Rat Man entered with a bunch of people dressed in green suits. WICKED was written across the chest making them look very uniformed. The people looked like they belonged in a laboratory, which was where we were coincidentally.
I wondered what they'd do with us once we told them we weren't doing the procedure. Their plan would probably fall apart if my friends and I were an important part to it. The only person that would fit into that category would be Thomas. They wanted us to kill him, but not kill him, which is really confusing. What would they have done if we actually did? I bet they didn't even think that would happen because supposedly their good and trying to save lives.
"We've already assigned each of you a bed," Rat Man said, looking down at papers on a clipboard he'd brought with him. "Those staying in this room are..." He rattled off a few names, including Aris and Joan. Surprisingly none of the names called were the boys from my first maze. "If I didn't call your name, please follow me."
The rest of us walked behind Rat Man until we came to our next destination. Hopefully I wasn't on this list because I didn't want to be the first one to say no to that man. He wasn't stable, that was certain.
When we came to the next door Frypan and Newt were on this list. I let out a sigh of relief. Newt could keep everything under control. After all, he was one of the leaders back in the Maze. He did a pretty good job even after what happened to him.
"I'm not doing it," Newt announced. "You said we could choose and that's my bloody decision." He exchanged an angry look with Thomas that seemed to say they better do something soon or he'd go crazy.
"That's fine," Rat Man replied. "You'll change your mind soon enough. Stay with me until we've finished distributing everyone else."
"What about you?" Thomas asked.
The cook suddenly looked sheepish. "I.. Think I'm going to let them do it."
I was shocked. How could he go back on our plan? We were supposed to be in this together. Did he forget how many of our friends died because of WICKED?
"Are you crazy?" Minho asked, just as surprised as I was.
Frypan shook his head, bearing himself up a little defensively. "I want to remember. Make your own choice; let me make mine."
"Let's move along," Rat Man said.
The door after the next was where my name was called. Thomas, Minho, and Newt all stared at me like they expected me to act like Frypan had and change my mind. It made me angry to think that they didn't trust me fully. I could understand that coming from Thomas, but definitely not Minho and Newt.
"No," I said in an annoyed tone. "I'm not doing it." I glanced over at the three boys and made sure to give them a look that said 'we stay together.'
Rat Man seemed surprised at the words I spoke. But he continued on.
At the last door was where Minho, Teresa, Thomas, Harriet, Pearl, and Grace were called. I knew the four girls were going to say yes, that was for sure. I trusted that Minho and Thomas would keep their word.
"No thanks," Minho said when Rat Mam gestured for everyone to enter the room. "But I appreciate the invitation. You guys have fun in there." He gave a mock wave.
I smiled at the boy even though he couldn't see it. He was still in that angry, betrayed mood and I understood why, but him acting like his same old self made me light up. It made me realize one of the reasons I fell in love with him. I'm still in love with Minho after being separated for who knows how long. I just hope me doing that to him, doesn't make him slip away from me forever.
"Im not doing it either," Thomas announced.
Rat Man stared at Thomas for a long time, his face unreadable.
"You okay, there, Rat Man," Minho asked.
"My name is Assistant Director Janson," he replied, his voice low and strained, as if it was hard work to stay calm. His eyes never left Thomas. "Learn to show respect for your elders."
"Quit treating people like animals and maybe I'll consider it," Minho said before giving Rat Man, sorry Janson, a weird look. "And why are you goggling at Thomas?"
The skinny man finally turned away from Thomas to look at Minho. "Because there are many things to consider." He paused, stood straighter. "But very well. We said you could choose for yourselves, and we'll stand by that. Everyone come inside and we'll get things started with those willing to participate."
If we didn't act fast we would have no chance of getting out of here. An opportunity would soon present its self soon and we would have to take it. I could tell Thomas was thinking the same thing. He and Minho exchanged a look of agreement. Newt gripped my shoulder then gave me a little smile.
As soon as we entered my eyes landed on a girl. That girl was Brenda. I hadn't even noticed her or Jorge were missing until now. When she saw Thomas she ran across the room and hugged him, just like I did when I saw Minho.
"Brenda, what are you doing!?" Janson yelled at her. "Get back to your post!"
When she didn't let go I noticed her lips were moving ever so slightly.
"Brenda!" Rat Man practically screamed.
"Sorry," she mumbled while letting go of the boy. "I'm just glad to see he made it through Phase Three. I forgot myself." She walked back to her post and turned to face us once again, her face blank.
Janson scolded her. "We hardly have time for such things."
It did make sense that she was part of WICKED. Thomas, Teresa, and I were. To trust her it would all be based on if she was really with them.
Minho was glaring at Brenda. Once he's betrayed he doesn't forgive easily. I should know. His emotions cloud his judgement too much.
"Hey," I whispered. He didn't respond. "She might be on our side."
He turned his head slightly. "Yeah, and how am I supposed to believe that when Frypan went back on his word. When Teresa suddenly became WICKED's little angel? The only people I can trust is Thomas, Newt, and ... and you."
I smiled. "Yes you can. You don't have to worry about that. I promise you that I will do everything I can to make sure we all stay together. No matter what happens, I'm on your side."
Minho finally looked at me with love in his eyes. His mouth opened to say something, but Janson spoke first. He assigned the willing participants to the masked beds.
"You four rebels are being watched. Don't even think about trying anything. Armed guards are on their way as we speak," Rat Man told us.
"That's a bunch of klunk," Minho whispered when Janson returned his attention to getting people settled on the beds. "I think we should take our chances, see what happens."
I shook my head. "We have to be smart. If we do try something, and we get caught, then it's over."
From the door three men and two woman came rushing into the room. They were dressed in black, with gear strapped to their backs- ropes, tools, ammunition. They were all holding some sort of bulky weapon. The devices shimmered with blue light- a clear blue tube in the middle was filled with shiny metallic grenades that crackled and fizzed with electricity- and the guards were pointing them me and my three friends. The weapons seemed extremely familiar, but I couldn't place why.
"We waited too bloody long," Newt snapped in a low, harsh whisper.
"They would've caught us out there anyway," Thomas answered quietly, his lips barely moving. "Just be patient."
Janson pointed at one of the gun-like objects. "These are called Launchers. These guards will not hesitate to fire them if any of you cause trouble. The weapons won't kill you, but trust me when I say that they'll give you the most uncomfortable five minutes of your life."
"What's going on?" Thomas asked boldly. "You just told us we could make this choice ourselves. Why the sudden army?"
"Because I don't trust you." Janson paused, seeking to choose his words carefully. "We'd hoped you would do things voluntary once your memories were back. It would just make things easier. But I never said we don't still need you."
"What a surprise," Minho scoffed. "You lied again."
"I haven't lied about a thing. You made your decision, now live with the consequences." Janson pointed at the door. "Guards, escort Thomas and the others to their rooms, where they can dwell on their mistakes until tomorrow morning's tests. Use whatever force necessary."
I sighed. "Well shit."
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I saw the Scorch Trials. It was actually pretty good despite the changes.
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