Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut (月とライカと吸血姫)

Altitude 5,000... 6,000!

First-stage jettison complete.

Temperature stable at 20 degrees Celsius.

Heart rate: three times normal.

Respiration rate: four times normal, no issues.

Leaving the atmosphere!

We're officially zero-G!

Orbit insertion successful!

Vital signs normal.

It's alive in space!

On that day, an animal flew in space

for the very first time in history.

The UZSR's massive accomplishment

sent shockwaves around the globe.

Someday, I'll go, too!

Mare Tranquillitatis.

Palus Somni.

Sinus Iridum.

In an era where humankind has yet

to reach the vast cosmos, this is the story of a courageous boy

and girl who dare to risk their lives for a love of space.

After the World War that divided the globe,

it wasn't long before the Zirnitra Union in the east

and the United Kingdom of Arnack in the west both set

their sights on space, which had yet to be claimed.

The UZSR moved first.

On October Fourth of 1957, the UZSR successfully launched

the first satellite into orbit.

One month later, they sent the first animal into space.

The United Kingdom's response exploded

two seconds after launching.

The UZSR was unstoppable.

The UK excels at making hamburgers,

but the UZSR is king when it comes to moon landings.

And so, with their dignity on the line,

the nations clamored to claim the spectacular achievement

of first human spaceflight.

The brave Cosmonaut Lev Leps has returned safely!

Don't go calling yourself a cosmonaut.

You're in the reserves.

Just in spirit! That's all.

Finally! I thought that trip would never end.

Hey, Lev!

Yes, sir! What is it?

Come with me, please. Comrade Chief wants to see you.

Wonder why?

What kind of trouble have you gotten into?

I'm sure it's nothing!

Trust me, it's definitely something.

No way he would bother coming out here otherwise!

Nice knowing you, pal.

Time's wasting, Lev!

Sir!

It's been a while.

I take it you've been training hard in hopes of being selected

to man the first human spaceflight?

I have, Comrade Chief.

Unfortunately, after your incident occurred,

you needed to be demoted to a reserve candidate.

Despite how impressive your marks are, there's currently

zero chance you'll be chosen for the mission.

I understand that, sir.

Luckily, I believe I've found another use for your talent.

I'll be placing you on a special project.

Uh! Yes, sir!

The Manned Spaceflight Project, "Mechta."

Our main goal is the same.

However, the Committee has added a new objective.

This will defeat the UK for certain!

Not only will we put a human being into space,

but we'll broadcast it all live for the entire world to see!

Broadcasting it live? But what if something were to go wrong?

We couldn't cover it up like the last time.

Yes, exactly.

Dr. Mozhaysky, would you mind explaining the problem

we're facing in greater detail, please?

Well. There are things a dog can't tell us.

Can people function in zero gravity?

Will the sight of Earth make them homesick

and cause depression?

Our cosmonauts are national heroes.

If they're hurt or killed on live television,

it'll be a catastrophe.

When we expressed our concern to the Committee,

they demanded that we carry out an outrageous experiment first.

One that would involve humans?

Experimental subjects are nothing more than objects.

This order comes straight from the Supreme Leader.

If we don't succeed, our lives may be forfeit.

So, what am I supposed to do?

Huh?

I'm the subject, right?

Don't be absurd. If we sent you into space,

that would make you an actual cosmonaut.

Then who is it?

It's not a human. It's a vampire.

Wait, really?

Vampires are a rare and elusive species,

isolated deep within the mountains of UZSR territory.

Most people have a frightening image of them

based on the way they appear in movies and books,

but have never actually encountered one.

That description matched Lev's experience exactly.

Huh?

Come on out, now.

That girl is a vampire?

Correct.

But, please, just call it N-Forty-Four.

Though vampires have particular traits and abilities

that set them apart from our kind,

they're biologically quite similar to humans.

Therefore, they're ideal as subjects for our work.

Since it isn't technically human,

it won't be counted as a human flight.

And if it dies, well, it'll be easy to cover-up.

Mm... Um--

Now, as for you, my boy.

Sir!

Here are the details of your task.

You have four main objectives.

The first, is that for the two months leading up to launch day,

you are going to be responsible for closely monitoring

and training N-Forty-Four.

Secondly, you will keep N-Forty-Four's identity

a secret from all civilians.

Irina Luminesk, age 21?

Three. Ensure the subject does not escape.

Four. You will reside in the adjacent room

in order to maintain constant supervision.

Huh? Wait a second. I'm living here?

Yes, your personal effects have already been moved

into the neighboring cell.

On your feet, N-Forty-Four.

Now, remember, Lev.

When you take it outside, you'll have to hide its ears.

So we're allowed to go outside?

If you don't, the boredom may kill you.

Think of it as though you're taking a puppy out

for a brisk walk.

Alright then. I suppose I'll be on my way.

You're making me do this alone?

Certainly not.

You'll have an assistant who's well-versed in vampires.

Anya!

She may be young, but she's extremely bright.

I'll be entrusting her with the finer details.

My name's Anya!

I'll be working with you as N-Forty-Four's health manager,

so direct all of your questions to me!

Um, hello there.

I'm sure you know this already, but since N-Forty-Four

is an experimental test subject,

you must treat it as such.

Sir!

Well, there go my dreams.

May I continue my intro, please?

Oh, sorry.

First of all, vampires are at a physical disadvantage

when they're in the sunlight, so daily training will be

conducted from dusk until dawn.

Great, so I'm nocturnal now, too.

By the way, if vampires see the sun,

do they turn to ashes?

Of course not, that's nothing but a myth!

It does cause their skin to tingle, and they're more

susceptible to heatstroke, but typically vampires don't face

mortal danger from simple exposure.

They do have the unique ability to see things clearly

in the dark thanks to their night vision, though.