Lev Leps, a lieutenant in the UZSR Air Force, serves as a reserve cosmonaut candidate following a demotion for striking a superior who scapegoated a subordinate—an act exposing his rebellious streak against injustice, shaped by childhood memories of witnessing his pacifist elementary teacher’s arrest by state agents. His unyielding dream of spaceflight propels him into Project Nosferatu as trainer and handler for vampire cosmonaut Irina Luminesk, whom he treats as an equal despite institutional prejudice, fostering mutual respect that blooms into romance.

Assigned to prepare Irina for her mission, Lev supports her through challenges like conquering her fear of heights and shares clandestine jazz-club visits, deepening their bond. As the UZSR’s intent to execute Irina post-launch looms, his protective defiance grows, clashing with his loyalty to the program. This tension peaks when he publicly exposes her pivotal role as the true first cosmonaut, risking his career to challenge state propaganda. His journey from dutiful soldier to principled dissident is marked by earlier acts of resistance, including shielding Irina from abuse.

With short light-brown hair and violet eyes, Lev’s military demeanor contrasts his idealism. He shares camaraderie with researcher Anya Simonyan, rivalry with star candidate Mikhail Yashin, and friction with cadet Roza Plevitskaya, who accuses him of complicity in Irina’s exploitation. Ultimately, Lev achieves spaceflight as humanity’s first cosmonaut, secures Irina’s posthumous recognition, and proposes to her, symbolizing a bridge between species. His activism sparks tentative alliances between rival nations and vampire enclaves, hinting at societal transformation.