The Fever Code
Chapter 13
by Dashner, JamesIn Chapter 12 of *The Fever Code*, Thomas and Teresa meet with WICKED officials, including Ms. McVoy, Dr. Paige, and Mr. Ramirez, to discuss their role in the organization’s latest project. The chancellor expresses excitement about their potential contributions before leaving the meeting. Thomas struggles to process the enormity of the underground caverns he’s just seen, feeling overwhelmed in the confined space. Ms. McVoy encourages them to ask questions, and Teresa inquires about the purpose of the caverns, which McVoy reveals will house two massive mazes designed as controlled testing environments for studying immune subjects and finding a cure for the Flare virus.
Thomas is stunned by the revelation and questions the logic behind building such mazes. McVoy explains that the enclosed spaces are necessary to eliminate external variables and allow precise observation of test subjects. She emphasizes the urgency of their mission to save humanity from the virus. When Teresa asks how they will contribute, McVoy reveals that Thomas, Teresa, and two other children—Aris and Rachel—will assist in designing and constructing the mazes, leveraging their exceptional abilities. Despite the gravity of the situation, McVoy frames the project as an exciting challenge, and Thomas and Teresa reluctantly agree to participate.
After the meeting, Thomas reflects on McVoy’s comment about becoming “a part of WICKED,” leaving him uneasy about his growing involvement with the organization. Back in his room, he discovers his door is unlocked for the first time in years, sparking both fear and curiosity. He suspects WICKED is monitoring him and debates whether exploring the facility is a test of his obedience or a trap. Despite his apprehension, he resolves to venture out at night, his fear gradually giving way to anticipation.
As night falls, Thomas prepares to explore, battling doubts about the consequences of his actions. He worries that leaving his room could jeopardize his role in the maze project and his relationship with Teresa. However, his curiosity outweighs his fear, and he decides to take a cautious look outside. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as the door unexpectedly opens further, leaving Thomas—and the reader—wondering what awaits him in the halls of WICKED.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the two mazes being built by WICKED, and why were they constructed in underground caverns?
Answer:
The mazes serve as controlled testing environments designed to study immune subjects’ physical and emotional reactions to stimuli while researching a cure for the Flare virus. According to Ms. McVoy, the underground caverns were chosen for two key reasons: (1) security from external threats like the ravaged landscape and Crank invasions, and (2) the need for isolation to eliminate outside variables that could compromise experiments. The enclosed space allows WICKED to precisely monitor subjects and manipulate conditions—a critical feature for their research into why immunes like Thomas and Teresa can resist the Flare’s effects (Chapter 12, pp. 224-225).2. How does Thomas’s reaction to the maze project reveal his conflicting emotions about WICKED?
Answer:
Thomas outwardly agrees to participate, expressing excitement about the “fun project,” but his internal monologue shows deep unease. While he appreciates the challenge and chance to work with Teresa, McVoy’s comment about him becoming “a part of WICKED” lingers uncomfortably. Later, his paranoia about surveillance and fear upon discovering his unlocked door suggest growing distrust. This dichotomy highlights his conflicted loyalty—he’s intrigued by the scientific opportunity but disturbed by the organization’s control and secrecy, foreshadowing future moral dilemmas (Chapter 12, pp. 225-227).3. Analyze the significance of Thomas’s unlocked door. What might this detail imply about WICKED’s methods?
Answer:
The unlocked door symbolizes WICKED’s psychological manipulation. Thomas realizes they may have never locked doors, testing his obedience through implied rather than enforced restrictions. This aligns with WICKED’s pragmatic approach—they likely removed physical barriers to observe natural behavior, rewarding compliance (like Thomas’s promotion) while covertly gathering data. The detail also marks a turning point for Thomas; his decision to explore at night suggests a shift from passive acceptance to active curiosity, potentially disrupting WICKED’s controlled environment (Chapter 12, pp. 227-228).4. How does Dr. Paige’s argument for participation in the maze project appeal to the children’s emotions?
Answer:
Dr. Paige frames the project as both an “honor” and a potential source of enjoyment, emphasizing camaraderie (“Aris and Rachel”) and downplaying ethical concerns by focusing on the global crisis (“things are dire”). By calling it a “challenge,” she taps into their competitive instincts, while praising their exceptional abilities flatters them into compliance. This emotional appeal contrasts with McVoy’s pragmatic explanations, showing WICKED’s multi-pronged persuasion tactics (Chapter 12, p. 226).5. Why might Teresa’s response to joining WICKED (“Yes,” sounding serious) differ from Thomas’s enthusiastic agreement?
Answer:
Teresa’s terseness suggests she grasps the project’s gravity more immediately than Thomas, who focuses on novelty. Her serious tone implies wariness or a stronger sense of responsibility, contrasting with Thomas’s emotional rollercoaster (excitement, fear, curiosity). This distinction foreshadows their later roles—Teresa often acts as the pragmatic voice, while Thomas struggles with moral ambiguity. It also hints at her deeper existing ties to WICKED, given her prior knowledge of Aris and Rachel (Chapter 12, p. 226).
Quotes
1. “A maze? Two mazes? What are you going to test inside them? Who are you going to test?”
This quote captures Thomas’s shock and disbelief upon learning about WICKED’s massive underground maze project. It represents the central mystery of the chapter and the series—the true purpose behind these mysterious structures that will become so pivotal to the characters’ lives.
2. “In short, we’re trying to find a cure, Thomas. We’re trying to prevent all this unnecessary death that now surrounds us.”
Ms. McVoy’s explanation of WICKED’s supposed noble purpose reveals the organization’s justification for their extreme experiments. This quote is significant as it presents the moral dilemma at the heart of the story—whether the ends justify the means when dealing with the Flare virus.
3. “You’re becoming more a part of WICKED every day!”
This chilling statement from Ms. McVoy highlights the gradual indoctrination of Thomas and Teresa into WICKED’s organization. The quote gains significance as Thomas later reflects on it with uncertainty, foreshadowing his eventual conflicted feelings about his role in their experiments.
4. “The fear he suddenly felt wasn’t rational—all he’d done was open the door a crack and then close it.”
This internal reflection reveals Thomas’s growing awareness of WICKED’s constant surveillance and control. The quote marks a turning point where Thomas begins questioning his environment and the true nature of his relationship with his supposed benefactors.
5. “The fear turned to pure anticipation.”
This short but powerful statement captures Thomas’s transformation from obedient subject to curious explorer. It foreshadows his eventual rebellion against WICKED’s control and sets up his character development throughout the series.