Brussels Security Aftermath

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why did Max and Ahmed change into Scout uniforms?

To feel more comfortable during their train journey.
To gain access to restricted areas within the train station.
To blend in with other travelers heading to a Scout meeting.
To appear less suspicious and avoid being targeted by security forces. (correct)

What concern did Max have regarding the security forces at the train station?

That Fontaine had alerted them to look out for a Syrian boy terrorist and his American accomplice. (correct)
That the security forces were not present at all entrances.
That the security forces were primarily focused on searching luggage.
That the security forces would recognize their Scout uniforms.

How did Ahmed's idea to buy tickets from scalpers potentially help them?

It guaranteed them specific seats away from other passengers.
It allowed them to board the train faster without waiting in line.
It gave them an alibi in case they were questioned by authorities.
It eliminated the need to show identification to purchase tickets. (correct)

What prompted Max to start singing?

To distract the soldier who was scrutinizing them. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the soldier giving them the three-fingered Scout salute?

It was a sign that the soldier recognized them as actual Scouts and posed no threat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Max and Ahmed pretend to read their books once on the train?

To appear inconspicuous and avoid drawing attention to themselves. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What internal conflict did Max experience as the train departed Brussels?

Guilt about not informing his parents of his plans and a sense of affection for the conflicted city he was leaving. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the presence of the police officer on the train affect Max and Ahmed?

It heightened their anxiety and made them fear being caught. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of Brussels as a 'strange, mixed-up city of languages and people' imply about Max's experience there?

He appreciated the city's diversity and had grown fond of it. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Max reach for his phone and then stop?

He remembered he had left it at home and considered contacting his parents. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Max's thought, 'Surely they wouldn't believe Fontaine's crazy claim that Ahmed was a terrorist,' suggest about Max's perception of the situation?

He is confident that Fontaine's accusations are baseless and will be dismissed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Max to avoid contacting Claire?

He wanted her to worry about him and realize his importance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What do the references to Magritte's crazy pictures suggest about the author's writing style?

The author likes using visual imagery. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from Max and Ahmed's detailed planning to avoid detection?

They recognize they are in a risky scenario. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What shared traits do the soldier who checks Max and Ahmed and Max's father have in common?

They are both authority figures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do the setting details of "camouflage trucks" and "soldiers with assault rifles" add to the story's atmosphere?

Suspense (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Ahmed pretending to know the words to the scout song suggest about his character?

Is is able to think quickly in stressful situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Max lock his bike near the metro?

He was hoping to make the police think he was taking the metro and throw them off his trail. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does it convey about the social climate when people were "still too afraid to take public transportation?"

That people were still scared because of a recent attack. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when the author wrote that Max had become the 'family screwup'?

Max often made mistakes or poor choices, leading to disappointment or frustration from his family. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Max locks his bike near the metro in hopes of deterring police attention.
It is after 7:00 a.m., two days after the attacks.
Despite the city returning to work and school, the metro remains partially closed.
Many people are hesitant to use public transportation due to fear.
Max and Ahmed change into Scout uniforms in a Starbucks bathroom.
They walk to Bruxelles-Midi station, altering their route to avoid police and soldiers.
The authorities are patrolling metro entrances, shopping centers, and government buildings.
Army trucks encircle Bruxelles-Midi station under heavy guard

Security Measures and Concerns

A long line of passengers waits at the station's central entrance, watched by soldiers carrying assault rifles.
Train station security checks are causing significant delays.
Max worries they might not be able to leave Brussels with the train station on lockdown.
He fears they won't have time to buy tickets and that IDs will be checked.
Fontaine likely alerted security forces about Ahmed being a Syrian terrorist.
Max hopes the authorities aren't looking for Scouts and that the security forces at the station have not been informed.
The police are known for poor information sharing due to having nineteen different forces, according to Madame Pauline

A Risky Solution

Ahmed points out people selling tickets, suggesting they buy from them to avoid showing IDs.
The ticket sellers are offering tickets for:
A Thalys ticket to Paris
Three tickets to Aachen
Two ICE tickets to Cologne
Max purchases tickets from an old man for himself and Ahmed, pretending to be a father and son "Scoot" pair.
Max and Ahmed shuffle closer to the station entrance, where soldiers are checking tickets and IDs.
Max and Ahmed are pulled aside by a soldier:
They claim they are late for a Scout trip and their group is already inside.
The soldier scrutinizes them, noticing Ahmed's Middle Eastern appearance and Max's American accent.
Max begins singing a Scout song to distract the soldier and convince him they are harmless.

Escape

Ahmed pretends to know the song and mouths along.
The soldier, surprised, joins in, and gives them the Scout salute, instructing them to hurry.
Max and Ahmed rush past, relieved but still tense.
They locate their platform (21) and realize they have ten minutes until the train departs.
They walk past more armed officers and police dogs (Malinois).
Max and Ahmed attempt to appear harmless by talking animatedly and linking arms.
Max's Scout uniform is damp with sweat by the time they reach the gate.

Onboard

The high-speed train is crowded with business travelers headed to Cologne.
People are discussing the recent attacks and security measures in French and German.
Max and Ahmed slump in their seats, attempting to blend in by pretending to read books.
Max reads "Boy Heroes" while Ahmed reads "The Calculus Affair".
As the train departs, Max feels a mix of relief and affection for Brussels.
Max regrets not leaving a note for his parents and worries about how they and Claire will react to his actions.
Ahmed alerts Max to a burly, black-clad police officer with an assault rifle checking documents.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Following attacks, Brussels implements strict security. Max and Ahmed navigate closed metros and heavy patrols to reach Bruxelles-Midi station. Heightened security measures cause delays and raise concerns about leaving the city.