I have to apologize to Ric's wife or girlfriend, that was not him that night in Cleveland in 1974, regardless what his buddies say.
Victor is real, double PhD. the changes to the USSR are real too (Pre-2000 times). I am sorry to say that the co-operation with 'tradecraft' agents is rare even with that wonderful Homeland thing.
Sam was a real guy, just in a different, unique, agency; than in most of my stories.