Marooned | Maze Runner | Minho

82. 𝒞𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓀.

The hall was packed with people sitting leg to leg and arm to arm. Almost everyone had gathered in the hall to witness Newt's trial. Some possessed strong feelings about the outcome, others simply wanted entertainment.

Viya sat beside Minho in the front row, the boy gripped her hand tightly as his leg bounced up and down with anxiety. She gently rubbed his hand but she knew deep down there was nothing she could do to ease him.

Vince walked in calmly, "As you all know, we are gathered here to discuss the outcome of a possible infected and what we should do with him." He began, "I would like to offer the stage to anyone who has arguments against his euthanization." Vince took a step back and waited for someone to approach.
Nash looked around before he slowly stood up and walked over to the middle of the room.

The boy cleared his throat before he spoke, "I would like to start by saying there is no proof that Newt is not sane or a crank. He has been locked up in that cage for weeks. There is no way we could guarantee he is a crank because you all refuse to examine him!" Nash argued passionately. "From what I have seen he is of sound mind and to kill a man for just the suspicion of disease is insane!" Nash took in a shaky breath, debating if he continued. He shook his head in disapproval as he walked back to his seat.

Minho took this opportunity to go up and speak next. "The only reason Newt could still be sick is the fact that he hasn't been given the resources to be cured or helped. Nobody has brought medicine other than Teresa, no one has fed him except Nash, so he is simply suffering from neglect. Neglect from his own community he fought for." Minho began to pace around, "With more time it is likely that he will be cured! We just need his community to stand up for him!"

"I'd like to hear from the other side now." Vince interrupted.

Minho turned around wide eyed at the fact his speech was interrupted, he angrily walked back over to Viya as he watched the other side argue.

A shrivelled old man made his way to the middle and began to rant about how they couldn't let a possible crank live here because it could infect the whole community. He went on about the horrors he witnessed in his time and how if this island fell there would nowhere else in the world that would be safe.

His argument was followed by a concerned mother who held a child at her hip as she spoke. She told people to think of the children and how they have more people to think of than just one person.

Soon it was their turn to talk again and Gally eagerly made his way to the middle, his fists clenched tightly. He paced around in a circle as he talked, he used his hand dramatically out of habit. "Newt is not a nobody, I know many of you never experienced the maze but those who did know how harsh it was. To stay afloat we needed strong leaders and responsible role models–Newt, was one of those individuals. He always helped out when he could, he provided advice and helped greenies learn. There is no doubt in my mind that if you let him live he will do amazing things for this village." Gally continued to talk about certain situations where Newt showed his kindness and leadership qualities, when he was finally done he turned to Viya and gave her an intense stare.

Viya took that as her cue and stood up, she focused on her posture as she tried to keep her back straight and her face proud and unwavering. "The fact that we are here proves we left nothing behind on the mainland." She began, "I was in Newt's spot before, I was considered harmful and dangerous to the community, in return, I was banished from the glade and sentenced to my death. My community abandoned me. They saw no point in helping me and thought the only solution was to kill me. Although I didn't die, that doesn't make it any better. To kill Newt would be the same thing that WCKD did in the trials. So I ask you, how are you different from WCKD if you kill this boy? The boy that could very well survive if you give him the chance. How much better are you really?" Viya returned to her seat and was met with a pat on the back from Minho.

Vince cleared his throat as he approached the middle again. "I hear both sides." He confirmed, "I suggest you all leave for lunch and in one hour I will deliver my verdict." He said stoically.

—--

Viya couldn't even try to eat at lunch, the thought of food made her want to throw up. And when she'd look around the dining hall similar reactions were shared. She felt a twinge of pity for the cooks who had worked all morning to prepare a meal, but they couldn't have expected it to be devoured like other days.

The group was now gathered outside the hall, eagerly waiting to hear the decision.

When Vince finally returned he wore a look of solemness on his face. Viya's chest tightened as if she already knew the verdict. She glanced towards Nash who looked as if he was about to collapse onto his knees at any given moment.

Vince cleared his throat, "I have taken into account every argument thoroughly and have made my decision." He paused, "Newt will not be allowed to–"
"Wait!" Teresa interrupted as she ran frantically towards the crowd and pushed her way through it. "Wait!" She repeated, holding up a small vial of blue liquid.

"I'm afraid I've already made my decision–"
"I have the cure." She boomed.

"What?" A frail woman asked.

Teresa took a deep breath to gather her thoughts, "As I hope some of you remember, Brenda was infected. But look at her now! No signs of the flare! I have duplicated the substance Mary gave her so there's no need to execute Newt! We can save him!" She said proudly.

"How do we know it works?"

"Well, we don't." Teresa sheepishly said, "But! I followed all of Mary's instructions in her journal, and we'll never know if we don't try."
"I say we kill him anyways." A man yelled from the crowd, "He's a risk to all of us, he needs to be taken care of!"
"Yeah!" A woman agreed.

"I bet she's lying!"
"Just let me try." Teresa said, "If it doesn't work then you can do what you want with him."

Vince nodded, "Alright." He agreed.

Teresa's face lit up with joy as she began to jog towards the hut, a small group behind her–Viya included.

When they reached Newt's hut, Teresa gently knocked on the door before she entered. The smell from inside spilled out, causing Viya to involuntarily crinkle her nose. Newt was huddled in the corner, his blond hair grown out passed his eyes and his body frail and skinny.

Teresa bent down beside him, the boy seemed to not notice her as he continued to stare off into space. She gently rolled up his sleeve and injected the blue liquid into his arm.