Chapter 38

Anakin stood outside the Council Chambers, trembling beneath his robe. The Padawan on duty came out and nodded at him, "They're ready for you."

Anakin nodded back, "Thank you."

Garen had offered to come as his Master-liaison, but Anakin had declined the offer deciding that he would handle this himself. Now, though, he was wishing he had the moral support. Taking a deep breath, he entered the room.

"Are you ready, Padawan Skywalker?" Mace Windu spoke softly, though his voice seemed to echo in the chamber.

"Yes, Master."

"Very well then." Mace nodded at a student in the corner of the room that Anakin recognized as Mace's apprentice of ten years. The young man came forward with a rolled meditation mat in his hands and unrolled it at Anakin's feet. "Zane will remain as an assistant only. He will not be privy to any of your thoughts, nor the conversation that follows. His sole purpose is to provide physical assistance, should you need it."

Anakin nodded again, "I understand."

Zane reached out, "Your robe, please."

He took Anakins robe, folding it and lying on the corner of the mat, then knelt beside it.

"You may remain standing or kneel on the mat for the process. You may take a moment to prepare yourself and then begin dropping your outer shields. We will create a temporary link with you and at that time you will be instructed to completely open your mind. We will proceed as quickly as we can, but you may experience some discomfort. If at any time you feel you cannot continue, you may request an end. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master Windu, I am ready." Anakin knelt beside Zane. He knew that it was highly probably he would end the session weak and he preferred not to faint in front of the Council. He also realized that while he was given permission to break off the mind sweep at anytime, it would look bad on him, as though he had something to hide. He took a moment to prepare himself and lowered his shields.

It was a strange sensation, to feel twelve other minds in his at once. His thoughts, his mind, his entire being were open to the Council. They did their best to respect his privacy and stay away from any hidden memories that did not pertain to the event, and they sorted through memories quickly and efficiently, but Anakin felt violated all the same. When they reached the memories they sought, the sorting slowed. He winced as they watched the conversation with Garen. Anakin could feel the disapproval, but nothing was said. Nothing could be said. Silence had to be kept during the ritual.

Here things played out slowly, and Anakin wondered how long he would be forced to relive the events. He tried to retreat further into his mind, but there was no place to go and no walls left to hide behind, and so he was forced to watch again as the people were murdered, as he defied his Master, and as he gave in to Xanatos. He thought he would be ill when they reached the first time he used the Dark Side of the Force. When they were nearing the end, and watched as he killed Xanatos, he did become ill.

Hunched over, on hands and knees, Anakin dry heaved. He was glad he hadn't chosen to eat a large meal that morning or it would be all over the Council floors. Anakin felt the Masters hesitate, as though to stop and he shook his head. FINISH! He shouted into his head, the last thing he wanted was for this to be declared inefficient evidence and have to do it again. They withdrew the moment they saw them land at the Temple, everything from here was already known.

The minds pulled away and Anakin opened his eyes to find himself doubled over on the floor, trembling. He felt naked, and vulnerable, a feeling that Anakin had never experienced before. The room remained silent as Anakin attempted to collect himself. After several moments the silence was broken.

"Do you require anything else of me, Masters?" Anakin asked. His head rested on the floor, and he relished the cool marble against his forehead. At the moment, he didn't care if he was breaking protocol by speaking. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sprawl out on the floor and sink into sleep.

"Not at this time. You are free to return to your quarters while we deliberate. We will call you back when we have reached a decision. Zane will assist you to your quarters."

Under normal circumstances, Anakin would have protested the help, wishing instead to prove that he was able-bodied enough to walk on his own, but today he thought better of it. Collapsing in the halls was looking more and more likely, and he'd rather have someone with him just in case. The last thing that Anakin wanted at the moment was to end up back in the Infirmary.

The trip back to his quarters seemed to take an eternity. The duo made the trek in silence. Anakin was too busy focusing every ounce of strength he had left on walking, and Zane had more tact than to mention anything that had happened. At the door to Anakin's quarters, Zane paused.

"Will you be alright?"

Anakin recognized the real question that Zane was asking, would he be alright without a master, without his master, to take care of him. The younger padawan nodded wearily.

"Yes, I'll be fine. Just help me inside.

Zane did as he was asked, leaving Anakin on his sleep couch. Anakin's face was ghostly white, and he trembled on the couch despite the heavy blanket Zane had covered him with.

"Do you require anything else? A glass of water? Food?" Zane was unsure if it was safe to leave an Apprentice alone after such an ordeal. He had watched a Knight go through a mind sweep a year ago, and the Council had made sure a close friend had been there to take care of him afterwards. It seemed wrong to leave Anakin alone without anyone. Surely Master Windu would not approve.

"No, please, I just need sleep." Anakin took a shallow breath, "I'll be fine. Just let Master Muln know I've been released. He'll be by later to check on me." Anakin noticed Zane hesitate and waved him toward the door. "Go, Zane. You have completed your duty."

Zane nodded, he was not wanted here, and would not stay any longer. He let himself out, casting a final glance back at the younger apprentice. He would notify Master Muln, and knowing the Master as Zane did, he would be by shortly to check on Anakin. The knowledge eased his conscience, nobody would be alone tonight.