[277] The Maze Runner

The Last City, Eastern Archives — Three days ago. Dust filled the silent archives of Wicked. Gally traced the shelves while Minho snapped from the entrance, “There's nothing here. We're wasting time. There is no card.” “Stop whining,” Newt said calmly. “Gally wouldn't have dragged us here for nothing.” Thomas stood by the window while Teresa worked at an old terminal. “Gally's right,” she said. “Someone requested geodata for the Omega sector the day before the sweep, hidden even from internal services.” “And who?” Minho asked. “I don't know. The signature is erased. If the card was hidden, it wouldn't be electronic.” “Paper,” Newt nodded. Gally soon called “Here.” Behind old folders he found a yellowed hand-drawn map and handed it to Thomas. On it were two cities and a note: “To a Quiet Harbor. The true path is open only to those willing to forgive themselves.” “It’s just a fragment,” Minho said. “The rest we'll find on the way.” “We’re not chasing paradise,” Thomas said quietly. “We’re looking for a place where we can just live.” “Then what are we waiting for?” Minho said.

Present — Outskirts of the Last City. Backpacks packed, weapons checked. “This is the last time I’ll ask,” Thomas said. “Anyone who doubts can stay.” No one moved. Newt smiled. “We’re with you, Tommy. Until the end.” Thomas stepped into the wasteland. The Quiet Harbor was waiting. On the back of the map someone had written: “If you're reading this, you're looking too. There's room for everyone.” And in fresher ink: “We are waiting at the fork at the old gas station in three days. Don’t be late.” Thomas didn't believe that anyone else could be looking for the Quiet Harbor, but he still said that they would head to an abandoned gas station 20 kilometers from the Last City. Soon they reached the gas station.