Chapter 24

Thomas is brought before the eleven Keepers in the Homestead for a formal Gathering, with Alby’s seat empty due to his recovery. Newt presides and orders Thomas to remain silent while the Keepers present recommendations about his fate for breaking the number-one rule by entering the Maze.

Zart cautiously argues Thomas changed things by proving survival against Grievers, though rule-breaking matters. Frypan praises Thomas for saving Alby and suggests elevating him, even to Council. A freckled Keeper agrees there should be no punishment for saving a life, while Winston insists on order and proposes a week in the Slammer on bread and water.

As views alternate between punishment and praise, Newt withholds his own recommendation, seeking balance. Tension spikes when Gally claims Thomas’s confusion on arrival was an act, alleges he’s a spy for their captors, and demands a month in the Slammer with a later review, citing the girl’s arrival and the dead Griever as suspicious timing.

Newt records Gally’s proposal but pushes the discussion forward. Finally, Minho stands and credits Thomas for courage in the Maze, admitting his own failure. Minho caps the meeting by nominating Thomas to replace him as Keeper of the Runners, turning the debate from punishment to potential leadership.