Blindsided

Simon stared at the screen in disbelief as Cadence made her way through the simulation heedless of every challenge he threw before her. Not one in dozens of candidates he’d pushed from the program had progressed this far. Nearly the end.

Simon glowered at Howard. “How is she doing this?” Snapping, he pointed at the screen speaking each word clipped with anger.

Howard shrugged and turned away as if to distance himself from Simon’s anger. “She didn’t open her eyes.”

“What?” Simon turned toward the screen. She hadn’t opened her eyes? How?

The auditory mixture of screams, wails, and screeching metal alone should have caused her to open her eyes. Once open, he’d ensured this simulation would scare even hearty explorers. And this girl was a slip. Her presence didn’t demand authority.

Still, she didn’t pause when the bear swept a claw toward her face. That illusion died as the claw passed through her. She pushed forward.

Simon had accounted for everything… Except closed eyes.

Cadence crossed the finish line, and he sat back as she finally opened her eyes, a deep amber brown which turned to the camera. She smirked at Simon.

Harrumphing. He folded his arms. “Just because command promised it, doesn’t mean she’s on my team for passing the maze.”

Howard glanced from his station, opening his mouth.

Simon raised a finger and glowered at Howard. “Don’t even start.” Howard snapped his mouth closed and turned back to the screen. Simon would scare her off yet.