Brogan investigates the activitis of race riot instigator Burl Flak, whose gang is causing trouble in Demeter City. An old friend of Brogan's, the bounty hunter Erika Brandt, turns up on Flak's trail and her reacquaintence with Brogan causes Sally to become jealous.

Officer Took joins a religious cult called the Pyrists. When one of their elders is immolated in a fire, her colleagues believe that the Pyrists themselves, were responsible.

Precinct 88 continues its investigation at the Pyrist Temple in the wake of the disappearance of Captain Podley's daughter.