On their last day in New York--

Araari is walking home from church. She's started spending a lot of time there; it's one thing in New York that's familiar.

Two men, both carrying blackjacks, walk out of a side street and block her path. "Hey, lady. We got a message for you."

Araari flinches and bows. "Yes sirs."

"From Captain Walker," says the first man. "He says you and all your friends should go back where they came from. Stop poking your nose in places it don't belong."

"Yeah," says the second man. "Be a shame if something happened to you while you were in New York looking into issues that don't concern you."

“I don’t have the power to control what the people I was sent with decide to do. I can tell them your message but I cannot stop them if they choose to disregard it. I’m sorry, sirs.”

Araari is visibly frightened.

"Look at you, you fucking nun," says the first man. "You’re out of your depth. Why don’t you go home and pray a rosary, huh?”

"--Wait, she's a nun?"

"Of course she's a nun, didn't you read the briefing?"

"I am not sure how I feel about threatening a nun. I'm a good Catholic, you know."

"Nun or not, she's going against Captain Walker's business interests, and that is not good for your life expectancy. --If anything, we're helping you," the man says to Araari.

“I will tell my companions, sirs. They make many poor choices, and I pray that both they and I might make better ones, but it is my sworn duty to protect them whatever they choose.” She bows again but this time she directs it significantly more towards the second man.

"Can you pray for us, Sister?" says the second man.

"You can't ask someone we're threatening to pray for us," says the first man. "That is not establishing the appropriate tone."

“Of course, sir,” she says, as though she did not hear the first man. “I will keep your safety and intentions in my prayers.”

"I will pray for you too."

The first man glares.

"--To see the error of your ways before Captain Walker has to resolve the situation in a way you won't like."

“Thank you, sir. If my companions are wrong, of course I also hope they will be brought to understanding.”

The first man is going to move this interaction back onto the intended territory. "What the hell are you doing in New York? Why the hell do you care what drugs Captain Walker might or might not be selling?

"You can't swear in front of a nun," the second man objects.

"Fine. What the gosh darn heck are you doing in New York, and why the golly gee whillickers do you care what drugs Captain Walker might or might not be selling? --Is that better."

"Yes."

“They visited Ethiopia, where I am from, and Sister Berhane felt that they needed spiritual guidance and protection. We discussed the matter, and I was chosen to accompany them; they brought me to New York. I don’t know Captain Walker and hold him no personal resentment.”

"You should get back to Ethiopia, and we'll give you a little hint to help your memory," the first man says.

"You go to Hell if you assault a nun, I'm pretty sure."

"Fiiiiiiine." First man sighs. "Due to my companion's-- scruples-- you will not be given a hint to help your memory."

“Thank you, sirs. Your kindness will be remembered and repaid in Heaven. I will advise my companions of the danger of continuing on this path.”

"If they continue, we will have to dissuade you all"-- glare from the second man-- "we will have to dissuade all of your companions except for yourself in a more. Permanent fashion."

"Good evening, Sister. Have a blessed Lent."

“You as well.” Araari smiles weakly at him as they leave.