Rainbow Diapers

Thanks for this.  I don't often laugh during tax season.

Definitely intrigued 

Thank God  Mom's reaction gives a window into her mindset.  Turning Alice into a baby was her ultimate goal all along.  However, it seems like Alice was neglected  at the same time.

I found a bit of insight into the judicial mechanics behind what happened: https://www.criminaldefencelawyers.com.au/blog/what-is-the-meaning-of-child-abuse-material/ The nub of it seems to be that the evidentiary test in the relevant act is not simply "is" a child but extends to "implied" or "appears" to be one.  There's probably an argument in here that role-playing literature that includes expository fact revealing the true nature of the role players (ie: she is a consenting adult) does not meet the threshold for "implied" or "appears".  The point of the exercise is the role-play, not to emulate material fact.  No reasonable person would think that the character was actually a child. Presumably if the author had been depicting a Furry wearing a rabbit costume she would have been charged with bestiality.

Chapter 12   “I’ve be in this industry since you were in diapers—the first time anyway.” Jenkins says coolly, adjusting his glasses. “I think I’m more than capable of deciding how something should be stitched, what fiber blends to use, and which adaptability features are most necessary.”   “I understand and respect that. But I’m not using that material or that stitching technique, it will be awful for whoever is wearing it.” Maya counters, doing her best to keep her temper under control and ignore Jenkins’ barely-disguised insult.   “You are a junior designer, and you will do as you’re told. You don’t make the final call on what’s acceptable, and just because you’re talented doesn’t give you authority. You’re gifted when it comes to this kind of work Maya, no one is disputing that. But you’re not in charge, and when I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it, not to cause problems by arguing over every little detail.” Jenkins snaps. “I’m not arguing over every little detail, I’m arguing over a mistake.” Maya snaps back. “I’m not doing it. You can find someone else to take the fall for your stupid ideas.” Jenkins’ face hardens. “Well. Obviously I can’t force you to listen to me. But, since you won’t, you can explain yourself to Human Resources and Director Saphrin yourself—she’s the one who gave you this job, I’m sure she’ll be interested to know why you’re so keen to throw away such a fantastic opportunity.”   “Seriously? You know what, whatever. I don’t have the energy for this right now.” Maya turns on her heel and walks back to her station. Her hands are shaking again, which makes it difficult to keep her notes on her current project neat and organized. Behind her, she can hear Jenkins huff and walk out of the lab. Good riddance. Maya thinks, surprising herself with her venom. “Was that really necessary?” Sydney asks quietly, once they’re alone again. “I’m not saying you have to like the man, but he is technically our boss.”   “You’re taking his side?!” Maya snaps, incredulous.   “Maya.” Sydney’s voice is gentle, but there’s an edge of steel in it too. “You know me better than that. Of course I agree with you. What I’m saying, is that there is a right way, and a wrong way to express your opinion at work. Yelling at our boss, even if you’re correct on paper, isn’t something that’s going to go over well. I know things are really stressful for you right now, and I don’t blame you for being irritated. But that’s not the way to handle things, and I think you know that, deep down.”   Maya frowns. “Yeah.” The word tastes bitter in her mouth. “I guess that was pretty stupid...I was just so upset...do you think I’ll be in trouble?”   “I can’t say. I don’t think they’re going to fire you or anything like that, if that’s what you mean by ‘in trouble’ but, even I think Jenkins deserves an apology at least.” Maya’s frown deepens, but she knows Sydney is right. “Yeah. I guess so.” She looks over to find Jenkins’ office empty, and swallows hard. It’s only been about an hour when her tablet vibrates with a new message. Human Resources is requesting a meeting with: Meekah Saphrin, Brianné Welby, Seth Jenkins, Maya Weston. Time: 13:00. Location: Auxiliary Conference Room, Fl 1. Please tap ‘Accept’ to confirm your attendance. Maya swallows hard as she taps the button. Uh-oh… There’s a very distinct I’m-in-trouble feeling that sits heavily in her stomach as she slowly stands up from her chair. It’s already 12:50, better not to keep them waiting… The walk to the conference room is the wrong kind of balanced—too long to prevent her anxiety from ramping up and too short to allow her to prepare a defense for, well, whatever is waiting for her in there…   Brianné is stern and severe, Maya can feel the heat from her gaze as she sits in her chair opposite Meekah. Meekah is unreadable, which, somehow, is worse than if she’d been openly upset. Maya’s stomach ties itself into an anxious knot, and her eyes are already welling with tears before anyone’s spoken.   “Maya, thank you for joining us.” Brianné says, in a voice that suggests that she’d be just as happy if Maya weren’t present.   “Of course.” Maya says quietly, wiping her hands on her pants, made of flexible, breathable fabric that doesn’t sacrifice professionalism for comfort. Breathe… Maya reminds herself, keeping her hands beneath the table to hide the shaking.   “I’ll get right to the point. We take insubordination very seriously here, Maya. If you have a difference of opinion with a superior, the appropriate thing to do is not to refuse outright to do as you’re told. Please explain why you felt it was necessary to not follow his instructions.” Bianné’s voice is ice cold. “I…” “Explain yourself.” Maya’s mother’s voice echoes through her head. “You know better than this. When the Tenders tell you to do something, you do it. It’s not your place to question them! Do you know what people must think of you now? Of your father? Of me? Did you even think about how this would reflect on our family?” Tears are hot and fast as the stream down Maya’s cheeks. “I...I’m sorry. I was just-”   Maya’s mother cups her chin, squeezing painfully, but Maya doesn’t dare move for fear of provoking her further. “Not as sorry as you’re going to be.” Maya scrubs at her face and takes a breath. “I…” You can do this. You’re okay. Just tell her what happened. She coaches herself.   “The stitching will feel terrible to anyone who has sensitive skin. Yes, it’s less complex and overall cheaper for the end cost, but it seemed cruel to pass on a problem to a customer who specifically is looking for things that will accommodate that. And, given what happened a few weeks ago, when I was blamed for something that wasn’t my fault, I didn’t want to end up in another situation like that. I know I didn’t handle it in the best way, and I apologize for that, but I think I’m at least justified in insulating myself from being blamed for another poor design decision that wasn’t my doing.”   “I understand that. But the fact remains that you not only were insubordinate, but you also insulted Mr. Jenkins. This is grounds for termination, Miss Weston, you do realize that, yes?” Brianné looks like a lioness closing in for the kill.   Maya swallows hard. Her ears are ringing and for an awful moment, she’s afraid she might throw up. She looks at Meekah desperately. She knows it would be wrong for Meekah to play favorites as she mentioned, but this seems monumentally unfair. Even if she doesn’t have to worry about being homeless, she’s worked very hard to get to where she is now, and it seems unjust to have it taken away over a minor interpersonal tiff. Help me… is what Maya wants to say, but instead, what comes out of her mouth is: “I...I understand. I, um, hope it doesn’t come to that…”   “It won’t.” Meekah cuts in, with a voice like hardened steel. “While Maya’s behavior does need to be addressed, your behavior does also, Mr. Jenkins. Classification-based discrimination is illegal, and is also grounds for termination. Mishandling of a workplace conflict is one thing, breaking the law with a pejorative that targets an immutable characteristic during the same argument is orders of magnitude more severe than telling someone ‘no’ in a less-than-respectful way. Your hands are not clean in this either, and to pretend otherwise would not be fair.”   “I didn’t know—” Jenkins begins, his face beginning to flush.   “Whether or not you knew Maya was a Little is irrelevant. Until she reaches certain thresholds, that is considered just as confidential as other health information. You, especially as someone in a position of authority, should not be predicating whether or not to use discrimination on foreknowledge of someone’s biology.”   “Ma’am that seems a bit unfair. Surely a slip of the tongue--” Brianné hedges. Meekah immediately spears Brianné with a gaze that is at once intense and bordering on open contempt.   “‘A slip of the tongue’? It must be more serious than that for you to have called this meeting Miss Welby. I’m positive you aren’t suggesting that Miss Weston’s slip of the tongue should be punished more harshly than Mr. Jenkins’, as that would be discriminatory in the extreme. And, obviously you wouldn’t have wasted my time calling such a meeting just to make an example out of a junior employee’s mishandling of a professional difference of opinion.” Meekah snaps.   Wow...Maya thinks to herself, putting in no small amount of conscious effort to keep her jaw off the floor. She’s never had anyone stand up for her like this before, and a warm feeling blooms in her chest. And, it’s nice to see Brianné squirm for once...   “I didn’t mean it quite like that…” Brianné replies, unable to hold Meekah’s gaze.   “Well, how did you mean it, Miss Welby. I’m quite confused. Either this whole meeting is theater to unnecessarily—and might I add, in a wildly unethical manner—intimidate a junior employee, or we have a professional conflict that requires mediation to resolve. Which is it?”   “Well, erm. Obviously the situation needs to be resolved. I apologize for attempting to make light of it.” Brianné deflates. “Both of you will be receiving a written warning for your conduct and a record of this meeting in your personnel files. I see no reason to take action beyond that, but I expect both of you to be more professional in the future.” Brianné continues, looking at each of them in turn. “But I trust you will both be professional and cordial from this point forward, and we won’t need to revisit this topic.” “Of course. I apologize for what I said, Maya. I didn’t know, and I hope you understand that isn’t how I meant it at all—it’s just an expression. I wasn’t thinking and it won’t happen again.” Jenkins says, his voice surprisingly sincere.   “It’s okay. I’m sorry too.” Maya replies, impressed at how quickly Jenkins has changed his tune.   “Furthermore,” Meekah adds. “Mr. Jenkins, you’ll be promoted to Lead Designer, as that’s been pending for some time, and since you’re already here, there’s no need to schedule another meeting just for that. Miss Weston, you are also receiving a promotion to Prototyping and Quality associate, but I’d like to see you briefly after the meeting to go over what that entails.” Maya just blinks, feeling more than a little whiplash from the turn the meeting has taken. A few minutes ago her job was being threatened, and now she’s getting a promotion? “A promotion?” Jenkins sounds as surprised as Maya feels.   “Yes. You’re both very talented and the work you do is very much appreciated. These roles will allow you both to leverage your strengths while reducing interpersonal friction, as Miss Weston will no longer be your direct-report.” Meekah explains. “Um, who will I report to?” Maya wonders, though she hadn’t meant to ask it out loud quite like that.   “You’ll report to Sydney Gaines, as well as to myself for the Prototyping side of things. There are a few clients that would benefit from your skills specifically Miss Weston, and I’d like you to learn more about our quality control process from Miss Gaines.” Meekah explains, the ghost of a smile touching her lips.   “Oh.” Is all Maya can say. This is not how I expected today to go at all…   “If you two could just confirm on the screens in front of you that we’ve talked about the situation and it is now resolved, you’re free to go unless anyone has further questions.” Brianné adds.   Maya taps the button.   “Mr. Jenkins, I’ll be in touch shortly via the portal to go over next steps for transitioning to your new role. Have a nice day, and thank your for your years of hard work and dedication.” Brianné says pleasantly. “And,” She continues, turning to regard Maya with a cold gaze. “I believe Director Saphrin would like to speak with you, Miss Weston.”   “That is correct. You are dismissed Brianné. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.” Meekah answers.   Maya swallows hard, doing her best to at least try to maintain professionalism.   Brianné looks like she wants to argue, but she says: “Yes ma’am,” and excuses herself.   Maya glances at Meekah, her heartbeat pounding in her ears as she attempts to read Meekah’s expression, but Meekah is giving her absolutely nothing to work with.   “Am...am I in trouble?” Maya asks quietly, feeling her eyes welling up all over again as a wave of shame and guilt threatens to overwhelm her. After everything Meekah has done for her, the last thing she wants to be is cause for disappointment. “No. But you might not like what I’m about to say.” Meekah says softly. “Your new role is a remote one; you’ll be working from home for a little while. I think that’s what’s best for everyone involved here.”   “But that’s not fair! I worked so hard—” Maya’s voice fails her. She can’t force it past the lump in her throat. She sniffles.   “I know you did. You’re incredibly talented, Maya, and I’m not doing this to take anything away from you. You’re not in trouble, and you still have your job. All that’s happening is a little adjustment. I know you’re doing your best to manage being here while going through Chrysalis, but I don’t think that’s a good plan until things are more stable for you. It’s not fair to ask you to keep up the same professional attitude and to function in a place that’s very difficult to handle with all the sensory changes and other things going on. Anyone in your position would be stressed out, and this way you get to put your talents to good use, you don’t need to worry about justifying your choices to Jenkins, and you’ll be able to do it in a place that’s much better for keeping you comfortable as Chrysalis progresses.” Meekah explains.   Maya opens her mouth to argue, but deep down, she can’t fault Meekah’s logic. “But I like it here.” Maya replies, picking at her fingers. Change is always awful for her at the best of times, but to be blindsided like this just makes it that much worse…   “I know you do sweetheart. And, if you want to come back and work in the lab after Chrysalis is over and you’re not dealing with so many changes, that’s completely fine with me. But for now, we’ll both be working from home, that way I’ll be there with you and we can manage all of this together. Okay?” “I don’t want to be any trouble. I can handle being left on my own. I’m not...I’m not a baby.” Maya counters.   “Maya. I know you can handle it. But part of my job as your Guardian is to make sure you’re being taken care of, and leaving you to fend for yourself at a time like this would be pretty unfair of me to expect you to just handle all the changes that are happening in addition to work, without my support. It’s not a problem.”   Maya opens her mouth to protest more, but Meekah cuts her off.   “It’s not up for discussion sweetheart. This is happening. You don’t have to like it, but I’m not going to argue about it. We’ll need to get you set up to be able to access your suite of programs from home, so we’ll be leaving early today so there’s time to get some furniture and other essentials—I don’t want you turning your bedroom into an office. That is a place for rest and relaxation, not work, and there are plenty of spare rooms you can pick from for your home office.” Maya frowns. “Okay. Are we leaving now, then?” She asks, her voice more bitter than she means for it to be.   “That was my plan, yes. Do you need to freshen up before we go?” Meekah asks gently.   Maya shifts in her seat, feeling a by-now-familiar dampness in her pull-on, and her stomach lurches with the realization that she hadn’t even noticed until Meekah had just asked. Her hands are shaking again. “Yeah…” Maya admits quietly, a few tears rolling down her cheeks.   “That’s okay. Can you come here first please?” Meekah opens her arms.   Maya is across the room before she can stop herself, already leaning into Meekah, breathing in her familiar scent of mint and vanilla, holding on more tightly than is probably appropriate for work. The conference room is secluded, so it feels okay to let herself need this, if only for a moment.   Meekah rubs her back gently. “I’m proud of your for not fighting me on this sweetheart. I know change is hard, but I really do think this will help a lot as far as keeping stress down—you don’t have to work about performing professionalism at home, and I’m sure keeping a tight lid on things has only been getting harder for you lately. That isn’t your fault at all, but at least this way, you don’t have to worry about people like Brianné trying to get you fired over a minor outburst.”   Maya nods. “Yeah. I guess so.” “I don’t suppose ice cream would help today feel a little less awful?” Meekah suggests, a small smile tugging at her lips.   Maya manages a thin, watery smile in return. “Maybe.”