The Girl with All the Gifts

Melanie recounts what she witnessed in the theater: junkers—at least 50—engaged in combat training and still on the survivors’ trail. The group decides to stay inside Rosie until Parks can power up the generator and then resume their journey. Parks is concerned about Melanie, who confides that without e-blocker she can easily detect their scent. When the hunger returns, she fears she won’t be able to control herself. Caldwell suggests locking her in a specimen cage, but Justineau refuses, fearing having Melanie in such close proximity to Caldwell. However, Caldwell vows not to touch her until they reach Beacon and the “Survivor’s Council” hears both sides.

In the aft engine room, Parks tells Justineau that he believes Melanie lied—that she saw something, but it wasn’t junkers. He picks apart her story, finding holes throughout, and wonders what she really saw. Justineau believes that if Melanie was lying, the lie was intended specifically for Caldwell. Parks wants Justineau to find out the truth because he thinks only she can: “We [Parks and Melanie] don’t have that kind of relationship” (313). Justineau kisses him lightly in gratitude for his sensitivity to Melanie’s feelings.