Newt read the words aloud for those who couldn't see, but instead of erupting with questions, the Gladers stood there, dumbfounded. He stood, and Clara hoped for an explanation, a voice of reason, a calming presence. But all he did was crumple the piece of paper, and Clara's heart sank.
Alby cupped his hands around his mouth. "Medjacks!"
Clint and Jeff made their way through, pushing a few people on the way.
"So, what do we do with her?" Jeff asked.
"How should I know?" Alby said "You two shanks are the Medjacks- figure it out." Clint was already kneeling beside the girl, checking her wrist for a pulse and leaning over to listen to her heartbeat. By then, the girl was laying there, as if asleep, her chest rising and falling steadily.
"Who said Clint had first shot at her?" someone called out, receiving several barks of laughter. "I'm next!"
How can they joke around? Clara thought. She scowled at the boys in disgust, receiving a defensive "it wasn't me" look from Zart and Minho. Alby's eyes narrowed, his mouth pulled into a tight grin that had nothing to do with humor.
"If anybody touches this girl," Alby said "You're gonna spend the night sleepin' with the Grievers in the Maze. Banished, no questions." He paused, turning in a slow circle so everyone could see how serious he was. "Ain't nobody better touch her! Nobody!"
Clint stood up from his examination "She seems fine. Breathing okay, normal heartbeat. Though it's a bit slow. Your guess is as good as mine, but I'd say she's in a coma. Jeff, let's take her to the Homestead.
Jeff obeyed, and grabbed the girl by the arms while Clint took hold of her feet. On the count of three, the Medjacks lifted her with a quick jerk, her light form almost thrown into the air.
"Guess we'll have to see what she does." Jeff said to no one in particular. "We can feed her soupy stuff if she doesn't wake up soon."
"Just watch her closely," Newt said. "Must be something special about her or they wouldn't have sent her here."
Alby leaned over to look at her one more time. "Put her next to Ben's room, and keep a watch on her day and night. Nothing better happen without me knowing about it. I don't care if she talks in her sleep or takes a klunk- you come tell me.
"Yeah." Jeff muttered. He and Clint shuffled back to the Homestead and everybody began talking and sharing theories. Clara wanted to find Newt, but she was lost in the group of boys. A hand clamped on her shoulder and Clara whipped around to see Minho.
"Cmon," he said, jabbing his thumb towards the Map Room. "We still have a few hours left 'til dinner."
"Why do you think she's here? What are the Creators trying to do?" Clara asked. She and Newt were sitting cross legged on his bed, their hands intertwined.
"Not sure, but I don't think it's anything good. Them sending a girl is crazy enough." Newt replied.
"If she's so 'special' because she's a girl, why... why did they send me?" Newt rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand reassuringly.
"Whatever the reason is, the Creators made a good decision. I don't know what I'd do without you." Clara let out a breathy chuckle, leaning over so her head rested on his shoulder.
"But, do you think I have a role in whatever they're trying to do?" Newt sighed, planting a quick kiss on her head and laying down under the blankets.
"I'm not sure if they even have a plan with all this. But I don't think we need to worry about it right now. You've got a big day tomorrow and you need some rest." Clara nodded and joined him, draping her arm over his waist.
"Goodnight."
