MAP OF THE PROBLEMATIQUE
Chapter 8: Map of the Problematique

We pulled in to an absolute rockfest. Rock bands blaring on stages with pyrotechnics and a ring with cages off to the side, where they kept the Mecha to be destroyed. "Over there," the biker pointed to the cage with the most recent arrivals in it, and I bolted for it.

"Joe! Joe, where are you?"

"Wendy! Here!" He emerged from the crowded group a little scuffed, but no worse for wear. Relief flooded his face as he reached through the bars for me, and I hugged him.

"I'm gonna get you outa there, okay?"

It was then I noticed the boy. The little brown-haired boy clinging to Joe's hand. He had a bear with him, and his brown eyes looked up at me inquisitively.

"Hello."

"Ah-- well, hello," I crouched down in front of the boy.

"What's your name?"

"Wendy. What's yours?"
"I'm David," the boy said. "Do you know Monica, Wendy?"
"Uh... no, I'm afraid I don't, sweetheart. Is she your mother?"

"Yes. She is my mommy."

"We need to find Monica," the bear told me, his voice hoarse.

I stood up to face Joe. "What the hell is a kid doin' in there?"

"Here, Daddy." The voice of a little girl came up behind me, and I turned to see the owner and her father approach. "The little boy."

Using his MechaDetector light, the father shined it in David's face to reveal the wiring and fibers beneath the innocent and seemingly-organic surface. My heart leapt to my throat. "Oh, my God."

It was then that the cage doors opened. The workers were back for another Mecha.... and to my terror, they grabbed for Joe.

"Hey! Hey, stop! No, you can't do this. I-- I own this Mecha!"
"He's got no license."

"Uh-- my neighbour's brat tore it off yesterday afternoon. The kid's a real shit, man, c'mon!"

"Sorry."
"Please, don't! Stop! Don't let them hurt me! Don't let them hurt me!" It looked as if I wasn't the only one having a fit. David tugged violently at Joe's arm. "Keep me safe, keep me safe!"

"Let go, kid!"

"Yes, David, please; do as the man says and release my arm."

"Don't! Keep me safe!"

"Suit yourself."

Both of them were hauled off. I ran around the caging to stand in front of the pair; Joe stood with his back to the target, his arms around a panicing David's shoulders. Above them, buckets of acid waited to be unleashed. A drop slipped free and collided with the edge of Joe's black leather trenchcoat, sizzling its way through, and tears sprung to my eyes.

"Stop this!" I shouted, beginning to sob. "Oh, please don't.... Joe, I'm so sorry!"

Joe turned to smile at me nervously. "Don't be afraid, Wendy. I don't want this any more than you do. But it's too late...."

"See this, ladies and gentlemen!" The announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeakers, calming and getting the attention of the massive crowd. "This Mecha has moved his human to tears! Look how she cries for this abomination. Look what the Mecha have done to our psyches! What have they done to make our lives easier?"

"Nothing!"

"They haven't done shit!"

"That's right! Absolutely nothing. They come in to take our jobs and our--"

"Nothing?!" I screamed, this time making the announcer jump. The cameras found me and I was up on the JumboTron. The whole world watched me now, as I clung to the cage and roared my opposition. "You say they've done nothing? That's bullshit! Five months ago, my daughter, the light of my life and reason for living, was taken from me. Snatched straight from her room, while I was sleeping soundly in my own. I have spent months waiting, months searching, hoping and praying with little break for some shred of hope. And now...." I choked back tears. "This man, this adult Mecha you see before you, was there for me consistantly after the kidnapping, moreso than any flesh, blood or pulse! No questions. No judgements. No animocity! And you say they do nothing for our psyches? He was always there!"

The crowd was stunned to silence, and that was when David began to wail again. "Keep me safe! Mommy, I want my Mommy!"

"Hey..... the lady's got a point."

"A-and that one's just a child!" A woman cried.

"A kid! How could you put a kid up there?"

"You're a disgrace!" A soda can hit the announcer on the side of the head.

"Oh, God," I sighed, wiping my eyes on my long sleeves. "Here we go."

It took mere moments, but I found myself fighting a crowd. The audience had rioted at the sight of a child on their target rings, Mecha or no. In the chaos, another Mecha freed Joe and David, and the two of them made their way through the dangerous rush to meet me at the fenceline.

"Is there a way for you boys to get out?"

"Yes, here...."

I followed the pair around to the enterance, and Joe threw his arms around me in a hug, catching me off guard, but I immediately and honestly returned it. "Now, come on."

David clutched his bear in one hand and Joe's hand in the other, and I grabbed Joe's hand as we ran from the disorder that continued to grow out of control behind us.

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Music: This chapter also named after the song "Map of the Problematique" by Muse. :P