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Faron shook his head. “This is a bad idea.”

“Let’s give it a go. It’s a holo game. Nothing dangerous will happen.”

“The safety protocols in the game are removed,” the holo suite computer said.

Faron’s brow wrinkled. “Which means?”

Kendra’s smile faded. “Which means you need to make sure you don’t let me have an accident.”

“I can do that by stopping you from taking part.”

“Let’s give it a go. We can always stop if it’s not fun.”

“Place the blindfold over your eyes,” the holo suite computer instructed. “Faron, remain by the wall and navigate Kendra safely across the ravine.”

Faron watched, his anxiety growing, as a realistic ravine appeared. Far below was the sound of churning water. Large, vicious birds circled overhead, and a strong wind blew.

“I’m ready when you are.” Kendra stood with her back to him, the blindfold over her eyes. Was she insane? This was not fun. Faron had little experience with holo booths but knew they were often too realistic for their own good. People could be injured, especially since the idiot who’d designed this trust exercise had switched off the safety protocols.

“Give it a go,” Kendra said softly. “I trust you not to hurt me.”

“If you’re worried at any point, just say so and this ends,” Faron said.

“I’ll scream if I get scared.”

“The object of this exercise is to move Kendra safely from one side of the ravine to the other,” the holo booth computer said.

Faron sighed. “Fine. Kendra, walk two paces forward and turn forty-five degrees to your right.”

“You’re so exact. Are you sure it isn’t forty-six degrees?”

“I am sure. And I am exact because I do not want you injured. There’s an extremely unsafe looking bridge in front of you,” Faron said. “Reach out and you will feel the rope sides.”

Kendra waved her hands around until she clutched hold of the rope. “It feels rough and worn. Are you sure this bridge is stable?”

“Most likely not. It looks perished in several places. Do you want to finish the game now?”

“No!” She laughed. “Let’s hope you don’t have to rescue me from the waters below when I plunge to my doom.”

Faron shuffled forward and glanced over the edge of the ravine. “Yes, let’s hope not. I’m not much of a swimmer.”

“Now you tell me.” Kendra’s laughter suggested she wasn’t scared as she stepped onto the rope bridge.

“Keep walking. I’ll let you know if you’re heading in the wrong direction.”

“I’ll know that myself because I’ll fall to my death.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” Despite knowing this was a game, Faron felt a flicker of nerves as he watched Kendra inch her way across the bridge under his guidance.

A wind buffeted the bridge, and Kendra shrieked and dropped to her knees.

Faron ran to the edge of the ravine and grabbed the bridge to keep it steady.

“Single player participation only,” the holo booth computer said.

“What are you doing?” Kendra’s laugh sounded shaky as she climbed to her feet. “Are you trying to save a damsel in distress?”

“Did you hurt yourself?”