a plane, a mini-bus appeared at the rough western end of the runway.

“Are we expecting anyone?” asked Nadia as she contacted the control tower.

“The mini-bus came down a farm track from the direction of Lutsk,” said control. “Looking for Kapitan Nadia Lysenko.”

“Owls, you’re on full alert until we know more.”

“Agreed,” said Kalyna. “Just don’t reveal all our security assets.” The Sówka sisters climbed out and joined one of their K9 units.

Then she pointed back towards the tower. “Nadia, go back there.  We can observe them from up there.”

“But they asked for me. Shouldn’t I go with security?”

“Not until we know what they want. You’re too valuable to lose in a stupid exchange,”

As they drove to the Control Tower, Vasy was trying to speak while Kalyna talked through every scenario from vengeful smugglers to foreign assassins from Nadia’s time with French special forces.

“Maksym Bondarenko told us—”

“To be careful and expect—”

“You asked for these sisters,” came Andżelika’s radio message.

“I’ve been trying to remind Kalyna they were coming to help Nadia with communications,” said Vasy. “Her daughter Aliona made the original enquiries—”

“For First Nation Code Talkers. Let’s meet by Saab’s Mobile Short-Range Air Defence vehicle. We must hear about that as it may be the second most important advance we discuss today and before we all gather in the canteen.”

“Although,” added Mariyka, “The new Zvenigora has been designed as more than a restaurant which shows films. We needed a comfortable meeting and briefing space for the whole squadron… a multi-functional area.”

*

The contrast between the stark utilitarian Saab’s Mobile Short-Range Air Defence vehicle and the bright clothing and cheery faces of the First Nation and Native American code talkers almost left the MSHORAD at a standstill. But Kalyna found the perfect solution.

“Until vehicles can enter the canteen, I suggest our sister from Saab gives us an overview of her charge out here… I’m presuming some Night Owls have had the thorough demo already.” Andżelika nodded. “Okay, but before we proceed may I ask our North American indigenous sisters for the names they prefer to be known by?”

The oldest and possibly the appointed leader said, “I am Nette Little Feather a Paiute/Navajo medicine woman whose grandfather was a code talker.” She nodded to the woman nearest to her.

“I am Nauja Tall Gull, an Inuit huntress.”

“Mahihkan Wolf Sister of the Cree.”

“Call me Tayanita Brave Beaver of the Cherokee.”

“And I’m Nawel Leaping Jaguar, a proud Mapuche from the Chilean Air Force… but not a pilot. Just a nurse hoping to learn from you, Nette.”

Nette put an arm around Nawel and said, “You’ll learn, but first the last member of this group is with Maksym Bondarenko in Dęblin. She’s Aenoheso Little Hawk of the Cheyenne and will send messages from Maksym when it’s classified. But now who is our Saab sister?”

The svelte spectacled blonde smiled and introduced herself.

“I’m Aslög Hellström and I’m one of Saab’s junior technicians on their Mobile Short-Range Air Defence system, MSHORAD for short. I’ve been tasked with demonstrating the system to you as Saab believes the Night Witches are Ukraine’s chief advocates of our Gripen jets and all that entails.”

She paused to brush a loose lock back under her cap and to wipe her glasses.

“My apologies if my spiel sounds learnt… it was the best way to ensure I remembered everything. Anyway, the system’s mobility, especially at short range, is everything if we are to defeat weapons and weapon systems, such as drones or attack helicopters, that are attacking the ground units requiring protection.”

As she ran through the features, she pointed them out to the group.

“The Mobile Firing Unit is based upon the successful RBS 70 NG Sight mounted on Saab’s mature Trackfire servo platform, the Mobile Radar Unit uses the proven Giraffe 1X radar, with command and control capability provided by Saab’s BM4CI. Giraffe 1X covers the entire search volume every second and will detect any air threat, including small, slow, high and low targets.” 

“It’s possible to remove the RBS 70 NG Sight from the vehicle and deploy it in a man-portable air defence (MANPAD) configuration to provide additional technical capabilities as the operation requires.”

“The system is truly flexible. If you wanted to hide the vehicle, and deploy the MANPAD, or if RBS 70 NG Sight was needed on top of your control tower for some reason, then it’s adaptable for such differing scenarios.”

“This vehicle offers ballistic protection increasing the survivability of the operation and the crew. Later, I can demonstrate more of the capabilities as required and I will need to train some adaptable technical personnel as Saab couldn’t spare my partn…assistant.”

Aslög leant against the vehicle, seemingly exhausted. However, Estera picked up on her insecurity, so put a comforting arm around her.

“If you want to talk girl to girl later, I’m often in the canteen, or call me.” And she handed her a walkie-talkie.

Kalyna and Vasy thanked Aslög and told her to join them later. They then led everyone else inside.

*

“How will this code talking work?” asked Griffon pilot Captain Xenia Ahlberg. “In both World Wars weren’t the Code Talkers from the same tribes?”

“Yes,” said Nette Little Feather. “My Navajo grandfather said all his code talker brothers were Navajo, but there were groups from other tribes. But they created codes using their distinct language. The Navajo developed the most complex code, with over 600 terms, yet other tribe members back home didn’t know what this coded vocabulary meant.”

“But you are all different tribes with distinct languages,” said Xenia.

“Which is why we created a unique code,” said Nette. “While we were gathering secretly in Dęblin, we used words from our diverse languages to create a 125-term code which the University’s language school helped us learn along with enough Ukrainian to make ourselves understood.”

“We are already a diverse mix of nationalities and all learning,” said Nadia. “I’m originally Québécois and Canadian Ukrainian, then French but now Ukrainian. So, you’re very welcome here sisters.”

“Good to know I’m not the only one caught between cultures,” said Nawel Leaping Jaguar. “Born Mapuche, encouraged to speak Spanish to survive and then serve Chile. Now learning English and Ukrainian. Can I ask, Does this election in France mean anything now you’re here?”

Nadia went quiet and closed her eyes.

“When I think about my friends especially those I served alongside in the French Air and Space Force and the special forces units, then I worry… especially when Macron talks about French boots on the ground here.” She paused and then continued. “But now the initial results point to weeks of political chaos. I just pray the support for Ukraine continues and we win without their boots.”

“Sorry to ask this,” said Nette. “During Saturday’s exercise can we test our code then, Kalyna… Vasy?”

“We will definitely need you. Tomorrow, we’ll do our preparations… the whole squadron. Tonight, after you are shown your quarters, you’re all invited to a gathering around the fire for a bit of overdue storytelling.”

Once they had made the arrangements, the senior officers and the key Night Owls met in the Squadron Command Centre.

“Although the only unwelcome visitors to our campfire gathering might be mosquitos, we need to be sure there is none of the drone variety,” said Kalyna.

“Although Saab’s MSHORAD can deal with drones,” replied Andżelika, “we have more cost-effective methods. Mariyka’s engineering group has developed a successful drone interceptor, which not only neutralizes the threat—”

“But also makes the captured drone available to turn against the enemy,” added Estera. “Extremely useful if we’re marked by an ORLAN 10, which allows the enemy to target us.”

“Aren’t these the Russian-made drones allowing their artillery to do so much devastation at the front,” asked Aleks. “How many interceptors have we got?”

“Five or six,” replied Estera. “Double that by Saturday. But I’ll ensure Aslög is ready with her Saab trickery.”

“My main concern now is masking heat signatures,” said Kalyna. “Janina Patriksson said something about stealth paint and directing cool air over exhausts. I’ll check on her progress tonight or tomorrow. Guess she’s working late, or she’d be here.”

*

Lieutenant Katia Antonov looked at the bonfire and hoped any suspicious observers realised this was merely a celebration. Burning buildings must be the norm in Ukraine.

Most of the squadron were seated around the campfire to learn about the nose art that had become their emblem.

Vasy stood and raised her hands, palms down to settle them.

“In 1944 my grandmother Vasy, then twelve, told her partisan comrades about Zharptica, the Firebird’s origin. It’s our emblem and you will discover why tonight. First grandmother Vasy’s tale.”

She smiled. “According to folklore, the Firebird is very rare, with plumage blazing red, orange, and yellow like the flames of a flickering fire. When removed, the feathers continue to glow. That is why some people try catching Zharptica.”

She paused and studied her spellbound audience.

“Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, a meek and gentle orphan girl named Maryushka lived in a small village. People came from everywhere to buy her needlecraft. Many merchants asked her to move and work for them.”

Vasy changed her voice to sound like her heroine and held out her hands. “‘I will sell my embroidery to anyone who finds my work beautiful, but I will never leave this village where I was born.”

“One day, the evil sorcerer Kaschei the Immortal heard of Maryushka’s beautiful needlework. He turned himself into a handsome young man and visited her. Upon seeing her skill, he became angry. A mere mortal could not produce finer work than he owned.”

She switched her voice again, making it sound deeper and darker. “‘I will make you Queen of this realm if you will embroider for me alone.’”

“‘I’m grateful and humbled by your offer. But I must decline. I never want to leave this village. I am sorry.’”

“This wound to Kaschei’s pride sparked his magic.”

Vasy drew invisible threads in the air.

“The evil sorcerer turned Maryushka into a flaming bird. Zharptica. He became a great black Falcon and picked her up in his claws.”

Vasy flapped her arms like a bird as her words flew across the gathering.

“He stole Firebird Maryushka away from her village. To leave a memory of herself with her people forever, she shed her feathers onto the land below. As the last feather fell, she died in the falcon’s talons.”

Vasy’s head dropped onto her chest. Silent and still as the crowd gasped. Then, she raised her head and continued.

“To this day, the glowing feathers are magic and remain bright. However, they show their rainbow colours only to those who love beauty and seek to make beauty for others. Together we can create the Firebird’s world.”

She paused.

“However, my grandmother was unaware that her sister, Kalyna… yes my cousin’s grandmother, one of the original Night Witches, had painted the Zharptica on her Polikarpov U-2 biplane. I’ll let Kalyna finish our family story.”

Her cousin hesitated and then stood.

“The war brought the sisters together and fate placed them in Kalyna’s Zharptica on a night raid during which they were hit. They survived and flew to Estonia, where they met a Swedish intelligence officer. Evading capture by the Nazis, they helped him back to Sweden, and he promised to help them. First, he ensured they settled in Canada. Second, he had their precious Zharptica sent to Canada, and today their Polikarpov U-2 hangs in the main hanger of Chayka Air. Last Christmas, Kapitan Maryna Sobol and Lieutenant Katia Antonov saw the nose art and asked us if it could be our squadron emblem as well as art on all of Sabre Flight—”

“That’s not all,” said a tall Nordic blonde standing behind the cousins. “My mother is Överste Alfhild Falkborg, the Colonel in the Swedish Air Force who assists with your Gripen requirements and your dealings with SAAB. And all through their grandmothers helping Alfhild’s grandfather escape the Nazis.”

The cousins turned to face their god-daughter.

“How did you get here Carita?” asked Kalyna. “The last time Vasy and I saw you we had left you on the Dęblin runway with your mother and Maksym… no doubt after your next article for Swedish Aero-News.”

“Exactly and I came here with them. Your code-talkers are fascinating. And before you tell me the story can’t be used until their task is finished—”

“More likely when we win this war.”

“I hope the other scribblers here know that… and how secret this base is.”

“They signed non-disclosure agreements,” said Vasy. “Just as you will.”

Everybody gradually dispersed, most to eat then sleep, some of the Night Owls to run their nightly security details and one flight of MiG-29s went on patrol under the watchful protection of Delta and Echo Tigers.

In the Control Tower Warrant Officer Kang Eun-Ji was on duty watching for any incoming traffic, though none was expected until Saturday.

Maksym checked in from Dęblin using the secure chat from Aenoheso Little Hawk to her Code Talking sister Nawel Leaping Jaguar who confirmed the night patrol was out but if there was more to report someone would be in touch.

“It makes a change not to be hearing of attacks all over Ukraine,” said Estera from the doorway, “But I fear when the Russians give us a quieter night, somewhere pays a terrible price next time. To be sure I’m going to check out our Saab system.”

She hurried downstairs and slipped through the shadows to the MSHORAD vehicle. She tapped lightly on the door, hoping Aslög would guess it was her.

The door opened and she was swept in.

“I wondered if you were ever going to come. Watching the skies gets boring hour upon hour… although I can put the auto-alert on if you want to…”

“Switch it on, please.”

Estera waited while Aslög set everything to auto, locked the door and dimmed the main light.

“I sense this is serious,” said Estera and removed her jacket. “That’s just for starters. Your move.”

Aslög embraced her and their kiss was the next move.

**

 FCA 2,593 words

Slava Ukrayini