The Republic of Southern California was in serioustrouble. The casually repressive rule of the juntawas threatened, not only by the growing band ofguerrillas in the south, but also by the sudden,inexplicable outbreak of riots in the Republic'swealthiest suburbs. Then word reached the SocialWing of the Police Corps that the daughter of theguerrillas' leader had information about the causeof the riots, and Sergeant James Xavier Hecker wassent to investigate.
Hecker was an unlikely policeman: not only did helack any overwhelming personal ambition, but he alsoretained a vestigial faith in the good will of themen and women around him. And his odyssey throughthe rubble of our consumption-oriented, gadget-filled,anything-for-kicks society-by turns surprising,appalling, and devilishly funny-makes an unusuallyentertaining and perceptive novel.