Shaak Ti had anticipated Palpatine's demand. She replied, "The Jedi Order agrees to let the Galactic Republic enter the Jedi Temple Library, and we will also open all documents concerning political and military decisions involving Jedi Knights for the investigation team's verification."
"Perhaps I wasn't clear enough, so let me say it again..." Palpatine said coldly. "What I mean is—a thorough investigation. That means we will examine all materials, including those in the Jedi Temple Library and the archives."
"The Jedi Order has long been devoted to studying the Force and exploring the nature of the universe. We have no obligation to hand over the results of our research to the Galactic Republic," Shaak Ti said.
"The Galactic Republic will not demand that the Jedi Order surrender its research findings. All we need is to ensure that these things pose no threat to the Galactic Republic. That will be sufficient," Palpatine said.
"The Jedi Order has sealed away all knowledge that could threaten the Milky Way Galaxy. If that knowledge is made public, that is when it will truly become a threat." Shaak Ti was beginning to sense that something was wrong.
"Rest assured, Master Shaak Ti. Our specialists naturally know where to draw the line. They will never allow such things to endanger the Galactic Republic," Palpatine said with a cold sneer.
Unlike Shaak Ti, who repeatedly emphasized the safety of the Milky Way Galaxy, everything Palpatine said stressed the Galactic Republic. As long as he seized upon that point, the Jedi Order would have nowhere left to retreat.
Hearing this, Shaak Ti sneered as well. "Specialists? The Jedi Order has studied the Way of the Force for tens of thousands of years. Where would the Galactic Republic find specialists more qualified than us?"
Palpatine took no offense and