So little has been disclosed about Irina Derevko that it took a long time to dig out the old KGB files on her. They are now presented as a column for you to read and decide for yourself what kind of agent she became and perhaps even helped mold her character.
The characters all belong to JJ Abrams, but sometimes imaginative writers have to take things into their own pens to forge the destinies of these characters.
THE DEREVKO FILES
Sydney stood behind the desk looking down at her file, her mother’s KGB file. God, looking at it scared her. She shivered. Her grandfather had promised he would leave it out for her to read after they had talked. Sydney had wondered about Irina’s work as an agent and what made her mother who she was today. Her grandfather told her she could read the KGB file.
“How did you get it?” She had asked.
He smiled. “I took it when the KGB was disbanded, before they could burn it along with every other file they had. Don’t worry. It’s all there except two files that I will give you after you read this one first.”
“Which ones are they?”
“Her case file when she was in the United States and,” he looked at her, “the debriefing file which included her six months in prison.” He shook his head. “That was a bad time for your mother. She had come back to her rodina, her motherland, expecting them to thank her and instead…” He sighed. “Well, you’ll see.” He turned and left her.
Sydney sat down, opening the file, and began to read.
THE DEREVKO FILES
Summary
17/01/72
IRINA DEREVKO
1951-1971, USSR
Agent #13115
Born: 22/03/51
Place of Birth: Moscow, USSR
Parents: Father, Mikhail Alexandrey Derevkovich, Lt. KGB Operations
Mother, Anna Viktoria Dukova, Teacher, mid-level school
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 135
Sex: Female
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Chestnut
Race: Caucasian
Date Recruited: 25/02/70
Date Entered Training: 18/11/70
Date Completed Training: 19/11/71
Date Sent to United States: 07/07/72
Education: University of Moscow, English Literature
Graduated: 20/05/70 with BA, Master’s Work
Languages: Russian, English, and Polish
Recruited by Lt. Alexander Khasinau
Party Affiliation: Member Communist Party
Technical Training Skills: All Martial Arts with a Black Belt, Krav Maga fighting, Firearms, Explosives, and Technical Equipment
Developmental Skills: Highly motivated with desire to succeed; organized; has excellent spatial reasoning skills; can compartmentalize her mind and has excellent memory capability.
TRAINING EVALUATION:
Irina Derevko was sent to our Central City for training as counter-intelligence agent in the United States. Since her English skills were well developed and she was fluent in the language, the 2nd Directorate decided to create an identity for her to be used as a wife to possibly a CIA or FBI agent. The choice of the target subject will be decided later. However steps were taken to initiate complete background for use in the U. S. by her. As soon as this is in place, a subject will be chosen.
She entered Central City with the new name, Laura Cain. She was made aware that no Russian could be spoken while in the confines of the city. All AITs (agents-in-training) were told this. There was a breech by the AIT, but subsequent uninterrupted interrogation of the agent made it evident she would not violate this rule again. While in training she also began work on her Masters program that would be needed for her American identity.
Her physical skills were easily developed as she was already an excellent runner and had only to learn the necessary modalities, i.e. martial arts, target shooting, hand weapons and long barrel. She received high marks from all instructors in all phases.
Her firearms instructors felt she could also be used as a high level assassin. (See report of Yuri Turogev, Firearms Instructor) It was also noted that the trainee ran every day no matter what the weather for five miles or more. This was done at 5:00 a.m. every morning. She would finish the workout with a thirty-minute weight-training regime. She can lift 300 pounds. She can do 100 pushups. She is, in fact, an accomplished student of power training in all phases.
The last part of her training was sex therapy. Her first encounter led to the above-noted interrogation. She had spoken Russian during intercourse. However, Derevko came through the interrogation procedures without revealing her true identity. Her eight interrogators reported her as being highly motivated not to give in no matter what they did to her. She was released to return to training and again was given high marks for her sex education schooling. She never spoke Russian again.
She will be sent on her assignment in July. In the meantime, she is continuing her Master Studies at the University of Moscow in English. For complete information, see reports from the below instructors.
Signed:
Nickolay Petroffskiy, aka Gerald Cuvee
Supervisor Counter-Intelligence Training
2nd Directorate
Attached: Evaluations by
Alexander Khasinau, Recruiter
Eric Johnson, CIA Interrogator
Boris Nazimov, Technical Supervisor
Maria Rostoff, Sex training
Yuri Turogev, Firearms Instructor
Dimitriy Ustinov, Psychologist
Vladamir Renko, Colonel, Commander, Central City
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
Recruitment
05 November 70
Irina Derevko came to my attention as a child. My friend, Mikhail Alexandriy Derevkovich, also a Lieutenant in the KGB, invited me home for dinner one night and I met his wife, Anna and their only child, Irina.
She was an extremely bright child who, at the age of 10, was already three grades ahead of her classmates. Her parents, quite naturally, were proud their daughter was doing so well. When I spoke with her, she was articulate and extremely proud of her ability to speak English well, but was also learning some Polish. Her goal she told me was to be an English Literature teacher at the University level. I found this to be very interesting since at the age of 10, most children have no idea what they want to be. Following dinner, she excused herself and returned to her bedroom to study.
I next met Irina when she was ready to graduate from High School. Her Father was proud that not only was she graduating at an early age, but that she had been accepted as a student at the University of Moscow. My conversation with her was limited but it was easy to see that she was proud of her accomplishment, especially gaining entry into the University at such an early age, 16.
I believed she might be an excellent candidate for work as an agent in our counter-intelligence directorate. Furthermore I believed we needed to wait another two years or so until she was at least 18 or 19
It was in February of 1970 when I met Irina without her parents being present. She was a month away from turning 19. I was struck by her innate intelligence, her obvious determination to succeed in her goal and also by her beauty. She had turned into a lovely young woman about six feet tall (her father is six feet six), with a well proportioned body, lovely face, dark eyes and chestnut brown hair.
She knew I worked for the KGB like her father, but she didn’t know what division of the directorate. I told her that the KGB had been watching her progress for some time and were interested in recruiting her to work for her country. She was obviously pleased, excited and proud. She agreed to join. Her only concern was that she was about to graduate from the University and wanted to continue working on the next degree in the Masters program. I told her that she could do so even while in training. However, training would not start until November thus giving her time to begin work on her Masters.
I told her that I would pick her up 16/11/71 and that she should not tell her parents yet of her decision. Her father would know soon enough and the months ahead would give her time to be with them. It would, I informed her, be the last time she would see them for a very long time. She agreed.
Irina Derevko graduated from University of Moscow on May 20, 1970. On 15 November 1970 I met her at the Moscow Railroad Station. Her parents thought she was on her way to Kiev for her Masters program. In reality, I escorted her to our American city, Central City, to begin her training as an agent for the KGB.
Signed: Alexander Khasinau, Lt. KGB
2nd Directorate, Special Operations Unit
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
Firearms
19 May 71
Laura Cain, AIT, #131150, had been at Central City for three months before being transferred to my department which is firearms training in all facets. All trainees are expected to learn to handle all firearms from the smallest to the biggest. They are trained to break down the weapon and put it together again in less than 30 seconds. Most exceed the 30 second mark, especially when it comes to the larger machine guns and rifles.
This particular female AIT was extremely adept and quick. She was able to take apart a glock in ten seconds and put it together in five. She was also able to do it blind-folded. This was unique for most students. It was as though she saw the firearm as a puzzle with interlocking parts, no matter how many there were, and visualized how they all fit together. Put this ability along with amazingly quick hands, it was easy to see how she was so successful.
This occurred time and time again. Her fellow students were in awe of her ability to do this exercise without failing. In all we taught the students over a hundred weapons and she could take all of them apart and put them together under thirty seconds. She also treated these guns with respect, knowing their power when used.
No less inspiring to her fellow AITs was her marksmanship. Again she proved to have the ability to see the target and pull the trigger with more than a little speed. She was not a “cowboy”. There was no pulling a gun and firing “from the hip” or shooting with one hand. She had full control of the weapon and full control of her ability to get the weapon on the target. She has extraordinary vision with peripheral capabilities beyond those of most our students.
Beginning at 50 yards, she met all requirements, with acquisition of her target whether running, walking, crawling, or standing. The targets were always hit dead center. This was also true of her shooting at 100, 200, and 400 yards. I think she was astounded at her own abilities. But most impressive of all was at the 500 yard mark, she was able to make a head shot 6 out of 10 times. She could hit the body 10 out of 10 times. (See attached comprehensive report on her skill levels).
Part of the training consisted of twenty-mile hikes to locate targets, remove them, and then return. She never failed in the assigned tasks. She kept herself in fit shape for anything and everything we asked her to do.
Summary: Laura Cain is a marksman of the first order. If we were at war, she would be a sniper of unparalleled ability and skill.
Although she is training as a counterintelligence agent, all of her firearms instructors believe Laura Cain could be assigned to complete high level special ops assignments anywhere in the world.
Signed: Yuri Turogev
KGB Firearms Training Supervisor,
Central City
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
Technical Aptitude
19 August 71
Laura Cain was trained for all aspects of our current technical applications. I found working with her extremely exciting as she has a quick mind and good grasp of everything. AITs are expected to have expertise in cameras, radio equipment, computers, and almost everything we have to give our agents for their assignments.
She became a black belt master in all martial arts, including the Mossad’s well-known Krav Maga techniques. It was evident that she enjoyed those street fighting classes the most and became incredibly adept at substituting anything she could get her hands on to use as a weapon. None of her fellow students were able to defeat her in this action. (See attached evaluations from the martial arts instructors.)
She was in the technical school for her three months of training and in that time learned all that we could teach. Her grasp of our communication techniques and equipment was so good that she even made several suggestions on how to improve them. Unfortunately, we are hampered by our own country’s lack of understanding how important it is to continually update communications in counter-intelligence. She is also fully skilled in use of computers and all peripheral components. She understands software and hardware criteria thoroughly.
All AITs are assigned a certain amount of reading to get some idea of our explosive capabilities, i.e. semtex, C-4, nitroglycerin, and dynamite as well as the use of land mines, grenades and other similar explosive equipment. They were given reading assignments. Laura Cain read everything assigned and more. She seems to absorb anything she reads, hears or sees.
All students underwent training in use of the explosives. Laura could not only arm or detonate them, she could also disarm them.
It is the unanimous opinion of all her instructors: explosives, martial arts, communications including computers, and technical equipment that Laura Cain, AIT, is more than capable of using any of the modalities outlined here. We would not hesitate to recommend her for special operations assignment. In fact, we conclude she is capable of being a team leader after only a short term of field experience. (See attached evaluation from her technical, explosives and communications instructors.)
Signed:
Boris Nazimov, Supervisor Technical Schooling
Central City
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
Sex Therapy
13 November 1971
The following evaluation is based on what happened to Laura Cain, after the error she made. All AITs are warned on entry to the city that no Russian is spoken at any time for any reason. Eric Johnson, the CIA interrogator, will cover that unfortunate error. As I understand it, Laura sustained cuts and bruises as well as a major bruise across her throat. She told me later, he had caught her by surprise, otherwise he would have been killed. It is regretful he was even allowed to assist this department in its training and recruiters will henceforth be warned they will be severely punished if such a man is added to the trainers.
When she returned to her apartment, another therapist was assigned to work with her. This young man had also been trained in the arts of making love. It was obvious from the first he was the one who should have been sent to Laura. As she is going to be assigned to marry an American agent (as yet unamed) and it would have been a disaster if the change had not been made..
Our therapist worked with Laura almost daily and appeared almost anywhere and in anyplace. As you are aware, AITs are informed that from the beginning of this training, they are to go with their partner whenever he or she appears. This insures spontaneity and the continuous delight in each other. The partners of the AITs always invent new ways and new places to get that person into the mood. Romance is a part of the overall training. This is especially true for women.
Laura Cain was an excellent student and quickly adjusted to her therapists needs as did he to hers. Fortunately her desire to succeed in all aspects of the training kept her from falling in love with him. She had her mind set on the mission and the man she would eventually get to know and to marry. AITs are instructed not to have a relationship with their trainer. It would mean dismissal without a chance of ever being assigned as an agent.
After the three-month training period, Laura’s therapist reported she was as good a lover as he had ever had and would make any man happier than he deserved. (His written assessment is attached for details.)
I would, therefore, graduate this AIT with high marks. She will be a perfect lover for the man she is assigned to in the future.
Signed:
Maria Rostoff,
Sex Therapist Supervisor
Central City
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
Interrogation
27 September 71
All AITs are told that from the beginning of their arrival at Central City, they can only speak English, and that any Russian spoken will be severely punished. This is to insure that the agent will not be caught and the mission aborted due to his or her arrest.
Laura Cain was taken to interrogation headquarters on the night of 20/09/71. Her accuser was Sgt. Marco Genelli of the local Central City police force. She had cursed him in Russian. She was brought before me, wrists handcuffed behind her back. She had a few cut marks and bruises on her face and there was a black and blue bruise across her throat. The Sergeant was dismissed. A phone call was made to Maria Rostoff, Sex Therapist Supervisor and the condition of the prisoner reported. As I was making the phone call, Laura was taken to one of the small interrogation rooms. Our water therapy procedure takes place there.
When finished, I proceeded to the room. She had been placed in a chair and chained to the armrests and legs. A leather belt was placed around her chest below the breasts. She looked frightened. After identifying myself as a CIA interrogator, I began a series of questions designed to frustrate and anger the prisoner. At first, she was angry about the therapist assigned to train her. She did, however, speak no Russian, complaining about him in English during the entire first hour. The questioning continued until it was seen that anger was taking over her emotions. Without a word, I left the room. Chained to the chair she had no place to go when the hoses were turned on and her back and legs were hit with heavy streams of cold water. She was questioned again and again. At the end of four hours, she had spoken only English to all my questions. She was hosed down two more times.
This type of questioning continued for six days. The prisoner was fed only once a day. She was given bathroom privileges only once every 12 hours. She was left in the room with all lights on for those six days. This leads to sleep depravation. She never gave up or gave in to any of the other seven interrogators. On the sixth day, she collapsed and was removed to the hospital.
The above is only a summary of what the interrogation consisted of. I can only report what I did during my hours of questioning. (Attached are detailed reports from the other seven men and women assigned to her.) However, I believe I can speak for all of us: Laura Cain will never speak Russian again, at least not in the context of her assignment here or any place else she must go. Her will was severely tested, but the resolve grew more and more with each day. I would not hesitate to send her out on a mission as soon as possible.
Signed:
Eric Johnson, CIA Interrogator
Central City
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
Psyche Evaluation
19 November 71
Laura Cain was first interviewed on her arrival at Central City for training as a counter-intelligence agent. First impression was of a 19-year old woman of striking beauty and intelligence. A review of her school IQ tests suggested she had a high number so we decided to re-test her. (Her last testing was three years previous to her entry date at this facility.) She completed the testing in record time. (A copy of the test is attached) The results were excellent. She would rate on a western IQ scale at about 170.
The AIT was interviewed several times during her training. Each time it was our impression that she was constantly learning, absorbing everything and strengthening her resolve to do the best job she could for her country.
I have reviewed the other summaries and evaluations and feel that they are correct in their assessment of this AIT. I was especially interested in Comrade Eric Johnson’s report on her ability to withstand the pressure and stress caused from uninterrupted interrogation procedures. The few I have interviewed who underwent similar interrogations, all, with the exception of this AIT, had lost their desire to serve their country.
It is the opinion of myself and my colleagues who have interacted with Laura Cain that she has learned to do something not many AITs or graduated agents can do. She can compartmentalize. That is to say, she can live in a moment and then set it aside in mental box, close the lid while she goes on to another task whether it be making love or killing someone. This was especially true during the interrogation. I interviewed her myself after her brief hospital stay and was impressed with the determination she exhibited. If she had not compartmentalized her feelings during the interrogation, she would not be recommended, and, in fact, would have been eliminated from further training.
I would not hesitate to put Laura into any situation. This young woman can handle any pressure or stress. She is, without a doubt, one of our best AITs and will make an excellent agent for the rodina, our motherland. However, I must warn you that she can become extremely dangerous, especially if not treated with respect. She has exhibited the abilities of cunning, practicing deceit, and of killing that could easily escalate into someone you do not want to cross. Suggest that her supervisor and the 2nd Directorate Chief be made aware of the danger she will become to those not respecting her abilities and intelligence.
Signed,
Dimitriy Ustinov, Psychologist
KGB – Central City
DEREVKO FILE
#131150
OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF
LAURA CAIN, AKA DEREVKO
11 January 1972
I have reviewed everything written and have discussed all aspects of this AIT with her instructors, teachers and team leaders.
I was also present during some of the interrogation procedures used by our CIA interrogator, Johnson. After the first hour, she completely shut down Irina Derevko and everything else she had experienced. She remained Laura Cain during the entire six days of uninterrupted interrogation until collapsing for obvious physical reasons.
There were two test operations given to the class she was put into at the beginning of training. The first operation was a test that each member did as a single. Each student was given a task that required communication skills. Her computer skills were tested. (See copy of results that are classified.) She was able to hack into a military computer located in the Kremlin in record time. She also bypassed the fail-safe security lock out.
The second operation was designed to evaluate Cain’s abilities as a team leader. She was put in charge of six men and women. Three were assigned to the operations desk and three were assigned to field ops. She put herself on point as the primary ops solution. She was going to be the agent who took out a political enemy of the state. In order to meet the objective and get away, her team would have to design a way to kill the enemy and then leave without any getting caught. This was the most difficult of our ops tests. Not many teams have passed, but then we usually do not expect them to since they are all inexperienced.
However, Laura Cain not only succeeded in accessing and killing her target, but returned with her team in tact. The exercise was to take at least three days with an extra day allowed for emergencies. They returned in two and a half days. Her team members were delighted and all expressed that they would serve as part of any team in any operation that she led.
My overall opinion is that this is an excellent candidate for service to her country in counter-intelligence, special operations or as a high level assassin. She is obviously determined to succeed. Her ability to compartmentalize her feelings, emotions or even the job she is assigned is unusual and she uses it extensively.
I do not doubt that this AIT will eventually be more than just an agent. I believe she has potential to rise high in the ranks of our organization.
Signed:
Colonel Vladamir Renko, KGB
Commander, Central City
Sydney sat back in the chair. She glanced at her watch. She had been reading for almost two hours. She closed the file. She was beginning to wonder if her father hadn’t been right. Irina Derevko could have a hidden agenda they were not aware of yet. Still Sydney had to admire her Mother more than ever now that she had read her recruitment and training file.
The door opened and her grandfather appeared. “Have you finished?”
“Yes! Mom was something else, wasn’t she?”
He looked puzzled. “What do you mean, something else?”
“Oh, it’s just an American colloquial expression, means terrific!”
His face brightened. “Yes, my Irina, she was and is terrific.”
“Does she know you have these files?”
Mikhail shook his head, “No, I don’t think she has ever seen these. And she probably wouldn’t care what they said anyway. Do you want to read the next one?”
“Yes, but not now. My mind is a little boggled from this one.” Sydney would not tell Irina she had read it. This was not what Irina wanted when she asked Syd to go to Moscow.
“I just want you to visit with your grandfather.” He’s getting older and I know he would like to see you for more than a brief visit. Do you think they would let you go for a few days’ vacation? You wouldn’t have to tell them where you’re going would you?” Irina had been insistent she tell no one.
“Why not?”
“Your father would think I was trying to recruit you. The CIA might have a problem with you going to Moscow on your own. You are half Russian, you know.”
“Mom, don’t worry. I’m 28. I should be able to go off by myself. Michael and I will probably meet in Paris after I visit grandfather.”
“Give him my love. Tell him I’m all right. You remember his phone number?”
“Yes.” Sydney had told her, then left the cellblock.
