Alas, Babylon

Randy and Dan visit Bubba Offenhaus to get a lead-lined coffin to bury Porky in. Bubba is in Civil Defense and is the undertaker. Bubba asks the traders who gather in a nearby park for volunteers to bury Porky. When they all refuse, Randy takes out his pistol and orders five of them to help. He decides to shoot anyone who reaches for a weapon. The traders help him bury Porky and the jewelry. Randy realizes that there is no true authority in Fort Repose. He is not sure why he took the position he did, using his gun, but he knows he is becoming the town’s leader.

When Randy gets home, Lib is on a ladder  trying to harvest sugarcane. Two-Tone says they can make corn whiskey and that he’ll need the gas lines out of Randy’s Bonneville car. Randy is sad about dismantling the beautiful car, but he agrees.

Randy listens to the news that evening, which says that Vanbruuker-Brown, as Acting President, has authorized Reserve and National Guard officers to act independently to preserve order. Since Randy is a member of the Reserve, this news authorizes his leadership and use of weapons.

Helen kisses Randy after cutting his hair.