Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut

On November 23, 1957, the Federal Republic of Zirnitra shocks the world by launching the first living passenger—a dog—into space. The feat only sharpens the rivalry with the United Kingdom of Arnack, as both nations push toward the ultimate goal of sending a human beyond Earth.

But animal flights can’t fully reveal how space travel will affect the human body. Seeking answers, Zirnitra turns to vampires, whose physiology is close enough to humans to make them ideal—if expendable—test subjects. Taken from her mountain home, the vampire Irina Luminesk is brought into the program and agrees to endure the training. Assigned to oversee her is Lev Leps, once a leading contender to become the first human cosmonaut; as he guides Irina through preparation and isolation, the two find a shared fascination with the cosmos that gradually draws them together.