like yeah vlads got the same base personality like hes still suave and calculating and can have quite a temper... and maybe has some skewed morals idk. but the sources of those things are different, and his emotional reactions to things maybe arent as drastic. since there wasnt that accident in college that ruined his life in the show (it was losing his son to an asteroid that caused him so many problems), theres not anything as concrete to tack blame onto to make him so... vicious or spiteful about things??? i would think he would put a lot of stuff on himself.
bottom line hes not a villain in this au. theres plenty of other potential sources of conflict so even if vlad is essentially the same character at his core, he just doesnt need to be an enemy here i guess is what im trying to say. i dont wanna screw up characterization or distort anyone beyond recognition... even space au desiree is based off of her personality from when she was alive in the show (see her backstory in the show; she seemed like a kind and caring person for at least the first part of her life!) but the circumstances in this au are different and a person would be affected by that, i think