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As the war carried on, Kyn began to notice certain patterns. His posting on Coruscant wasn't the most exciting, but he did his best to keep vigilant and being aware of your surroundings was just one of the ways he did so.
Within those patterns, there were whispers.
The word "request" in relation to the Generals was the most noticeable.
It took Kyn far too long to realise that the so-called "requests" were anything but. The Senators had an arrogance in their manner, well-assured that their requests would not only be met, but fulfilled to the letter. At first, he heard of requests for escorts or for certain missions, but one Senator...
"He is rather handsome, but the Jedi are so serene, so implacable. I wouldn't know how to approach one for such a personal, intimate meeting." A Senator on the cusp of adulthood was saying on an ordinary afternoon, where Kyn was nothing more than decor.
"You don't need to. You can always put in a formal request and arrange for them to join you for a night. Claim it is for extra security. I know you've had a few threats made on you." An aide, clearly acting as mentor suggested. They likely worked for the previous Senator from that system.
"That wouldn't be an abuse of power?"
"Think of it as a perk. The Jedi serve the Senate. And, as a Senator, they cannot ignore your request. They know the arrangement."
Kyn realised that day that the Jedi had about as much choice as his Vod'e did.
He only puked twice at that revelation. His brothers fared worse when he informed them.
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Rehan was prepared for the worst. She had heard the rumours growing up. One did not live in the Temple and not eventually hear the worst. But she was 15 and was "coming into her looks" as the Senator who requested her stated. She had been given a thorough talk from her Master on the worst likely possibilities. She knew what could happen.
She wore as many layers as she could get away with, the colours that washed her out. Anything to give hesitation to someone who could so easily take advantage. Officially, the Senator was curious as to her future. But from the pale complexion the messenger had at that, they likely knew what everyone was thinking.
Rehan shook off her nerves, ready to ease herself with the Force to get through it when it began. She knocked. The Senator let her in, all smiles.
When she returned to the Temple that night, she was crying from how thankful she was that the Senator only played chess with her and discussed philosophy.
A year later, she wonders how she was that naive.
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Korun was just a crecheling when the Jedi left the Republic, old enough to have a few memories, but he could put more focus on the years the Temple Relocation Transition occurred. He grew up into a fine Knight (as Master Fisto often praised) with a gift for languages that led him to dedicate his time to the Archives when not specifically suited and required for a mission.
He grew up able to refuse missions
He started the project as a hobby. There were always records of what the Jedi did in acts of service for the Republic. He had grown up hearing rumours of what the older generations had endured. At first, he could barely believe it.
He grew up in a place of safety, where it was conjecture and not reality
So, he decided to research, to see what the truth of the matter was. As he read, he knew it was injustice. It was cruelty. It was generation upon generation of abuse of power and manipulation.
He can't help but wonder at Former Senator Amidala and her marriage to Jedi Master Skywalker. The twins were only born a few months after the war.
He decided that people had to know, starting from the beginning. His hobby became a bestseller. Abuse of Power: Indenture Servitude, The Beginning of an Alliance was his first attempt. It outlined the first 300 years. The agreement had been in the purest form at that point. The Jedi carried out missions, sometimes for the Republic's agenda, but often just to aid those in need within the systems.
He often speculated on how quickly that changed. That thought came to him often when he visited Master Rehan and she would go silent when his research came into mention.
The next book Abuse of Power: How Indentured Servitude Became Enslaved Sacrifice was to be published soon. He had no doubt this one would sell just as well (though it was likely to be considered more controversial. The truth so often is.)
This time, he would cover the beginning of the request system, how Senators would often take advantage, exposing long-gone Senators' misdeeds, how they would press the situation. How, when the Jedi tried to fight the abuse of power, they were threatened.
He grew up never having to worry about the loss of food or medicine or basic rights
He had planned for a final book, covering events up to the present. He didn't know if it would even get published. But it would be a part of the Archives. Master Nu had already agreed. He even had a title in mind, Abuse of Power: Unheard Voices It would include testimonials of living Jedi. The Senators' identities would be protected, as the Temple could still face legal repercussions. But the horrors his Master's generation faced at younger ages than himself would be heard for the first time.
He slept soundly, never having to be given a talk about how a request for a chat could be so much worse. He never knew until he made himself know. And now he will make sure no one will ever forget.
There are so many that aren't ready to talk, that hold their horrors in their hearts, where even the Force cannot grant the peace and serenity they require. Perhaps one day. Perhaps seeing others do so will give them some small measure. Korun could only hope.
He was so much more optimistic than they were. More naive some would sneer, alone in their beds, wondering why he thought airing The Great Shame was acceptable. But they grew up learning that shame. He grew up learning freedom and peace. Perhaps one day, they too could learn. Perhaps one day, they would not hide away, but relearn what they knew as crechelings, embracing innocence.