3: Sentence
He sat before a table of Jedi looking down at him with enmity and sadness. Anakin had expected no less, yet the intensity with which he felt their negative emotions was enough to make him rethink why he had ever let Darth Vader lose to the Jedi in him. He knew that it was thoughts like that that made the Jedi's sentence upon him justified and necessary.
The one currently speaking to the room was Obi-Wan, telling them the account of what had happened on the lava planet. Anakin winced at some of the things his Master said, for he could not believe some of the things he had done while under Vader's influence. When the Jedi had finished his account and taken his seat beside Yoda on the side of the table opposite his apprentice, the olden green creature rose.
"Forgive young Skywalker, this council does not. For heinous and monstrous his numerous crimes are. However, believe in the execution of another Jedi, we do not." He sat back down, allowing other members of the council to speak their minds. When none did, he spoke again. "Anything to say before sentence is decided, have you young Skywalker?"
Anakin was afraid something like this would happen. He knew he could not keep back those tears that had begun to appear back on that other planet, so long ago it seemed though the ordeal had only been a few hours ago.
"I do," he almost whispered. He stood up from his chair and could not bear to face anyone but his Master, so that is who he focused his eyes on. "I have let everyone in this room down, as well as everyone in this galaxy. Of my crimes, there are two I do not regret and those are my marriage and copulation with Padme Amidala. I did those things out of love... yet for the other crimes I have no excuse nor would offer one, for there is no good reason to have done any of them. My weaknesses have affected many, and I accept responsibility entirely. I apologize that I am not the Chosen One you thought me to be." He breathed heavily and sat back down, seeing Obi-Wan nod solemnly. At least I did not hurt him Anakin thought tiredly. At least I did not kill him.
"Very well," Yoda spoke. He, Obi-Wan, and another wise Jedi master exited the room, leaving Anakin frightened and shamed. The six minutes they were gone felt like an eternity to Skywalker and he told himself that no penalty would be as cruel as the waiting for it had been. Anakin glanced to Obi-Wan for some sign of assurance when the trio came back. His Master, however, had on a mask of dauntlessness that only made his insides crawl more feverishly.
"Anakin Skywalker," the shortest Jedi said. "We have decided..."
