The Fever Code
Chapter 62
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 61 of *The Fever Code*, Dr. Ava Paige leads a meeting with Thomas, Teresa, Aris, and Rachel to finalize plans for the Elites’ insertion into the Glade. The discussion revolves around new Variables designed to disrupt the Glade’s routine, with Dr. Paige praising Teresa for her contributions. Thomas, however, internally resists the plans, hoping they never come to fruition. He observes the group dynamics, noting the unease of Aris and Rachel, while maintaining a facade of cooperation to avoid suspicion.
The chapter highlights a pivotal moment when Dr. Paige questions Thomas about the memory swipe, a deviation from WICKED’s usual protocol. Thomas argues strategically, emphasizing the scientific value of studying subjects with intact memories inside the Glade and maze. He leverages Teresa’s involvement to strengthen his case, presenting the idea as an opportunity for unprecedented analysis. Dr. Paige’s ambiguous reaction suggests she may be testing his loyalty, but Thomas’s composed response convinces her and the team to approve the plan.
Thomas succeeds in securing his desired outcome: he and Teresa will enter their respective mazes with memories intact, followed by Rachel and Aris in Group B’s maze. The chapter underscores Thomas’s dual role as a reluctant participant and a covert rebel, as he navigates the meeting with calculated precision. His internal monologue reveals his disdain for WICKED and his determination to save both Group A and Group B, even as he outwardly plays along.
The chapter concludes with Thomas reflecting on the meeting’s success, though he remains acutely aware of the risks ahead. The tension between his outward compliance and inner resistance drives the narrative, setting the stage for the next phase of his rebellion. The final lines emphasize the urgency of his mission, hinting at the challenges he and his allies will face as they prepare to execute their plan against WICKED.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Dr. Paige’s discussion about memory swipes, and how does Thomas strategically respond to her concerns?
Answer:
Dr. Paige expresses hesitation about breaking the consistency of memory swipes for the new subjects, as all previous subjects had their memories removed. This represents a major deviation from WICKED’s established protocols. Thomas strategically frames his response by emphasizing the scientific value of studying subjects with intact memories, arguing it will provide new observational data (“the next level in countless observations”). He cleverly includes Teresa’s endorsement and highlights the unique opportunity to analyze their cognitive patterns inside the Glade—a perspective WICKED has never had. His composed argument ultimately sways Dr. Paige, showing his ability to manipulate WICKED’s priorities for his own ends.2. Analyze the dynamics between Thomas and Teresa in this chapter. How does their silent communication reflect their relationship and shared goals?
Answer:
Thomas and Teresa demonstrate a deeply trusting partnership through both public collaboration and private telepathic communication. When Thomas successfully argues for keeping their memories, Teresa mentally praises him (“Good job”), and he humorously admits his nervousness (“serious sweaty armpits”). This exchange reveals their comfort with vulnerability and mutual support. Their unspoken coordination—Teresa’s credited idea for the insertion and Thomas’s strategic inclusion of her in discussions—shows they work as a unit to manipulate WICKED while maintaining appearances. Their bond is further emphasized by Thomas’s internal resolve to protect both Group A and Group B, aligning with Teresa’s values.3. How does the chapter illustrate the ethical conflicts within WICKED’s experimentation, particularly through Dr. Paige’s characterization?
Answer:
Dr. Paige embodies WICKED’s moral ambiguity—she praises Teresa’s idea that will deliberately disrupt the Gladers’ lives (“significantly disrupt what has become a routine”) while framing it as scientific progress. Her excitement about measuring “new emotions and thoughts” through traumatic variables (like introducing the first female subject) reveals a detached, utilitarian mindset. However, her hesitation about memory swipes shows some adherence to methodological consistency over pure cruelty. The chapter highlights the organization’s dehumanization of subjects through Paige’s clinical language (“stimulate killzone patterns”) and her performative sternness when testing Thomas, underscoring WICKED’s prioritization of data over humanity.4. What strategic purpose does Thomas’s insertion into the Maze serve for both WICKED and his own secret agenda?
Answer:
For WICKED, Thomas’s insertion with intact memories represents an unprecedented experimental variable—they can study a subject’s real-time reactions to the Maze while receiving insider reports. Dr. Paige emphasizes this as a “golden opportunity” to observe new psychological patterns. For Thomas, however, this is a subversive advantage: retaining his memories allows him to potentially undermine WICKED’s plans from within. His internal monologue reveals his true intent (“serious hope that none of it would ever happen”), contrasting with his outward cooperation. The finalized plan—Thomas entering first, followed by Teresa—sets the stage for their rebellion while satisfying WICKED’s thirst for novel data.5. How does Dashner use physical descriptions and body language to convey tension during the memory swipe discussion?
Answer:
The author employs visceral physical cues to underscore the scene’s high stakes. Thomas initially “fights for composure” and feels “a prickle of sweat,” revealing his anxiety about betraying his true intentions. Dr. Paige’s stern gaze and the collective staring when Thomas spaces out create palpable pressure. Her nods during his argument are deliberately ambiguous (“not necessarily meaning agreement”), heightening suspense. The blank screen projection mirrors Thomas’s mental scrambling—information is withheld from both him and the reader. These details culminate in Thomas’s relieved yet sweaty reaction, proving the emotional toll of his performance, which contrasts with his outwardly confident rhetoric.
Quotes
1. “We see this as a golden opportunity—a catalyst, if you will—to stimulate many killzone patterns that we’ve never been able to measure before.”
(Dr. Paige explaining the significance of the new Variables for the Glade experiment)
This quote highlights WICKED’s cold, calculated approach to human experimentation, framing traumatic experiences as mere “opportunities” for data collection. It underscores the moral ambiguity of their mission.
2. “As much as he’d once loved Dr. Ava Paige, he hoped that soon he’d never have to see her again. Or anyone or anything related to WICKED.”
(Thomas’s internal reflection on his growing disillusionment with WICKED)
This moment captures Thomas’s emotional shift from loyalty to defiance, marking a critical point in his character arc as he rejects WICKED’s manipulation.
3. “Studying our patterns, with memories instead of without, inside the Glade and the maze, is something you’ve never been able to do before.”
(Thomas arguing for keeping their memories intact as a unique research opportunity)
A pivotal moment where Thomas strategically uses WICKED’s own logic to secure an advantage for himself and Teresa, revealing his growing tactical intelligence.
4. “Thomas would go into the maze first. The next day, Teresa would follow. Both of them with their memories intact.”
(The finalized plan for Thomas and Teresa’s insertion into the Glade)
This outcome represents a rare victory for Thomas against WICKED’s control, setting the stage for the rebellion to come while emphasizing the bond between him and Teresa.