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    Science FictionYoung Adult

    The Fever Code

    by Dashner, James
    “The Fever Code” by James Dashner is a prequel to the “Maze Runner” series, exploring the origins of the Glade and the Maze. The story follows Thomas and his childhood friend Teresa as they navigate the sinister experiments of WICKED, the organization behind the trials. Key themes include trust, survival, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation. The novel provides crucial backstory, revealing how the characters’ pasts shape their futures in the Maze. Dashner’s tense narrative and world-building deepen the series’ lore, making it essential for fans.
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    The Fever Code

    Chapter 31

    by Dashner, James

    The chap­ter opens with Thomas and Tere­sa, along with fel­low teenagers Aris and Rachel, attend­ing a high-lev­el meet­ing with WICKED’s lead­er­ship, includ­ing Chan­cel­lor Ander­son and Dr. Paige. The atmos­phere is tense yet for­mal, with the chan­cel­lor prais­ing the group’s excep­tion­al per­for­mance in the maze projects. Thomas and Tere­sa com­mu­ni­cate tele­path­i­cal­ly, spec­u­lat­ing about the pur­pose of the meet­ing and jok­ing about poten­tial rewards, reveal­ing their close bond and skep­ti­cism toward WICKED’s motives. The scene sets the stage for the orga­ni­za­tion’s manip­u­la­tive and secre­tive nature, as the teenagers are clear­ly being test­ed even in this seem­ing­ly cel­e­bra­to­ry moment.

    Chan­cel­lor Ander­son reflects on WICKED’s decade-long efforts to com­bat the Flare, empha­siz­ing the slow but steady progress made in under­stand­ing the virus and iden­ti­fy­ing immune sub­jects like Thomas and his peers. Thomas pri­vate­ly doubts the orga­ni­za­tion’s suc­cess, not­ing that the pro­longed time­line sug­gests fail­ure rather than achieve­ment. When he voic­es his skep­ti­cism, Dr. Leav­itt dis­mis­sive­ly com­pares the Flare to his­tor­i­cal virus­es, argu­ing that a cure takes time and defend­ing WICKED’s long-term strat­e­gy. The exchange high­lights the moral ambi­gu­i­ty of WICKED’s mis­sion, as Leav­itt casu­al­ly jus­ti­fies poten­tial mas­sive human loss if it means sav­ing the species.

    The dis­cus­sion turns to the upcom­ing Maze Tri­als, which Ander­son describes as a crit­i­cal step toward devel­op­ing a “blue­print of the kil­l­zone.” Despite the grim ter­mi­nol­o­gy, he express­es opti­mism, sug­gest­ing the tri­als might elim­i­nate the need for fur­ther phas­es. The room erupts in applause, though Thomas feels uneasy, sens­ing the per­for­ma­tive nature of the moment. The scene under­scores WICKED’s relent­less focus on their goals, even as the human cost remains unset­tling­ly abstract. Thomas’s inter­nal con­flict grows, as he rec­og­nizes the odd­i­ty of includ­ing test sub­jects like him­self in such high-stakes dis­cus­sions.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Ander­son ral­ly­ing the team for the immi­nent Maze Tri­als, mark­ing a piv­otal shift from plan­ning to action. Thomas remains wary, sus­pect­ing that their pres­ence at the meet­ing is anoth­er vari­able in WICKED’s exper­i­ments. The chap­ter effec­tive­ly builds ten­sion, jux­ta­pos­ing the orga­ni­za­tion’s clin­i­cal enthu­si­asm with the teenagers’ grow­ing aware­ness of their role as pawns. The stage is set for the tri­als to begin, with Thomas and his peers caught between curios­i­ty and dis­trust, fore­shad­ow­ing the chal­lenges ahead.

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    FAQs

    • 1. Comprehension Question

      Who are the four teenage candidates present at the Chancellor’s Committee meeting, and what distinguishes them from others in WICKED’s program?
      Answer:
      The four teenage candidates are Thomas, Teresa, Aris, and Rachel. They are distinguished as lead candidates who have shown exceptional performance in the maze projects, earning them a spot at this high-level meeting. Chancellor Anderson explicitly states they were “pegged early on as standouts” in WICKED’s research. Thomas observes that Aris and Rachel, though new to him, have instantly likable, kind faces without the arrogance he might have expected. Their presence suggests WICKED views them as crucial to their trials, possibly due to their immunity to the Flare and mental capabilities (evidenced by Thomas and Teresa’s telepathy).

      2. Analytical Question

      How does Dr. Leavitt justify the slow progress in finding a cure for the Flare, and what does this reveal about WICKED’s priorities?
      Answer:
      Dr. Leavitt defends the decade-long research timeline by comparing it to historical viruses (e.g., Ebola, HIV), emphasizing that cures typically take decades. He highlights the added challenges of a “half-destroyed world” and “mind-sick Cranks,” framing WICKED’s endurance as a “miracle.” His justification reveals WICKED’s prioritization of long-term survival over immediate ethical concerns—even if only 10% of humanity remains by the time they find a cure, they deem it acceptable. This utilitarian perspective underscores WICKED’s willingness to sacrifice time and lives for their goal, as seen in their continued testing on subjects like Thomas.

      3. Critical Thinking Question

      Why might Chancellor Anderson’s tone and behavior during the meeting seem disingenuous to Thomas, and how does this reflect the broader dynamics between WICKED and the candidates?
      Answer:
      Thomas notes Anderson’s overly strong smile and dramatic pauses, which feel performative rather than genuine. This artificiality suggests WICKED leaders are manipulating the candidates—using praise and optimism to motivate compliance while obscuring the harsh realities of their experiments. The staged applause and Anderson’s vague “optimistic” claims about avoiding later trial phases further hint at psychological manipulation. The dynamic reflects WICKED’s view of the candidates as tools; their inclusion in the meeting may itself be a “Variable” to test reactions, not a genuine collaboration.

      4. Application Question

      If you were in Thomas’s position, how would you interpret Chancellor Anderson’s announcement that the Maze Trials are “a month or two—four at most” away, given the context of WICKED’s methods?
      Answer:
      As Thomas, I would view this timeline with skepticism and dread. WICKED’s history of covert testing (e.g., telepathy trials with Teresa) suggests the “official” Maze Trials are just one visible part of a larger, ongoing experiment. Anderson’s vagueness (“four at most”) implies flexibility—WICKED could accelerate or delay based on unseen factors. Given Thomas’s observation that their presence might be a test itself, the announcement feels less like transparency and more like a psychological tactic to instill urgency or fear, priming candidates for obedience as the trials near.

      5. Thematic Question

      How does the chapter portray the tension between scientific progress and ethical boundaries in WICKED’s mission?
      Answer:
      The chapter underscores this tension through WICKED’s rhetoric and actions. While Anderson and Leavitt frame their work as heroic (“saving the human race”), their methods—testing on teenagers, dismissing concerns about “Munies” survival, and manipulating subjects—reveal ethical compromises. Leavitt’s blunt remark about Cranks killing the immune highlights a coldly pragmatic worldview. The applause scene symbolizes the self-congratulatory culture that justifies ethical breaches in the name of progress. Thomas’s unease (“felt ridiculous”) serves as the moral counterpoint, subtly critiquing WICKED’s ends-justify-means philosophy.

    Quotes

    • 1. “The work you’ve done during the maze projects has been phenomenal. Just phenomenal. We pegged the four of you early on in this process as standouts, and we weren’t wrong. Congratulations.”

      This quote from Chancellor Anderson highlights the institutional praise and manipulation of the young subjects, setting the tone for WICKED’s paternalistic yet exploitative relationship with Thomas, Teresa, Aris, and Rachel. It introduces the theme of performative recognition masking darker intentions.

      2. “Read your history, son. I challenge you to find any kind of virus throughout the last few hundred years that was cured within several decades, much less one… The fact that we’ve had the patience and endurance to work at this with a long-term strategy is pretty much a miracle.”

      Dr. Leavitt’s defensive justification for WICKED’s prolonged experiments reveals the organization’s self-aggrandizing mentality and moral compromises in the name of scientific progress. This encapsulates the ethical tension between means and ends that permeates the chapter.

      3. “And those people didn’t have a half-destroyed world with mind-sick Cranks running around… But even if there’s only ten percent of the population left by the time we do find a cure, at least we’ll have saved the human race from extinction.”

      This chilling utilitarian calculation demonstrates WICKED’s willingness to accept massive collateral damage, framing their actions as necessary sacrifices. The quote starkly presents the dystopian logic driving the organization’s decisions.

      4. “The Maze Trials are very close to beginning… I think we’ve laid a solid foundation through the smaller tests and trials we’ve accomplished with our subjects so far. The chances are slim, but maybe we’ll have a blueprint after the Maze Trials.”

      Anderson’s announcement marks a pivotal story moment where abstract preparations become concrete plans. The tentative optimism (“chances are slim”) contrasts with the irreversible human costs about to be incurred, creating dramatic irony for readers familiar with the series.

      5. “The trials are upon us, folks. Let’s dig in.”

      This closing declaration serves as both a rallying cry and an ominous threshold moment. The casual tone belies the gravity of what’s being set in motion, perfectly capturing the chapter’s tension between bureaucratic routine and horrific experimentation.

    Quotes

    1. “The work you’ve done during the maze projects has been phenomenal. Just phenomenal. We pegged the four of you early on in this process as standouts, and we weren’t wrong. Congratulations.”

    This quote from Chancellor Anderson highlights the institutional praise and manipulation of the young subjects, setting the tone for WICKED’s paternalistic yet exploitative relationship with Thomas, Teresa, Aris, and Rachel. It introduces the theme of performative recognition masking darker intentions.

    2. “Read your history, son. I challenge you to find any kind of virus throughout the last few hundred years that was cured within several decades, much less one… The fact that we’ve had the patience and endurance to work at this with a long-term strategy is pretty much a miracle.”

    Dr. Leavitt’s defensive justification for WICKED’s prolonged experiments reveals the organization’s self-aggrandizing mentality and moral compromises in the name of scientific progress. This encapsulates the ethical tension between means and ends that permeates the chapter.

    3. “And those people didn’t have a half-destroyed world with mind-sick Cranks running around… But even if there’s only ten percent of the population left by the time we do find a cure, at least we’ll have saved the human race from extinction.”

    This chilling utilitarian calculation demonstrates WICKED’s willingness to accept massive collateral damage, framing their actions as necessary sacrifices. The quote starkly presents the dystopian logic driving the organization’s decisions.

    4. “The Maze Trials are very close to beginning… I think we’ve laid a solid foundation through the smaller tests and trials we’ve accomplished with our subjects so far. The chances are slim, but maybe we’ll have a blueprint after the Maze Trials.”

    Anderson’s announcement marks a pivotal story moment where abstract preparations become concrete plans. The tentative optimism (“chances are slim”) contrasts with the irreversible human costs about to be incurred, creating dramatic irony for readers familiar with the series.

    5. “The trials are upon us, folks. Let’s dig in.”

    This closing declaration serves as both a rallying cry and an ominous threshold moment. The casual tone belies the gravity of what’s being set in motion, perfectly capturing the chapter’s tension between bureaucratic routine and horrific experimentation.

    FAQs

    1. Comprehension Question

    Who are the four teenage candidates present at the Chancellor’s Committee meeting, and what distinguishes them from others in WICKED’s program?
    Answer:
    The four teenage candidates are Thomas, Teresa, Aris, and Rachel. They are distinguished as lead candidates who have shown exceptional performance in the maze projects, earning them a spot at this high-level meeting. Chancellor Anderson explicitly states they were “pegged early on as standouts” in WICKED’s research. Thomas observes that Aris and Rachel, though new to him, have instantly likable, kind faces without the arrogance he might have expected. Their presence suggests WICKED views them as crucial to their trials, possibly due to their immunity to the Flare and mental capabilities (evidenced by Thomas and Teresa’s telepathy).

    2. Analytical Question

    How does Dr. Leavitt justify the slow progress in finding a cure for the Flare, and what does this reveal about WICKED’s priorities?
    Answer:
    Dr. Leavitt defends the decade-long research timeline by comparing it to historical viruses (e.g., Ebola, HIV), emphasizing that cures typically take decades. He highlights the added challenges of a “half-destroyed world” and “mind-sick Cranks,” framing WICKED’s endurance as a “miracle.” His justification reveals WICKED’s prioritization of long-term survival over immediate ethical concerns—even if only 10% of humanity remains by the time they find a cure, they deem it acceptable. This utilitarian perspective underscores WICKED’s willingness to sacrifice time and lives for their goal, as seen in their continued testing on subjects like Thomas.

    3. Critical Thinking Question

    Why might Chancellor Anderson’s tone and behavior during the meeting seem disingenuous to Thomas, and how does this reflect the broader dynamics between WICKED and the candidates?
    Answer:
    Thomas notes Anderson’s overly strong smile and dramatic pauses, which feel performative rather than genuine. This artificiality suggests WICKED leaders are manipulating the candidates—using praise and optimism to motivate compliance while obscuring the harsh realities of their experiments. The staged applause and Anderson’s vague “optimistic” claims about avoiding later trial phases further hint at psychological manipulation. The dynamic reflects WICKED’s view of the candidates as tools; their inclusion in the meeting may itself be a “Variable” to test reactions, not a genuine collaboration.

    4. Application Question

    If you were in Thomas’s position, how would you interpret Chancellor Anderson’s announcement that the Maze Trials are “a month or two—four at most” away, given the context of WICKED’s methods?
    Answer:
    As Thomas, I would view this timeline with skepticism and dread. WICKED’s history of covert testing (e.g., telepathy trials with Teresa) suggests the “official” Maze Trials are just one visible part of a larger, ongoing experiment. Anderson’s vagueness (“four at most”) implies flexibility—WICKED could accelerate or delay based on unseen factors. Given Thomas’s observation that their presence might be a test itself, the announcement feels less like transparency and more like a psychological tactic to instill urgency or fear, priming candidates for obedience as the trials near.

    5. Thematic Question

    How does the chapter portray the tension between scientific progress and ethical boundaries in WICKED’s mission?
    Answer:
    The chapter underscores this tension through WICKED’s rhetoric and actions. While Anderson and Leavitt frame their work as heroic (“saving the human race”), their methods—testing on teenagers, dismissing concerns about “Munies” survival, and manipulating subjects—reveal ethical compromises. Leavitt’s blunt remark about Cranks killing the immune highlights a coldly pragmatic worldview. The applause scene symbolizes the self-congratulatory culture that justifies ethical breaches in the name of progress. Thomas’s unease (“felt ridiculous”) serves as the moral counterpoint, subtly critiquing WICKED’s ends-justify-means philosophy.

    Note