On their return trip from harvesting salt, Charles and Pet meet a sick couple whom they bring to the nearest community for help. There they find a military-like operation run by Max and Joy. The sick woman dies and the sick man is shot. Charles complains of their domineering approach, though he proposes they conduct trade and form a federation. Joy invites Charles to present his proposal to the group, but Max tells them to leave, for their own safety. Tipped off by Joy that Max plans to have them shot during the night, as he fears for his leadership, the couple stays and Charles gets to address the community, during which time Max is shouted down and deposed by Joy.
—GusF