Maze Runner: The Subject Experiment

7 ❀ Alby's Orders

"You are joking, right?" The greenie folded her arms. "I don't need to be followed around by him."

Newt raised an eyebrow. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Look I'm just as confused about this as you are." He looked at Alby. "If you're sure I'm the right person-"

"I'll volunteer if Newt can't handle her," scoffed Gally.

"I said Newt does it." Alby's voice was firm. He looked at Newt.

Newt rubbed the back of his head with his hand before looking at the girl. "Right, well, it's like we've all heard, yeah? Someone has to keep an eye on you and Alby's orders are Alby's orders. If it's what it takes to keep order around this place, I'll do it."

"Good, right answer." Alby patted Newt on the back.

"So what, I get no say in this whatsoever?" cried an exasperated greenie, tucking a strand of dark blonde hair behind her ear.

"I'm afraid not, unless you want to spend time in the pit," said Alby. "Right, time keeps passing and we have a lot of work to do for this greenie's celebration!" He came to put his hands on her shoulders. "Every one of you shanks get out there and back to work." He smiled and nodded to Newt before following the other keepers who made their way out of the hut.

The girl turned to Newt, "So what do we do then?"

"I suppose you should come help me gather some vegetables for Fry's cooking. He's making a specially big meal tonight." Newt began walking out of the Council Hall.

The girl followed. "What are we celebrating exactly?"

"You...I mean, basically. Mostly the fact that we have a new worker to help around. Living here is hard work you know."

"Can't wait to begin," she mumbled sarcastically.

"Well aren't you just a bloody bundle of joy?" Newt chuckled. "Come on, we'd better get to work."

...

"Greenie, this is Zart, keeper of the track-hoes - that means he's in charge of all the people chosen for this job, today he's in charge of you too." Newt gestured towards the droopy-eyed boy.

"How do you get chosen for a job?"

"Tomorrow you'll start trying out different jobs, after you've tried them all the keepers will decide what you're best at."

"Hey greenie!" greeted Zart. "You can start by pulling up these carrots here..."

Before long Newt and the girl were hard at work, harvesting potatoes, carrots and more. They then brought the harvest to the kitchens, where Frypan was waiting for them.

"Ah thanks Newt!" he said as he laid the ingredients on a table.

"No problem!" He looked at the girl, "Oh, Fry if you need any help cooking, greenie here could give it a go."

"No way! No one should ever have to cook their own celebration food!" cried Fry. He gave the greenie a big smile. "You shouldn't even be in here! I'm making a surprise, best dish on the menu." He winked.

"Aww that's so sweet! Thanks Fry."

"I wouldn't get too excited," said another voice. It was Minho. He'd just entered the kitchen, eyeing up the food. "It's the best dish, sure...on a very limited menu!" he teased while grabbing a carrot from an annoyed Frypan. The girl couldn't help but laugh.

"How are you enjoying your day off the maze Minho?" said Newt.

"It's great, my headache's gone though, so guess I'll be back out tomorrow." He took a bite of carrot. "Hello again, grumpy greenie," was the last thing he said before bolting off.

"He's hilarious."

Newt's eyebrows raised, "He certainly is."

"Well I personally believe that food theft is no laughing matter," huffed Frypan. "And you, greenie, you better leave before the surprise gets spoiled!" Soon he was shooing her out of the kitchens and back out into the open, her laughing all the while.

"I hope he hurries up, I'm starving," she moaned.

"Won't be long now, let's go welcome the runners back."

"What was that you said about a maze?"

"What?"

"You asked Minho if he was enjoying not being in the maze."

"Shuck."

"What?"

He shifted about uncomfortably. "You're not supposed to know that yet..."

"So you people are keeping secrets from me. What else should I know about?"

"Look we're your friends here, so don't worry. We're on your side."

She furrowed her brows as they reached the opening at the walls. "For all I know you're all part of this. You could even be the people who put me here."

Newt put his hand on her arm and looked her in the eye. "Look if this is going to work, you're going to need to trust me."

"Why should I?"

Newt opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by two boys sprinting through the door. "Hey girlie greenie!" One shouted as they ran up to them.

"This is Ben and Hank. They normally go out with Minho but he felt sick today."

"So there's a maze in there?" she asked while peering in.

"Whoa, how does she know about that?" asked Ben.

"Sorry, it just slipped out." Newt scratched his head of hair. "Don't get too curious, greenie. Trust me it's not as exciting as it seems. These guys have to run around memorising the maze and mapping it out. It's very physically and technically straining."

"It's true," nodded Hank. "But don't worry, we're experts."

"It's getting dark, we should probably head to the bonfire." Ben smiled. "You wouldn't want to miss your arrival party would you, greenie?"