Qui-Gon and Poppi slipped back into the medical centre just as Investigator Tylip was regaining consciousness. The four Armistice security guards frowned at Qui-Gon but let him be. He wasn't the one suspected of attacking a law enforcement officer. Their attention was focused on Emalda and Ben, whom they had shepherded to one side of the room. Emalda was perched on the edge of a bed, arms crossed and glaring at Tylip who was still flat on his back on the floor. Ben was standing quietly despite the annoyance in his expression, one hand absent-mindedly tracing the edge of the bruising at his throat. The bruising was large and disturbingly hand-shaped. Qui-Gon followed Emalda's gaze and found himself unable to look away from the shape of Tylip's large hands. They fit Ben's bruises too perfectly to be a coincidence.

The doctor was kneeling on the ground over the prostrate Tylip. Tylip twitched and raised a groggy hand to wave away the light the doctor was trying to shine into his eyes. His tongue flicked out limply and dripped spit onto his chin.
"Investigator?" asked the doctor. "Can you hear me?"
"Just fine," grumbled Tylip.
Tylip sat up despite the doctor's attempts to keep him on the ground. The doctor stepped away, frustrated. Poppi edged up and gave the doctor a reassuring pat on the back.

"Can I offer you a hand up, Investigator?" asked Qui-Gon, stepping forward.
Tylip took a moment to focus on Qui-Gon and his outstretched hand. Tylip's tongue flicked out and wiped the spit from his chin. Slowly he reached out and clamped his hand around Qui-Gon's wrist. Qui-Gon pulled the Inspector to his feet, meeting his gaze calmly. Tylip took his time releasing Qui-Gon's hand.
"Investigator, sir," spoke up one of the security guards. "Can you tell us who attacked you?"
"If you're not feeling up to it," said Qui-Gon. "We can simply examine the security recording."
"Yes," spoke up Ben. "I'd quite like to see that recording myself."
"Of course," said Tylip. "They'll need it for your trial."

Tylip smirked at Ben.
"As it happens, I have a copy of the recording here," said Qui-Gon, holding up a datachip. "Quite fortunate, since the main recording seems to have been corrupted. If Poppi here hadn't had the good idea of creating a copy just in case then we would have had to rely on witness testimony. Although I'm sure your testimony would only have confirmed what's on this datachip, right Investigator?"
Tylip seemed to be trying to burn a hole in Qui-Gon's head with his eyes. He had an equal amount of venom in his gaze for the tiny datachip in Qui-Gon's hand.
"I'm sure the Doctor might like to see the recording," continued Qui-Gon casually. "Just so that she has a more accurate understanding of everybody's injuries."
"There is... no reason...," spluttered Tylip.

Tylip took a deep breath and tightened his jaw.
"Clearly there is no reason to act in haste," said Tylip, holding his palms out in placation. "Perhaps we should discuss the exact chain of events."
"I think that would be a wise idea," said Qui-Gon. "Shall we step into the doctor's office to discuss it?"
"Of course," said Tylip. "I am a reasonable man."
"Glad to hear it," said Qui-Gon. "After you, Investigator."

Tylip's tongue flickered but he shuffled into the office, Qui-Gon following with more grace. Qui-Gon exchanged a glance with Poppi who pulled the doctor aside for a quiet chat. Ben tried to move towards the doctor's office but the Armistice's security guards barred his way. Qui-Gon waved for him to stay put and Ben subsided grudgingly. Emalda hooked her arm through Ben's, leaning close to him. Ben relaxed back against her. Qui-Gon let the door close between him and Ben.

The doctor's office was small, most of the most of the space taken up by the desk and its in-built consoles. Several holographic images of the doctor and her family covered one of the walls in the shape of a star. Two potted plants took up a corner, next to a bank of monitoring screens flashing images of the medical bay and the people outside. Tylip installed himself in the only chair, folding his arms and scowling at Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon was quite comfortable standing.

"Well, Investigator," said Qui-Gon. "I believe we have things to discuss."
"Like your involvement in the smuggling ring?"
"I was going to suggest we discuss your attempt to murder me and my companions but we can discuss the smuggling ring if you prefer. A member of our party purchased a dancing costume..."
Tylip grimaced in disgust but didn't interrupt.
"... and the smugglers avoided one of your raids by hiding at least some of their loot in her purchase. I believe I can get her to testify to the involvement of two smugglers, Chara Polli and Spaceport Security Officer Crose. She may be able to implicate a twilek bartender. You might have been too distracted to hear that Chara Polli is already in custody, as is the wreckage of the droid used to carry out the thefts."

Tylip thumped his hands on the desk and leaned forward menacingly.
"Are you aware that anything you admit to me is admissable in a Wefhuk court of law?" sneered Tylip. "It can be used as a confession."
"I am," said Qui-Gon. "Are you aware of the consequences of attempted murder? You have correctly suspected that we are working for the New Republic Senate, though none of our activities are illegal in any way. We will pretend that this was all just a misunderstanding and, in return, you will not press charges against Emalda Colash for the purchase of dancing supplies. Emalda will testify and we will do all we can to assist you in putting these smugglers behind bars."
Tylip dropped back to sit in the chair. He contemplated Qui-Gon for a moment and looked at the screen showing Ben and Emalda surrounded by guards.
"Agreed, you smug bantha," said Tylip. "But the filthy dancing costume is confiscated as evidence!"
"That's fair."