The Maze Runner, #1
The Maze Runner
by James Dashner
Contents
Chapter 57
Overview
Thomas, Teresa, and Chuck enter the Griever Hole to input the Maze code, but the sequence stalls on the final word. As Grievers attack, Thomas kills one, and Chuck notices a physical button labeled "Kill the Maze." Teresa presses it, silencing the Grievers and opening a door, signaling a potential exit.
Summary
Thomas, Teresa, and Chuck drop through the icy threshold of the Griever Hole and land in a dark, oily tunnel. Teresa locates a screen and keyboard, prepared to enter the code they believe will stop the Maze.
As Teresa types, a Griever drops through the Hole. Thomas shields Chuck and orders Teresa to continue. He deflects the creature’s bladed arm, then severs another appendage. Seizing the opening, Thomas leaps onto the Griever and drives his spear into its body, killing it—proving the monsters can be defeated.
Teresa reports that the screen accepted each code word but refuses the final entry, “PUSH.” Two more Grievers arrive and advance. With options dwindling, Thomas falters as the plan appears to fail.
Chuck spots a small red button beneath the screen labeled “Kill the Maze.” As a Griever grabs Thomas and another targets Chuck, Thomas screams for Teresa to press it. Teresa pushes the button; everything goes silent and a distant door slides open, suggesting the system has been deactivated and an exit revealed.
Who Appears
- ThomasLeads the push in the Griever Hole; kills a Griever; urges Teresa to trigger the fail-safe.
- TeresaEnters the code, discovers the stall on PUSH, then presses the “Kill the Maze” button.
- ChuckKeeps watch and crucially spots the hidden “Kill the Maze” button.
- GrieversAttack in the tunnel; one is slain by Thomas before the system is shut down.