Amidst Thomas’s confusion and Minho’s annoyance, Jorge tells the groups that he and Brenda will escort the Gladers to the food stash while the other Cranks wait for them at the Tower, where they will convene to carry out Minho’s punishment. One of the Cranks, a large man named Barkley, asks why only Brenda and Jorge will accompany the Gladers. When Jorge reassures Barkley and the others that he and Brenda can take care of the Gladers by themselves, the other Cranks leaves, much to Jorge’s relief. Though Minho is still angry he catches Thomas’s eye and decides to go along with the plan. Brenda asks Thomas if he is the leader, and when he says no, she tells him she would have picked him over Minho. She then kisses Thomas, and tells him that she likes him.

The group then heads out to the food stash, with Brenda leading the way. Thomas notes that Brenda seems ready to attack at a moment’s notice. When they arrive at the food stash, the Gladers wait outside as Brenda brings them food and provisions. She explains to Thomas how they have acquired so much food, despite their conditions.