It was getting late. Nasrin flagged a cab. "Penn Station".

She turned to Atticus and Tay and explained. "From there we can grab a Lakeshore Limited to Union Station. Should be an easy trip. You've both got your special IDs, right?"

All MASK students had been equipped with several equally convincing identities from which to choose. They each sank into their own thoughts.

Tay turned to Atticus. "Why do you think Valentine was sent? And what is on that data drive that is so critical?"

Atticus shook his head slowly and said "I wondered the same thing. Why would they send Valentine to carry out such a basic job? Not only that, but why didn't she take the drive back to MASK HQ? Why did she leave it with us? Is this some kind of test? And are we the ones being tested or are we pawns?"

Atticus glanced in the driver's rear view mirror repeatedly, expecting Obi Wan to appear yet again as the Manhattan skyline came into view.