Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut Vol. 5 by Keisuke Makino

Author:Keisuke Makino [Makino, Keisuke]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: light novel
Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
Published: 2023-05-23T07:00:00+00:00

***

Fall continued, and the rowan trees’ berries flushed deep red. As winter neared, so did the fateful date of the Rodina launches.

In mid-October, only three weeks before the first launch date, the cosmonauts began training in the Rodina. The flight would be primarily autopiloted, but everyone on the ground agreed that some manual piloting was inevitable, since there would be emergencies.

Lev telephoned the First Design Bureau’s chief engineer for an update on the Rodina’s state of completion.

“We’re making changes, but much has yet to be done,” the man said meekly.

The engineering team were doing their utmost, but they couldn’t give Lev exact details. There was no point hiding the gravity of the situation, so Lev reported it to Lt. Gen. Viktor and the cosmonauts involved. It cast a solemn pallor over them all.

In Mikhail’s shoes, Lev would’ve forced a bright smile and told everyone that everything would be all right. He had backup duty this time, though, and didn’t want to say anything irresponsible.

Mikhail clapped to clear the air. “Well, let’s start training. If they get the ship in working order, and we screw up, all their efforts will have been for nothing.” His demeanor betrayed no hint of uncertainty.

Roza didn’t seem the least bit doubtful either. “Like Mikhail, I’m taking my duties seriously,” she declared. “There’s no autopilot when spacewalking—I’ll need to rely on my own body. This time, I’ll overcome my space sickness.”

Lt. Gen. Viktor nodded, impressed. “You two would’ve been marvelous in the Great War. I just know it.”

Mikhail and Roza exchanged tepid smirks. “I’m not sure about that,” Mikhail said.

The cosmonauts memorized their flight itineraries and began more intense training. They angled the spacecraft simulator at the end of the centrifuge’s metal frame to practice atmospheric reentry. An improper angle would subject the body to such intense pressure that it screamed for release.

They also did rendezvous and docking training. The UZSR still hadn’t achieved either, forcing the cosmonauts to copy the technical details of the UK’s success.

Mikhail, Rodina I’s pilot, was flawless in the simulator. He stayed perfectly calm throughout. “No problem, so long as the real thing listens to human instructions,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow. Although the Rodina had never been manned, everyone felt it was in extremely capable hands.

Lev, on the other hand, only managed to “pilot” the craft after multiple attempts in the simulator. He’d spent much more time training than Mikhail, but Mikhail was a far superior pilot. Lev’s failures vexed him, but Mikhail remained calm and collected.

“Relax, Lev. There won’t be any need for a backup pilot.”

“I’ll do my best to prepare anyhow. Injury and illness are still risks.”

“No. If you fly, then you kiss Roza. That’s not going to happen.” Mikhail looked dead serious, which sent Lev into a panic.

“N-no, that wouldn’t happen, right?”

“Irina wouldn’t be pleased if you cheated on her.”

“Hey, I told you—”

Mikhail smacked Lev’s sweaty head, chuckling. “I’m joking. Don’t take it so seriously.”

At that moment, Lev felt he understood why Mikhail had been selected as the Rodina’s first pilot.

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