I think everyone has valid points on the subject of consequences. Whether or not to hand out the lawbreaker stunt in this case is tricky in that both sides of the argument are correct. Those who say that if it's done with consent and good intentions believe that they would be acting within the spirit of the law and those who say that any fiddling with the mind whatsoever is an unequivocal NO, believe in the letter of the law. In light of this stalemate I would suggest that the result should be dependent upon the play group. A discussion of morals and consequences would point you to the climate of the groups feelings and then the game can proceed with whatever's agreed upon. Because after all it's about the story and everyone enjoying themselves, the rules are just there to facilitate.  

Ultimately it's your game and you and your players can do what you like. But I would offer this:

1) Define "mind reading" for your self and your PC's, then make it abundantly clear to your PC's the effects and consequences of the act of reading another characters mind.

2) Don't make reading the NPC's mind the only option open for the PC's to get the info that they need. Leave them the option of getting the information some other way, even if that other way is the extremely hard way (it would make a good test of character for the PC's)

And as for people finding out, I would think that a soul gaze or looking at some one with the sight would reveal damage done or traces left. Some may be more visible than others. I would make the "gazer" roll for it depending on how obvious or subtle the damage is.

It seems from the strong negative reaction in the books to any sort of toying with the mind that all mind manipulation, no matter how well intentioned, is a no no. This would presumably be from the abovementioned complications of exchanging parts between reader and read-ee or other such complications.

Though if the only worry is repercussion from the white council... well then if you're very careful and the other participant is willing... then who's to say that it actually happened, right?

I'm new to this system and I'm having a little trouble with the concept of maneuvers. I understand that they are used to place a temporary aspect onto an opponent and that it is NOT an attack. But what I'm not getting is what sort of time frame that a maneuver occurs in. Once a successful maneuver is completed and the aspect is placed, can the PC immediately roll for an attack afterwards? Is it treated like a half action? or does the PC have to wait for their turn to come back around before they can tag the aspect for free? This is not really explained in the book very well...

Any help would be much apreciated, my game group is new to the system and I'm pretty new to GMing on top of that! :/