Yes

"Y-yes!" Nute stammered, "Call off all droids! D-do as he says...uh...at once!"

"Yes sir." Tey How complied and instantly the alarms and claxons were cut off.

A strange hush descended over the bridge as the Neimoidians found themselves at the mercy of two men they had just attempted to kill.

"Why?" Qui-Gon continued. "You destroyed our ship and killed its crew."

"No..." Nute stammered unconvincingly. "It was a...misunderstanding! There was a malfunction on the hanger deck...we...thought your ship was going to attack us! Please...we were only trying to defend ourselves!"

"Any more lies Viceroy," Qui-Gon said quietly, "And I'll settle your trade dispute with this blade right now."

"Nooo!" Nute implored in terror, "It wasn't our idea! I only followed instructions!"

"Your instructions were to **** us?" Obi-Wan asked, his blade never leaving Rune's neck. "Who gave you these instructions?"

Nute Gunray looked down at the deck of his bridge. He was trembling terribly now.

"Answer him." Qui-Gon instructed.

"No I-I can't he-he'll kill me if I-" Nute stammered.

"And what do you thing I'm going to do?" Qui-Gon said ominously.

"His name is Darth Sidious!" Rune Haako announced fearfully. "He controls the Senate! He ordered us to blockade the Naboo!"

Qui-Gon's eyes widened at the revelation. He took a step back and deactivated his green saber.

"Darth Sidious?" Obi-Wan breathed incredulously.

"We-we never met him, he contacts us by hologram....please! You must protect us from the Sith!" Nute whimpered pitifully.

Obi-Wan looked fearfully at his master. Could any of this be true? Could the Sith have secretly returned and manipulated this blockade? It made no sense. How could the Jedi have been blind to the return of their ancient enemies? And what could be gained by blockading the peaceful Naboo? One thing was certain. Obi-Wan sensed no lying in the terrified Neimoidians any more. And for the first time, his feelings of an elusive danger felt completely justified.

"Your blockade is coming to an end Viceroy." Qui-Gon spoke at last. "You will contact the Naboo immediately and begin negotiating a peace treaty."

"Y-yes..." Nute said weakly, "I will do as you say."