Disclaimers 'n' crap: Haihai peeps! Yeah, I know what you're probably thinking: "Why can't she update her Cliffhangers story this often?". Well, I have no idea when my next update will be, period. Could be tomorrow, could be next week, could be in a few weeks. My schedule varies. Anyhoo, an important note about this fic, I KNOW that, in the game, Raikov isn't REALLY Raiden's father, but, I'm a Raiden freak, so I had to do SOMETHING about it. I know this chapter won't add MUCH to the story, but I'm getting Raikov set up with all the new stuff. I only own Marilyn, Major Fisher and the USSSSD. Enjoy.

"I'm telling you, he can barely remember anything. Just a few tidbits about the war."

"Hmm. Well, if his memory doesn't return, it looks like you'll get that 'romantic movie' life you always talk about."

"Very funny, Major Fisher,"

"Actually, Marilyn, I was partly serious. You've been working for us for over 10 years. It's time you settled down and started a family or something. And, believe me, if you get hitched with this Raikov fellow, you two will be looked on as symbolizing what everyone hopes the States and the Soviets will be one day: coexisting peacefully."

"Thanks for the encouragement. I could use it. I mean, I really only met him yesterday…I have no idea how he feels about me. I barely know anything about him…except that…he needs someone."

"Well, all feelings aside for a moment, you're still bringing him over at noon, correct?"

"Yes."

"Good, I'll look forward to it. Godspeed, Marilyn."

"Goodbye, Major Fisher."

Marilyn hung up the phone. Well, today was the big day. Today was the day she starting helping Raikov begin a new life. And, she hoped, he would one day choose to spend that life with her. She picked up a food tray and peeked into Raikov's room where he had just finished getting dressed. He was wearing a casual blue shirt with jeans and white tennis shoes. Marilyn suddenly felt overly formal in her bright white nurse's uniform. She brushed her cream-colored hair away from her icy blue eyes and stepped in. Raikov turned around, a bit surprised to see her.

"Oh," he said "Hello."

"I brought you some breakfast," said Marilyn, setting the tray down on Raikov's bed. It carried a muffin, some fruit, and a carton of milk. Raikov sat down and took a bite out of the muffin, swallowed, and smiled.

"It's good," he said "Thank you, Dr. Flynn."

"Please," she said, blushing "Call me 'Marilyn'."

"Marilyn, then," said Raikov, taking another bite of the muffin.

"I just spoke with my commander, Major Gabriel Fisher," said Marilyn "I'm taking you to see him at noon today."

"What will happen there?" said Raikov.

"He's going to explain everything that happened to you in Russia, or, most everything," said Marilyn "Then, we're going to help you get a new start here in the States." Raikov liked the sound of this.

"Alright then," he said.

Later that day, Marilyn and Raikov were walking down a dingy alleyway in the Manhattan slums. Marilyn had changed from her nurse's uniform into a grey shirt and denim skirt.

"Are you sure we're going to the right place?" said Raikov, nervously.

"For the last time, Ivan, yes," said Marilyn, sounding irritated. "Ah, here we are." She had stopped in front of a rusty old door with a plaque that read:

USSSSD

"What do those letters stand for?" asked Raikov. Marilyn looked around to make sure that no one was listening.

"United States Secret Service Sub-Division," she said "Gabe will explain the rest." She knocked on the door.

"Yes?" said gruff voice.

"Nurse Recon and guest," said Marilyn. The door opened. A man in his late 40's stood there, looking the two over.

"There you are," he said, he face and voice softening "Please, come in. We can talk over lunch." Raikov looked around. There were portraits of famous people everywhere in the lounge-like room. A large desk sat at one end and a few couches sat in front of it. A tray laden with sandwiches sat on a table in the middle.

"Please, sit down," said the man. Marilyn and Raikov did so. The man turned to Raikov. "You must be Ivan, I presume?"

"That…would appear to be the case," said Raikov.

"Ivan," said Marilyn "This is Major Gabriel Fisher, commander of the USSSSD."

"Yes," said Major Fisher "And we have much to discuss. First of all, Ivan, can you remember anything from before waking up at St. Vincent's yesterday?"

"Just the Cold War, sir," said Raikov, picking up a sandwich "I know I had some involvement on Russia's side. Or more, I was important enough for someone to want to impersonate me to gain information."

"Hmm," said Major Fisher "So, you already know about being assaulted by Snake? Or, should I say, Big Boss?"

"Marilyn told me," said Raikov "Do you know this 'Big Boss'?"

"Yes," said Major Fisher "He works for a sort of sister organization to the USSSSD called FOX. Both our groups carry out undercover work for the government, but the USSSSD works more independently."

"So," said Raikov "What exactly does this 'Big Boss' have to do with me?"

"It's a long story," said Major Fisher, and he began a finely detailed recount of what had happened during a mission called "Operation Snake Eater". Raikov was in absolute awe when he heard about his command under Colonel Volgin and all the hell the man had put Snake through. The sandwiches were gone, as was the sound in the room, when the Major finished his story.

"So…" said Raikov, breaking the awkward silence "What…happens to me now?"

"Simple," said Major Fisher "We're going to set you up with a new life here in the United States, starting with your accommodations."

"You're right," said Raikov "I never thought about where I was going to live." The Major smiled at Marilyn.

"I think, for now," he said "You would be best off staying with Marilyn here."

"Alright then," said Raikov, smiling.

"And," Major Fisher went on "Later this week, we'll see about getting you a job. But, for now," he looked at Marilyn again "Marilyn, I think you'd best be getting young Ivan here home and settled in."

"Will do, sir," said Marilyn, smiling and nodding. She and Raikov got up to leave.

"Wait," said Raikov, suddenly turning to Major Fisher "Just one thing."

"Yes?"

"Can I please…keep my name?" The Major just smiled.

Marilyn lived in a cozy apartment on the second floor of a building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Raikov looked around. The apartment had a welcoming air about it.

"I know it's not much," said Marilyn, putting their coats away "But it's home."

"I think it's wonderful," said Raikov "I've never seen the inside of an American apartment before. At least…I don't think so…My God! You've got two bedrooms in here!"

"The one on the right is for you," said Marilyn. Raikov looked around. The room was small, but comfortable.

"Marilyn?" said Raikov "I really think I'm going to like this place."

Funny thing: you see the name Gabriel Fisher and you think "Hey, that's a reference to Gabe Logan from Siphon Filter and Sam Fisher from Splinter Cell!". Well, it is and isn't. Gabriel is the name of a close friend of mine as is Fisher (only it's his last name). BTW, friends and family, have you noticed any patterns about where the duo are going? Well, peeps, I was born at St. Vincent's Hospital. Does the layout of Marilyn's place seem familiar? It's an homage to our old apartment on 95th street. I miss that apartment…but our new place in Brooklyn is really nice too. Man, I am associating a lot of my life into this story…Anyhoo, next time, a little romance has our blonde Russian friend questioning his sexuality. Anyone remember Volgin's crotch-grab? Then you probably know what's going to happen next.