The Admiral compares the standoff between the U.S. Lib marvels at how this all could happen. They are unable to establish communication with the acting leader of the Soviet Union, Dmitri Torgatz.
#Alas babylon how to
China, India, and Japan are the new “Big Three” world powers and are discussing how to distribute vaccines and antitoxins to cities in Europe, North America, and Australia. Smallpox is an epidemic in the Western coast of North America, while typhus has broken out in Russia. Moments later, a radio news broadcast reveals that starving refugees are gathered in France and Monaco. Together, they listen to a transmission between what sounds like an American fighter pilot and an airbase, and are encouraged by this evidence that the U.S. Hazzard has not seen Dan Gunn, but he shares with Randy and Lib a new Air Force frequency on his short-wave radio. When Dan Gunn does not return for dinner that evening, Randy and Lib go looking for him at Admiral Hazzard’s. Lib, who majored in psychology in college, reassures Randy that Helen is not insane she’s merely indulged in a momentary fantasy due to the strain. Noting Randy’s leaner face and new gray hairs, which make him resemble his older brother, Helen begins kissing Randy wildly, telling him, “You’re Mark! You can’t deny it! You’re Mark!” Just then, Lib calls to Randy and he makes his escape. While cutting Randy’s hair, however, Helen loses her grip. She doesn’t show her grief, but busies herself with running the household with remarkable efficiency. Helen Bragg has been forced to accept that her husband, Mark, is very likely dead. Randy sacrifices his Bonneville for the project. After all, the only car they are currently using is the Henrys’ Model A, which requires the least amount of gasoline. Bill plans to build a mill from the parts of their automobiles.
Two-Tone Henry, the Preacher’s elder son, comes up with a plan to make corn whisky from their corn and sugar cane. It is now official: Randy has legal authority in Fort Repose.
This means that all Reserve officers (such as Randy) and National Guard officers are authorized to take action to preserve public safety. That evening on the radio, Randy hears that Acting President Vanbruuker-Brown has declared martial law. He strongarms Bubba Offenhaus, the town undertaker and Deputy Director of Civil Defense, into providing the coffin and the gasoline required to transport it. Randy takes charge of the operation, brandishing a gun to secure volunteer help. It is vital that Porky Logan be buried immediately, along with his deadly watches and jewelry, in a lead-lined coffin to prevent contamination.