The haze of incense hangs in the air, thick and suffocating. Anakin struggles to adjust his eyes to the relative darkness of the circular Chamber. It is lit by almost a thousand candles, one for each year of the Jedi Order's existence. They hang high above, suspended by thread from the golden, domed ceiling, the reflection casting their light downwards through two spinning, patterned wooden screens. Through the intricate, dancing mandalas created by the light (or perhaps the shadow), Anakin can make out five massive, cushioned pedestals standing equidistant from the Chamber's center, towering high over his head. All are empty.
"H-hello?" Anakin calls out, his voice echoing in the cavernous sanctum.
Phosphor projection lamps click and whine. Four gargantuan holograms fade into place on the pedestals, each seated in the lotus position. Their glow bathes the Chamber in soft blue light. The Masters of the Jedi Council reveal themselves: Mace Windu, devoted sage and decorated soldier, unmatched in both combat and tactics; Sifo Dyas, Qui-Gon's former Master, blessed with the gift of foresight; Ki-Adi Mundi, scholar of the immortal realm of Midichloria, and the strange beings that inhabit its ether; and Plo Koon expert in matters of the mind, and creator of what some derisively call a "Jedi Mind Trick."
"Step forward, Anakin Skywalker," say the Masters, all gesturing down towards the Chamber's center. Communicating through the Force, their lips do not move, and their voices resonate from within Anakin's own head.
Anakin shuffles to the center. The Masters' stone faces and downturned gaze lend them a statuesque aura. Upon reaching the center, the candles above burn twice as bright. The screens stop turning, and a wooden aperture closes in front of them. The candles' soft ambient glow is focused into a harsh spotlight shining down on Anakin. He had never felt so exposed. "Uh…" He searches for words to fill the deafening silence. "So… Hi! I'm Anakin! Nice to meet all of ya!" He waits for a response, but receives only stares. "Uh, okay then…" He turns to look at the empty pedestal. "Are we waiting for Master Yoda?"
"Master Yoda is not here," says Windu.
"Do you think so highly of yourself that you expect Master Yoda to personally attend your initiation?" asks Dyas.
"The First Jedi bestows his grace only to those most worthy," says Mundi.
"The ego shatters," says Plo.
Anakin's eyes dart between the Masters. How could such a simple question get such a judgmental response? "Oh, um, sorry, I was just asking…"
"Who gave you permission to speak?" asks Windu.
"A Jedi must not engage in idle talk," says Dyas.
"One is to speak either with purpose, or not at all," says Mundi.
"Sweat pools on the brow," says Plo.
Anakin hangs his head. "Sorry, Masters."
"Again, we did not give you permission to speak," says Windu.
"A rebellious spirit is unbecoming of a Jedi," says Dyas.
"Obedience and devotion form the bedrock on which the Jedi Order stands," says Mundi.
"The body trembles," says Plo.
Anakin fights the urge to defend himself. It takes every ounce of his willpower.
"A noble effort, but we can see through you," says Windu.
"Your thoughts dwell elsewhere," says Dyas.
"One cannot hope to follow the Path of the Jedi without focus and mindfulness," says Mundi.
"The knees buckle, falling to the ground," says Plo.
Master Plo's words confuse Anakin, who despite everything still stands on his feet. "But I'm-"
"No, you are not." says Windu.
"Your heart cries out for your mother," says Dyas.
"The guiding will of the Force serves as a Jedi's father and mother," says Mundi.
"The hand cups the mouth," says Plo.
"I miss her!" Anakin defiantly confesses. "I do! What's wrong with that?"
"Everything!" the Masters say in unison.
"The fear of loss is the path to the Dark Side," says Windu.
"Fear begets anger," says Plo.
"A Jedi must rely solely on himself and his Master," says Dyas.
"Anger begets hate," says Plo.
"Emotional attachments serve only to hinder communion with the Force," says Mundi.
"Hate begets suffering," says Plo.
"But she's my mom!" says Anakin, fighting back tears. "How can I not be attached to her?"
"You simply must," says Windu.
"You must let go of everything you fear to lose," says Dyas.
"You must take responsibility for your emotions," says Mundi.
Anakin's heart races. The Chamber spins. The walls close in. "I can't hear all of you at the same time…"
"You must-"
"You must-"
"You must-"
"STOP IT!" cries Anakin. He grasps and pulls his hair with both hands. Heaving and sobbing, he crumples to the ground and curls into a ball. "Please, just stop…" He covers his mouth to keep from vomiting on the cold Chamber floor.
The aperture opens, and the candles fade to their original brightness. Gasping for air, Anakin opens his eyes to see the four Masters, in the flesh, standing over him.
"I'm sorry, Anakin," says Windu. "You have failed."