Freedom Flights: Episode 42. No Cards Game. Part 2.

Episode 42 of Freedom Flights is set in February 2025 and is released in two parts, which I hope proves easier to absorb. 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 42. No Cards Game. Part 2.

2025

On Independence Square in Kyiv, people put flags with the names of civilians and defenders killed by Russian invaders in Ukraine. This memorial is a place of remembrance and a reminder of the sacrifices in the fight for freedom. TinyStrawberry23 – reddit

Monday, February 24th – Recreation Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Around the room were portraits of all the Night Witch losses, including the three latest.

“The enemy will pay for every single one,” said Kalyna Chayka, raising a glass to all Ukraine’s fallen. “They will be remembered forever for their sacrifice.”

The entire squadron had gathered to honour the fallen on this third anniversary of the 2022 invasion. Everyone draped flowers around the portraits and hung Ukrainian flags on each one. They tried to rise above their sombre mood, but it never took long to befriend someone living under war conditions.

Vasy added to her cousin’s tribute.

“We must remember each lost life through our memories of them. Our comrades in Dęblin are doing likewise, although their thoughts must be different, having joined the Night Witches more recently. Their flight leaders need to pay the final tributes.”

“Lieutenant Ganna Kohut and Private Inna Gavrilyuk were integral members of Gold Flight,” said Anzhela Havrylyuk. “They will continue to fly with us. Nobody expected the drones to swarm as they did. Learn the lesson when you remember Ganna and Inna.”

“And Master Sergeant Oksana Shevchenko,” added Adriana Pavlenko. “She gave her life to take down a rogue drone threatening Albina Zyma. That’s the most extraordinary deed we can do, whether for a fellow pilot or for civilians. Any of us would do that, especially for friends.”

The squadron members bowed their heads in memory and tribute. Then they sang the Ukrainian anthem.

Everyone settled around tables or returned to their duties.

The two flight leaders approached the Chayka majors.

“It may seem callous and early to mention this,” said Anzhela Havrylyuk. “But all the flights are now under strength. Should we be adding some of the pilots from Dęblin?”

“If our Mirage numbers aren’t increased with airframes from France,” replied Kalyna. “Although our Québécois pilots have flown Hornets and been training on Mirages and Gripens.”

“Red Flight, the Gripen flight could become fully operational,” said Adriana. “Then we could combine Gold, Blue and Sable to make two MiG-29 flights.”

“If only we had some F-16s… and a longer runway,” said Anzhela. “But new airframes would test our maintainers.”

“Well, my daughter Aliona might have a dilemma for us,” said Kalyna. “She’s got some volunteers with their own jets. They’re flying into Dęblin in a couple of weeks to make us even more international.”

“New nationalities and jets?” asked Adriana.

Vasy laughed, and Conchita Gutiérrez came over to explain.

“Aaron’s flings from Portugal and Colombia. So, one or two F-16s or IAF Kfirs. As usual, my fiancé is being vague, even though it’s ancient history.”

**

Friday, February 28th – Myrhorod Air Base, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine

Marielle curled closer to Andriy, trying to ignore Éliane and Lyana holding her clothes.

“I thought you would resist him,” said Éliane. “At least for a few more encounters.”

Marielle slid off the bed and began dressing.

“He proved irresistible… even that first day. But I tried to combat my feelings… until yesterday when I finally caved in.”

Andriy was watching intently.

“Can you blame me?” he asked. “She’s my warrior princess. Clothed or naked. Didn’t you say she earned her ‘Lover’ call sign in true French fashion? I was smitten.”

“No, you’re besotted… like all the men she’s ambushed. She should be Sirène, not  Amante.”

“That’s unfair. Andriy’s the first man to unlock my mind,” replied Marielle. “Time to check the political news… together.”

She took his hand and led him out of the room.

*

The first clear photo of a Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F. (Image credit: Ukrainian Air Force)

Myrhorod’s canteen was abuzz with off-duty personnel talking noisily about the news.

“He was ambushed.”

The lovers froze at the words. Then they heard more.

“Trump and Vance planned to discredit our President. Even when Zelenskyy tried to stand up for our country…”

“Putin’s lackeys spouting Kremlin propaganda…”

It didn’t take long to discover all about the disastrous Oval Office charade in Washington.

Fedir saw them and took the Mirage pilots to one side.

“Not surprising after they called our leader a dictator. Trump has shown whose side he’s on. Anyway, the base Commander, Major Medved, guessed I could find you… well Marielle. He’d noticed you and Andriy yesterday-“

“He needs to see us is your message, Fedir,” said Éliane, leading the trio towards the commander’s office.

Before they went in, Marielle kissed Andriy and said, “Neither of us can leave without saying goodbye.”

Et je t’aime, ma Amante.”

Inside his office, Illya Medved was waiting.

“I’m sorry to drag you away from socialising with Ukrainian pilots, it’s essential to do that. Nevertheless, I have received your new orders. Our superiors believe it’s safer to keep our flights moving around.”

He handed Éliane the instructions.

“Thank you.” She read the message aloud. “Leave for Kanatove Air Base at 1300.” She paused and then said, “Maybe when the Chayka Field runway is extended, we’ll meet the other Witches.”

“Including Tamila, my daughter. One of my brave children. The other, my son, Ruslan, is serving with Special Forces somewhere. I’m pleased Night Witches from other countries, like you, are joining us in our fight for freedom. But I don’t understand the US administration attacking our President and not the warmonger who invaded us.”

*

Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

The Dęblin Night Witches were expecting the four new volunteers but were unsure what exactly they’d be flying. Capitana Conchita Gutiérrez and Teniente Adelita Palomo had flown Charlie Tiger from Chayka Field to act as Spanish representatives, not expecting Aaron Garcia to return in time.

“If they’re coming from Canada, they’ll have to refuel mid-Atlantic,” said Conchita. “The Kfir is equipped for that, so it’s possible with Chayka Air’s tanker.”

As she said this, four craft appeared in the distance.

Commandant Raphaëlle Balode was the first to identify them.

A Ukrainian F-16 loaded with AIM-120s and AIM-9s. Ukrainian Air Force.

“A pair of IAI Kfir, possibly C.12s, and two F-16 Fighting Falcons, AM models.”

The four jets landed and taxied towards the waiting ground crew. However, a Portuguese Air Force AgustaWestland AW119 Koala crossed the runway and landed near the jets.

Five maintainers, by their uniforms, climbed down from the helicopter, closely followed by Aaron.

Conchita strode over and challenged him.

“When you went silent, I feared the worst. But not this… more conquests. Why?”

“It’s not what you think. I flew to Portugal to ensure everything came together. I knew Aliona Chayka would get the Colombians to Europe, but someone needed to coordinate with the Portuguese.”

One maintainer in a Portuguese uniform stepped forward and saluted Conchita. Then she addressed her in Spanish.

“Capitana Gutiérrez, your fiancé pulled everything together at Beja Airbase in Portugal. I’m Primeiro-sargento Maurícia Correia, heading up the maintainer team… two came to support the Kfir jets. Our F-16 fly girls persuaded me and my two colleagues to help. Your man ensured everyone gathered at Beja, then flew up here in stages.”

“Once the Koala has unloaded all the essential gear it could carry,” added Aaron. “It will return to Beja. But I arranged for a truck with spares and three more maintainers to follow, though more slowly.”

The pilots came forward and saluted the waiting Night Witch officers.

The two Colombians introduced themselves first.

“I’m Capitana Tamya Seraphina Echeverría, call sign Lluvia.”

“Teniente Killa Trinidad Echeverría, call sign Matador. Pleased to join your famous squadron.”

“We’re glad to have you here at Dęblin,” replied Conchita. “I realise you are sisters… identical twins. Is there a way to tell you apart?”

“The way we wear our hair,” said Killa.

“Unless they’re switching roles,” said Aaron. “Over time, you’ll learn other traits.”

Everyone stared at him, some disapproving.

The Portuguese duo added to the confusion… again identical and speaking Spanish, but with an accent.

“I’m Capitã Nilda Caetana Silveira, call sign Valquíria,” and she pointed at a female warrior badge on her uniform.

Then her twin introduced herself.

“Tenente Leandra Talitha Silveira, call sign Leoa,” and she indicated a snarling Lion badge.

Conchita looked at Aaron. “I presume there are corresponding tattoos.”

Raphaëlle let Aaron deal with the comment and addressed the new pilots in Spanish.

“Welcome to Dęblin. The Polish Air Force has generously allowed the Night Witches to use many of their university’s facilities, primarily for training and as our gateway to Ukraine. Most of our personnel presently here are French, like me, or French Canadian. They will gradually introduce themselves.”

She allowed Conchita to conclude.

“I’m Capitana Conchita Gutiérrez, and this is my Tiger co-pilot, Teniente Adelita Palomo. We’re based at the Night Wings airfield in Ukraine, but are here to answer questions about Chayka Field, the squadron’s presence in this war. Here in Dęblin, you will prepare for the freedom fight. This is also a good place to brush up on any Ukrainian you have managed to learn, as the University has an excellent language centre. Let’s continue inside, where it’s warmer for us hot-blooded fighters.”

*

Colombian Air Force Kfirs fly over Colombia during Exercise Relampago VI, July 26, 2021.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Duncan C. Bevan)

Once inside, Conchita, Adelita, and Aaron were kept busy translating between new arrivals and Dęblin personnel.

“How long before we see action?” asked Killa. “We realise our Kfirs aren’t the advanced fighters you need as they’re only third generation.”

“Colombia was due to replace them,” added Tamya. “Supposedly with Saab JAS 39 Gripens. But we left before we got to fly one.”

“Now you’ve joined a squadron with a flight of Gripen Cs,” replied Raphaëlle. “Some get to train to fly Gripen Es, here at Dęblin, often with some of the best Swedish trainers.”

“Plus, Dęblin has flight simulators that replicate Gripen training,” added Adelita.

“Won’t our Portuguese F-16s fit Ukraine’s needs?” asked Talitha.

Her sister, Nilda, added, “Aren’t there F-16s already flying combat missions in Ukraine?”

Capitaine Dasha Isakova joined the discussion, proving she could speak another language, Portuguese.

“One or two flights in other squadrons. But I’m sure our Majors will want to fit you two in a unique mixed flight.”

“Possibly with two of my Mirage sisters once we develop a formation,” suggested Raphaëlle.

As the newcomers mingled with the other pilots, Raphaëlle asked Dasha in French about her language skills.

“You forget about Nadia’s and my other identity as security operatives,” replied Dasha. “We’ve operated undercover in other countries, both in Portugal and Spain, including the Basque Country with a colleague.”

Raphaëlle pondered this for a moment, then said, “That must give you an unusual perspective on current affairs, especially as I know you are fluent in Russian.”

“That can be invaluable when listening to responses by Kremlin mouthpieces like Lavrov to Western actions. Russian, like our languages, has nuances not easily expressed in translation. Often, Russian TV provides another angle on incidents, like the Oval Office ambush of Zelenskyy.”

“Which was a gift for Putin. A division in the West is only going to perpetuate this war.”

“Exactly,” replied Dasha. “Zelenskyy was aware of that, while Trump and Vance clearly weren’t. Their egocentric administration will dismiss the warning of European intelligence agencies that, within the next three to five years, Russia could rebuild its forces to launch a new war, testing the resolve of NATO.”

“While Trump’s split from the US’s allies not only makes Ukraine vulnerable but also leaves America alone in a global economic contest it can’t risk losing.” Raphaëlle paused, then continued, “Trump ignores the facts about the true cost paid by Ukrainians for everyone’s freedom… and the financial benefit to US companies and thousands of their working people. Yet, he simplifies the situation and insults Ukraine’s leader by saying he’s not in a good position as he doesn’t have the cards right now. With the US, you start having cards.”

Dasha nodded and pointed at the pilots.

“Except, Zelenskyy replied, ‘I’m not playing cards. I’m very serious…’ To Trump, even his business deals are about playing cards. I fear that when Trump accused Zelenskyy of playing cards and gambling with millions of lives, he was wrong, as Trump’s the reckless gambler who would do anything to get his way.”

“But can he broker a real peace for Ukraine?” asked Raphaëlle. “Or will Putin emerge as the real winner of Trump’s card game?”

“Impossible to predict either outcome,” replied Dasha. ”Trump was unpredictable during his first term, while Putin’s ambitions have been clear for years. However, the fact that the Night Witches have a role the UAF hasn’t explained yet, suggests Ukraine has some cards which must remain secret until they’re played. Maybe President Zelenskyy’s team are building a winning hand.”

“And we’re a part of it.”

**

MPA – 2,079 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

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Published on September 28, 2025 17:38
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