Fifi Macafee sat at his desk, barking an inspirational rant into the radio for all officers to hear.
"They say people don't believe in heroes anymore. Well damn them! You boys are going to give the people back their heroes! We're going to grab these desert-riding sons of bitches by the throat and grind them into the dirt. This could be civilization's last stand, so damn the doubters and damn the paperwork! Give 'em back their heroes boys! Make me proud."
No answer. Another night of incompetence? Why not.
Fifi leaned back in his chair. Had he crossed a line? He wasn't sure. All he knew is that he would protect this town no matter what it took.
Toecutter and his gang were growing bold. Since no one could prove that they killed Epignosis the night before, and as long as they behaved themselves, the police and MFP were powerless to keep them off the street. As the bars and clubs shut down for the night, the gang leader stepped out onto the street and breathed in the cool night air.
"Heavenly, the sky tonight," he said. "Don't you think so, Johnny?"
"I'd like to find a piece of heaven and stay the night if you know what I mean," the imbecile laughed.
"Now now, Johnny," Toecutter admonished. "We must carry ourselves with dignity and respect if we are to be accepted here." At that very moment, he collided with a woman coming out of a club.
"Pardon me, ma'am," he said with a bow.
"Watch where you're going, you clowns," she shot back.
"I assure you," Toecutter said as he took the woman's hand, "this was an unfortunate accident and by no means reflective of my character."
"Let go of me, you creep!" the woman shouted. She slapped him across the cheek, drawing blood with one of her rings. Toecutter stood stunned on the sidewalk and the woman took off in a huff.
"So much for respect," Johnny howled.
Toecutter sneered at the woman. "Boys, I think we need to teach that lady a lesson."
"And what lesson is that?" Cundalini asked.
Toecutter wiped his cheek and gazed at the blood dotting his fingertips. "That the degree of kindness and hospitality you give to others comes back around to you."
"Reap what you sow," Bubba said with stolid approval.
Before S~V~S could react, the gang was upon her. She kicked and screamed as best she could but no one was coming to her aid tonight. Fear kept people away from opportunities to do good and stand up to the madness. Thus, the madness consumed her.
They bound her arms to one of the motorcycles and dragged her through the streets. S~V~S momentarily forgot about the pain of her legs being stripped raw by the asphalt when one of her shoulders dislocated. That pain was forgotten about only when her tibiae shattered when she slammed into a lamppost when the motorcycle took a wide turn.
At some point, S~V~S passed out. When the bikers noticed her body had gone limp and silent, they stopped. One by one, they took turns running over her body until they were satisfied with her punishment.
"Let this be a lesson to all of them," Toecutter said. "If respect is not shown, mercy will not be extended."