The Scorch Trials

Rat Man informs the boys that he is a WICKED representative. WICKED is using these mazes and experiments to find a cure for the Flare on behalf of the human race. The human race, inflicted by the Flare, needs to understand certain “killzone patterns” in the brain in order to revive itself. Rat Man says that the Maze was Phase One of the “Trials.” All of the variables thrown at the Gladers were designed to measure brainwave patterns. He says that Phase Two is now beginning, and that it is very difficult. Rat Man tells them about the Flare, which is a disease caused by ravaging sun flares. This disease turns people into the insane Cranks that were trying to hurt the boys earlier. WICKED is an organization working to help cure the Flare. Rat Man says that the boys have all been inflicted with the Flare virus, and to be cured of it, they need to complete the Scorch Trials in two weeks’ time.