Page 52 of Dark Princess Emerging

"That's a good one," Parker said. "It can even be a part of the 'find out your intelligence score' schemes. People love those, too."

Brandon sat back, watching them bounce ideas off each other. Their enthusiasm was infectious, reminding him why he'd gotten into entertainment in the first place—the desire to reach people, to make them think while they were being entertained.

"What about rewards?" he asked. "Besides points and badges?"

"Real-world applications," Cheryl said. "Like, if you score enough points, you will be considered for some internships or mentoring programs."

"Or scholarships," Lisa added.

"Now you're thinking like producers," Brandon said approvingly. "Always looking for ways to make the project sustainable."

"Speaking of sustainable," Parker leaned forward, "how are you going to keep people engaged long-term? These kinds of apps usually die out after the novelty wears off."

It was a good question. "That's where the community aspect comes in. Users need to feel like they are making the world a better place instead of just venting their frustrations andcriticizing everyone. I think there is a thirst for positivity that is lacking from current social media."

Cheryl nodded. "I like it."

"You'll need moderators," Lisa pointed out. "Lots of them. And they'll need training."

Brandon made more notes, impressed by his young consultants' enthusiasm and, at the same time, awareness of potential problems. "These are all excellent points. What would make you want to be part of something like this? Not just as users, but as content creators or moderators?"

"Money or recognition," Cheryl said finally. "Or both. Not just within the app but in the real world. Like being able to put it on college applications or resumes."

"Training," Lisa added. "Real skills that we can use later."

"A voice," Parker said quietly. "The chance to actually make a difference. We see what's happening in the world. We see how information gets twisted and how people get manipulated. We want to do something about it and not wait until we finish college to take part in reshaping the world. We are skilled and capable enough as we are."

The others nodded in agreement.

Brandon set down his tablet. "That's exactly why I wanted your input on this. You understand the problem better than most adults because you're living it every day."

"So, make that part of the platform," Cheryl suggested. "Let us help design it, help run it. Make it ours as much as yours."

"Yeah." Lisa brightened. "Like, different user levels could have different responsibilities. The more skills you master, the more input you have in how things run."

"A meritocracy," Parker said. "Without age discrimination."

Lisa lifted her cappuccino. "I'll drink to that. Power to the young!"

31

KIAN

Kian checked his watch as he stood in the parking lot beside the large "Welcome to the Village" banner that Amanda had commissioned a long time ago. It had served multiple arrivals before and would hopefully serve many more in the days and years ahead.

The gods would arrive any minute, and he was grateful he'd managed to make it despite the chaotic day.

The investigation into the pedophile rings had uncovered more disturbing evidence, and he'd spent hours in meetings with Onegus discussing strategy. But this was a celebration, and he refused to let the darkness of his work cast shadows over such a joyous occasion.

Syssi squeezed his hand. "Stop thinking about work," she whispered. "I can feel the tension radiating off you." She tilted her face up to look at him. "Think about Allegra with your mother. Sometimes I wonder who the stronger personality is."

That got a chuckle out of him, and he lifted their conjoined hands to plant a kiss on the back of hers. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."

"What, it wasn't the balloons?" she teased.

Margo, Gabi, and Frankie were juggling an assortment of colorful balloons, which Amanda had also provided from her growing stash of decorations.

They had been visiting the village regularly, but today they were moving in officially and joining the community with their mates.