Linc Howzer broke out in a cold sweat at Admiral Kurny's words. He had never imagined that this Admiral of the Navy would be so bold—he actually wanted to use Galactic Republic territory as a bargaining chip with the Trade Federation!
Even now, the Trade Federation still held representative seats in the Galactic Republic Senate, but they had already been thoroughly branded as a Separatist force. The main reason their seats had not yet been revoked was that the Trade Federation still possessed extensive industries and business operations within Galactic Republic territory.
Under these circumstances, Admiral Kurny's proposal might appear to be a deal with the Trade Federation, but in reality, it was no different from handing their resource hub directly over to an enemy state.
"This is the only way for us to survive this crisis!" Kurny said loudly. "Do you naively think the assets of the two of us alone can sway the Trade Federation's first- and second-in-command? Wake up! At this point, all we can do is protect ourselves!"
Linc Howzer's expression shifted uncertainly. Only after a long while did he say, "All right. We can try contacting Lott Dod, but forget Nute Gunray... That man no longer shows himself on the Republic's side at all. He is a thoroughgoing Separatist. Lott Dod, on the other hand, has spent years in the Senate. There may still be some room for communication."
"You make the introduction, and then the two of us will negotiate with him together," Admiral Kurny said. "As long as we can avoid a large-scale fleet battle in the Enarc system, the Trade Federation base will not suffer too much damage. They can even gain a mining planet for nothing. I believe a merchant like him will certainly make the most appropriate choice."
Linc Howzer