N.B. Spellings (if correct) are in UK English. All the characters in this story are fictitious, any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The author neither condones or endorses any of the activities detailed in this story, which could well be illegal in certain jurisdictions. I'm adding (for legal reasons) that apparently if you're under-age you mustn't read this, so if that's the case go away and grow up.

Forward.

This is one of my 'thought experiment' pieces, a what if scenario. Bare in mind it's totally fictitious, none of these people really exist, and all the normal disclaimers apply.

The medical condition used is make-believe, also I'm playing fast and loose with the legal and political systems, plus international laws in general. The international Age of Consent details were checked at the time I started writing, although some have since changed – upwards! So if you can live with all those caveats, fine, if not there are plenty of far better stories available from the authors represented on this website or elsewhere.

A Visible Thorn. (An opening piece from - 'The Alternate Laws Universe')

To say Marcus Hamilton was known to the authorities was somewhat an understatement, because although they universally detested the man, it had proved difficult pressing any charges that would send the guy to jail. There were Federal and State laws which enabled them on dubious grounds to rescind his passport thus preventing him leaving the country to visit those places where underage sex was more openly available, but solid proof of any illegal activity inside American borders had proved illusive. Indeed they weren't even able to provide any conclusive proof of his dalliances abroad either, which is why he remained a free man, besides if they'd really had anything solid they would've rescinded his licence to practice.

Being a successful criminal defence lawyer in his own right meant he knew just where the line was drawn in regards to what he could write or say publicly. Because of his outspoken views the law enforcement authorities had made several unsuccessful raids upon his home and business properties searching for evidence of wrongdoing. Nothing on his computers or on his bookshelves could be labelled illegal, everything bordering on suspect even those 'art-books' or the naturist paintings of pubescent young girls were covered under existing case law as being sanctioned works of art that didn't breach any current statutes.

Aside from being a lawyer which was a much maligned profession anyway, he was also recognised as being the world's leading authority on National and International legislation regarding the subject of paedophilia. Numerous defendants freely walked the streets from his secondary occupation of providing 'expert testimony' during their trials when he hadn't time-wise been available to conduct the case himself for the entire duration of their case.

Needless to say he was an inordinately wealthy man from having such a burgeoning work practice that was staffed throughout by people believing in a more liberal standpoint.

As if he wasn't loathed enough by those pulling the strings, his latest outrage had gained even wider publicity, with opinion strongly divided. Melissa Blackwell had recently become Mrs Melissa Hamilton, which under normal circumstances would've created somewhat less publicity largely because a man of forty-two marrying a young woman half his age wasn't particularly unusual. However circumstances were far from normal being that Melissa had a rare medical condition which had caused her body to cease development, thus leaving her looking like an eternal ten year old. Normally those having arrested development could be offered drugs plus hormonal interventions that would correct these deficiencies, though alas in Melissa's case her genetic disposition made this impossible, in fact it almost proved fatal, but fortunately the doctors acted quickly to reverse their unwise treatment regime.

Legally speaking Melissa was a 'fully grown' adult together with a birth certificate proving her majority, plus numerous forms of documentation asserting to her strange though not unheard of medical condition. By sheer chance Marcus had come to read an article about the unfortunate medical case whereby Melissa would forever be in limbo, the doctors had explained it wouldn't adversely impact on her life expectancy, although she would forever retain the appearance of at most a fifth grader.

In all other respects Melissa was perfectly healthy for a girl of her apparent age though at four feet three, and weighing no more than seventy-four pounds, people without knowing the much publicised case would imagine she was his slightly small ten year old daughter. Her vocal cords hadn't developed to their adult form either, therefore her voice would always retain it's childlike qualities, although of course her true age meant having the life experiences of someone eleven years her senior. That wasn't strictly true either until her recent marriage to Marcus, because even her closest peers had developed physically thus experiencing the normal joys and pitfalls of adolescence and teenage sexual explorations.

Obviously Melissa had witnessed her friends drawing away in this respect, though hardly wanting to be unkind, they'd always backed-off in providing detailed accounts about their dates, and because none of her male classmates throughout her teenage years wanted to be seen messing with an 'underage' girl, this aspect had passed her by.

Melissa had nevertheless attended all her classes, her medical condition not withstanding as it hadn't meant missing enormous chunks of her education like those youngsters facing some life threatening disease. She proved to be a fairly gifted student, particularly in the realms of science and especially the latest developments in medicine, at one time hoping there might be some available treatment her doctors hadn't heard about.

For her chronological age Melissa could be considered a leading researcher in the field of endocrine medicine, although she'd since realised that as her own causation was genetic there was nothing to be gained from further investigations. While some might consider her size to be a disability as an adult, Melissa had come to the conclusion that career choices needn't be limited by her diminutive stature. On the other hand she'd imagined family life, or even a boyfriend as such were hopeless dreams because of her arrested development. Certainly she would never give birth to children, though meeting Marcus proved a turning point, being as he wasn't dissuaded from viewing her in a romantic or sexual light.

He already suffered the approbation of the mass-media juggernaut, therefore he wouldn't allow their blinkered or stupid viewpoints to curtail their growing friendship and attraction. Perhaps this one singular instance of courtship caused her to ignore entreaties everyone made against seeing this reviled individual. Melissa could access the internet as well as the next person, she also maintained an active social-media presence among selected forums that attracted her interest, therefore knowing exactly what paedophilia was, together with current social attitudes towards that subject, and those thought to be strong supporters of underage relationships when they were touted to be consensual.

This had prompted long discussions with Marcus, which proved they were both reading from the same page. He firmly believed in the term consensual, never having defended anyone in court facing straight rape charges or coercive behaviour. On the other hand any case of 'statutory rape' was simply the method for bringing charges against somebody for sexual relations with another person below the legally mandated age of any given country, State or region. Mostly Marcus was forced to discover legal loopholes, or some failure in due procedure to foil convictions against many of those in the dock that he represented.

Her true friends listened to her arguments regarding their growing closeness, besides who other than a supposed paedophile would ever consider linking with Melissa romantically, so they were ideally matched because although she would become older one day at a time like everybody else, she would always remain a little girl in her appearance. She thought it was fate that brought them together, and together they could be truly happy, because before Marcus had arrived neither believed they would find a suitable lifetime partner.

Beforehand Melissa watched her various childhood girlfriends work through a long series of boyfriends, imagining them becoming married-off, with herself forever the bridesmaid and never the bride, or perhaps as Cinderella never going to the Ball. It was again strange to discover Marcus sympathised, with his own predisposition normally making the prospect of a happy marriage an unlikely undertaking.

Her parents had initially been dismayed and unhappy about this growing relationship, but as their daughter was twenty-one they could hardly ground her, nor devise other sanctions that would curtail them meeting together. Eventually they'd come around to the idea, until finally realising the couple were destined for one another, their daughter's happiness being foremost in their thoughts. Gradually on both sides their friends and acquaintances found the prospect of a marriage wasn't as outlandish as society in general viewed that scenario.

Marcus believed his fiancé deserved the resplendent fairytale white-wedding that countless young girls dreamed about, rather than an impersonal civil ceremony performed by some uncaring State sanctioned official. Without his fascinating range of contacts he couldn't imagine that any 'respectable' church leader would willingly officiate over their wedding, or even associate with somebody of his well known reputation. However the Minister of one particular independent, liberal, and free-thinking church would happily hold the marriage celebration, while his diverse congregation were unlikely to turn a hair.

The Reverend Jonathan Carmichael had previously been a client, finding himself in court facing numerous charges relating to several young teenage girls as members of his Choir. Marcus having confirmed the circumstances agreed to defend the case which was largely being conducted using circumstantial and hearsay evidence, because all of the choristers denied anything of an inappropriate nature had taken place. None of the girls were lying, having been willing and eager participants, though they staunchly refused to testify for the prosecution, they'd instead taken the stand for the defence. With everyone singing from the same hymn-sheet the case quickly collapsed, the good Reverend leaving court without a stain on his character.

Because his church welcomed a diverse flock embracing various alternative lifestyles it was very much a case of live and let live providing nobody shouted foul. The interference of an outsider had caused the unfortunate investigation resulting in a courtroom fiasco, though nothing could be done to gain recompense against the meddlesome individual other than insure they were barred from church premises in future. Jonathan was delighted to hold the wedding, stating his congregation along with his female choristers would doubtless all clamour to attend this celebration to demonstrate their wholehearted support.

The proposed wedding seemed to reach media saturation because everybody and his dog expressed their opinion regarding the morality or legality regarding this unlikely union.

Marcus being the definitive expert concerning all age-related matters identified no legal impediments or obstacles, the single factor remaining were the sensibilities of Joe public. While the 'moral majority' considered him persona-non-grata, liberal or intellectual media channels of radio and television occasionally invited Marcus to provide a foil of descenting viewpoints in their late-night discussion programs aimed towards a more enlightened and thoughtful audience. These same program producers now wanting to increase their ratings by covering something newsworthy, negotiated with him to headline upcoming shows.

Regardless of his individual proclivities towards 'underage girls' Marcus was exceptionally gifted in the courtroom, partly because of intellect and knowledge of the law, though also assisted by his charm and personal charisma. He wasn't daunted at the prospect of public speaking in court nor on television, whereas some of his adversaries suffered nerves from facing an unfamiliar situation. Courtroom battles had also taught him to think on his feet when suddenly confronted by unexpected evidence, therefore he knew preparation for any hostile encounters would reap their rewards. Within his office, staff played devil's advocate putting forward arguments the opposition might present to discredit his position.

The presenter that evening tried to be even handed, 'The Moral Question' was considered by the intelligentsia to be worthwhile viewing, not 'dumbed-down' like the majority of TV shows. Marcus faced three other panellists, a churchman, together with a minor politician were likely to be hostile, whereas the psychologist would doubtless be more sympathetic. Practising beforehand meant he didn't fall into any of their baited traps, sidestepping with consummate ease and laying traps of his own. The usual old arguments came up such as intercourse occurring one minute before midnight could make someone a statutory rapist while the same couple doing the same act a few minutes later were deemed fully legal, but this didn't take into account the mental maturity of those involved.

Marcus argued everybody knew capable and responsible young teenagers who could be trusted to make sensible decisions even in moments of crisis, whereas alternatively they could all probably name adult individuals who couldn't make reasoned judgements about what to wear each morning. The invited studio audience laughed, falling under his spell as he carried them along with his own clearly defined logical statements. Later he mentioned the common nightclub scenario where a man seeing two young ladies makes the wrong assumption, while one appears to be flat chested and of diminutive stature, while her much taller buxom friend looks to be the senior by several years. Everyone could see the direction this was going, the studio audience together with the program viewers knowing people who looked considerably older or younger than their chronological age.

His calm well reasoned delivery suggested allowing some freedoms at various defined ages while hypocritically denying youngsters rights concerning their own bodies and the relationships they were permitted was an affront to natural justice and common sense. While his two main adversaries regurgitated moralistic religious based arguments which were easily overridden by logic and science, the psychologist leaned towards a broader minded approach. He stated both his colleagues and himself were denied the opportunity from doing studies or research into any 'controversial topics' or publishing papers on those theories for fear of suspension or being blackballed.

The psychologist mentioned a majority of scientific funding was controlled by conservative bodies influenced by the fundamentalist right wing religious factions that suppressed any forms of research they found disagreeable. The man was a senior fellow in his profession, nearing retirement and independently wealthy, which therefore explained his disdain for a system that only permitted discussions related to selected 'innocuous' topics.

The minister and politician tried steering the conversation away from areas where they felt uncomfortable, though Marcus again stole their thunder by introducing how attitudes to gay rights had switched a hundred and eighty degrees during the last fifty years, while former generations were now considered backwards because of that former persecution.

By the time the program concluded more people saw Marcus standing on the higher moral ground, thus his marrying somebody in a 'minority' who just happened to look below legal marriageable age was thought commendable. Later reviews of the program caused heated debates across all the media platforms creating demand for Melissa and himself to make appearances on several mainstream shows.

To an extent even Melissa had the wherewithal survive talk-shows through her experience of internet blogging, having many times expressed the frustrations of how she was treated by those refusing to acknowledge her adult status, or see beyond her medical condition.

“While my fiancé appreciates my personality, my intelligence, and my physical appearance, others are too narrow-minded to look beyond the superficial. This bigoted attitude causes me to share a great empathy with both current and former persecuted minority groups.”

That together with other short snappy sound-bites from Melissa caused her comments to be taken seriously.

“I could be green, black, or seven feet tall, and still face discrimination, whereas the media mistakenly suggest I'm a woman trapped in a child's body. They're wrong, I'm content to be as my genetic nature dictates, and I have a great fiancé, loving parents, and supportive friends who understand my desires for a fulfilled future of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as is my right.”

Melissa's erudite statements together with pithy rejoinders seemed a juxtaposition to her youthful appearance, causing people to really assimilate the message. There'd been racial rights, women's rights, disability rights, and gay rights, now many current debates were trending towards individual sexual freedoms independent of legislative boundaries which were considered by growing numbers to be outmoded and irrelevant.

Prior to the wedding their media presence increased to such an extent it was in danger of impinging on Marcus' Court schedule, becoming a headache for his PA Trisha in juggling the varied appointments for both the couple, and for their lone independent interviews. What had begun as a citywide issue, had ballooned into an area of nationwide debate on the sexual rights of the individual, carefully interviewers refrained from ever mentioning the word paedophilia, only discussing age-of-consent in the broadest terms, while their audience was left in little doubt the direction this was heading.

Aside from being constantly in the spotlight like Hollywood celebrities, Marcus and Melissa hadn't consummated their relationship, in fact besides a good deal of kissing together plus some modest make-out sessions their engagement had been almost Victorian in nature. They'd obviously discussed the coming sexual aspects, as the solemnisation of their union would give people one less stick with which to beat them. Melissa proved equally as keen to progress these discoveries, listening intently to her fiancé about previous exploits when abroad, those only suspected by the authorities, she also read online erotica voraciously.

Marcus like any good strategist had read 'Sun Tzu – The Art of War' taking his precepts to heart about having your opponents believing what you wished them to believe, therefore carefully seeded among his work and home libraries were 'well-thumbed' books for novice computer users thus portraying a certain aura technical ineptitude. Never storing anything on his machines that might prove dangerous had become second nature, any controversial websites were visited using special protocols through blind untraceable links via methods that were worthy of a spy-master.

Counter to this were highly visible and frequent visits to discussion forums covering the topic of sexual freedoms, together with the age of consent, as were permitted within the realms of free speech. Again this was very controversial, though perfectly legal, which had rankled with law officials who unsuccessfully tried to persecute him on previous occasions.

Understandably Melissa was nervous leading up to her wedding, having gone through the rituals expected within their society, with a wedding-shower, and numerous shopping trips for a bridal trousseau. To her astonishment it hadn't been difficult locating suitable nuptial garments in her size, despite society's supposed moralistic attitudes, sexually provocative clothing was readily available in her sizes. If expensive commercially produced garments were easily obtainable in what amounted to children's sizes with adult price-tags it proved the hypocrisy rampant throughout their society.

Her online blog plus various publicly available social-media accounts had sky-rocketed in popularity to the extent that Marcus had arranged for Claudia from his office to become her full-time PA to assist with deleting offensive spam or comments. Claudia had special instructions to archive these materials, cognizant to the possibility of prosecuting anybody threatening his bride, or those who might be potential stalkers. Meanwhile Melissa wrote texts, or made pieces to video concerning blatant double standards, saying instead people should display more open honesty about their relationships - like herself and her fiancé.

Without any prompting from Marcus, Melissa had also taken a greater interest in current legal proceedings, making comments upon court rulings in a manner where it would be considered unprofessional for Marcus himself to utter any similar criticisms. Her comments were directed towards those consensual age-related cases with nonsensical rulings that went by the letter of the law, however any sane person could see the rulings deified logic.

Even beyond the middle of the twentieth century homosexuality had been referred to as the 'love that dare not speak it's name', and from the witch-hunts that began escalating towards the end of that century paedophilia had then become the all consuming 'awful sin' of their times. This phenomenon of global paranoia had become so overwhelming that even starting a sensible debate was fraught with difficulties. Marcus had frequently felt like some lone voice, mostly a very tempered voice to avoid stepping over a precipice himself, because nobody seemed to relate to the true original meaning of the word - paedophilia.

In it's truest sense it meant love of the young – as in appreciation of youth, and in terms of sexual attraction. Unfortunately at some point fuelled by the media, true paedophiles who loved and nurtured youngsters were callously and erroneously grouped together with sexually deviant psychopathic criminals who molested, raped, and often killed children.

It was a total anathema that these two diametrically opposing groups should be lumped together under the same label. The irreconcilable damage had been done, currently it seemed impossible to reclaim a word which had once defined entirely different concepts.

Whereas the much reviled lawyer Marcus being both male, and a suspected predator could barely raise his head above the parapet in defence of some misconstrued concept without being attacked, his younger paramour could speak quite openly. Her appearance and her unique situation allowed her the opportunity to repeat heartbreaking stories sent to her from a growing host of youngsters whose lives, and that of their lovers had been wrecked by the legal system meant to protect them. Frequently the story was they'd been in joyful relationships not requiring any 'protection' from those busybody authorities which had torn their families asunder, then separated them from everybody they loved and cared about.

The damage from seeing somebody with whom they'd shared a tender loving relationship thrown into jail and labelled for life as a sexual predator would cause a lifetime of grief for not just the two participants, but ripple throughout those families tragically embroiled in such heart-rending proceedings. The floodgates which had previously been unseen mainly because nobody felt comfortable raising the subject were now thrown wide-open.

Although Melissa was applauded as the leading proponent on this tidal-wave of emotional release concerning sexual rights, youngsters everywhere were shouting loudly for reforms to repressive laws that denied their freedoms. While articles in the mass media cried this would remove the protection currently afforded to the young and innocent, the opposition articles mentioned laws already existed to jail anyone forcing their attentions upon another person of whatever age targeted in a coercive or non-consensual manner.

There weren't riots on the streets, but those politicians or church leaders who decried this growing movement found themselves mobbed like the latest boy-band, though instead of adulation they were loudly heckled, or their engagements otherwise disrupted. After a few of these prominent figures were found to have feet of clay through underage assignations from their own past, several other leading voices became notable through their absence!

Both the local Mayor, and the Chief of Police had received politely worded letters from the office of a certain prominent lawyer whose profile had recently risen. Without being seen as disrespectful it bluntly stated his forthcoming wedding was subject to controversy and he wouldn't want them to be neglectful in their responsibilities towards maintaining good public order. The two officials agreed it was the politest threatening letter either had ever received, the unspoken element was the probable lawsuits they'd collectively face if riots were to ensue that spoiled the day in question.

Melissa sat beside her father in the Rolls-Royce limousine, unable to determine which of them was the more nervous. For her father's part this was a journey he'd never envisaged in his daughter's life once the doctors had agreed her prognosis. Nevertheless his fatherly pride came to the forefront, deriving considerable happiness from her own joyous feelings about the imminent marriage. There had been some hate-mail or abusive messages from ignorant strangers, whereas their true friends and family had closed ranks to demonstrate their wholehearted support.

The media hullabaloo had seemed ceaseless, his daughter becoming a celebrity within her own right, although Marcus generously offered to shoulder a majority of their wedding costs, they'd settled on fifty-fifty. After initial misgivings he now genuinely approved of his soon-to-be son in law. The guy had strong moral beliefs, unfortunately they were different to those espoused in positions of power, though with this ongoing campaign his daughter was running that could yet change. Frank's introspection was disturbed by an unexpected movement outside the car, a flower landing on the hood... followed by another, then yet more as they seemingly passed through a corridor of girls and young women who were cheering them along to their destination.

“Ready?”

“Yes daddy” as she answered squeezing his hand.

As expected their were protesters, but only a handful tightly held behind a police cordon which probably outnumbered the demonstrators three to one; their banners having been removed earlier for reasons of 'public safety', and to avoid annoying the wedding party. Dissenting voices went unheard above an overwhelming crowd of well-wishers, something that media news-vans present couldn't overlook even with biased post-production editing, which might cause them to be issued with legal writs from the bridegroom in question.

The sidewalk and area surrounding the church was awash with flowers causing Melissa to pause, waving and thanking the welcoming crowds before turning to enter the church.

Frank could only gaze in wonder discovering his little girl was so popular, walking into the church the ushers had them pause waiting for the organ music to begin. With the ongoing controversy Frank considered Reverend Carmichael to be a courageous figure in agreeing to host the wedding, furthermore having the adjacent function room made everything so much easier for their guests. Allowing the church's usual congregation members to occupy any unassigned pews seemed a small favour in return, but peeking around the curtain he noticed the entire space was jam-packed, with further people willing to stand around the edges and the galleries above.

The music started, they'd practised this, her father taking small steps, a six year old cousin as flower girl spreading petals along the aisle before them, while four bridesmaids chosen deliberately for their tall stature followed along behind in a parody of normal expectations.

The ceremony held a dreamlike fairytale quality, saying their vows and exchanging rings almost oblivious of her surroundings other than the space immediately around the altar. Nobody stumbled, Reverend Carmichael declared them man and wife, they kissed with passion then the congregation broke into applause. For Mrs Melissa Hamilton nothing else mattered, she could watch the videos later, after they'd returned from their honeymoon resort hotel in Florida. The two leading bridal magazines had engaged in a bidding war for exclusive access to the ceremony, discussing it with Marcus, having unequivocal definitive editorial rights over the wording, pictures, and video clips published in any media format trumped any financial considerations offered by either company.

The niceties were observed with all the correct legal documentation filled-in duly notarized then triple checked to avoid future complications. Mr and Mrs Hamilton then proceeded to pose for countless photographs, both commercial and amongst their guests. The following reception was enjoyed by everyone present, a splendid meal, speeches avoiding risqué remarks, with dancing till late into the evening. For Melissa it was almost a constant blur of activity though not from alcohol, having only sipped the smallest glass of champagne during the various toasts knowing her bodyweight precluded imbibing anything more.

Claudia and Tricia their respective PA's held proxy editorial rights regarding the commercial material officially released by the bridal magazine, as Mr and Mrs Hamilton would be busy elsewhere enjoying their honeymoon. Obviously the magazine people wanted to publish while the story remained hot, therefore this was the ideal solution because both women had para-legal backgrounds, and understood those viewpoints to be expressed or avoided.

The newly-wed couple would be flying out the following afternoon, few select people knew of that night's penthouse bridal suite reservation in the city's finest hotel registered under another name, that of somebody working for Marcus. The hotel had a discreet reputation for security especially on their upper floors, therefore even if they had been observed arriving nobody would be disturbing their nuptials.

Nowadays it was commonplace for couples, committed or otherwise to cohabit, but they'd been constantly under the spotlight therefore Marcus had been insistent about avoiding any situations that would give police officers an excuse for 'probable cause' by pretending ignorance of the fact Melissa was a mature adult despite her diminutive appearance. Marcus was of the firm opinion they'd prefer to shoot first then ask questions afterwards! With the wedding behind them, together with the months of publicity and media coverage nobody could imagine even the dumbest backwater officer causing them trouble.

The abstinence had been difficult, the anticipation growing for both of them, awaiting this momentous occasion when their intimacy could be fully realised. Adolescent girls could hardly be described as unexplored ground for Marcus, although it had been over two years since his awkwardness with the authorities when they'd dubiously rescinded his passport.

He fully intended to now overturn that limitation concerning his rights to travel abroad considering their former precarious charges would receive greater public scrutiny, besides which he might wish to take his wife overseas for future holidays or anniversaries.

Marcus sipped the non-alcoholic sparkling wine eagerly awaiting Melissa's reappearance from the bathroom where she'd gone to freshen-up then change into her sexy lingerie. Quite frankly he'd probably prefer seeing her dressed in pre-teen apparel, PJ's or some cute nightdress adorned with childish cartoons or slogans like 'Daddy's Princess' though on this particular special occasion he could understand Melissa's desire for some appropriate adult garments for her wedding night.

Finally she appeared slightly backlit until the bathroom door closed, the subtle romantic bedroom lighting designed to accentuate the atmosphere. He marvelled at the blonde goddess who'd agreed to become his wife, adorned in a shimmery white translucent gown permitting tantalising views of the simple crop-top slip and brief tie-sided panties beneath. Her rich golden locks remained in the plaited French-braid she'd worn throughout the day, her radiant beauty requiring no artifice of makeup.

He imagined her as the perfect Scandinavian elf or pixie, if they occurred in their folklore, perhaps her hair a richer golden colour, while the sprinkle of freckles on her nose acted as an enhancement to her youthful appearance. Their courtship or engagement by today's standards would be considered remarkably chaste, however they'd learned much about one another, believing their partnership was ideal having discussed their stance across so many important topics. Together they'd be happy; them against a small-minded world!

Marcus wasn't hurrying, kissing, embracing, an extended voyage of discovery as he gently unwrapped his incredible angel, her flawless skin unblemished by the adolescent ravages of acne. The incredible soft pinkness extended everywhere without hint of even the tiny pubic curls occurring during the onset of puberty, perhaps the almost imperceptible rise of flesh below her faintly coloured nipples indicating some feminine growth spurt that halted before it began. Her mount of Venus seemed fulsome, soft and chubby, as if to exhibit her delicately tiny coin-slot pussy which appeared worryingly immature on intimate inspection.

He'd been assured previously by Melissa that her well practiced fingers together with a trusty hairbrush handle ensured their first coupling shouldn't prove too difficult nor painful. Nevertheless Marcus couldn't help but wonder upon the slimness of said hairbrush from the pristine girlish appearance of the tasty little morsel he was investigating with a single finger and his practised tongue.

While ignorant Joe-public castigated so-called paedophiles, they ignored the fact juveniles of either gender were both capable of enjoying sexual and sensual experiences, or maybe their own youth had been devoid of any pleasurable feelings. Uptight religious teachings and outdated moralistic guidance had caused them to live in a peculiar society whereby news programs frequently showed awful pictures of injured or maimed people, yet heaven forbid they show images of a topless ten year old girl-child, for fear of causing offence!

Marcus wasn't currently allowing thoughts to deviate, concentrating on delivering Melissa the greatest pleasures two people could share together, listening and watching for clues about which actions intensified her reactions. Feasting on her little honeypot the feedback was intense and unmistakable, her tiny frame shaken by several strong orgasms prolonged through his deft oral skills. Eventually she cried uncle, wanting to rest then recover in his embrace before attempting to reciprocate. Melissa was apologetic that her own efforts might prove disappointing because she'd never had the opportunities available to friends demonstrating normally expected growth characteristics.

They discussed this while resting, Marcus learning Melissa had several dozen online friends belonging to the support-group sharing her same rare genetic medical condition.

Melissa mentioned her girlfriends actively followed the sexual freedom campaign coverage, keen also to discover Melissa's experiences with a willing sex partner, something they'd all desperately envied when learning about her upcoming marriage. His already rampant cock could hardly get stiffer from learning more girls like Melissa existed out there who would avidly seek the company of someone who was not disturbed by their lack of development. He was equally sure these young women could have their pick of willing partners once the public social stigma of the situation could be overridden through their current campaign.

Marcus was astounded at Melissa's perseverance, suggesting that it wasn't possible for her to manage more of his cock, explaining the upper potions of his shaft being more sensitive there was little point in trying to gain extra inches at her discomfort, because that mostly occurred throughout porn-movies rather than real life. He imagined she'd practised for this moment by using some inanimate object like a banana or her hairbrush, the enthusiasm making-up for her lack of practical experience by a country mile. Her inexpert but willing performance far out weighed his former times with dusky young professionals in distant places that would forever still remain happy memories.

He warned Melissa of his imminent ejaculation, though gamely she kept sucking while caressing his contracting ball-sack, swallowing each rapid spurt of man-juice while looking into his eyes for approval. Marcus was indeed highly delighted considering it was her first ever blowjob, imagining how talented she might become given the opportunity to practice. They relaxed into another extended cuddling session as he again explored her lithe body in preparation for her deflowering, grateful she'd taken measures to make that process as painless as possible.

“Ready?”

“Yes husband,” she answered giggling, explaining her father had inquired of her readiness shortly before the wedding.

Looking at his bride her excitement was clearly visible, her smooth vulva forming a plump rosy cushion, undeveloped inner labia just minor brackets highlighting her clitoral hood.

At the base of her cleft where the cheeks of her bottom pressed together on the mattress her glistening moisture gathered running downwards. Now laying on their sides facing one another he pulled her loosely into his arms rolling onto his back, hands wandering over her splendid bubble butt, savouring the contact, anticipating the closer connection of their consummation. Melissa had another reason to giggle as he retrieved a tube of lubricant from the bedside drawer, saying she'd secreted a similar tube earlier in the other cabinet, but hadn't thought it necessary in her current state.

Marcus applied a generous amount to them both anyway, suggesting it would be foolish to risk spoiling the remainder of their honeymoon through carelessness.

For Melissa until this moment sex; intercourse itself had been theoretical, something that other people enjoyed, people of fully grown stature, or at least regular adolescent teens without her issues. Knowing what it was about, seeing videos hardly substituted for actual experience. It felt like they were aligned, the mechanics of the act were obviously different for herself being physically more akin to a pre-teen girl - regardless of her birth certificate. Slowly she wiggled about squirming to achieve the desired connection, feeling pressure as she moved, although Marcus was being remarkably patient and encouraging. Rotating her hips she felt the bulbous head gain purchase, pushing against her small opening, the hot resilient fleshy shaft totally dissimilar to her knowledge gleaned from a lifeless hairbrush.

She loved Marcus for all the right reasons, countless others believed she only loved this man because of his 'so-called' perversion, without ever considering their own viewpoints might require adjustment. Pressing back against the invading flesh, she slowly absorbed him into her girlish sleeve, feeling stretched like never before, feeling wholly feminine. Former descriptions she'd heard or read failed to convey the togetherness, closeness, the completeness; a feeling which up until now she'd been denied. Laying on his manly chest she felt his heartbeat, feeling the same pulsing echo deep inside her immature vagina that was strained by this unaccustomed fullness.

Marcus decided from the outset giving Melissa control of their first coupling was essential, otherwise he feared he'd be overcome and accidentally through his enthusiasm cause her harm or distress. Pacing herself she'd slowly inched down his member until the head of his cock bumped into her cervix, though without seeing for himself it seemed she'd managed most of his shaft. Experimentation with other positions could wait, weren't honeymoons supposed to be about mutual discovery anyway. Marcus was grateful reciprocal foreplay of oral loving helped tremendously in staving-off a second cuming on his part, while ensuring Melissa was suitably aroused in readiness to loose her virginity.

Melissa herself couldn't believe how amazing it was to be coupled so closely with another person, to share such wonders. The exuberance of the situation had caused her to gather speed, being unaccustomed to the world's oldest dance, sometimes loosing her connection with her lover. He'd been patient, each new entry becoming simpler now she understood how to align herself. Marcus also caressed her body occasionally getting her to slow down, wanting her to reach another orgasm through their coupling before shooting-off himself.

Marcus considered it a close contest straining to withhold himself, fearing it a losing battle until his amazing pixie suddenly achieved nirvana, her vaginal contractions being the final straw testing his willpower, joining her in a stupendous orgasm of his own.

The following morning they slept-in late having no reason to hurry, Melissa taking a long luxurious bath, afterwards applying a little topical ointment meant for relieving intimate soreness. After a leisurely breakfast wearing only hotel robes they eventually dressed for their onward journey via the airport to the Florida resort. They'd only packed overnight bags, the bulk of their holiday luggage already being aboard their chauffeured limousine.

Checking-out in reception the troubled concierge forewarned them the media somehow tracked down their location, and were camped outside. They had a hurried whispered talk, then holding hands stepped outside to a barrage of waiting reporters who weren't half as restrained as those covering the previous day's wedding. These news-hounds hadn't been expecting the diminutive Melissa to call for silence, nor to make a brief statement before disappearing into their waiting car.

“Thank-you for showing such interest. My husband and I are about to depart for our honeymoon so we can't answer questions right now. I'm incredibly happy being married to Marcus, and now being Mrs Hamilton, I feel fulfilled as a woman looking forward to our lives together while aspiring to achieve new goals.”

Having Melissa as the spokesperson was a subtle form of propaganda, perhaps even the dumbest individuals might perceive it was an equalitarian relationship, displaying Marcus wasn't the evil Svengali figure dominating some helpless ill-informed subordinate female who might appear vulnerable. She said little else, though anybody seeing the unscheduled and rather brief interview would recognise an articulate smiling happy newly-wed keen to continue her honeymoon rather than become bogged down answering inane questions.

Melissa's passport was obviously still in her maiden name, and for internal flights Marcus had sufficient photo I.D. Documents, but they'd each carried additional certified copies of their marriage licence which either could produce if any administration officials proved to be troublesome. Marcus being licensed to practice across several States belonged to the frequent flyer schemes of the major airlines, giving him access to private lounges, the best seating, and premium service. Regardless of personal feelings, the airline stewardesses or stewards were always courteous, perhaps more-so towards Melissa, almost dwarfed in the executive class window seat to view the passing landscape beneath.

Marcus had become used to castigation and rebuke from those closed-minded members of the christian right wing or other intolerant individuals, but hadn't expected a confrontation at thirty-five thousand feet. Suddenly a man in the aisle hurled a stream of invective and abuse regarding paedophiles running loose in the community. Marcus tried to remain calm, asking the guy to desist because he was upsetting his bride and spoiling their honeymoon. The noisy aggressive barrage caused a hurrying steward to intervene, only exacerbating the situation, being accused of harbouring deviants on their airline.

Such was the commotion a second steward arrived closely followed by an air-Marshall, by which time Marcus had been spat at by his belligerent assailant who was promising the wrath of god for his heathen immoral preachings. Marcus didn't think himself a preacher, instead he was merely suggesting outdated moralistic dogmas needed thoughtful revision after careful consideration of factual arguments. This outburst wasn't unprecedented as he'd been attacked previously for his opinions, nowadays taking the precaution of always carrying a recording device of some description to provide evidence of these encounters.

Since becoming engaged to Marcus, Melissa also became more security conscious, having discreetly recorded the incident moments after she realised the hostility the man showed towards her husband, thus ignoring what she was doing. The apoplectic individual was so intent on his abusive tirade that he was wrestled to the floor in handcuffs before he began to realise everybody else aboard considered him a danger to flight safety.

With easing cellphone regulations, both Marcus and Melissa posted their video captures to their office server for evidential safety before also offering data copies of the disturbance to the air-Marshall, several other passengers had also recorded this one sided conflict. Aircrew wishing to sweep aside the unpleasantness quickly broke-out the best champagne to the nearby executive passengers who ended up toasting the newly-weds although as normal Melissa requested some non-alcoholic fizzy drink because of her diminutive size. Meanwhile in coach-class to the rear of the aircraft the subdued fanatic wearing handcuffs was missing the party, but the forced intervention by an air-Marshall meant some serious charges would result from his ill-considered attack which constituted a personal assault without also taking into account the location of his offence.

Back in their home city Claudia and Tricia barely finished signing proofs on magazine copy of pictures, text, and movie clips when they received instructions from Marcus regarding a civil suit for assault and harassment. A junior partner verified the details, quickly promising the complaint would be filed with the necessary authorities before the aircraft touched the ground. For their overall sexual liberalisation campaign to be successful, they needed to be perceived as holding the higher moral ground through composed non-aggressive attitudes basing any statements exclusively on truthfully reasoned evidence. Anything showing their detractors to be violent, unreasoning, or otherwise standing on precarious ground helped toward their cause.

Quite unexpectedly the unusual newly-weds gained a number of supportive new friends as their fellow passengers shared their disgust regarding the earlier incident. Contact details were exchanged along with captured video files, Marcus stating he'd reimburse expenses for anyone needing to attend the trial, as he fully intended to sue his misguided assailant. Marcus talking with Melissa agreed to milk the publicity to favour their campaign, with her playing to the cameras or reporters about how the 'unpleasant radical' had sullied a part of her special romantic getaway which she found unforgivable.

Upon landing the couple had each already prepared written statements on Melissa's tablet during the remainder of the flight, both of which were rapidly printed-off and signed. Other passengers were also delayed to process the incident though onward passage for the assailant himself would be inside an airport holding-cell until his own interview and statement could be assessed, together with an arraignment arranged for setting his bail conditions. This being entirely due to an 'air incident' of violent disturbance on an aircraft which was separate and additional to the pending civil action for damages.

With Marcus and his new bride becoming more prominent across the media, and because of the much publicized attack – plus the speedy civil charges delivered as a writ while the assailant was still in police custody, people rightly believed Marcus could be litigious about defending himself. Consequently the Florida resort complex ensured the famous couple were aware of additional security laid-on for their benefit. Somewhat hastily arranged it was considerably cheaper than being sued for either cancelling the booking, or for some form of negligence should something disastrous happen during their holiday!

They didn't remain ensconced in their suite continuously making love, everyone discovered certain physical limits to their endurance. They actually socialised with other guest couples while enjoying nearby theme-parks, visitor attractions, and taking boat trips that included game fishing. Marcus assiduously paid twin adult tariffs at every venue, the ticket office staff often surprised until they recognised the 'infamous celebrity couple' waiting in line. While previously they might've been offered single parent and child tickets, Marcus wanted no misunderstanding regarding Melissa's adult status, giving nobody cause to shout foul.

Unlike a dwarf or midget, or whatever the 'politically correct' term of the moment Melissa's sylphlike body was not disproportionate, she could easily be mistaken for a fourth or fifth grader, unless you really studied her face which showed a little more maturity. While both he and Melissa were scrupulous about showing their own 'moral actions' in everything they had countless opportunities to demonstrate numerous so-called self-appointed social moral guardians were for the most part nothing but hypercritical charlatans.

The closest thing to 'cheating' was the undeniable fact Melissa's clothing could mostly be purchased within the 'junior Miss' section of any store, perhaps the only downside being these items weren't always so well-made, the manufacturers believing their young owners would outgrow the garments. In Melissa's case that wouldn't happen, rightly pointing-out many parents constrained by a limited budget would prefer to pass clothing down to any younger siblings. Obviously they could afford to buy garments in the finest establishments so this wasn't actually a consideration concerning their own wardrobes, they just wanted to score brownie-points across a wider audience.

Marcus was saddened to learn of Melissa's former reticence about shopping, encouraging her to indulge her fantasies - and his own. This occasion limited her acquisitions to girlish souvenir T-shirts or tops, while she promised to be more covert in purchasing any childish underwear. Stylish designer outfits were another matter entirely, considering that everyone wanted to book them onto TV shows after their return. Marcus imagined they'd also need additional luggage for the homeward flight to accommodate her new wardrobe. He wasn't much use in helping her choose an LBD – Little Black Dress, the essential evening-wear for parties or dancing, therefore she bought several!

During the evening diversions at the resort on-site ballroom, dinning-club / entertainment complex they took the opportunity to join the dancing. From the initial whispering Melissa and Marcus gathered they were an ongoing topic of conversation. When up dancing they looked more akin to those father, daughter couples frequenting the ballroom, though they were both surprised at the odd excuse-me when these other couples exchanged partners quite willingly. Marcus was of course wary, maintaining a strict distance between himself and these young teenagers, although eventually it was Melissa who twigged these people were actually their supporters, and most likely sexually active father-daughter pairings.

While the couple themselves were maintaining a lower profile throughout their honeymoon period, the debate they'd initiated raged on unabated. A 'cuttings agency' was engaged in delivering to his office any press-cuttings or copies of media-clips gathered from a national trawl of newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and popular internet bloggers whenever his or Melissa's names were mentioned.

Although informed of the growing storm, they were too preoccupied themselves in making personal discoveries. Melissa learnt that after her initial 'deflowering' sex thereafter was nothing other than amazing. Her doctors certified her bodily development, especially that of her vagina was completely comparable with pre-teens being around nine or ten years old, confirming the conjecture consenting willing youngsters of that age-group could fully enjoy a sexual relationship if it were ever legalised. While not herself having the added capacity of a post-adolescent, Melissa tried sex in every conceivable position both from academic and personal curiosity.

While her condition precluded her ever conceiving, neither did she have periods, learning from friends that menstruation was at minimum an inconvenience, but sometimes caused a great deal of pain and discomfort. Being locked in childhood without Marcus being brave enough to rescue her, Melissa imagined a somewhat lonely existence, while he explained many true paedophiles experienced a similar lonely adulthood through fear that engaging with any youngsters socially would lead to them 'misbehaving' in the eyes of society. Because of their ingrained love, desire, and appreciation of 'underage' girls they practically became hermits to avoid any temptation, as coercion was an anathema to their beliefs.

Marcus for his part indulged Melissa's curiosity, while generally face to face positions might be considered more romantic or intimate, one of their favourite positions entailed them being spooned together. Rear entry lying on their sides allowed his hands to roam around her erogenous zones while providing the added perception of vaginal depth through the 'leftover' portion of his cock being ensconced between tightly closed thighs. Quite frankly they both thoroughly enjoyed all their intimate moments, even laughing at themselves as they discovered how impractical it was to imitate a pretzel in some outlandish postures.

Eventually real-life had to intrude, Marcus to his practice, and Melissa returning to her blog audience making no apologies for her absence, conversely she revelled in the ultimate joys of marriage without actually stating aloud they'd fucked ceaselessly throughout the break. Meanwhile the public prosecutors office were arguing about which court case should take precedence as the personal assault claim was filed prior to the airborne incident charges, though any public charges regarding aircraft safety were linked to National Security issues.

The expanding network of people concerned with sexual freedoms were speaking-up louder than ever before, as they joined the campaign, through their common beliefs they were encouraged to build on many individually selected topics. Furthermore their postings were pre-emptively fact-checked and edited providing a united stance against those bullies oppressing sexual freedoms. Firstly wanting to redefine the misquoted term paedophilia and paedophile to separate the original meaning from that which now lumped together psychopaths and lovers of those currently defined as underage according to outmoded local statutes.

Another group compared their cause to that of former parties who'd sought acceptance like gay, women's, or disabled rights campaigns. Aligning themselves to movements that had now successfully entrenched in law obligatory legal sanctions and considerations that recognised their requirements to be treated with equal respect. Others looked at existing case law, together with the harms perpetrated when the authorities had blindly followed the current legal wording without regard to personal circumstances, or the fact no benefits would accrue from many such prosecutions, with nobody involved considering themselves 'saved' from sexual exploitation. Marcus naturally avoided commenting himself on these former cases although he provided background information to those groups highlighting these miscarriages of natural justice.

In countless legal proceedings the case files had been 'officially sealed' supposedly for the protection of the innocent minors involved. With this growing campaign those youngsters who'd formerly been portrayed as victims in court loudly began speaking-out themselves, stating these case notes were sealed, not so much to protect the innocent, but to prevent disclosing the truth. Everything that made their lives pleasurable instantly ruined through a court judgement which refused to consider the consensual nature of their relationships, as these had been torn apart and destroyed by the existing flawed legal system.

While Marcus and Melissa provided the oddball though perfectly legal married couple who were willing to front an enormously controversial campaign, they weren't breaking laws, merely challenging accepted stereotypes. Because nobody had previously championed this contentious area of sexuality, the vast legions of footsoldiers now creating a noisy clamour kept the public focused on the various arguments in favour of change. With the campaign becoming a self-sustaining entity, Marcus endowed a foundation for promoting legislative reform across the field of sexual freedoms.

He himself, members of his office staff, Melissa, and several dozen people provided their time pro-bono to facilitate running the crusade. Having secured a lengthy watertight lease over one floor of a prestigious office building in the central business district, the owners found themselves hosting an unwelcome tenant whom they couldn't evict without causing financial suicide. Doubtless several blue-chip tenants sharing the premises felt aggrieved about the situation, and considered the expenses involved in relocating their businesses.

Public opinion still remained sharply divided, though the argument wouldn't go away from the constant barrage of stories created and promoted through social-media and blogging platforms similar to that run by Melissa. The country's hottest controversial couple could have appeared on television every night of the week, instead they limited their exposure to those programs that would enable sensible level-headed discussions. When Melissa was asked about their absence from a few particularly popular shows they'd rejected, her reply made their stance plainly understandable.

“The shows you've just mentioned focus on sensationalism, catering to the LCD - Lowest Common Denominator, whereas we're raising an important life enhancing topic that hasn't received the airing it deserves. Not since Kinsey during the late forties, nor the work that followed by Masters and Johnson in the late fifties have scientists or sociologists focused seriously on human sexuality. Sixty years later times have changed, although nowadays academics are too frightened of upsetting the status-quo despite the fact we live in an information rich environment which promotes questions. Unfortunately ignorance, denial, and abstinence seem to be the the outdated watchwords of those in positions of power.”

Somebody with the superficial outward appearance of a fifth grader, but having the verbal dexterity of a collage professor disarmed the unwary media presenter, causing stations to send their more serious news-hounds when granted an interview. Ambush reporters who tried getting off the cuff replies often received short shrift, accused of outright rudeness when asking her personal opinions about marital relations, stating they wouldn't presume to ask anybody else similar questions concerning their private lives.

The more erudite programs where they appeared opened some serious debates regarding inconsistencies between natural laws and man-made legislation, covering how both mental and physical maturity often bore little relation to chronological definitions. The argument about one side of midnight being illegal, and a short time later being within the law, could equally be stretched in either direction with the application of a few logical questions on the true maturity of the persons involved. Lowering these barriers while still maintaining safeguards to protect the vulnerable covered the direction of their campaign.

Quite rightly Melissa wouldn't be bullied by aggressive reporters, but discussing her sexual development under her own discretion was another matter entirely.

“I'm an unusual case genetically though not unique. The physical development of my body ceased at the age of ten, conversely my chronological age advanced like anyone else, but I missed many of the life experiences enjoyed by my peers due to my apparent age-group. Fortunately with a supportive understanding husband I'm now enjoying particular aspects of life that were formerly missing. The interesting dichotomy revolves around a woman of twenty-one catching-up with her peer-group in physical relations, while also relating to the fact that a ten-year-old-girl”, she said making air quotes, “could easily and enjoyably have a physical relationship without any difficulties from a theoretical standpoint.”

“Before I'm misquoted, I'll state for the record I'm not condoning or encouraging anyone currently 'underage' to embark on ill-advised sexual relationships. I've known enough girls within the legally permissible age-group make unwise choices driven by a combination of hormones, alcohol, or immature decision making. Current circumstances have encouraged a growing number of people to debate topics regarding sexual freedoms which previously those in power sought to suppress. I think the volume of people wishing to support reform has caused discomfort and surprise within particular circles, realising they can no longer prevent these subjects becoming the realm for serious intellectual discussions.”

The interviewer then asked Marcus if he'd anything to add to Melissa's comments.

“I've long been considered a pariah through defending those whose lifestyles conflict with outmoded legislation, just like other groups who fought long and hard for both pragmatic and practical changes to statutes which failed to recognise their inborn natural proclivities. The new 'Foundation for Coherent Interpersonal Freedoms' - the FCIF, was formed from a broad coalition of concerned citizens wishing to initiate intelligent debate across sensitive topics of human sexuality. Before this sudden groundswell of public concern we wouldn't have been invited onto your program to discuss anything deemed taboo or controversial.”

“Previously editorial guidelines might've prevented some discussion about disabled people having sexual relationships, or the problems faced by the very tall or short. While that isn't something many people other than those affected give consideration, the moment the age of participants is mentioned - rationality leaves the room. The FCIF merely proposes these topics require thorough intelligent debate. We shouldn't become irrational or bring religion into this realm, we should regard the known facts, scientific evidence, and the devastating emotional damage caused through wrecking relationships that aren't currently recognised as legally acceptable.”

“While certain people might be covering their ears, or otherwise burying their heads in the sand wishing for this to blow-away, others are grateful that growing numbers are willing to shed light on formerly forbidden topics. We're not talking about about a singular minority group, we're opening the debate for a considerable number of surprisingly large sectors of the population who've been too afraid to announce their presence in society.”

“Realising they're not lone voices, but actually a formerly silent and significant proportion of society at large will cause shock-waves once these people are willing to stand proudly to be counted. I personally can't imagine the numbers of people wishing to see sensible new laws enacted. Obviously no rational person would endorse sweeping-away those existing protections safeguarding the vulnerable members of our society. Ideally this is more about repositioning those limits according to pragmatic guidelines which take into account that few youngsters today take seriously the current age of consent.”

The interview like numerous others went fairly well, more raucous debates occurred when some member of the clergy or self-appointed religious spokesperson started quoting bible texts to denounce Marcus and his ilk as evil. Marcus, and others speaking for the FCIF had a longer list of bible quotes which bolstered their viewpoint, regardless of their own views toward religion in general. Remaining calm in the face of provocation continued to provide their overall appearance of moderate reasonableness despite the outright hostility shown by establishment figures. Rather than be contentious, their slogan was reason itself...

Let's start a debate.

It was also reasonable to expect the FCIF office premises to receive a visit from men in suits, though in truth nothing illegal was happening, nor was anyone being encouraged to break any laws, merely exercising their constitutional rights to free-speech. Anybody was allowed to discuss the law, or to lobby their representatives to amend current laws which were considered outdated or inappropriate to the current Zeitgeist. These agents realising they were surrounded by countless people aware of their rights, and seeing the numerous live-stream video cameras fixed around the open-plan office building felt constrained to follow the letter of the law, making no illegal searches or seizures.

Knowing the law, and having friendly inside voices informing them of the impotent forces mustered against them, the FCIF had distributed their own legions throughout the country and increasingly around the world as support grew for their cause. Endeavouring to show their openness, their website published their ongoing expenses and donations with names and identifying details of individuals redacted to protect their privacy. The growing number of computer literate nerds contributing their services, distributed this online resource over countless synchronised servers to prevent their site from suffering DDoS attacks or being bought offline through some spurious court injunction.

Letters from benefactors indicated an enormously wide variety of supporters, from young adolescents who were donating that week's or month's allowance, right through to elderly grandmothers stating they'd had so-called illegal relationships when they were young girls without it causing them any harm. Conversely there were the thousands of heart-rending tales from those whose lives had been destroyed when their own relationships had been uncovered, then their lovers were denounced and imprisoned.

People were beginning to debate, and debate frequently and loudly on countless forums available in a world driven by mass-media and social-media platforms. Quite surprisingly a number of high-profile individuals who might've been expected to denounce the FCIF had remained silent lest their own proclivities from past encounters became public knowledge.

An anonymous note or phone-call suggesting past indiscretions were known about were useful in pre-emptively ensuring their silence, although in many cases these were merely hoax calls relying on the probability there were skeletons rattling about in the closet.

However when clandestine evidence existed about high-profile figureheads, the FCIF had pop-up freelance 'reporters' ask questions at some public gathering where the person in question would need to make some statement in reply. Fearing former issues might come to light, they inevitably waffled, perhaps admitting they believed discussion was overdue with regard to some aspects of current legislation. Whereas people expected a statement of outright condemnation, they received instead a half-hearted recognition that the system in place might be flawed. Many of these clandestine tip-offs came from men or women who'd become involved during their youth with somebody who'd later gained prominence in business, politics, or the entertainment world.

Blackmail was an ugly term, instead helpers of the cause considered it reducing hypocrisy through having these famous individuals re-evaluating their stance towards current topics.

The FCIF didn't always need their own rogue reporters, as frequently regular interviewers would ask celebrities their opinion regarding the hottest current news topic. Some famous people even had their agents include clauses that any contentious questions regarding the FCIF were not to be raised during agreed interviews. The shock value through it's constant airing had perhaps reduced the contentiousness of underage relationships, and even that of incest providing it was consensual. Having removed the lid of Pandora's Box the former tightly laced society were coming to grips with previously forbidden issues about sexuality.

Events snowballed, something started by Marcus and Melissa to partially alleviate some of their own negative press while highlighting a topic close-to-home had grown exponentially during a remarkably swift period eclipsing their own expectations. Lapel badges were now showing-up unexpectedly on the most unlikely ordinary citizens to swell FCIF coffers, but inevitably streetwise or online scam sellers were cashing-in on the latest trend to line their own pockets. Regardless of whether the FCIF gained extra funds, it demonstrated support visibly noticeable except in the most conservative districts.

The majority of politicians loathed making definitive statements for or against issues which hadn't been fully researched by their back-office team unless they were sure of their local electorate. Fortunately any decision to 'allow debate' didn't throw them into either camp, conversely it provided proof they were being open minded until all the evidence had been gathered-in, thus they couldn't be held personally responsible for the results – win, win. Whenever the fiercest conservative christian right-wingers condemned this liberal attitude on permitting any debate, in private they could reply it was an exercise that would permit them to later round-up those filthy heathen deviants after their moral victory was secured!

With the temperature increasing, everybody could see this debate was unlikely to fade away by itself. Talk began circulating whether some Congressional or Senate hearing might take place to quell current public concerns about amendment issues being raised on legal statutes. Should revisions occur would this be on a State by State basis, or could these possible changes be applied to Federal Law. When such momentous questions were being considered in editorials of respected journals, nobody could ignore the growing storm.

One predominant revelation arising from discussions held across wide ranging forums was that the word paedophile, or pedo as a commonly used media term was utterly beyond redemption, because Joe Public would forever lump together both psychopathic murderers who raped and abused children with their diametric opposites – those true paedophiles holding the original meaning about a nurturing loving attitude towards younger partners. Linguistic difficulties were further compounded when realising these words derived from ancient Greek roots defining 'love' as physical or romantic, among several other categories which may or may not depend upon familial relationships, or the stage of ones life.

Campaign supporters were in favour of promoting an alternative term, one which probably encapsulated a more accurate snapshot of their core membership – Hebephiles.

The term Hebephilia referring to the sexual preference for individuals from the early years

of puberty - generally ages 11–14, although the onset of puberty could vary quite widely. Girls typically begin the process of puberty at age 10 or 11; while for boys aged 12 or 13. Hebephilia differs from Ephebophilia, which refers to the sexual preference for individuals in later adolescence, or from Paedophilia, which some authorities claim refers only to the sexual preference for prepubescent children, unlike it's current high-jacked meaning.

While liberals, Hebephiles, and Ephebophiles might rank among their membership, another significant portion of the growing supporter group were those campaign antagonists might have labelled 'victims'. Fifth Graders upwards nationwide except in the most repressive of States were seen wearing 'Let's start a debate' button badges. Younger pupils, or those living in Creationist strongholds wore these symbols pinned inside their clothing as a sign of defiance against their repressively unyielding elders. As counterpoint to their religious brethren elsewhere some traditionalist Mormons saw relationship law reforms as a means of reinstituting polygamy as an acceptable practice. Doubtless some Muslims also thought this a wonderful opportunity, but throughout America they generally kept a lower profile.

Adolescents were unrestrained hormone factories, therefore sex, especially because it was so repressed within their society doubled their curiosity, furthermore discovering legislative changes could make both their peers and adults available for experiment only increased their interest. It naturally followed those approaching, or on the cusp of puberty wanted to emulate slightly older friends or siblings, for once paying attention to news media stories that discussed youngsters like themselves.

While traditional debates would have 'proposers of the motion' with another group giving an opposing viewpoint, this general topic had numerous branches and countless shades of opinion about who should or shouldn't do what and with which and to whom, sounding like some bawdy limerick. Just defining who would enter this debate, and the limits of it's remit were difficult enough. This was further compounded because any academic studies regarding psychological or physiological aspects of 'underage' or intergenerational sexual activity had been virtually stifled and suppressed for several decades.

The FCIF coffers amounted to a substantial fighting-fund, therefore enticing Scandinavian professors of sexual psychology, or diverse world renowned independent experts proved relatively simple, especially as these esoteric experts would for once have a global stage to expound upon their favoured field of research. An international symposium on the entire hitherto unpublicized and suppressed subject was announced, fully sponsored under the FCIF campaign. Expecting trouble FCIF lawyers waited to greet eminent speakers from across the globe to avoid the authorities spuriously denying entry for these academics.

Already having the inside track about which power-brokers were susceptible to pressure it became a matter of when rather than if Washington would actually announce dates for the much awaited debate. 'The possibilities of Legislative reforms on interpersonal relations'.

Only by carefully avoiding the word sex, had the debate schedule ever been tabled, as the so-called puritan lobby wished to pretend sex didn't exist although the whole discussion revolved around deciding whether laws needed revision to closer align with current sexual practices, and whether or not the general public was prepared to concede 'unmentionable' activities occurred more commonly than they'd previously imagined.

Knowing who the likely heavy-hitters standing against reforms were going to be, dossiers were prepared showing even the purest amongst them wasn't devoid of at least some youthful indiscretions. Knowledge about these various peccadilloes would be saved for when they'd have the greatest impact, whereas their own team consisted of less publicly known figures aside from Marcus and Melissa who'd wholeheartedly devoted themselves to the revision of outdated legislation. The prior internationally attended symposium of the academics providing testimony on behalf of FCIF had divided the load amongst themselves each according to their individual speciality, although a good deal of overlap meant they could bolster one another's opinions.

The FCIF being the proposers gave their opening address stating that current antiquated and outdated legislation made the majority of population criminals at some point during their adolescence, and sometimes later through poorly thought-out laws which prohibited relationships that caused no harm to those involved. After extrapolating these themes they presented a bullet point list of the topics which they wanted to see revised.

Firstly to lower the age of consent whilst adding caveats to protect vulnerable individuals.

To make sensible, factual sex education compulsory nationwide without any religious bias, stipulating those values could be taught in the home environment rather than schools.

Lessons regarding sexual relations and health needed to begin well in advance of puberty to prevent ignorance or superstition filling an information void, and for the protection of all young people.

Introduce compulsory HPV vaccination for 5th Grade male and female students to prevent the current epidemic spread of the Papilloma Virus which acted as the precursor to other future sexual health problems.

To provide advice together with on-demand short or longer term contraceptive measures for any students requesting help at a school or locally approved sexual health clinic.

Permit those youngsters within any revised 'age of consent' laws the discretion to choose who they wanted as sexual partners.

There were another twenty-odd proposals, each carefully worded to enhance the overall theme of protections and health benefits like the reduction of unwanted teen pregnancies, the spread of STD's, or allowing adults to unduly influence susceptible youngsters into any kind of coercive sexual relationship. Instead of appearing radical sexual deviants their list of proposals concentrated upon improvements in education, and the responsibilities that were inherent in gaining additional personal freedoms. This was designed to remove the wind from the sails of their enemies, as another theme pointed towards the constitutional right to freely follow ANY religion, therefore attaching Judeo-Christian values to legislation covering human sexuality was by definition unconstitutional.

The FCIF having fired the first shots set an agenda seemingly less controversial than most people might've imagined. While never promoting toddlers attend Bacchanalian orgies, it did allow for revision across several important areas which interested the broad coalition forming their membership. Lowering the age of consent without yet including numbers, and permitting greater asymmetric age relationships. Some points covered how incestuous relationships were no longer defined by the possibility of producing offspring with harmful genetic traits since the introduction of numerous reliable methods of contraception. Plural marriages concerning those wanting multiple spouse relationships had been included, but no direct mention was made of animals, although it might be covered by simply removing some existing laws rather than creating statutes declaring anything was legally acceptable!

While their stalwart opposition was deflated at the reasonableness of this lengthy agenda, these were neither reasonable nor rational individuals, representing entrenched authorities and organisations that detested anything tainted as liberal, and certainly nothing modern. Releasing tight controls on personal freedoms was an anathema to their thinking, in fact actually thinking, especially about changes to the status-quo gave them palpitations. These proponents of society set-in-aspic buried themselves in circular arguments rather than consider the scientific evidence placed before them.

“It is because it is, and has always been,” was their own peculiar mantra. Listening when somebody held a theory backed-up by researched repeatable evidence wouldn't sway the opposition bench. Fortunately the FCIF contingent didn't have to convince their opponents about the reasons to revise current legislation, only the Judicial Panel overseeing these long drawn-out proceedings.

The FCIF presented scientists, researchers, social-workers, and witnesses throwing aside their anonymity in order to plead their case, whereas those resisting change bought little of interest to the table other than arguments of dubious substance. They compared the FCIF to burglars wishing for the larceny laws to be repealed because nowadays thievery was so commonplace. It was possibly a shot in the foot kind of contention by comparing a common crime with perhaps current sexual practices also being common while also being deemed illegal. The FCIF replied that while thieves caused damage and hardship to both society and their victims, this wasn't the case in any consensual sexual relationships.

When youngsters volunteered to give their own expert witness testimony the opposition objected stating these former 'victims of sexual abuse' were too young and confused to provide reliable statements. The Judicial Panel ruled otherwise stating these were exactly the people who most deserved to have their voices heard. Precisely because so many youngsters had offered to provide statements, only half a dozen appeared to personally give their statements and answer questions, the remainder providing written accounts. Again the opposition disapproved, stating these submissions should be heard in closed session, whereas those willing to bare their souls publicly wanted everybody to learn about their suffering.

Their torments hadn't been caused through their 'so-called' abusers, but by the harrowing experience of being 'saved' from their situation. Families torn apart, beloved 'abusers' now consigned to lengthy prison sentences. Each 'victim' pleaded for changes to the legislation be made retrospective thus ensuring they were reunited once their lovers were released. Heart-rending stories guaranteed few people present remained unaffected, while even the opposition couldn't be unmoved by the evident grief caused by criminal convictions where nobody personally involved felt anything other than remorse concerning the unwarranted interference instigated by the authorities.

When the alliance of organizations opposing legislative changes discovered they couldn't prevent this line-up of youngsters from making statements, they sought out those victims of internet child pornography to make counter statements. These were mostly young girls who'd been tricked or cajoled into a sexual relationship with somebody they'd trusted. Naïvely they'd not thought about the consequences of these activities being shared across the world wide web, gaining an immortal fame they'd never desired.

Regardless of whether their activities were consensual or coerced, broadcasting the said pictures or videos for profit or otherwise was a despicable breech of faith.

While the opposition group hoped to gain momentum, they hadn't expected wholehearted support against this wretched behaviour from those seeking to overturn current legislation because their blinders prevented them seeing the differences between loving consensual nurturing relationships, and those depicted by insensitive bastards who'd share intimate personal moments without consideration for their younger partner's feelings, either at that time or into the future.

Whereas scientists or other rational intelligent people could differentiate these scenarios, faulty logic and nonsensical circular arguments were the natural domain of those people steeped in a world of blind faith which afflicted those having a religious or superstitious disposition. While some might argue neither side could see the others viewpoint, rational individuals could see for themselves evidence of irrational mindsets, they just couldn't understand why people would follow logically faulty doctrine. After many weeks of lengthy depositions anybody following this hearing – and enormous worldwide audiences were riveted to daily highlights shown across a spectrum of media platforms, noticed opposition proponents had long ceased to provide any fresh arguments towards their standpoint.

Undoubtedly people were beginning to realise the foolishness of whole swathes of rulings or laws relating to sexual behaviour. Indeed legislating on the psychology and physiology relating to the natural human condition was as pointless as rulings against the tide, with the exception of providing the necessary seawalls to protect the vulnerable.

The Judicial Panel of law lords were finding it tiresome listening to countless repetitive arguments on one side, while those who'd proposed this contentious debate bought forth a continual stream of reasoned factual material which hadn't been seriously examined in detail previously – if ever!

Discussion in their private chambers lead to the conclusion they should invite both sides to make their closing statements. Although it remained unvoiced within their august company each of them felt the controversies aired deserved proper cogitation.

For the opposition a well respected church leader made an impassioned speech for their cause, to retain or even strengthen current legislation thus preventing this growing tide of evil, depraved and ungodly fornication etc, etc...

The FCIF committee chose Melissa, not merely because she was the wife and co-founder of the Foundation, but she'd become a popular and outspoken cult personality figure in her own right with followers across the many social-media platforms where she currently aired her opinions, while listening to feedback. Having also appeared upon countless live television interviews, pressure within the Hearing Chamber would hardly unnerve her delivery concerning a subject where she understood the feelings of everybody involved.

“How did we find ourselves in this situation? We wouldn't even be having this debate if we lived in a rational society. Obviously as society evolved over millennia, conventions became necessary to prevent anarchy, sets of rules to prevent disorder. Ideally we wouldn't help ourselves to our neighbours possessions, or steal their spouse, nor would we murder or maim one another. Unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world, therefore sometimes bad things happen to good people.”

“You've heard a whole bunch of arguments for and against changing current laws, but ask yourselves how did those laws evolve. Some laws came about through sensibly applied reasoning, such as those surrounding incest, although those making that ruling lacked any understanding of recessive or dominant genetic traits, attributing sickly offspring as anger of the deities. Similarly religious dietary laws came about through not understanding that bacteria or parasites caused illness, though nowadays fortunately we can eat shellfish.”

There was a smattering of laughter throughout the chamber before Melissa continued.

“Okay lets look at age of consent – really contentious? Well lets look at this dispassionately because from religious writings going back thousands of years we learn brides barely into double digits weren't uncommon, it was actually expected. One ancient prophet had a bride of nine, although there is contention as to when that relationship was consummated. During our own historical expansion in the eighteen hundreds across the great plains a girl was considered marriageable on reaching puberty. Laws relating to any minimum age for marrying, and then much later for 'age-of-consent' evolved during the nineteen hundreds.”

“It's a relatively modern concept bought about for – at the time; reasons to prevent death in childbirth of mothers who weren't sufficiently developed to give birth safely. That in it's time was a laudable measure – in it's time!

Nowadays we can have sexually active relationships independently from the deliberate act of reproduction. While crude means of contraception have been available for hundreds of years, since the 1960's onwards consistently reliable methods have existed which enable acts of pleasure between any individuals to be devoid of the concerns of conception when that is for whatever reason an undesirable outcome.”

“In the twenty-first century should the government, the judiciary, or even some religious faction to which we may not be affiliated have the rights to look into our bedrooms telling us what we can't do? I find that inappropriate. Anybody conducting consensual acts with another like minded person shouldn't be hassled through the application of laws which are no longer relevant in the modern world.”

“I've inadvertently become the ambassador for hundreds of thousands of youngsters who identify with me in stature, because I appear much younger than my chronological age, but this multitude also postulates their sexual rights should be equally recognised similarly to other groups formerly persecuted or suppressed by blinkered outdated legislation.”

“From talking with a variety of people through my own online forums, and with those who support the Foundation for Coherent Interpersonal Freedoms, I've come to discover this swelling movement for change is likened to an iceberg – nine-tenths below the surface. Unfortunately too many individuals still fear declaring their true feelings because of the open hostility espoused through many traditional media sources. During recent months we have seen countless well known figures didn't have the plain vanilla backgrounds which were painted. Either society must collectively admit contemporary vanilla sexual legislation isn't the only flavour, otherwise we continue with the current hypocrisy, this mass pretence that we all agree with repressive laws that countless people breach on a daily basis.”

“I understand that some members of the opposing faction truly believe they're proposing the correct course, though perhaps over time they'll realise our freedoms balanced with responsibilities will enhance our society, improving the safety and mental well-being of those people living under an extraordinarily enlightened system.

In conclusion I would thank-you for your forbearance in listening to our arguments.”

Rather than the restrained polite applause after the last summation, Melissa received a thunderous and sustained ovation from those present in the galleries and press stands. While the public hearing was televised and broadcast across the media, it wasn't those present, other than the Judicial Panel themselves making decisive rulings concerning the outcome.

Listening to the depositions from either side had been a protracted business, likewise the deliberations weren't expected overnight. While more liberal newspapers, periodicals, or media outlets gave balanced accounts of the closing statements, the biased conservative or religious organs of the press were more scathing in their assessment. They suggested the chamber had been infiltrated by blaspheming child molesters, despite the fact the FCIF had already declared their own abhorrence towards anybody demonstrating predatory or sexually coercive behaviour.

With the summation of verbal depositions, that public phase of the hearing concluded and the seven strong Judicial Panel was unusually weighted towards the feminine comprising of three women, four men. Those politicians or whoever responsible for the selection had obviously intended this 'modern' bias, under the impression it would favour their desired outcome of rejecting the motion of the Hearing. The crowded streets outside the Hearing chambers were thronged with people carrying banners condemning the ungodly, while the supporters of the motion were conducting themselves with more restraint and decorum. Media trucks with satellite dishes lined the kerbside as reporters both foreign and domestic jostled for position to interview those who'd taken part during the proceedings.

A lectern, even complete with a small hop-up for shorter contributors was festooned with microphones bearing their various station designations. From the clamour and shouts of the reporters it was clear they wanted Melissa to answer their questions, and without the heavy police presence those leaving the building would've been overwhelmed by the press of the surrounding mob. Marcus helped Melissa mount the small platform standing offset just behind her to demonstrate his support, pleased to note the respect shown, a majority of those assembled quieting down to hear her comments.

She'd just begun speaking when somebody shouted 'GUN' in the scuffle and panic Marcus swept Melissa into his arms turning from the incident, a loud retort, then a fierce burning pain enshrouded his shoulder. For a while confusion reigned as he smothered her with his body ignoring everything other than the safety of his precious wife.

Several hours later sitting up in bed after surgery to remove the slug from his shoulder he watched the seemingly endless news coverage of the incident while a limpet like Melissa tightly grasped his uninjured right arm. Although the media hadn't always been universally friendly towards their cause, they'd dubbed the shooting as an 'attempted assassination' of the popular FCIF advocate Melissa Hamilton. As frequently occurred after a shooting where the perpetrator had been taken into custody for arraignment, they regurgitated the few known facts, then replayed interviews with eye witnesses. Aside from multiple news cameras being present, amateurish phone footage from further back in the crowd showed a clearer overall picture of the event.

Having named the accused, reporters revealed this Christian fundamentalist as having a long history of mental instability. Once they'd covered those aspects, the 'talking-heads' showed slow motion close-ups of Marcus darting in to protect Melissa, the woman in the studio saying he'd doubtlessly saved her life, as their rapidly compiled computer graphics showed the trajectory suggesting the bullet could've hit Melissa in the chest other than the twisting dive to envelop her body placing Marcus between her and her 'alleged' assassin. The warning shout together with the alleged assailants fumbled withdrawal of the pistol had allowed that split second window which had prevented a tragedy.

Melissa having dealt with the media concerning her marriage, her online support forums, and most recently her FCIF campaigning, she knew how the game played. Timing plus the overall attitude of any statement was vital, so while Marcus had been undergoing surgery she'd informed everybody in the office his injuries though frightening weren't serious, but gave instructions to make a press-release on her behalf.

A tearful Claudia, Melissa's PA made the following statement to those waiting outside the FCIF office building.

“I've been asked by Melissa to thank everyone for their prayers and messages of support, because she's unwilling to leave the hospital herself for the time being. Currently Marcus is undergoing surgery for a bullet wound sustained in protecting his wife, and thankfully we can report although painful his injuries at present shouldn't cause any long term problems. Obviously the alleged shooter detained by the police must have issues himself for taking the route of violence, and we sincerely hope he receives the help he requires.”

“The FCIF and all our affiliates believe in peaceful coexistence, abhorring violence in any form, neither is it a level-headed means for settling disputes. Melissa particularly requests that people don't escalate this situation by seeking retribution for the misguided actions of one troubled individual.”

After a few closing comments and answering some questions the press further learned that both Melissa and Marcus had sustained minor cuts, contusions, and bruising from their narrow brush with death.

Aside from their worries for one another this incident had played into their hands, a large public exclamation point with which to end that aspect of the Hearing. In the meantime the hungry news-media sought comments from those opposing the FCIF, the sensible ones professed their sympathy (and distance from the gunman) while making spurious claims that it would be inappropriate for them to make further statements regarding the incident. Incautious individuals or simply those seeking their moment of fame loudly proclaimed the shooter had been prevented from doing the Lord's work, somewhat a face-palm moment for those former spokesmen and leaders of the organised groups who'd been trying to subdue adverse publicity from attaching to themselves as FCIF opponents.

Being a lawyer Marcus knew about milking the situation, extending his hospital stay an extra couple of days, his room becoming a veritable florists store. Naturally these flowers were redistributed to children's wards or elderly patients who'd appreciate anything to brighten their stay in hospital. This largesse wasn't mentioned, expecting word-of-mouth would do that anyway.

Another given was the police interviews, for Marcus and Melissa conducted in the hospital, for the remainder of their retinue attending the hearing, inside their various hotel suites which had been booked on an open-ended basis for the duration of the hearing. Interviews were also arranged among the staff at the law office run by Marcus, and their FCIF office building. With the distance between Washington, and the Hamilton's home and business premises, plus the nature of the crime, the assailant, and the hearing itself the FBI became the overall lead investigators.

Consulting with other government agencies they knew Marcus Hamilton was suspected of unproven paedophile offences abroad, they were also aware of his litigious nature should anyone even approach breaching his legal rights. The lead investigator handled the crisis with kid-gloves ensuring his team were reading from the same page. Mr and Mrs Hamilton were the victims, and should be treated as such, however much they might wish a double homicide had been effective in removing the pressures they now faced.

If anything the 'attempted assassination' with a handgun increased foreign media interest, also causing Melissa an ironic smile that she was famous enough to forego being labelled as an attempted homicide pertaining to 'ordinary' people. Claudia and Tricia the couple's respective PA's now required assistants themselves organising what amounted to a round of continual of interviews, the non-English speakers supplying an interpretor to facilitate communication. To avoid being misrepresented these foreign broadcasters were required to read the FCIF bullet-point manifesto as used in the Hearing. Should the spoken answers made either by Marcus or Melissa be 'accidentally' translated at variance with their stated aims he intended to prosecute their respective companies, plus those individuals involved.

While nobody else was currently being so vocal, worldwide support for their campaign had meant libertarian lawyers from abroad graciously translated all the important policy papers and the strict interview agreements avoiding the possibility of anyone pleading ignorance to the signed documents. When reporters claimed they didn't hold the authority they were asked to have their bosses process the documents otherwise they'd wasted their journey. While their campaign was considered contentious throughout much of the world, those journalists wanting the opportunity to report on something of international significance were at least polite regardless of any personal misgivings.

Rather than 'manufactured stories' invented by the media, this was being played out daily across every communications channel, though the fact Melissa was both unusual and cute kept her in the limelight as the leading spokesperson for the campaign. This was a story that wouldn't die, and the newspapers loved controversies that increased their circulation.

Meanwhile in stuffy gentlemen's clubs, and the halls of power those in authority felt ever less powerful against something they couldn't control. After several recent scandals about the protractedness of public hearings and enquiries that produced inconclusive results at enormous expense, they couldn't really do anything that would derail or hinder the Judicial Panel who were deliberating on their findings. Individually each of these senior judges had been approached, sometimes on several occasions to influence the outcome, but under their oath of office every trial or hearing required their unbiased rulings to be based solely upon the evidence presented, together with case-law where applicable.

Elsewhere using every possible avenue available the perpetrator of a less violent assault found himself in court facing a personal injuries claim. The assailant from their honeymoon flight was standing in the dock being harangued by the specialist claims lawyer Marcus had engaged for this trial. Regardless of the outcome the unfortunate defendant was also in serious trouble with Homeland Security because of the airborne location of this fracas, so facing two courtroom appearances together with their attendant defence costs would be crippling unless he had sufficient liquid assets he could find himself homeless.

Considering Homeland Security almost always pressed for a lengthy custodial sentence for any air-rage incident that shouldn't prove an issue until his release. There were moments of levity in court, Marcus explaining the current defendant wasn't responsible for his arm being in a sling, but once again another incidence of defending his wife, although how anybody within the court or indeed the country wouldn't know that seemed impossible.

Both Marcus and Melissa took the stand as did two other passengers and an air steward knowing their courtroom experience would probably be repeated during a second trial. Strictly because this private damages trail couldn't be held once the man was incarcerated Marcus had managed to pre-empt the more serious court hearing to gain recompense. Their lawyer was briefed with stressing Melissa's upset because it was her honeymoon rather than the assault or spitting aimed at himself, playing on the jurors regarding the truly heartless attitude of somebody wrecking the happiness of a young bride during that once in a lifetime journey of celebration. Okay maybe people got married several times but Marcus and Melissa considered themselves lifetime partners.

Melissa was great on the stand, and the defence lawyer found himself outclassed by the diminutive figure who immediately gained the sympathy of the jurors on mentioning how supportive fellow hotel guests had been in trying to help her past the really unpleasant incident which delayed the arrival to their destination. The kicker was hearing she'd pass onwards any damages award to the foundation which supported others sharing her rare genetic condition. They won; and the large cheque was forwarded as promised.

Court appearances were actually restful compared with their normal hectic schedule, while Melissa included references to these proceedings once completed, taking advice from her knowledgeable husband about when something was sub-judice, thus couldn't be spoken about publicly until a court determination had been reached. The sponsors of the genetic foundation were thankful for both the donation, together with her continual presence across the media and internet forums highlighting the relatively unheard of disorder.

The location of the genetic abnormality meant it only afflicted females, who could never pass forward the problem as they'd never be fertile. Males however didn't outwardly show issues because the presence of the male Y chromosome caused it to express a recessive characteristic. Fund-raising continued their research into seeking answers, with Melissa on both public and private forums having the highest profile amongst their number.

The newness of marriage or sexual excitement hadn't faded as they approached their fifth month as a married couple. The time Marcus spent in hospital marking their longest period of abstinence, Melissa frequently the instigator of their extended lovemaking sessions that were only limited by Marcus' stamina and imagination. Being adventurous she wanted to try everything at least once providing it wasn't too gross, even peeing on one another in the bathroom – no need to ruin the bed, and neither wanted to drink the stuff, and scat disturbed them both, although Melissa loved anal sex provided she prepared beforehand.

Correspondence through her various private or social-media platforms devoured a massive portion of her waking hours, especially now conversing with so many individuals who the uneducated general public would still label as paedophiles. Increasingly Claudia plus her growing army of helpers would filter or answer general enquiries, while Melissa answered her favourite followers personally. One early regular supporter based in England confessed his secret dream of Melissa having a twin sister, because he'd marry the girl immediately.

Patrick seemed a nice person, well educated, erudite over countless topics, nevertheless he came across as lonely, surprisingly not unlike her Marcus. Marcus had been sociable enough, with a widespread of broad-minded friends willing to see past his supposed moral failings, but her husband had been lacking a soul-mate before their fateful meeting.

Melissa began thinking, cogitation upon difficult problems being a strong suit among her various talents. Marcus and Patrick hardly began topping the large iceberg representation of those interested in the unattainable, well as much as current laws permitted.

They weren't holding their breath for an answer, that decision could be delayed indefinitely if politicians started throwing their weight about. Unsurprisingly with Marcus being a lawyer specialising in supposed cases of underage sex, many friends and colleagues also displayed libertarian viewpoints. While opinions varied nobody would stick their neck out regarding a time-scale for any determination about the Hearing, basically too anxious of jinxing the result.

Until recently Melissa hadn't realised Marcus also followed some libertarian leaning forums that covered law-reform. She obviously felt remiss in her ignorance about a vital resource their campaign could follow or even influence. Fortunately Marcus had informed their team regarding necessary domestic and worldwide comments relating to their cause.

Those specialising in international law had speculated about people of certain predilections actually migrating to follow the path of least resistance should American legislation rule in their favour by removing or liberalising particular statues.

Further discussions arose suggesting some smaller independent island nation states might consider dispensing with sexual legislation entirely to either encourage wealthy incomers, or to boost tourism if the supposed current moral compass proved out of kilter with public opinion. Now knowing the forum websites, Melissa reading between the lines and ignoring the legalese followed these incredible debates. Regardless of the Hearing outcome several nations currently deemed tiny and insignificant were seriously considering monumental legislative changes if it could substantially benefit their populations.

Melissa paraphrased these findings in her most publicly accessible forums, likening this potential modern-day migration to that of the Pilgrim Fathers setting sail from the English Port of Plymouth aboard the Mayflower in 1620 to avoid persecution for their beliefs. Throughout their office it had become common practice to oversee each others articles before posting in public spaces to pre-emptively capture any mistakes before somebody in the press pounced on some unintended typo or factual error. The progress of this article around their workspace could be gauged by the outbreaks of laughter because it poked fun at those holier-than-thou opponents with their notoriously hypocritical attitudes.

Running their campaign also meant observing enemy manoeuvres, and following websites which were dedicated to undermining their own liberal progressive stance towards laws governing areas of human sexuality. In particular some vociferously strident congregations overstepped the mark, inciting people to violence to prevent satanic pagan practices from being adopted. While content to shrug-off contemptuous descriptions of their true intent, anything pointing towards violent action or revolt was tagged then forwarded to those hosting the website for removal. Those same details were also forwarded to the relevant local police authority, national law enforcement bodies, and where applicable to Homeland Security as presumed threats of terrorism.

Melissa had long since realised the majority of their opponents were neither intelligent nor particularly sophisticated, more accurately described as bigoted, belligerent, and unwilling to discuss anything conflicting with their sacred texts, because the majority of people that disagreed with liberalisation were religious extremists. Their hypocrisy again evidenced in the fact they wouldn't admit to the glaring diametrically opposed viewpoints throughout the entire tome they professed was the word of God. Interestingly enough some of the leading experts on the Bible and other religious texts were devout atheists, having a much greater understanding of world religions than the supposed church leaders themselves.

Fortunately for Melissa these disparate and desperate groups could hardly agree regarding anything apart from their general dislike of change, or having anybody question their often self-appointed authority status. They were concerned about the madcap singular gunman who'd tried to shoot their Nemesis, they didn't want these sexual deviants having their own personal martyr-figure. This shooter proved an embarrassment being tightly involved in his local congregation as a deacon, having clearly stated several times that the FCIF was run by Beelzebub's own handmaiden. His roof was definitely missing a few shingles.

The Right Honourable Patricia Sutherland held the distinction of being the youngest ever woman elected to her venerable position in the Legal System. Congruent to her erstwhile colleagues, she'd faced unofficial pressures to heed the authoritative party-line, doing so would break the solemn oath she'd pledged to uphold the law, seeing that justice was rightly served. Having already met six times they hadn't voted among themselves, quietly ruminating over some difficult sticking points. Whichever way they voted this contentious issue would return sooner or later for lengthy deliberation. Laws concerning gay people hadn't been overturned with a singular action, but through gradual piecemeal reforms.

Reaching her elevated status hadn't come about overnight, she'd certainly earned her stripes journeying through the system. While her biography catalogued both her victories and her struggles, it neglected to mention her favourite Uncle. Uncle George, her father's handsome younger brother, her inspiration, giving her belief in herself to follow her destiny and her secret lover. At barely fourteen she lacked confidence, a riot of uncertain emotions unable to focus on anything. While others tutted or mocked, encouragement from George boosted her self-assurance, neither did he falter when asked for a kiss in celebration of her latest glowing report card.

For three glorious years they'd been close, it probably saved her from dating unsuitable callow boys who wouldn't have appreciated her charms with half the devotion of her own special lover. Towards the end of their time together he'd encouraged her to think carefully about those guys among her contemporaries as possible boyfriends. Being wiser than her girlfriends about the art of love served well throughout her later highschool years then on through collage and beyond. Her vote might possibly surprise her fellow panel members.

While it might be convenient to imagine moral issues could be black or white, nothing that complex was ever simple, there existed a thousand shades in between, to make matters more interesting they didn't always stack in the expected order. Human lives and emotions were messy and complicated, otherwise song writers wouldn't have anything to lament. Too much suffering existed, born of inappropriate and coercive relationships which didn't really deserve to be labelled as relationships, in this those opposing the FCIF were correct.

Mild regret could've been placed somewhere among that panoply of other shades, while towards the brighter end of that spectrum would be memories of extreme joyfulness that bought forth a smile years or decades later. Digging deep enough those broken souls who were discovered wouldn't seem natural supporters of the FCIF campaign, however when learning their stories could cause some now famous politician career difficulties, it caused those details to be recorded, thus erstwhile victims sought revenge - a dish served better late than never! Another aspect of the FCIF manifesto which their detractors downplayed concerned the strength of revised consent laws, the absolute right to say no, and the right to have someone listen to cries concerning abuse wherever it existed.

While FCIF detractors were composed of various separate groups presenting only the most ill-defined coalition, generally FCIF supporters being naturally libertarian in nature were yielding towards one another's particular peccadilloes even if they weren't exactly shared. Leanings to either gender; or both, or a fascination with any given age-group were hardly reasons for infighting. Live-and-let-live was their general ethos, otherwise they might as well collaborate with the opposition.

Among the media the Hearing had been relabelled 'The Great Debate' this avoided using the terms 'sex' or 'paedophile' in their banner headlines, something the FCIF were grateful for because the second term had proved beyond redemption within general public opinion. That serious sexual matters were being discussed at all was a tremendous breakthrough, as people began broaching the topic amongst themselves with it's constant airing across so many forms of social and public media channels. This increased openness had lead to their gaining information about more people in powerful positions who could otherwise roadblock this campaign to sweep legislation forward into the twenty-first century.

A simple e-mail originating from an anonymous source, the sender a remembered name from their past with a subject heading 'remember me' could be quite startling, especially when a fairly innocuous message below suggested such reminiscences might be rehashed. Following messages recommended greater consideration of revised attitudes towards new thoughts on legislative reform. This coercion would be considered somewhat disingenuous if it's origins were understood, but if successful it would ensure in future everybody clearly indicated their wants and desires honestly because the legal framework allowed discussion openly of subjects previously suppressed.

Effectively anybody looking for a younger sexual partner wouldn't opportunistically rape an unfortunate victim, nor risk imprisonment for even seeking 'underage' companionship. Openness would ensure one person could ask another, without either party being offended by rejection, neither would the police need to be involved. Legislative liberalisation could if well designed reduce sexually motivated crimes, of both coercive or date-rape scenarios, or those currently trapped by age-range legislation.

Neither the FCIF nor anybody else received any feedback regarding ongoing deliberations of the Judicial Panel, frustratingly a date for their conclusions wasn't forthcoming either. Should they decide against the motion the FCIF would appeal, however should a decision come down favouring legislative revision the battle would barely be starting because both Senate and Congressional houses would require lobbying to enact meaningful changes.

Marcus Hamilton aware that the authorities - particularly police enforcement departments showed an undue interest in his affairs; always maintained his distance from anything that might be associated with 'children' or youth groups. Nowadays the FBI besides countless other TLA's - three letter agencies, were probably devoting considerable and unjustified manpower in trying to uncover some malfeasance for which he could be prosecuted. However the increasing popularity of his cute diminutive partner meant Melissa always found a welcome reception wherever she went, possibly because that didn't countenance the inclusion of openly religious institutions of any description.

While their media exposure had decreased since the Hearing and assassination attempt, their online presence, especially that of Melissa continued to rise exponentially showing ever expanding audiences from overseas. When Marcus applied for the reinstatement of his passport, Melissa 'casually' mentioned this over her most widely distributed forum as obviously everything they posted was avidly read by the authorities. Her cursory mention of her husband's passport issue suggested rescinding it originally must have been some administrative error, because he'd never officially been accused of any actions or crimes usually associated with such unwarranted heavy-handedness. Melissa followed this with general chatter about their travel plans, including visiting numerous friends living abroad.

Should his passport renewal be delayed, the US government would appear either foolish or vindictive though lack of solid reasons to prevent Marcus from travelling anywhere he wished. Meanwhile life continued, with Marcus now better able to resume his courtroom function of defending those unfortunates currently accused of breaking the outdated laws his foundation sought to overturn.

Returning home, doors bolted, blinds and curtains firmly closed, he and Melissa enjoyed married life together. Considering their strangeness in the eyes of others, and considering their campaign their level of openness and honesty was hardly surprising, Melissa having ferreted-out those triggers causing the strongest reactions from her husband. Outside of their home she'd dress in sophisticated business attire, making appropriate adjustments dependent upon the engagements booked that day, while at home she dressed 'down-age' apparently playing the prepubescent temptress, white cotton panties with childish cartoon motifs, abbreviated dresses or skirts, bare feet, or white knee-socks with saddle shoes.

In public whether at the law-office, FCIF building, or during shared engagements they'd be seen holding hands whenever practical, a squeeze from Melissa an indication for Marcus to lean downwards to hear some whispered comment, not meant for everyone else. Mostly these were naughty observations, possibly drawing attention to some teenaged schoolgirl with twin braids or bunches, referring to them as blow-job handlebars. Melissa constantly seemed attuned to the same wavelength as Marcus, otherwise they'd play spot-the-spook, noting the men-in-suits who didn't belong, or black town-cars ignoring the signage for no waiting zones. Occasionally from either office they'd send-out coffees, just to inform their watchers they'd been rumbled.

The announcement came unexpectedly only seven weeks following the Hearing, lunchtime news programs stated a determination from the Judicial Panel was expected that evening. A flurry of phone-calls and e-mails followed gathering staff and volunteers to assemble at the FCIF building in readiness to release some official response, because the media circus would inevitably circle the wagons awaiting some statement.

Being an efficient well-oiled organisation they'd preprepared a range of statements which covered scenarios from outright rejection, through to some mildly favourable response to their campaign. They'd quickly polish whichever statement came closest to their feelings about that evening's judgement. Within thirty minutes they'd make a measured reasoned comment concerning the judgement, while doubtless numerous factions of those opposing the motion would demand mass hangings for FCIF affiliates regardless of the outcome.

To avoid any preemptive dissemination of their ruling, media channels all patched through to the building where the Judicial Panel were gathered for a live announcement, while the rumour-mill suggested not even the President, his advisers nor anybody else were aware of the result of these deliberations, which had moved swiftly in comparison to other recent official enquiries.

Melissa and Marcus together with around fifty others watched the giant widescreen TV, the anticipation building as the leading law-lord stepped towards the bank of microphones on the podium.

“Good evening. Before I reveal our judgement, I should mention that together with my esteemed fellow judges, we hadn't ever imagined a Hearing to discuss the possibilities of liberalising this country's laws regarding such issues of controversial relationships, nor that of considering the background of existing legislation concerning related topics.”

“Undoubtedly even raising these subjects caused disquiet throughout countless religious or conservative communities who'd normally refrain from discussing anything which caused them to feel uncomfortable. This Hearing bought to light physiological and psychological viewpoints which hadn't been reviewed since the sixties. While the flower-power era might have eventually contributed to the adoption of Gay-Rights legislation, and more recently to greater acceptance and credence of LGBT lifestyles, other taboos have remained or indeed actually strengthened during recent decades.”

“Without rambling on any further, the full findings of our report document will be released tomorrow on the Supreme Court website. My learned colleagues and myself spent lengthy arguments over the implications of our determination, eventually reaching to a six to one majority verdict in favour of implementing considered changes to current legislation.”

The possibility of further comments were drowned-out from the pandemonium of those present in the conference hall, the momentary stunned silence within the FCIF offices was followed by wild celebrations whooping and hollering with people embracing one another. Some optimistic staff member had taken it upon themself to ensure champagne together with non-alcoholic sparkling alternatives were available should they gain any minor victory. Although reading the full determination would be delayed until the following day the tone of the announcement suggested the Judicial Panel were recommending comprehensive wholesale changes to existing outdated regulations.

The media and conference room where they'd gathered allowed multi-screen viewing of numerous simultaneous broadcasts indicating lively or heated debates between various leading news anchors plus the usual assembly of talking-heads. Once the congratulations and toasting had settled down to a rowdy party atmosphere, the receptionist climbed onto a table trying to gain everyone's attention by banging a metal waste-paper bin.

Apparently the media broadcasters camped in the street had been buzzing the video entry panel following the announcement trying to obtain an interview. Neither Marcus or Melissa maintained an overview of FCIF day-to-day operations, although somebody had organised a company to provide security in the entrance lobby. Shortly reporters and camera people were being passed through inspection then allowed upstairs to the FCIF conference room for an impromptu response to the judgement issued by the Judicial Review Panel.

When greeted upon entering the FCIF premises there were apologies about the pat-downs with references to the former assassination attempt. Inside the building under controlled conditions they intended to avoid further unpleasant repercussions. These asides before the 'interview proper' perhaps set a tone – we here being the innocent persecuted victims in a crazy unfeeling world. The FCIF press-officer circulated the room while the media people prepared checking their links to the vehicles outside, and thus to their studios or affiliate network distributors to slot-in their anticipated live-feed.

Whilst front-of-house preparations continued, as thirty-plus media presenters jostled for premium spots according to presumed seniority, backstage the half dozen representatives who'd sit along the top-table with Marcus and Melissa quickly hustled through makeup to ensure they were suitably presentable. Melissa's team included her personal artist insuring she'd look fantastic on camera, because everybody out-front was expecting an appearance from the photogenic poster-girl of Interpersonal Freedoms.

Everybody on-stage might take the opportunity to comment upon their specialist sectors, each perusing the latest revised bullet-point list printed off since the announcement, thus ensuring they'd not contradict one another. This being unlikely because their organisation had a coherent philosophy which differed from their irrational opposition groups who just merely regurgitated the same discredited arguments mostly based upon religious doctrine.

A digital countdown clock above the rostrum was mirrored by another at the back allowing everybody to be aware as the transmission became a live feed. While Melissa didn't gloat over the Judicial Announcement, she conceded to some surprise at the speedy resolution, hinting perhaps that it concerned the overdue nature of reform, rather than mentioning peoples anger at the incessant length of previous public enquiries. The general tone of her speech remained conciliatory, suggesting the judiciary would doubtlessly continue to listen to everybody with reasoned evidence based contributions towards the reform process.

Keeping her remarks brief Melissa said further comments were pointless until interested party's everywhere had the opportunity to read the full adjudication. She closed by stating her hopes for an equally rapid passage through the levels of government bureaucracy to ensure everybody could live under more enlightened laws allowing personal freedoms.

The Q & A session lasted longer with contributions from various team members according to their knowledge or speciality in legal or medical matters. Eventually Marcus halted the proceedings because they were only rehashing the same issues without full access to the judicial determination that would be available the following day.

A simmering debate which had shifted to the back-burner now faced the roaring intensity of full-blown media coverage once again. Lower-brow magazine programs practically had full volume screaming matches, while towards the higher end of the intellectual spectrum erudite scholars discussed the vicissitudes of socio-moral attitudes throughout history and across cultures. While a glimpsed ankle would've seemed scandalous at one point, having bared breasts in various cultures across history had been commonplace, similarly moral attitudes towards acceptable sexual mores had continually see-sawed.

The website and publicity machine of the FCIF highlighted a growing register of officially accredited and sanctioned spokespersons. This clearly stated that although numerous new people were standing forward to generally support FCIF beliefs, anyone other than those on the list wouldn't necessarily be aware of every essential policy nuance or safeguard that their organisation believed necessary to protect the vulnerable.

Meanwhile their widespread and fractured opposition simply screamed ever louder which did nothing to bolster their somewhat disjointed message, ranging from keep everything unchanged to wild extremists wanting to introduce universal abstinence and outlaw any teaching of sex-education. Those running the FCIF were frankly beginning to believe their enemies were actually helping by continually shooting themselves in their collective feet.

Increasingly the FCIF were being recognised as the calming voice of reasoned debate that showed some validity, as membership numbers accelerated exponentially as more people realised their private viewpoints weren't as frightfully taboo as they'd previously imagined.

Because those central FCIF staff officers handling membership details were lawyers they could legitimately claim the membership lists were protected under both data-privacy law, and lawyer-client privilege, with everyone having paid a minimum of one dollar, although many made healthy donations which funded their campaign. However the contribution of a singular dollar meant their individual younger members weren't burdened through some higher costs outside their limited means. Without breaking confidentiality an age-profile distribution chart available on their website showed membership numbers covering each individual age-range below eighteen down to twelve, then another entire group labelled as those 'associate members' below the age of twelve. Similarly those of nineteen upwards were all clumped together as a singular amorphous category.

To avoid any international legal ramifications they weren't accepting any foreign members, though plainly organised overseas groups were becoming ever more vocal in their support. The success of their campaign in numerical terms alone was staggering, while information on their age-distribution chart advanced in real-time, updated incrementally to include the latest hourly signings. Without all their in-house computer experts DDoS attacks together with other malicious schemes would've hampered their web-presence viability, though by good fortune their libertarian faction easily contained the more skilful computer nerds.

On a more legitimate front several organisations or individuals had challenged the legality of hosting the FCIF website. These attempts were unsuccessful as were calls pertaining to temporary injunctions because these were eclipsed by constitutional rights to free-speech. Nothing on their website or literature incited anybody to break laws or engage in anything illegal, it merely postulated reasons why current laws should be revised, giving bullet-point listing of proposed legislative reforms which had been covered during the Hearing.

Besides hypertext links to supportive information elsewhere, it sneakily included hypertext links to poorly written articles arguing against the FCIF standpoint therefore demonstrating 'fairness' in their discussion. Also worldwide coloured maps were included which indicated national age of consent limits with additional helpful notes like...

Although Yemen has the lowest official age of consent at 9 years old, Spain shares with Malta and the Holy Vatican City* a minimum age of twelve amongst civilised international countries. It was noted several dozen countries had no legislation whatever, while a small handful differentiated between male and female age limits. Also included where available were the age rulings on same sex relationships.

(PS *The Vatican only raised the AOC from 12 to 18 in 2013)

Then it highlighted America's anomalous situation having Alaska and other States setting sixteen as their age limit while adjacent States chose seventeen or even eighteen while their important neighbour Canada had only recently changed from fourteen to sixteen, but having numerous exceptions for close-in-age relationships. The associated paragraphs then sited examples of the confusing legal minefield these changes created, followed with statistics on the prosecutions in American Courts where the parties concerned suffered far more from 'the system' than their currently 'supposedly harmful' consensual relationship.

Additional hypertext links on their site now directed people towards the recommendation findings of the recent Hearing, commenting on the unusually high balance of six-to-one in favour of this outcome, especially as it had originally been considered contentious due to media misrepresentation of public opinion. These deliberations had determined overall that current legal Statutes were overdue for revision, being unfit for purpose within the United States, recommending a liberalisation and harmonisation across every State, thus ensuring irrational, discriminatory, or unworkable legislation be removed or significantly reduced.

Normally these things took years, sometimes delayed into a following administration which allowed them to be abandoned, or conveniently dropped from the timetable. What people couldn't see were the pressures being applied below the table, Politicians having their balls squeezed with unsubtle threats about former missdemeanours which maybe wouldn't be viewed so harshly by having legal attitudes revised. The ability to prevent former incidents ever reaching public attention hastened their machinations like a double strength laxative.

Freedom of information legislation data proved embarrassing to numerous Senators and Congressmen, people able to determine so many of their representatives had pushed the necessary legal instruments forward through the system. Their various convoluted excuses were hardly any different from their usual falsehoods, except they were covering their own backgrounds rather than oiling the wheels of questionable and nefarious business dealings on behalf of some important political campaign contributor.

The most widely touted reason for supporting reforms had been bending to current public opinion, as they were merely representatives of the people, even if they themselves were disturbed by the direction of these proposed changes. Just for once these elected officials were being accidentally truthful, rather than following their own personal fiscal agenda.

Another useful outcome of all the political wrangling, had been the dilution of ill-feelings towards the FCIF. The local police-force maintained a vigilant presence, partially to avoid public disorder incidents, and partially to prevent civil-suits from Marcus Hamilton if they failed to provide adequate protection from 'a known threat' i.e. one assassination attempt, plus continuing sackfuls of hate-mail. Anonymous black town-cars in their neighbourhood indicated the spooks hadn't left, although amusingly that also increased their protection.

Once again Melissa's popularity came to the foreground, still ignoring the baser TV shows in favour of established programs with hosts known for their balanced reporting of current issues. When given these open platforms she explained why she wouldn't appear where the producers wanted to sensationalise everything, preferring a shouting match to replace any opportunity for reasoned mature discussions on an important topic. Inevitably leading women's programs couldn't ignore this active female media figure, especially considering the outcomes from this debate impacted upon the their viewers adolescent offspring.

Knowing her own impact upon audience figures Melissa's backroom staff held leverage about the format and direction of her appearances.

A leading prime-time women's magazine program....

“Welcome to the show Melissa.”

“Thank-you for inviting me, I've avidly watched your show myself, but hadn't expected to become a guest unless I was highlighting the foundation concerned with my genetic issue which causes physical development to cease before the onset of adolescence. However I believe you wanted to discuss issues arising from my involvement with the FCIF campaign today.”

“Yes. Since the Hearing, and their findings which were recently published folks have really begun to talk about the issues raised by the FCIF.”

“Understandably in a somewhat sexually repressed society these have been difficult topics as people buried their heads in the sand. Knowing the natural behaviour of young adults; in fact people knowing how they behaved themselves when younger shows these dusty old laws which somehow evolved remain at odds with the reality of normal behaviour.”

“Melissa the Hearing results were unexpected, do you really imagine the legislative bodies of government will actually sanction somehow lowering the age of consent?”

“I think for the first time the authorities have become truly aware of the enormously wide public feeling about this field of legislation being drastically out of kilter with life's realities, needlessly persecuting and prosecuting people for actions determined by natural bodily processes for which nobody should be vilified - unless it's non-consensual or involves some vulnerable person. For those offences we believe the laws should in fact be strengthened.”

“Where do you propose the bar should be set for age of consent?”

“My personal opinion doesn't count, but let's consider the facts. Nowadays we infantilise a vast swathe of teenagers, pretending that anyone below some arbitrary artificially set age is a child. Where does childhood end? Biologically and historically speaking the onset of adolescence at the first signs of puberty girls and boys were accepted as young adults. Naturally they still lacked life-experience, but their bodies had moved beyond childhood with these significant physiological and psychological changes taking place quite naturally affecting their attitudes and behaviours.”

“I'm not suggesting you suddenly have perfectly functioning adults, we're all aware of fully grown adults who've failed to demonstrate rational adult behaviour, but the reverse is also true. When allowed to assume adult responsibilities, even the youngest teenagers can be seen to show a remarkable level of trustworthiness. I'm aware of at least one major faith group where they recognise and celebrate the passing forward into adulthood at thirteen for both genders.”

Being on a roll, and uninterrupted by the host Melissa continued....

“The minimum achievement our legislators could make is to abolish individual State rules, and make future legislation nationwide, otherwise we'll continue to have a legalistic issue of did something happen a yard either side of a State border which is somewhat ludicrous. Although a level playing field of sixteen is perfectly workable, I doubt legislators would be brave enough to accept twelve or thirteen. I wonder how many practising Catholics know that in Vatican City the age of consent is twelve, this is also true of Spain and Malta.”

“Those facts aside, considering the age when most American youngsters become sexually active fourteen isn't unreasonable. Let's remember until recently in Canada this was legally acceptable until they felt at odds with the United States. The 'United' States doesn't hold true when viewing this issue because the variance of age statutes shows stupid disparities. The FCIF have already proven it's unconstitutional to allow any religious faction influence over lawmaking because as Americans we can rightfully follow ANY religion, or none at all, therefore we cannot allow any singular or coalition of faith groups to determine these decisions without being in breech of our own noble Constitution.”

The down-home 'American Patriot' looking to clear-up stupid legal anomalies which caused America to look foolish was the chosen route taken by the majority of FCIF spokespeople. Those with a specialisation in history, psychology, or international legislation would add their own particular twist to the ongoing conversation. In the meantime Melissa remained their most popular public advocate. While Haters continued to show hatred towards both the campaign and those associated with the FCIF, Marcus discovered his public personal profile had undergone a remarkable upturn. No longer the reviled paedophile and lawyer responsible for defending child molesters, but somebody having clear moral values, even if this hadn't previously been apparent through some veil of misplaced moral indignation.

Whenever the couple were seen together in public, they'd be holding hands the adoring glances between them perhaps more noticeable from their apparent disparity in height which separated them from the average couple, appearing from a distance or in silhouette to be father and daughter to anyone failing to recognise media royalty. Unknown numbers of young girls grasping the hands fathers or favourite uncles could well be thinking about the news headlines concerning possible changes to laws which these favoured relatives used as a valid excuse for preventing additional closeness. Meanwhile countless others in secret illicit relationships prayed for swift alterations to laws which they currently flouted.

Marcus happily remained a background player, believing Melissa of all their representatives could broach subjects that would otherwise be misconstrued coming from him, obviously he was a man, by definition a vulgar misogynistic pervert. Actually from feedback reports his public persona had risen, whether from people becoming more open minded, or from his marital association with Melissa who was overwhelmingly popular he couldn't say, nor was it really important. Stigmatised persons like himself were perhaps nowadays less often subjected to instant public vilification, the knee-jerk reaction formerly encountered.

Open-minded people were thinking before passing judgement, and those who'd followed the 'perceived public-line' for the sake of appearances, could instead voice their neutrality or support regarding sexually sensitive topics which they'd previously avoided.

Melissa's conversations continued with a worldwide audience, somewhat easier with those speaking English, as many translation algorithms played havoc with their subject matter, so humans were needed to render some correspondence readable. Fortunately aside from spelling issues and certain slang terms her British fan-base could usually make themselves understood. Rather than the American slogan - “Let's start a debate” their own preferred slogan being stolen from a decades old telecoms advertisement – It's good to talk!

Button badges or small stickers carrying either slogan couldn't be construed as offensive, because the sentiments were harmless and possibly vague unless you were familiar with the campaign in question. Most pupils below Middle-School probably showed little interest in news programs their parents watched, while the very elderly perhaps remembered a time of greater innocence when ignorance ruled.

Among America's politicians, some had even resigned rather than vote upon amendments where the public would discover their own standpoint, forced or otherwise, thus removing themselves from the game was their cowardly decision. New people would seek election to fill the vacancies perhaps allowing room for 'honest politicians' if that wasn't an oxymoron. While this hot-potato was thrown back and forth, ball squeezing continued ensuring that neither House was able to renege on producing a workable outcome. A few high-profile deaths conveniently labelled as heart attacks were suspected cover-ups for suicides where the politicians involved were too distressed to continue.

Their controversial campaign and the subsequent Judicial Hearing had received worldwide coverage to such an extent that the Government would seem faltering if they didn't push forward their own machinations. Meanwhile these issues were causing heated debate in a number of other countries where reforms were felt necessary, though perhaps awaiting for any movement made by the Americans. As foreseen a few tiny island states announced they were in the process of reviewing their own legislation, whether this actually revolved around sex tourism, or just inviting wealthy incoming persons labelled either Hebephiles or Ephebophiles to become citizens remained uncertain.

Melissa learned that Patrick an avid campaign supporter from England had been in regular contact with Amelia one of her friends sharing the same genetic disorder living in Scotland and the interest seemed mutual. Since confessing his secret wish of Melissa having a twin sister, he'd begun researching her disorder and joining discussion Forums which especially helped those who were newly diagnosed, although Amelia was twenty-four with Patrick being only twelve years her senior. She envisaged what a laugh it would be attending their wedding if anything came of this blossoming friendship.

LGBT+++ topics had been gathering momentum throughout the media for some years without 'age of consent' ever becoming part of that umbrella coverage until the FCIF had suddenly appeared. Numerous people involved with that multi-coloured rainbow alliance had felt some initial disquiet, though being vilified themselves by more conservative media stalwarts they generally felt they had more in common than at odds with the FCIF group.

Quite remarkably Marcus found himself the possessor of a freshly minted passport, though several associates suggested the authorities perhaps wished he'd either leave the country indefinitely, or get imprisoned abroad somewhere without adequate US representation.

All joking aside he couldn't help thinking these friendly jibes held some kernel of truth, but having such liberal minded friends and co-workers they could freely joke with one another without fearfully negotiating the PC minefield that existed elsewhere.

Both visible and invisible pressures were hastening forwards the legislative reforms which had been recommended by the Judicial Committee. Arguments were still ongoing with regard to positioning the goalposts, although nobody managed to derail the amendment process. Worldwide media outlets had avidly followed this story, picking up from their US counterparts the intricacies of the political system which would filter the outcome of this legalistic minefield. Numerous demonstrations organised by orthodox or ultra right wing religious groups weren't helped by the large contingent of crazies they attracted who felt more stringent actions were required. Their violent actions propounded the growing belief that people of an unstable mindset shouldn't have any part in guiding the direction of this controversial area of legislation.

The common sense argument put forward by the FCIF stated that whatever the final legal outcome, people who disagreed with any more liberal stance weren't 'forced' to apply that revised ruling within their own personal lives. People who wished to retain whatever rules of their community or faith group regarding moral values could do so, though if the liberal thinkers in their midst thought otherwise that was also permissible if it was allowed by the finally determined legislation. One thing they wouldn't be able to override was how those laws related to other people, or the educational reforms.

Everybody could see the dam was going to break, America was perhaps the starting point, others awaiting the result feeling this would determine a revised outlook elsewhere around the globe. Many remarked Marcus had perhaps shot himself in the foot if liberalisation now made fewer people victims of outmoded laws that were to be removed from the statutes. Marcus didn't spend his entire time defending people being prosecuted while in consensual relationships, though it had lead to his previous infamy. His law practice actually defended many people or groups who were being oppressed, and he'd never considered the sexual cases as that of 'criminal defence' because he'd considered those laws inappropriate, it's just that he'd had to find circuitous methods for obtaining true justice.

While it had been envisaged the entire gamut of legislative revisions would be passed in one session, that wasn't the case. The initial argument being whether this tranche of new changes could be covered under Federal Statutes rather than individual State legislatures. Once that issue was sensibly revised, all the following changes would be invoked across the Nation without the former individual anomalies. An unforeseen issue which arose from these proposed changes was that ALL State laws pertaining to any sexual practice would be nullified and removed from the law books when the replacement laws were then later enacted.

Any peculiar sexual peccadilloes that weren't covered in these revised laws might then fall through the net entirely if they were no longer mentioned, and because nobody wanted to extend this Bill on rationalising sexual laws beyond the time allotted, what people did with their donkey would remain an untold and un-prosecuted secret between those involved!

While everybody paid lip service to 'one country under god' politicians mostly attended church because that was an expectation, just as many people had formerly agreed publicly with the old laws which they frequently broke. Nobody had wanted to be seen swimming against the tide, although now the blinders were removed it seemed they hadn't been the minority they'd been lead to believe, but in fact the majority opinion.

Removing any religious connotation from the minefield of sexual legislation allowed for the sensible changes approved by the Judicial Panel, which included almost everything raised by the FCIF. While many school boards had their hands tied in relation to the Creationists forcing them to state Darwinism was 'only' a theory – despite all the incontrovertible and overwhelming evidence which proved the case, they wouldn't be able to block the new laws regarding sensible and timely sex education of their children without breaking those laws. At least their children would be a little less dumb than their parents in one subject!

Fortunately the Judicial Panel consisted of the highest law makers of the land, therefore there was no higher appellate court to which an appeal could be launched, besides these people had heard all the relevant arguments, and nothing fresh could be bought to the table. The only new considerations had been the massive amount of evidence which had supported the need to sweep away outdated legislation.

The general public seemed amazed at the time taken for the two houses to ratify various changes in the laws which were pretty much agreed upon, whereas Marcus and his FCIF colleagues thought for once things were racing along when the wheels of government could move at a glacial pace normally. While few Americans followed foreign news stories they had noted how the rest of the world viewed this current topic, calling them dinosaurs in regard to their outdated and inconsistent sexual legislation. The final stumbling block would be agreement on a National age of consent; would it be seen as controversial, or as contemporaneous with other forward thinking western societies.

Until the last document was signed-off some courthouses remained in a state of limbo on a number of cases currently under due process, because the laws under which they were originally started would be challenged and overturned upon appeal. With this unusual turn of events the prosecution wanted more haste, while the defence angled for further delays.

Melissa being younger and initially less worldly-wise when the FCIF had been launched, had now become something of an expert on attitudes towards sexual behaviour across the various regions of the world from which she received correspondence or communications showing an interest in their campaign. From their growing band of supporters in Australia, Melissa discovered the authorities had imposed unprecedented reams of legislation against 'perceived' paedophilia. It made the McCarthy era communist witch-hunts look fairly tame, because it was actually affecting the livelihood of existing or prospective adult glamour or promotional models. Local legislation made it difficult for any woman with a bust-line less than a generous B-cup, and below a minimum height limit to find employment unless they were already famous enough to have regular overseas contracts.

When even looking similar to an adolescent ruined your job prospects within the modelling world it could be seen their pendulum was well out of kilter. Melissa had collated together this worldwide list of preposterous laws on her various media platforms, while highlighting the the stupid and ill-fated consequences of poorly written legislation as a perfect example of reactionary knee-jerk law making.

Across America in the bible-belt heartlands preachers still denounced these changes they'd fought against, though their rallies were less well attended, fewer people were listening to a message that had seen sufficient public debate to show it was outdated and anomalous. Melissa's shooter would soon be facing trial, numerous lesser idiots responsible for arson, rioting, or public disorder charges were stacking-up; all from their opposition groups.

Eleven months on from the formation of the FCIF the Bill detailing wholesale revisions was passed through both houses sweeping away a plethora of of confusing State legislation on what was or wasn't permissible on certain days of the week or other stupid and senseless criteria. More importantly it gave young adults the freedom to do legally what they'd been doing covertly anyway. Those freedoms also made learning the facts compulsory, while the necessary protections against STD's and pregnancy would also become readily available.

Educational reform separating the the biological and physiological facts from any imposed religious or cultural dogma was considered the greatest success. Having one coherent set of laws pertaining the whole country was also another major advancement, so much so that it appeared Canada was now considering reverting to their former laws that ironically they'd only changed recently to be less divergent from their southern neighbour.

They'd eventually settled on fourteen as the age of consent, while the laws on asymmetric relationships had been broadened to an extent, the courts were given the guidance to be more sympathetic towards truly consensual relationships providing their was no evidence of coercion from the older partner. Another clause lifted directly from the FCIF guidelines made the male partner responsible for ensuring any female partner below seventeen was protected from STD's and pregnancy or they'd find themselves facing automatic charges of statutory rape. Finally the laws concerning both rape, and the protections for vulnerable individuals had been toughened considerably as also recommended by the FCIF.

Marcus and Melissa Hamilton didn't consider their work complete, neither would the FCIF be closing down, instead their mission would continue worldwide providing education and enlightenment where repressive laws caused so much suffering. They'd had many invites to progressive organisations around the world, and they planned on meeting these like minded people as they worked out the itinerary of their second honeymoon.

The End... ?

Further stories from the - Alternate Laws Universe.

Any authors having storyline ideas inspired by this 'Universe' are cordially invited to join in.

A Beneficial Arrangement.

A story regarding two well established but crumbling institutions that discover cooperation under these new enlightened amendments has significant mutual benefits.

There's a new store in town.

A girl and her favourite Uncle visit the latest shopping sensation.

P.S. Readers are always welcome to contact me via my secure Proton email address, sq.writer@protonmail.com, and I would particularly like to hear from those people I remember from the days I first posted to the long defunct Loliwood site. I will endeavour to reply to all correspondents.