Qui-Gon was dismayed at the intensity of his irritation. He was almost tempted to accuse Emalda of inventing this lead just to get them off Wefhuk - except that she didn't even know of the deal Qui-Gon had with Ben. She didn't know Qui-Gon wanted to stay but she had noticed his irritation, and was looking at him suspiciously again.
"How reliable is this information?" asked Qui-Gon, trying to cover his lapse.
"From my escort," said Emalda. "He's not particularly reliable but Canemone Orbital Station isn't far out of our way. We won't lose much time if it turns out to be a useless tip."
"This is the same escort provided by Spaceport Security?" said Qui-Gon.

He knew it was before Emalda nodded. Something didn't feel right but was it just that Qui-Gon didn't want to leave Wefhuk? He was already feeling a connection to this place. It was one thing to be constantly traveling on missions when there was a Jedi Temple to return home to but quite another to be a homeless refugee on a temporary assignment.
"The Investigation Service may object to us leaving the planet in the middle of a criminal investigation," said Obi-Wan, thoughtfully. "Especially while Investigator Tylip considers us suspects."
"If we asked permission to leave?" asked Emalda hopefully. "We could promise to return - they'll probably catch the real culprits while we're gone."
"It's unlikely he'll trust us to return on our own," said Obi-Wan. "And the odds are that a request to leave might look suspicious to him."

She looked crestfallen. Qui-Gon felt sorry for her even as he felt proud of Obi-Wan for speaking well. However, Ben chose that moment to appear behind them. Ben took in Emalda's disappointed expression and then pivoted to turn a disapproving frown on Qui-Gon.
"We have a lead on Dr Colash," explained Obi-Wan helpfully, for Ben's benefit. "But it's unlikely that Investigator Tylip would allow us to leave during his investigation."
Ben paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Given new hope by Ben's appearance, Emalda held her breath as she watched him.
"There's not necessarily any harm in asking," said Ben finally.

Obi-Wan shot him a surprised look before Qui-Gon could. Qui-Gon fought the urge to raise his voice.
"There might very well be harm in it," said Qui-Gon firmly. "Tylip is suspicious of us already. He specifically asked us not to leave."
"We just want to ask him for permission to leave," pointed out Ben, sounding perfectly reasonable. "If he says no, we will remain here until he tells us otherwise."
"I believe it is the wrong decision," said Qui-Gon.
"And I see no problem with it," countered Ben.
Qui-Gon held Ben's gaze, each unwilling to concede. Qui-Gon contemplated warning Ben against giving into his emotions but Ben was far more likely to listen when they were alone.

"I fail to see how this is anybody's decision but mine," announced Emalda.
The three Jedi turned to her in surprise. She had folded her arms across her chest and was speaking directly to Qui-Gon.
"This is my ship and if I want to leave - or to request permission to leave - then that is my choice," she said, daring Qui-Gon to contradict her.
"If you wish to do so, then that is your prerogative," said Qui-Gon. "But I strongly urge you to reconsider. Our participation in this mission is entirely voluntary."
She paused, her alien eyes widening, as she realised his meaning. He felt her shock and sudden doubt.
"If I have to go it alone, then that is what I will do," she said, not looking as confident as she sounded.
"Now, wait a minute, wait a minute," said Ben. "There is no reason to do anything in haste..."
"It seems to me we have reached an impasse," said Qui-Gon, folding his own arms across his chest.
"It seems we have," agreed Emalda.

A flustered Ben looked helplessly between the two of them.
"Masters?" said Obi-Wan tentatively. "There may be another option."
Emalda looked surprised at the interruption, as if she had forgotten Obi-Wan was there. Ben looked hopeful. Qui-Gon uncrossed one of his arms and waved at Obi-Wan to elaborate.
"If we were to offer some sort of guarantee that the ship would return, then Tylip might be more likely to grant us permission to leave," suggested Obi-Wan.
"What kind of guarantee we should offer?" asked Ben. "I don't believe we have enough funds to make a cash deposit."
"Offer to leave me and Anakin behind," said Obi-Wan. "Even Tylip has to see that as a motive for you to return."

Ben nodded but Qui-Gon looked unconvinced.
"I'm not certain that would be safe," said Qui-Gon. "We still don't know who attacked Emalda or why. My feelings tell me that matter is far from resolved."
"If Emalda is being targeted, then she is safest in our company," said Ben. "If she's going to this orbital station then at least one of us should accompany her - and I'll remind you that my lightsaber was destroyed."
"True but...," began Qui-Gon.
"Obi-Wan and Anakin can investigate the attack while they remain on Wefhuk," added Ben.

Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan. Anakin was unpredictable but Obi-Wan's judgement was usually sound.
"Very well," said Qui-Gon unhappily. "But be cautious. We don't want any more problems with the Investigative Service."
"We'll keep that in mind, Master," promised Obi-Wan. "I'll fill Anakin in on the plan."
"I'll check on our delivery of supplies," said Emalda.
Obi-Wan palmed open the door and held it open for Emalda. As she passed through the door, she looked challengingly at Qui-Gon. She looked like she had won a victory. Qui-Gon struggled to remind himself that he had not lost an argument. He had simply compromised. They would still be returning to Wefhuk, regardless of the success of their mission.

As Obi-Wan slipped out as well, Qui-Gon joined Ben at the pilot's console. Ben didn't look up from the controls. Qui-Gon reached out a tentative hand to rest on Ben's shoulder. Ben didn't react at all, though Qui-Gon could feel the small movement of muscles as Ben called up Investigator Tylip's contact details.
"Two days," said Ben quietly. "You agreed we'd wait two days before abandoning the mission. Have you changed your mind?"
"I am sorry," said Qui-Gon, squeezing the shoulder beneath his fingers. "I am only following my instincts."
Ben didn't answer and Qui-Gon wasn't sure he'd been forgiven. Ben's finger was hovering over the comm button when Obi-Wan interrupted suddenly.
"Masters, it looks like our supplies are being delivered," said Obi-Wan. "And it looks like Investigation Services are with them."
Qui-Gon exchanged a glance with Ben, reassured that Ben looked as worried as he felt.