The First Runner

Why can't people just do what they're told?

"Come on, guys, you don't want to miss out on breakfast," I encouraged, herding them towards the Homestead.

As we made our way back, I noticed Newt and Minho already helping Siggy and Alec with setting up the tables outside. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the Glade.

The boys filed in, grabbing plates and loading them up with the feast that Siggy and Alec had prepared. There was a buzz of conversation and laughter as everyone settled down to eat.

I grabbed a plate of my own and found a spot at one of the tables where Nick and Alby were sitting talking to Newt and Minho.

"Good job waking everyone up," he said, taking a bite of his food. "It's a tough crowd."

I laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, but food always seems to do the trick."

As we ate, Nick and Alby stood up, getting everyone's attention.

"Alright, listen up!" Nick called out. "We've got a lot to do today. We're going to start with assigning jobs and showing the new Greenies the ropes. Make sure to help each other out and ask if you have any questions. Right, Alby is going to read of a list of jobs, if something jumps out to you let us know, if not you'll try out everything and then we'll make a decision,"

Alby stepped forward and started to speak, "We have the builders, trackhoes, we need a medjack, slicers, baggers and...," Albys eyes met mine and I nodded, "Runners,"

"Just note guys, runners don't just run so if you don't have any brains please don't waste your time," Nick said and I laughed.

"If you wanna get a head start, we'll get them to head to the east door," Alby whispered in my ear and I headed out of the dining area and over to the east door. 

I didn't have to wait long until I saw all the boys start heading in various directions and two familiar figures started walking towards me. 

Newt and Minho approached me with determined expressions. They were the only ones serious about becoming Runners, and I was eager to see how they would perform.

"Morning, guys," I greeted them with a smile. "Ready for some training?"

"Absolutely," Newt said, nodding firmly. Minho just grinned, already bouncing on his toes, ready to get started.

"Alright," I said, clapping my hands together, "So we arent going out into the maze today but that's just because you have to be able to convince me you can handle it,"

The two exchanged determined glances and nodded.

"Ok, first off we'll do some memory tests. Out there you have to be able to keep track of every turn, every path and you don't always want to be writing. After that we'll have some fun," I explained.

It was safe to say both Newt and Minho actually had brains and were great at memorising so I wasn't worried in that department, now I just had to make sure they could actually run. 

"Ok shanks, we'll do some endurance stuff, might pick up the pace a bit towards the end though," 

Newt and Minho nodded, and we began running. They both kept pace with me, their breathing steady and their eyes focused. It was clear they were determined to prove themselves.

After several laps, I decided to make things interesting and sped up slightly. Minho and Newt continued to match my pace, so I pulled ahead and set a faster but steady pace. It took a while, but they both caught up, and it was safe to say I was pleased.

"Damn, Jess, you're like a tiger," Minho said, his breathing slightly labored as we came to a stop.

"Yeah, JJ, you left us in the dust," Newt added, also breathing heavily.

I chuckled. "Good job, you two. I think it's safe to say you both passed with flying colors."

We headed to the kitchens where Siggy and Alec were cooking up a storm. The smell of freshly cooked food greeted us, making our stomachs growl in anticipation.

"Afternoon, runners," Alec greeted, a smile on his face. "How was the training?"

Intense," Minho replied, grabbing a glass of water. "But we survived, although Jess almost killed us."

"Good to hear," Siggy said, stirring a pot. "Lunch will be ready in just a moment."

"Aye, Frypan, pass the salt," Alec said, and Siggy handed him the salt.

"Frypan?" Minho questioned.

"Seems fitting," Alec said with a shrug.

"So it does," Newt said, pouring himself a glass of water.

Alby rushed into the kitchen, and his eyes locked with mine. "We have a problem."

I groaned, already knowing what was about to come. "Shoot."

"Three of them, south doors," Alby said, urgency in his voice.

I got up and headed straight for the Homestead to grab my pack. When I got to the doors Alby was there but so were Newt and Minho. I pulled my hair into a ponytail as I approached.

"What are their names Alby?" I asked stretching out my calves.

"Tim, Dave and Frank," Alby replied, his voice stone cold.

"How long ago did they run out?" I asked peering into the maze.

"Twenty minutes maybe,"

"Ok, we might be able to catch them," I looked at Minho and Newt, "Not quite what you wanna see on your first trip into the maze,"

"What do you mean?" Newt asked.

I exchanged a look with Alby. "Just saying, we're probably looking for three dead bodies."

Newt and Minho's expressions hardened, but they didn't back down. Minho tightened his grip on his pack, determination etched on his face. Newt took a deep breath, ready for whatever lay ahead.

I looked at the sun. We had roughly three hours to find them.

"Right, follow me and stay close," I said to Minho and Newt, then took off running, calling out names as we went.

"Tim! Dave! Frank!" I shouted, my voice echoing off the maze walls. Minho and Newt were right behind me, their eyes scanning the paths for any signs of the boys.

We ran through the winding corridors of the maze, our footsteps pounding against the ground. Every turn brought a new wave of tension, but we kept moving, driven by the urgency of the situation.

"Tim! Dave! Frank!" Minho called out, his voice strong and steady.

We pressed on, the maze seeming to stretch endlessly before us. The sun climbed higher in the sky, and the minutes ticked away. We needed to find them soon.

The sun started to dip, casting long shadows through the maze, and soon we were forced to head back empty-handed. Why the hell could people not just do what they're told?

Frustration gnawed at me as we retraced our steps. I knew that in the morning, we'd be going out again to try and locate whatever remained of the three boys who had just signed their death warrants.

We reached the door just as the sky darkened completely. The metal groaned as the massive doors began to close for the night. We slipped through with only moments to spare.

Back in the Glade, the atmosphere was tense. Alby and Nick were waiting, their faces grim.

"Any luck?" Alby asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

I shook my head. "Nothing. We'll try again at first light."

Alby sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Damn fools."

Minho and Newt looked equally frustrated but determined. "We'll find them," Minho said, his voice firm.

"Yeah," Newt added, "we won't give up."

I nodded, appreciating their resolve. "Get some rest. We'll need all the energy we can get."

As we dispersed, the weight of our failed search hung heavy. Tomorrow would be another grueling day in the maze and I had to say I wasn't sure I was ready for it.