WICKED is good

Chapter 21: The Maze Trials

Thomas kept himself busy. He did as much work as possible, doing whatever he could to keep his mind off it. The whole experience in the simulation really broke him.
Being close to cranks was one thing, being attacked by cranks was another. But being shredded apart but dozens upon dozens of cranks without being able to die was something so terrible he—
"I was told you were working on a project," Anderson said, walking into the programmers room.
"Yeah," Thomas said, focusing back in on his work.
He'd been designing a maze of sorts. Teresa had come by to help him a lot but he spent almost all of his waking hours building it alone. The maze wasn't normal though. There was a time limit and the walls moved. He was nearly done with the first draft when Anderson arrived.
"I'm almost finished," Thomas assured him.
Anderson pulled up a chair, sitting patiently until Thomas was finished.
As soon as he finished setting up the timer, Thomas moved his chair over and gestured for Anderson to look over it.
The leader frowned when the time was up and he was forced back to the beginning without making it to the end. He looked even more confused when he realized the maze had changed.
"Sorry," Thomas muttered. "I think I made it too complicated. I should probably just—"
"It's perfect," Anderson interrupted. "I love the idea. A moving maze. . . Genius! But I'm thinking." He leaned forward in his chair. "We can put the start here." He pointed to the middle. "And have four exists into the Maze."
Thomas nodded slowly. "So there would be eight different sections to explore. I wonder . . ." He thought for a few moments. "What if finding the exit wasn't to point."
Anderson scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. "Whatever do you mean?"
Thomas smiled, the idea forming in his head. "What if the maze wasn't a maze? What if it was a code?"

After hours of brainstorming and days of consulting the council, Anderson decided to make the Maze their main project for the Immunes. He put everybody available to work on Thomas' idea.
"As soon as we find a way to make a joint simulation," Anderson had said. "I want all the Immunes in here."
Thomas liked the idea of his friends kept together in a safe simulation but something about the whole thing wouldn't work. He approached Anderson about the flaw later that day.
"If the Maze is going to write out a code," Thomas started, even though Anderson was busy filling out papers. "How will they have the time to mark it down? It would be changing too fast."
"It will change daily," Anderson said as if it were obvious. "That's what the council decided."
"But that would mean." Thomas did the math. "The Immunes would be in the simulation for roughly a month."
Anderson finally looked up, confused. Then he laughed. "You don't expect them to figure it out on the first try, do you? No, Thomas. We're giving them five years in the maze. That should give us enough time to study the killzone and find a cure."
"Five years?" Thomas exclaimed. "But that's not . . ." He was at a loss for words.
"Safe?" Anderson supplied. "Of course it is. We will provide their bodies with all the nutrients needed while they're inside the simulation. It's perfectly safe."
"But—" Thomas stopped. Complaining wouldn't do anyone any good. "When are they scheduled to go in?"
Anderson thought for a moment. "As soon as it's ready, I suppose. And based on the great progress we're making, I'd say about a month."

Updating Aris and Rachel was Thomas' least favorite part of the day.
   They all knew putting together a rescue mission within the next month would be impossible. And it'd be too difficult to save the Immunes once they were in a simulation. Whatever happens, it'd be very difficult to manage.
   Plus, progress at the City was going so slow there was no way they could plan anything soon. The Immunes were going in one way or another.
   Aris also told them how bad the city was. Rachel tried to sugar coat it but Thomas could tell it was terrible. Not that their situation was much better though.
   We'll figure something out. Rachel said when Thomas explained everything. We have to.
   Yeah. Aris agreed. Once the city is back in order we'll do everything we can to rescue the Immunes.
   We still want a cure so don't rush. Teresa said, her voice slightly joking but Thomas knew better. She still wanted the cure.
   Tom, you've been awfully quiet.   Teresa noted.
   Sorry. Thomas said, joining the conversation. Yeah. Priorities. Save the city. Save our friends. MAYBE a cure. I was paying attention.
   Sure Tom. Teresa said, a twinge of anger in her voice. I'm tired. Goodnight.  
Aris left moments later, saying Chancellor Paige needed his help. So Rachel and Thomas sat in comfortable silence for a few moments.
We'll do something. Rachel said eventually. I promise. We aren't just going to leave you guys.
Thomas sighed. I hope so.
You should know so. Rachel said. We'll be there. It might take a while but we'll be there. Just keep protecting them, okay?
You don't have to tell me twice.