Freedom Flights: Episode 41. Conviction and Commitment. Part 2.

Episode 41 of Freedom Flights is set in January 2025 and is released in two parts. World-shattering events may occur in future episodes. Some events foreshadowed in Parts 1 & 2 of this double-episode will take a few months to play out.

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

Episode 41. Conviction and Commitment.

Part 2

2025

Friday, January 17th – Main Hangar Bay, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Maintenance staff perform routine upkeep of MiG-29 aircraft after the flight in eastern Ukraine on Aug. 2, 2023. (Libkos / Getty Images)

Chief Warrant Officer Janina Patriksson and Warrant Officer Kang Eun-Ji were anxious to talk again to Andżelika and Estera Sówka after learning of the military’s manpower crisis. Neither maintainers nor security could afford to have personnel sent to the front lines due to infantry shortages. Foreign recruits might be exempt, but Ukrainians could be called up, although the women serving at the front tended to be volunteers.

“Even if none of our personnel were required at the front,” said Janina. “The UAF might see us as a squadron with skilled technicians to fill the gaps at the squadrons in the east.”

“Except we’ve been training our personnel on Gripens,” said Eun-Ji. “MiG-29s are our secondary airframes. Our maintainers are specialists.”

“Exactly, especially as some maintain our rotary craft.”

Andżelika and Estera entered the hangar, already aware of the issue.

“Our only Ukrainian is a K9 handler,” said Andżelika. “All the other Owls are Polish, Spanish, or Canadian… although with Ukrainian ancestry.”

“But unlike your maintainers, the Owls are trained to handle weapons,” added Estera.

“We need to ask our two commanders to discover whether the army can draft this squadron’s personnel,” said Janina. “Or should we prepare to send some to other squadrons?”

**

Sunday, January 19th – Zvenigora Restaurant, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Conchita Gutiérrez wondered if her fiancé, Aaron Garcia, would be back from Brussels this evening. She turned to his sister, Jacinta.

“Has he told you anything?”

“He never does,” replied Jacinta. “Especially when he’s covering a NATO meeting.”

“Was this an important one?” asked Adelita Palomo, co-pilot of Conchita’s and her Tiger.

Before anyone could answer, the swarthy journalist entered the restaurant and casually sauntered towards their table. He took Conchita in his arms and kissed her passionately.

Once their prolonged embrace ended, he greeted the others.

“Hopefully, everyone survived the relentless Russian aggression,” he said. “You’ll be relieved to know that in Brussels our 32 NATO allies and their 27 partners reaffirmed their ongoing support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s unprovoked hostility.”

“Was the two-day session just about reinforcing that?” asked Adelita.

“The media didn’t have access to the Chiefs of Defence Sessions,” he replied. “But there were regular press briefings on NATO’s vigilance & deterrence, strengthening military partnerships, as well as on the final NATO-Ukraine Council’s virtual discussions with the Ukrainian Chief of Defence. The alliance realises it’s in their political and military interest to support Ukraine now and into the future.”

“Presumably, you’ll cover more in articles,” said Jacinta. “While you were away, the Majors asked me to check whether you and your fiancée had any South American and Portuguese acquaintances in the military, whom you could persuade to volunteer.”

“I advised your sister to ask you,” said Conchita. “I’ve since talked to my friends in the Portuguese Air Force who are flying F-16s and Black Hawks… a couple might be interested. I know you’ve covered military aviation events in Latin America, so you should have contacts over there.”

He chuckled.

The International Demining Centre (CIDES), was created in the Tolemaida fort in central Colombia, one of the main military complexes of the National Army. The level of excellence of this Centre, the unique skills and know-how of its people, and the interest of other nations to be trained in this capacity, led to its accreditation as a NATO Partnership Education and Training Centre (PTEC) in 2019. © CIDES. https://www.nato.int/docu/review/articles/2025/01/20/colombia-at-nato-how-a-south-american-nation-became-a-nato-partner/index.html

“The most likely pilots are from a country I went to for a NATO demining conference in… Columbia. Most of the military were army, but there was a squadron struggling against drug cartels mining their runway.”

“Knowing you, my love, you befriended the most bewitching pilots.”

“Merely research,” said Aaron, blushing as he unfolded a sheet of paper, which he handed Conchita. “For dredging that up, you can read this press release aloud.”

 She glanced at the release, smiled and replied.

“Any lame excuse for not addressing an issue we lady pilots combat every day… peeing while flying. Hardest for fighter pilots pulling G’s and loops, so either risking dehydration or peeing everywhere as the old designs for men fail us. At least in an all-female squadron, we’ve ‘MacGyvered’ solutions.”

“Plus, the maintainers understand and clean up our urine, when necessary,” added Adelita.

“But now there’s this new AIRUS device, a urine collection system designed for women pilots and for long flight missions,” said Conchita.

“We need as many as we can get,” added Adelita.

“Good thing I persuaded Chayka Air to chase the manufacturer,” replied Aaron.

**

Monday, January 20th – Recreation Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

As evening crept over the base, squadron personnel came and left as President Trump attempted to inspire watchers wondering what his second inauguration meant. The primary concern of those who came and listened to the Centre’s television was learning if the new US President was going to deliver peace as swiftly as he’d promised from March 2023 onwards.

President Trump speaks during the presidential Inauguration on Monday. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Early on, Trump dropped an unsubtle comment.

“…We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defence of foreign borders, but refuses to defend American borders, or, more importantly, its own people…”

“I fear he meant that as a criticism of the last administration’s support of Ukraine,” said Raisa Vezzoso. “Will the aid continue?”

“Perhaps President Trump should talk about this war openly,” replied Polina Moroz. “While campaigning, he promised to end the war in Ukraine in a day.”

“He seems to want to keep the Americans happy,” replied her co-pilot, Marusya Dudziarz. “Hopefully, when he’s finished declaring national emergencies on energy and immigration.”

Yet Trump continued to speak about making America great again, while condemning the previous administration’s policies and ignoring their achievements. Eventually, though, it seemed as if he was about to tackle pressing global issues.

“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier,” he announced, inspiring hope in the room. He continued, “That’s what I want to be: a peacemaker and unifier. I’m pleased to say that as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to our family.”

However, this claim turned out to be merely another pronouncement about America’s impact on the world, but nothing about issues like the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

At first, those who remained were stunned into sadness.

“I guess Trump feels like the dealmaker, so he’ll leave Putin until tomorrow,” said Vasy Chayka. “But Trump said after he won the election, he could resolve this war in one day… before his inauguration. Do we give him a week or longer? Or allow the Russians free rein?”

**

Friday, January 24th – Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (M1126). Source: http://www.sbct.army.mil/ http://web.archive.org/web/20041015122832im_/ http://www.sbct.army.mil/images/main/icv.jpg
Author: U.S. Army

Shrouded by the darkness, the driver hid the camouflaged M1126 Stryker in the undergrowth some distance from Chayka Field. Eight black figures slipped out of the vehicle and moved silently towards the base.

“Be prepared to tackle any dogs,” said the leader in Russian. “Our drones didn’t tell us how many handlers guarded this training centre.”

The Russian split his team into four pairs. He led one colleague along the central track but encountered no opposition. As the silhouette of buildings appeared against the night sky, he ordered one pair to investigate.

*

Inside the MSHORAD, Saab technician Aslög Hellström tracked the intruders while Estera directed the Night Owl patrols. Suddenly, Estera noted one figure approaching their position and making a familiar gesture as if aware of watchers.

“K9 Alpha, hold. Your suspect is our plant. Other K9s, don’t use excessive force. Apprehend only. Over and out.”

Outside MSHORAD, Tetyana Douglass held Borago back as their mysterious operative silently disabled his colleague, then waved her towards another pair. Then she heard her sister’s voice.

“K9 Delta to control. End target disarmed their partner. Proceeding to central targets. Over.”

With minimal opposition, the K9 Night Owls apprehended all the Russian intruders. The two covert operatives introduced themselves once the Russians were taken away.

“I’m Ruslan Medved, my collaborator is Mykhail Moroz,” said the familiar one. “We’re Special Forces, but our superiors can explain. Can we see our pilot sisters, please?”

While Estera radioed for Tamila and Polina, the Douglass sisters embraced.

“Although Steinarr was disappointed with our first Night Owls’ adventure,” said Zoriana. “I hope the next one is more challenging.”

“Like our recent Chayka Air action,” added Tetyana. “It can’t be a coincidence Russians were involved both times. Why?”

**

Thursday, January 30th – Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Air Force pilots ‘step’ to an A-10 for a flight with the Airus device, a new system designed to let pilots — particularly women — relieve themselves safely and easily during flight. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Courtney Sebastianelli

Capitaine Aline Bonheur and her crew safely landed the NH90 TTH Caïman at Dęblin. Their passengers disembarked and headed towards a secure building for their crucial meeting.

Commandant Raphaëlle Balode met them outside and led them through a door guarded by a Polish soldier.

“Due to the recent threats, we’re taking extra precautions,” said Raphaëlle. “The others are already here.

Maksym Bondarenko greeted Kalyna & Vasy Chayka and their colleagues in a secluded room, directing everyone to the empty seats around a long table.

“Some faces are new,” he said. “We should introduce ourselves. All except our two Night Witch majors.” He chuckled, then paused to let everyone get seated, before he continued, “I’m Colonel Maksym Bondarenko from UAF’s Air Command West.”

“I’m Commandant Raphaëlle Balode, leader of our Dęblin flights with my deputy, Captain Lyana Rudenko.“

She allowed her neighbour to speak before the other nine participants introduced themselves.

“To begin, we must address our recent Russian threats,” said Kalyna. “First, in Canada, they attack our fundraiser. Then, they attempt to breach the façade around Chayka Field sooner than expected. It’s obvious why, but we need to increase our security.”

“This is wider than the Night Witches, as people at higher levels have been attacked,” continued Vasy. “Our contact and superior at UAF, Maksym, has received death threats. Our response is to assign one of our best Night Owls to him, K9 handler Anhelina Tkachuk and Quetzal, her Siberian Husky.”

Maksym stood and thanked the squadron.

“You deserve an explanation after the recent incursion,” he said. “Mykhail Moroz, explain, please.”

“Some of you know that Ruslan Medved and I are Special Forces. Various bodies are aware of relentless Russian covert operations inside Ukraine. Learning that a group was assigned to enter Chayka Field, SF ordered us to infiltrate them. Fortunately, Russian intelligence believed your base was only for training K9 units, and we ensured they still believe that.”

“There is another issue we need addressed, Maksym,” said Kalyna. “Janina, please.”

Chief Warrant Officer Patriksson described the concern the maintainers and the Night Owls had over personnel being drafted elsewhere.

“That’s a problem we’re trying to resolve,” said Maksym. “As you believe, your foreign recruits and your specialists on NATO aircraft will not even be drafted to other squadrons. Nor any Ukrainian security. There are plans for our military police training centre in Lviv, which may require your expertise.”

Kalyna glanced around the table.

“Anything else before we break into groups to discuss recruitment?”

Dasha and the Dęblin-based squadron chief technicians moved some boxes into the room.

“The CEO of Chayka Air obtained these AIRUS devices from its Californian developer,” said Dasha, putting an AIRUS on the table. “This is a urine collection system designed for women pilots. Most of us will want one.”

Cheers greeted the announcement.

“All we need now,” said Vasy. “Is for Trump to persuade Putin to sign a genuine peace agreement within his first 100 days.”

**

MPA – 1,847 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!