Ep 04: Sound of a Distant Drum

Fort Meade always felt different. The place ran on discipline, silence and the quiet hum of classified work. Long corridors, sealed doors, and the occasional guarded glance from people who were used to secrets. Michelle, Aya, and Amelie were shown into Director Lang’s office after only a short wait. Lang sat behind her desk, a tablet resting in front of her. She looked up as they entered. “Michelle,” she said calmly. “Thank you for coming.”

Michelle nodded. “Director. Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”

Lang leaned back slightly in her chair. “Well, you did say you had something urgent.” Her eyes moved briefly between the three girls. “I assume this is about the case.”

Michelle didn’t hesitate. “There are a few things I’d like to discuss with you regarding Cardona.”

Lang’s eyebrow rose slightly. “I thought I took you off that case.” She paused, then allowed herself a faint, knowing smile. “But… I should have known better. You’re not exactly the kind of person who takes ‘no’ as an answer.”

Aya smirked quietly. Lang folded her hands. “So…” she said. “What do you have for me?”

Michelle stepped forward. “Cardona arrived in the United States nine years ago.”

Lang nodded slightly. “I know his immigration file.”

“Before that,” Michelle continued, “he served with the Italian police and the Carabinieri.”

Lang tapped the desk lightly. “Yes. That was part of the background check.”

Michelle met her eyes. “But do you know where he was stationed?”

Lang said nothing.

“Crotone,” Michelle answered. “Calabria. That’s about twenty-five miles from Trella’s hometown.”

That earned her a surprised look from everyone. But the pieces of the puzzle slowly started to fit together. Lang leaned forward now. “Go on.”

Michelle took a breath. “Trella has spoken three words since she was hospitalized.”

Lang’s gaze sharpened.

“Betto, fratello and vendetta,” Michelle said.

Lang considered that for a moment. “Brother,” she translated quietly. “And revenge. Those two I recognise. So you’re suggesting this was retaliation?”

Aya shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time someone hunted down the people who destroyed their family.”

Lang didn’t look impressed. “Honestly, that explanation doesn’t make the situation any easier.”

“That’s where the psychology comes in,” Amelie said gently.

Lang turned toward her.

“When Trella was six years old,” she explained, “she witnessed the murder of her family.”

Lang’s face hardened slightly. She already knew the file, but hearing it spoken aloud made the weight of it clearer.

“That kind of trauma,” Amelie continued, “can fundamentally shape one's development.”

Aya murmured quietly. “In other words… it messes you up.”

Amelie gave a small nod. “In clinical terms, it is called early childhood traumatic imprinting. When a traumatic event occurs at that age, the brain often stores the memory in a fragmented, emotionally dominant form. It doesn’t integrate properly into the normal memory.”

Michelle watched Lang carefully.

“So when a powerful trigger appears later in life…” Amelie finished, “…the brain can respond as if the trauma is happening again in the present.”

Lang leaned back slightly. “A dissociative episode.”

“Exactly,” Amelie said.

She folded her hands calmly. “If Cardona was connected to the murders… even indirectly… encountering him could have triggered a severe trauma response.”

Lang looked back at Michelle. “You’re suggesting diminished responsibility.”

Amelie nodded. “You could call it a mitigating psychological circumstance.”

Lang hesitated slightly. “And if Cardona was actually involved in organized crime… Then he should never have worn a badge in the first place.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Lang studied the folder in front of her again. “I see your point,” she admitted. Then she looked back at Michelle. “So what exactly do you want to do next?”

Michelle didn’t hesitate. “Investigate.”

Lang’s expression hardened again. “You’re emotionally involved,” she said firmly. “Which means you cannot participate in the official investigation.”

Michelle nodded. “I know. I’d like to run a parallel one. But not here.”

Lang tilted her head slightly. “Where?”

Michelle answered immediately. “Italy. Where it all began.” She gestured toward the file. “I want to investigate the events from twelve years ago. Cardona’s past, the Moretti family and the people involved.” Her voice remained calm but determined. “I believe that’s where we’ll find the answers.”

Lang studied her for several seconds. Finally she exhaled slowly. “I understand your reasoning.” She paused. “And I understand how much Trella means to you. But if I allow you to go to Italy, it will not be an official operation.”

The girls exchanged glances.

“You still do not have your badges,” Lang said. “I cannot provide funding, backup, or logistical support.” Her tone grew serious. “You would be operating entirely off the record.”

Aya shrugged. “We didn´t forget how to handle ourselves.”

Lang looked unconvinced. Michelle nodded. “We understand the risk.” Then she added carefully. “Actually… there might be a way to address your main concern.”

Lang raised an eyebrow. “And that is?”

Michelle glanced briefly toward Amelie. “Earlier today we spoke with Doctor Freedman.”

Lang’s expression shifted slightly in recognition. “The psychiatrist?”

“Yes. He mentioned something called guided exposure therapy.”

Amelie picked up the explanation. “If your primary concern is the psychological stability of the team,” she said calmly, “Dr. Freedman could conduct a professional evaluation. A formal mental health assessment would determine whether any of us pose a risk of a similar trauma response.”

Aya folded her arms. “In other words… if we pass his test, you know we’re not ticking time bombs.”

Lang considered the proposal in silence. Finally she stood and walked toward the window. Outside, Fort Meade moved with its usual quiet efficiency. After a long moment she spoke. “That… may be a workable solution.” She turned back toward them. “I will consider both of your proposals.”

Michelle nodded respectfully.

“And I’ll let you know my decision soon.”

The meeting ended a few minutes later. As the girls left the office, no one spoke. But in the quiet hallway of Fort Meade, something had changed. For the first time since Trella collapsed… there was a spark of hope.

***

Afternoon light filtered through the windows of the orphanage when Michelle, Aya, and Amelie finally returned. The moment they stepped inside, the others gathered around them, reading the tension in Michelle’s face. She looked tired—but there was a sharp determination in her eyes.

Anya was the first to speak. “So? How did it go?”

Michelle didn’t hesitate. “We’re going to Italy.”

The room fell silent.

Aya glanced at her. “Michelle… Lang didn’t approve that yet.”

Michelle shrugged lightly. “I know. But we don´t need her approval. Our badges are gone. We’re not under arrest. There is no force in the world that could keep me here.”

Before anyone could respond, Talia appeared in the doorway. “Michelle, control room. Lang is on a secure line.”

Michelle nodded and headed there. The others followed close behind. The screen in the control room flickered to life, revealing Director Lang on the other end. “Hello, girls,” she said calmly. “Miss Williams, I have reconsidered your proposal.”

Michelle folded her arms, waiting. “I’m authorizing your trip to Italy,” Lang continued. “But the conditions remain unchanged. This mission will be entirely unofficial. I cannot provide any support or resources.”

“Understood,” Michelle replied.

“You may take only a small team. All of you traveling together would attract unwanted attention.”

“That won’t be a problem. But I want to choose the team myself.”

Lang inclined her head slightly. “There will be one restriction. Miss Hsiao has to remain here. She was with Trella shortly before the incident, and Doctor Freedman has requested her assistance.”

Michelle glanced at Mei-Ling. The two exchanged a quiet nod.

“Speaking of Doctor Freedman,” Lang added, “he has agreed to conduct full psychological evaluations of all of you. Consider it the first step toward reinstating your badges.”

Aya muttered something under her breath.

“He will also attempt guided exposure therapy,” Lang said evenly. “It may be unpleasant, but I expect full cooperation.”

“You’ll have it,” Michelle said.

“Good. I’ll also need your complete team files.” Lang paused briefly. “I’ll be attending a conference for the next few days, so you’ll report your findings directly to Agent Tucker. She has already been briefed.”

The screen went dark. Outside the room the others waited expectantly.

Maya leaned against the table. “A small team, huh? Any ideas?”

Michelle considered them for a moment. “Mei-Ling stays here,” she said. “Freedman needs her. Amelie too.” Amelie nodded quietly. “Talia and Maya stay as well,” Michelle continued. “Lang could recall you to active duty at any time.”

Talia shrugged. “Honestly, I’ll be more useful running support from here.”

Michelle gave a small nod, then looked around the room again. “I’ll need speed, stealth, armor… and someone who can handle pressure.”
She pointed one by one. “Aya, Liza, Anya, and-”

Liza grinned immediately. But before Michelle could say anything more, Yuno stepped forward. “Please take me with you.”

Michelle blinked in surprise. “Yuno?”

Yuno met her gaze steadily. “When I was in trouble, you were there,” she said quietly. “You could have arrested me. You could have killed me. Instead you helped me.” Her voice grew firmer. “Now Trella needs help. I want to repay that kindness… and I want to understand the work you do.”

Michelle studied her for a long moment. “This mission could be dangerous.”

“I know,” Yuno said.

The room was silent. Finally Michelle nodded once. “Only if Rio agrees.”

All eyes turned toward Rio. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve never seen her this determined.” After a moment he gave a reluctant nod. “Fine. But you bring her back in one piece.”

Michelle allowed herself a faint smile. “Deal.”

Aya folded her arms. “There’s still one problem.”

“And that is?” Michelle asked.

“None of us speaks Italian.”

Michelle’s smile widened slightly. “That’s been already taken care of.”

Liza groaned. “Oh no. That’s the Cipher smile.”

Aya shook her head. “Which means this is going to be one of those missions.”

Michelle turned toward the stairs. “Start packing. We're leaving tomorrow.”

***

The room looked like a small explosion of clothes, bags, and open drawers. Aya sat cross-legged on the floor with a suitcase in front of her, methodically folding shirts with the precision of someone preparing equipment rather than luggage. Across the room, Anya leaned against the wall, arms folded, watching the chaos unfold with mild amusement. Liza had already claimed the bed as her staging area. Half of it was covered with neatly arranged tools that looked very little like something meant for a “trip to Italy.” Yuno hovered uncertainly near the door. “So…” she said cautiously. “What exactly does one pack for… this kind of trip?”

Aya didn’t look up. “Depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether you expect trouble.”

Liza snorted. “Of course we expect trouble.”

She picked up a small leather pouch and opened it. Inside were several tiny glass vials.

Yuno blinked. “Are those… perfumes?”

“Poison,” Liza said cheerfully. “Much more useful.”

Anya chuckled quietly. Aya sighed and zipped her suitcase halfway shut. “You realize we can’t bring weapons on a commercial flight.”

Liza waved the comment away and held up one of the vials. “These?” she said. “Fountain pen cartridges. And this,” her small metallic claw gleamed under the room light. “This is just a fashion accessory.”

Yuno’s eyes widened. Aya pinched the bridge of her nose. “You are absolutely not bringing that.”

Liza tilted her head innocently. “You want me to feel unprepared?”

“You’re going to get us detained in Rome.”

“Relax, I’ve traveled with worse.”

Anya finally pushed herself off the wall and walked over to inspect the items on the bed. She picked up one of the vials, turning it between her fingers.

“What is it?”

“Paralytic and the dark ones are quick poisons,” Liza replied proudly.

Anya raised an eyebrow. “Efficient.”

Yuno shifted awkwardly beside her small duffel bag. “So… should I pack normal clothes?”

Aya finally looked up. “Yes.”

“How many?”

Aya considered. “We’re going to southern Italy. It's gonna be hot. Pack light.”

Liza leaned back on the bed with her hands behind her head. “Sun, vineyards, old villages…” she said dreamily. “Honestly, if you ignore the mafia and the murder investigation, it sounds like a vacation.”

Anya gave her a flat look. “Work.”

“Workation,” Liza corrected.

Aya rolled her eyes. Yuno knelt beside her bag. “This is the strangest trip I’ve ever prepared for.”

“That’s because you’ve never traveled with us,” Liza said.

Anya smirked faintly. “Give it a few days.”

Aya zipped her suitcase shut and stood. “Just remember,” she said dryly, “if airport security asks about the poison pens, I’ve never met either of you.”

Liza grinned from ear to ear. “Oh, come on! Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Aya picked up her suitcase. “Adventure,” she muttered, “is exactly what I’m worried about.”