After the trial in the Republic Court and the exchange of interests with the two representatives, Naboo and Mandalore could only give up pursuing Gunray and the Trade Federation. Even Padmé saw the true nature of these people; they were beyond saving. The Republic's judicial system was already defunct.
Even if Mandalore and Naboo gave up pursuing the Trade Federation, the Republic had not, as it would benefit the Republic's declining economy.
In the Senate, worries about Gunray and the Trade Federation, and other mega-corporations' issues with the Senate taxing them, had not yet concluded. Immediately following this were questions from Councilman Korian Vos of Jabiim, regarding Mandalore's ships and troops.
During a regular session, which was also the first meeting presided over by the new Speaker, Palpatine, many councilmen, under Palpatine's secret arrangement, questioned Kote and Mandalore about the nature of their state and the legality of its forces.
"Councilman Kote, in several previous operations, a ship named "hyperion" has appeared. Its scale far exceeds the length of current Republic ships, and its weaponry is quite unique in the entire Galaxy. May I know if this ship is legal?" asked Tix, a Quarren councilman.
Facing questions from other councilmen, Kote remained unperturbed, as he had long anticipated such a situation.
"Councilman Tix, I can answer your question very well. First, the hyperion is completely legal. As the flagship of the Free Mandalore Security Group, it is the experimental first flagship launched by the Vadir Shipyard and is currently used by the Free Mandalore Security Group. Furthermore, it is my personal vessel."
"Are the Mandalorian troops on Naboo part of the Mandalorian Government, or what are your intentions in stockpiling such a fleet?" Tix asked a question that seemed foolish, even making Korian Vos, who put him up to it, frustrated.
"You jest, Councilman Tix. I am currently a councilman of the Outer Rim Protectorate Alliance. Strictly speaking, I shouldn't have to answer these questions, but given my current status, I will. The Mandalorian Government is a government with only a police force. All the fleets and armies you see in mission archives are mercenaries from Free Mandalore, simultaneously protecting Mandalore space and the planets in the Outer Rim that have joined the Alliance, along with their trade routes." Kote felt pity for this councilman, who was pushed forward by some unknown party; they had chosen a fool.
Seeing this, Palpatine quickly had someone stop the two and told his apprentice to choose a smarter person next time, as this one was too dull.
Kote, seeing that no one was questioning him anymore, returned to his original seat. He was indifferent to the small interlude above; what came next was the real focus: further dividing the Trade Federation and even reclaiming its right to arm itself.
At this moment, the main speaker was a tall man, Senator Bail Organa from Alderaan. He recounted the Trade Federation's past infringements upon the Galactic Constitution, and how the Senate, for profit, ultimately surrendered the right to private armaments, leading to the Naboo invasion by the Trade Federation.
But Lott Dodd, a councilman of the Trade Federation, also argued strongly, saying that it was all Gunray's idea, and even proactively suggested replacing the Trade Federation's governor. However, this was merely to divert attention, as everyone knew that these Neimoidian people were all in it together.
At this point, Kote stepped forward again: "Councilman Dodd, I think since you agree to replace the governor, why can't you agree to disarm the Trade Federation? This is not something that can be changed by replacing a leader; it is wrong for the Trade Federation to possess this right."
"No, Councilman Kote, you cannot say that. Do you have fewer warships than us? Have you not interfered with the sovereignty of any planet? Mandalore's history has told the entire Republic that the Mandalorian people have always been warlike. Are you saying that you will invade the Republic again as before?" Lott Dodd was very right; the Mandalore's past precedents were there.
Kote immediately felt that some of his words were wrong, but he still had time to salvage it.
"What a trick to substitute concepts, Councilman Dodd. We are clearly discussing the Trade Federation, and you suddenly bring up Mandalore, which only proves that you yourself cannot prove my point is wrong. So you mention Mandalore, hoping other councilmen will be hostile towards me, but you are mistaken. Councilmen are not fools like you. Moreover, everything Mandalore and my company have done in the Galaxy is evident to all." Kote quickly retorted.
"After all, when has the Trade Federation not stood against the Republic and Mandalore? For example, the matter of Alaris, and even the Yamri people behind you, and most recently, Naboo. The Trade Federation has never changed!" And he listed the Trade Federation's various crimes.
"Councilman Kote, you!" Lott Dodd was speechless, as these were all facts that could not be changed or forgotten by others. "Aren't you Mandalore the same! Every time you become strong, you want to go to war with the Republic. Who knows if you are just hiding something now!" This statement truly hit home.
"We were wrong, but the Republic has already sanctioned Mandalore at that time, so we have changed! For a better Republic, a better Outer Rim, we are taking action! You have not!" Kote loudly reprimanded Lott Dodd, who was beginning to speak the truth.
But the Vice Speaker quickly called out, "Order!"
At this moment, Councilman Korian Vos from Jabiim stepped forward to play the role of a peacemaker. "Alright, if that's the case, we'll just inspect Mandalore, and then we'll know, what do you say, Mr. Speaker?"
Kote looked at Korian Vos, who seemed like a peacemaker but was actually an accomplice of the Trade Federation. This must be Palpatine's way of wanting to see Mandalore's current military strength and whether it would affect his thousand-year Sith plan. Truly cunning, it seemed like he was dividing the Trade Federation, but in reality, he was coming after him.
Palpatine pondered for a moment and finally said, "Then let's vote to see if we agree to investigate Mandalore's military situation."
Kote immediately interrupted, "No need, Mr. Speaker. I agree to an investigation on Mandalore, but what if there is nothing?" Kote agreed to let them go; after all, the Mandalorian Sector is vast, and Vadir only has a few spaceports and heavy factories, which are already on record with the Republic, so there was nothing to fear.
Besides, all these things belonged to the company and had nothing to do with the Mandalorian Government. Moreover, he could just use The Force to shield their perception; there were always ways. But he would wait for Palpatine later.
"Then what do you think should be done, Councilman Kote?" Palpatine looked at Kote below.
"Then let's vote to abolish all of the Trade Federation's military, sealing what needs to be sealed, and reforming what needs to be reformed. What do you think? After all, if the Trade Federation continues like this, it will become a cancer of this Galaxy." Kote had his own plans, intending to buy back all those forces at a low price and thoroughly reform them.
"Very well, what do you say, Councilman Dodd?" Palpatine asked the other party involved.
Lott Dodd thought for a long time. "I agree, but I must accompany the investigation!"
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