Wasting Her Time And Mine (Part 2)

Foreword
This is part two of Wasting Her Time And Mine, the third episode of Survivor: Dueling Desert. It was moved here to due to node count issues.

Tolmer Tribe
The camera fades back in to the Tolmer tribe camp, with everybody slowly making their way into camp in complete silence. As they reach camp, somber music begins to play as everyone sits around the shelter, nobody speaking yet. This silence continues for a short while as the camera focuses on Calvin who looks around at everyone."tolmer"

- It seems no matter what our tribe does, we're just destined to lose. I'm going to remain optimistic because it's really all we can do and all we have left, but I feel like we've grown into a family here. A dysfunctional one obviously, but I don't know, it feels really crap that someone's about to go.

Calvin: Things are going to turn around eventually guys.

(Charlotte sighs.)

Charlotte: I'm really starting to wonder when the 'eventually' is coming, and I'm usually the one who says that after we lose.

Calvin: The second we admit defeat and give up is the second we lose any chance in hell at getting out of this rut. No matter how tough the going gets we just have to look forward, right?

Michelle: You're definitely right.

Jamie: Yeah, if people gave up, you wouldn't have had some of the greatest comebacks in history. Imagine if the Bombers gave up on round sixteen match against those bloody Kangas in 2001. They were up [expletive] creek without a paddle and Matthew Lloyd wasn't such a true blue legend, they would've been [expletive]'ed. He fought like hell for 'em and they stuck it out until they won it.

Opal: I'm not going to pretend to know what a single thing you just said was, but I think I agree.

Grant: It was one of the best sporting comebacks of all time. Whether we like it or not, five of us are going to still be here after tonight, but no matter who leaves, the other five need to take control of this game.

Calvin: See? That's the spirit we need.

(Everyone gets up for a group hug, before people finally break up to go their seperate ways. As people head off, the camera focuses back on Calvin, who is now smiling proudly.)"tolmer"

- I really just want things to succeed for this tribe more than anything right now. I don't really have many people in my life I'd say that about, especially given that I'm always on the move with work and everything. I just don't spend long enough around anyone to get emotionally attached to them, so having spent more than a week living and relying on these people, it's pretty emotional for me. I guess I just need to take my heart out of it for now, because these people aren't family, they're competition. I just hope the vote tonight doesn't hurt people, especially with Dueling Desert in place. If whoever leaves can fight their way back, I don't see any reason why this six can't fight on.

(The camera cuts from Calvin's confessional to a shot of the waterfall, before panning over to the riverbank where Opal and Jamie are both walking, before sitting down in the shade with their feet hanging over the edge, dipping them in the water and relaxing.)

Opal: So, inspirational speeches aside, what have I missed while I've been gone?

Jamie: I've been talking to Michelle and Calvin, and I reckon we're all good to vote out Grant.

Opal: Oh, that's reassuring. Do you think there's any possibility he could have an idol?

Jamie: Look mate, I honestly doubt it, but if we want to play it safe we can just get two of us to vote Charlotte. I talked about that with Michelle and she seemed to think it was the right idea.

Opal: Awesome. You don't think something's going to go wrong do you?

Jamie: Nah. I'll obviously keep an eye out for signs of trouble, but do you think Michelle would turn on us?

Opal: Yeah, that's a fair point. She's been nothing but loyal to us thus far. Should I go talk with her in case?

Jamie: Might as well. I think Grant's been in her ear a bit, so it'll be bloody great if you could get to the bottom of what that bloke's been up to.

Opal: Alright.

(As Opal gets up and begins walking away, the camera stays focused on Jamie, who picks up a rock, before skimming it across the water.)"tolmer"

- The other day I talked a little bit with Michelle and Charlotte, just seeing where their heads were at, hoping they'd be all aboard the Grant leaving train. I reckon I made some good, solid footwork with them, but right now I'm trying to figure out what the hell to do about the vote, since they want things split. I'm pretty tight with Calvin, so if somehow Grant has the idol, Calvin's lined up to be going, and that's [expletive] for me. I don't want to start a blue with anyone over it, but this arvo I'm going to have to go in to bat for Calvin and try get the split happening on Charlotte instead. I like her, but I reckon she's the person I trust the least outside of Grant, so for me, it's a [expletive] load better if she goes than Calvin.

(The camera cuts from the water back into camp, where Michelle and Charlotte are sitting by the fire, as Grant brings in a small load of wood, placing it down beside them.)

Charlotte: Hey, Grant.

(Grant and Michelle both turn to Charlotte.)

Charlotte: Are you on board to make something happen?

Grant: Obviously. I don't want it to be me leaving.

Charlotte: Good to hear.

(There is a brief silent pause.)

Grant: Is that it?

Charlotte: Yeah.

Grant: Oh... okay. Do I get to know a target or anything?

Michelle: I think there's still a lot that's up in the air, but we'll of course let you know what's going on once we're sure of it ourselves.

Grant: Right, I guess that makes sense. Just while I'm here; you guys haven't told Opal that I sort of threw her under the bus by telling you guys about her career and everything, right?

Michelle: Of course not.

Grant: Sweet. Glad I can trust you two. I'm going to get some more wood, but feel free to let me in on whatever you're voting and I'll go with it.

(Grant walks away as Michelle turns to Charlotte.)

Michelle: Be careful with how much you say to certain people.

Charlotte: I didn't reveal any information there though.

Michelle: Oh, I know. I just mean in general, we can't know what will go around and what won't. That's not an attack against you at all, just the fact that Grant revealed something like the Opal secret to us.

Charlotte: Ah. I actually think it shows that he's willing to trust us. He's warning us that she's clearly capable of lying, given that most of what we know about her is built on a lie and stuff.

Michelle: Right. I do think he trusts us, but he did also prove that he'll throw someone under the bus if he thinks that it'll help him out.

Charlotte: Man, I didn't think we'd be needing to make a decision like this already.

Michelle: We still have the afternoon to figure everything out. Let's just keep the windows of communication open and see what pops up.

Charlotte: Yeah, that makes sense.

(Charlotte looks over to the fire, noticing that they only have larger pieces of wood and no kindling left.)

Charlotte: I'm going to go get some sticks.

Michelle: Okay.

Charlotte: Thanks for actually being willing to talk with me about all this stuff. It's a lot more decency and connection than I've gotten from anyone else here.

Michelle: It's seriously no problem at all. I really enjoy your company.

Charlotte: Thanks.

(As Charlotte walks off, Michelle can't help but sport a gleefully beaming smile on her face.)"tolmer"

- I'm really glad that Charlotte has come out of her shell a lot over the past few days. She admittedly had a bit of a neurotic and shaky start, but the fact that she contributes so many level headed ideas into the strategic partnership we've formed is really quite great. I know that I'm going a bit into elderly mode, but I think it's amazing on a personal level to watch someone as young as Charlotte is really grow into her own out here. I'm sure that eventually a decision will come that makes me have to pick a side between Charlotte and the rest of my main alliance, but right now I'm definitely sticking with her, and I think the two of us are in a great spot at the moment to dictate where this vote lies. We just have an important afternoon of gathering information ahead of us now.

(The camera cuts from Michelle's confessional to the river trail where Grant is walking along to gather more firewood, minding his own business. As he passes by some peculiar looking trees, he pauses to look in the different crevices of them for the idol. The camera then pans further down the trail where Opal is walking towards him along the path. As she gets closer, Grant hears footsteps, quickly picking up the firewood and continuing along the trail, just as Opal came into vision. With the two making eye contact, they both awkwardly pause for a moment.)

Grant: Can we just skip the obviously contrived conversations we've had where you're completely lying to my face and pretending like you trust me despite me doing nothing to warrant that distrust?

Opal: Jeez, tell me how you really feel.

Grant: Might as well. You've made it clear enough how you feel about me.

Opal: I've never made it personal at all.

Grant: Neither have I. I haven't made any person or game attacks at you, and yet you still put my name down.

Opal: I wrote your name down, I didn't kill your whole family or something. Seeing as you signed up for Survivor you surely expected that your name would come up at some stage.

Grant: Oh, of course. But not from someone that I spent six days trying to work with.

Opal: Fine. If that's how you view it, you're entitled to that opinion.

Grant: Good. Glad we've got that established.

(Grant continues walking along the trail, gathering up bits of dried wood as he walks, with Opal sighing in frustration before walking back along to camp.)"tolmer"

- While I definitely deserve the cold treatment I'm getting from Grant, it makes me worry. I haven't even been at camp to have time to defend whatever he's possibly said about me, and while I think the vote tonight should be pretty clear cut, I can't help but worry. Getting the idol clue from Dueling Desert was nice, but I'm starting to think it wasn't worth it for whatever I possibly missed out on. I trust the others enough that they'd tell me if I missed something huge, but I just need to take some time to think.

(Opal continues walking off, with the camera panning up to the sky, with a brief timelapse of the clouds going by until the late afternoon is upon the camp, with the sun beginning to set in the distance. As the camera pans down from the sky to camp, everyone is sitting around, eating some rice in silence. As they do so, the camera focuses on Michelle, who signals to Charlotte to get her attention. As she does, she subtly gestures to the empty rice pot, then over at Grant, with Charlotte nodding.)

Charlotte: Okay, someone come clean the dishes with me. Any takers?

Opal: I guess I wouldn't mind doing it.

Charlotte: Oh, but you've been exiled. You should get some downtime to just chill. Grant, want to come?

Grant: Alright.

(As Grant and Charlotte head down to the water, the other four remain seated, waiting for them to be out of earshot.)

Michelle: So, what are we thinking?

Jamie: I reckon a split between those two is the safest play, right? Neither of them have had a clue or anything yet, but I reckon we should still just play it safe.

Opal: I agree. As much as I don't want to write down Charlotte's name, I'm sure she'd understand given that she's the closest to Grant.

Calvin: So how do we want to split it then? I've already voted for Charlotte so I guess it would make sense for me to again, that way she's not annoyed at an extra person.

Michelle: I feel like I could vote for her without her being too mad at me. She's been helping me with a lot of the cooking and camp work so I think she feels close to me.

Jamie: Yeah, that sounds good.

Opal: Alright. I'm assuming we're all in on Grant for the revote, right?

Michelle: Definitely.

Calvin: I'm okay with that.

Jamie: Same.

Opal: Alright, glad that's decided. I wonder what Charlotte's going to say to him.

Michelle: I think she's just going to try make him feel comfortable.

(Following this comment, the camera cuts to the water where Grant and Charlotte are both doing the dishes.)

Grant: So, catch me up on things.

Charlotte: It's Calvin tonight.

Grant: Who are our numbers?

Charlotte: I hate to be that person, but I can't really tell you a lot about things. I trust you, even if you did kinda go against me early on. It's just trying to get other people to also trust you that I'm working on now.

Grant: I appreciate that. If me voting Calvin proves whatever loyalty I need to prove, I'm all for it.

Charlotte: Cool.

(The two go back to doing the dishes, with the camera focusing on Charlotte, who looks confident.)"tolmer"

- I think tonight, Michelle and I kinda have all our ducks in a row. If everything she was meant to say with the others went right, the vote's going to be split on Calvin and Grant, unless there's a factor I'm oblivious to. Honestly, both options have their pros and cons, so I just hope we're making the right decision. We've really got the room to move either way, and there's definitely going to be a line drawn in the hot, red, Australian sand after tonight.

(The camera cuts back into camp as everyone begins packing their bags for tribal, with Calvin quickly tucking his idol into his boot, before lacing them up.)"tolmer"

- I'm pretty sure things tonight should be going fairly smoothly, but if I get even the slightest inkling that something's going to go awry, I'm definitely pulling out the idol. There's no valid reason that I'm aware of that I should be in danger, but crazier things have happened in Survivor, and my name has come up a few times in the past. I'm hoping that I can trust the people I've given my trust to, but I'm definitely not putting all my eggs in that basket when I have the power to save myself if need be.

(The camera then cuts over to Grant, who packs his bag next to Opal, glancing momentarily at her with a disgruntled expression on his face.)"tolmer"

- I don't have a huge amount of optimism that tonight will be going my way, but I'm at a point where I have nothing left to lose. I can't go any further onto the bottom, so I might as well swing for the fence, and that's what I've done the past few days. I just hope a few of those swings connected enough for me. It doesn't have to be a grand slam home run, I just need to get myself safe on first base for this round. From there, we'll see what magic I can work.

(As everyone grabs their torches, they all begin walking, with the camera finally focusing on Michelle, who leads the way out of camp.)"tolmer"

- This is quite an important decision for both Charlotte and I. We're in a position of power, and with great power comes great responsibility. I'm not going to treat this tribal lightly, even if it's only the third tribal of the season. Any number of factors can work into the way a game of Survivor goes, and tonight I'm more than aware that we're making a decision that could either destroy us or set us up for a while. Here's to hoping that it's the latter of the two.

They all continue to walk out as the camera pans up to the sky which blackens out to night.

Tribal Council
The camera cuts from the night sky to tribal, before everyone walks in, placing down their torches and taking a seat on the benches.

Probst: Well, if this hasn't become a familiar sight by now, I don't think it ever will.

(A few people grin.)

Probst: Calvin, once again, Tolmer is at tribal council. You've lost all five challenges so far, landing you at all three tribal councils that have taken place this season.

Calvin: Thanks for the reminder.

(Jeff smirks.)

Probst: Needless to say, this tribe is clearly missing something to bring you all together. Do you have any idea what it is?

Calvin: Look, I think we've taken a while to really gel well. Speaking solely for myself, that's something that comes up a lot for me, and I know some of the others took a while to adjust. Thankfully we seem to really be a united family now, even if we had to lose a few bad eggs to get to that point.

Probst: And yet, here you are at tribal, with one of the united family members about to be sent to Dueling Desert.

Calvin: Right, I see that. I just also know that the atmosphere around camp this afternoon was the best it's been thus far. We all just had a moment to reflect and motivate us to move further.

Probst: Charlotte, do you agree with that? Is this tribe finally starting to function?

Charlotte: I think there's still some underlying tension, but as a whole I think we're actually starting to work well and communicate better and I think we've finally got our spirits lifted up a bit.

Probst: And that brings us to today at the challenge. Charlotte, you and Calvin both put up a great fight, but similarly to previous challenges, it just didn't match up to the Wangi tribe. Just a show of hands, does anyone feel like they let the team down there?

(Everyone looks around, with Michelle and Calvin as the only ones to raise their hands.)

Probst: Michelle, you do?

Michelle: Yes. I think it's clear I'm not that strongly suited to a challenge involving carrying weight and running, especially simultaneously, but even though the odds weren't stacked in my favour, I obviously would've liked to have done better.

Probst: And you, Calvin, which surprises me given that you were one of the people who stuck it out to the finish for your tribe.

Calvin: I guess I just feel like I could've done more.

Jamie: Mate, you put everything you had into it and outlasted most of us. You and Charlotte crushed that.

Calvin: I don't know, I guess I just don't like to fail at things. It might seem ridiculous given that there's obviously things in life that are hard to accomplish and difficulties that you need to overcome, but I've just always aimed to be able to push through and get things done.

Jamie: You bloody well don't have to do everything right all the time. We all [expletive] up something but you can't let that sort of thing get you down.

Probst: Jamie, clearly Calvin doubting himself struck a chord with you.

Jamie: I just reckon he's being hard on himself. You can't always expect to succeed at things, and you've got to just pick yourself up off the ground and recover, you know?

(Jamie gives Calvin a pat on the back, with him smiling in response.)

Probst: So, Opal, you spent time away while you were exiled. Does it worry you that you could be in danger due to missing out the dynamics back at camp during that time?

Opal: Of course. I just hope that things aren't too stacked against me because of that, especially since it's not like I chose to go to exile, I just got picked. I'd hate to have something I had no real say over effect my game like that.

Probst: Grant, do you think Opal being exiled hurts or strengthens her position in the game?

Grant: It could go either way. None of the rest of us have been exiled, so there could be an idol or an advantage she could have that'll work to her benefit, or there could've been a shift to send her home while she was gone. I'm guessing we'll find out shortly which way it went.

Probst: Alright. I think that's the perfect note to leave things on. It is time to vote, Jamie, you're up.

(Jamie gets up, heading over to the voting booth, before casting a vote for Grant and placing it in the urn. A few others walk up, before Calvin reaches the voting booth, casting a vote for Charlotte and holding it up.) "tolmer"

- You wrote my name down last week, so even though it's not your time to leave tonight, I still feel at least somewhat content with the return fire policy here. Good luck.

(Calvin places his vote in the urn before walking back, with Opal then heading up next, casting a vote for Grant, before holding it up to the camera.) "tolmer"

- This time, let's hope it actually happens. You know too much about me for me to feel safe with you in the game, and while that's not your fault, it's not exactly like I asked for someone like that out here.

(Opal sighs, before placing her vote into the urn. Finally, Michelle walks up, pausing for a moment, before casting her vote and holding it up, although the name is not visible.) "tolmer"

- This was a difficult back and fourth decision all afternoon, but I think the consensus that we've come to is for the best. Good luck on Dueling Desert, and hopefully things will go over smoothly enough that you'll be back with us in no time.

(Michelle places her vote in the urn, before walking back and taking a seat.)

Probst: I'll go tally the votes.

(Jeff gets up to grab the urn, with the camera focusing on Calvin who fiddles with his boot. The camera then pans back over to Jeff as he returns with the urn.)

Probst: If anyone has a hidden immunity idol and would like to play it, now would be the time to do so...

(The music grows intense as Calvin tosses up on what to do...

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(...but he doesn't stand.)

Probst: Alright. Once the votes are read the decision is final, person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. First vote...

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GRANT.

(Grant nods, fully expecting his name to show up.)

Probst: Second vote...

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CHARLOTTE. (1-1)

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GRANT. (2-1)

(Grant looks over at Charlotte and Michelle, who remain stoic.)

Probst: That's two votes Grant, one vote Charlotte, three votes left...

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CALVIN. (2-1-1)

(Calvin, Jamie and Opal immediately look surprised, as the camera then focuses on Charlotte and Michelle who seem content with their decision.)

Probst: Two votes Grant, one vote Charlotte, one vote Calvin...

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CHARLOTTE. (2-2-1)

(Grant looks over at Michelle and Charlotte, confused, as Calvin sighs, somewhat relieved but still anxious about the last vote.)

Probst: That's two votes Charlotte, two votes Grant, one vote Calvin... one vote left...

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Third person voted out of Survivor: Dueling Desert...

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GRANT. (3-2-1)

(Grant sighs, looking over to Charlotte who gets up to hug him.)

Probst: Grant, that's three, that's enough. You need to bring me your torch.

(Grant stands, meeting Charlotte in a quick hug, before going to grab his torch.)

Grant: Well Charlotte, I'm sure you have your reasons, but this is probably what I get for not trusting you on that first vote.

(Grant places his torch in front of Jeff, before turning to face the others once more.)

Grant: Just remember guys, this is Australia. You've got to watch out for the snakes that are lurking in the grass.

(Opal rolls her eyes as Grant turns back to Jeff.)

Probst: Grant, your tribe has spoken.

(Jeff snuffs his torch.)

Probst: You will have a chance to get back into this game, grab your stuff, head on out to Dueling Desert, where you will fight for your survival in tomorrow's duel.

Grant: Oo, exciting.

(Grant picks up his bags, before walking out, with the camera then focusing back on the tribe.)

Probst: Well, after all the talk of a united tribe, it was once again a scattered vote. Only time will tell if you made the right decision. Grab your stuff, head on back to camp, goodnight.

Everyone picks up their belongings before grabbing their torches, heading out of tribal as the outro music begins to play and the credits roll, before the camera fades to black.

Final Words
"tolmer"

- I can't say that I'm too shocked with the result of the vote, because I definitely was on the outs of the tribe, and I don't expect Charlotte and Michelle to stick their necks too far out on the line to save me. My Survivor experience isn't over yet, and I fully believe I have what it takes to get back into the game, so bring it on Dueling Desert. I only have myself to rely on now, so nothing Opal wants to do or say can effect me now, and quite frankly, it'll be nice catching up with Logan and getting away from the Tomler camp for a while.

Next Time On... Survivor
With clear pairs formed on both tribes...

Jeremy Winslow: The more I spent time with Jessica, the more I feel like she's totally the sort of chick that I could see myself getting serious with, y'know?

Calvin Langard: Opal's had my back in the game thus far, so it would only be fair to let her in on something like this...

Those left in the cracks will need to traverse the game alone...

Jamie Roberts: Mate, this game's got my head spinning more than on a night out at the pub with a slab of VB. These guys expect me to make a bloody hard decision, and I've got no clue what the hell to do.

And for one Survivor, things will be coming to a permanent end...

Grant Kaprisa: There's no do-overs now. For one of us, this is our last shot at redeeming ourselves. We're out here fighting for our survival, and the moment's going to be bitter for someone.