A Lone Soldier Trying To Weather A Storm

A Lone Soldier Trying To Weather A Storm is the sixth episode of Survivor: Mozambique - Island of Advantages.

Previously On Survivor...

 * The tribes swapped. On the brand new Nacala tribe, Markus and Becky were on the outs.

Percy: Are we good?

Zoe: I’m totally down for this.

Christine: Listen. It’s the three of us, and two of them. We can have two easy votes ahead of us if it comes down to it.

"nacala"

- On this new tribe, there’s Markus and Becky, who were already aligned on the original Qamea tribe, and then there’s me, Percy and Zoe. I was already working with Zoe on the first Waya tribe, and I worked with Percy on the second. So that means I’m already in an alliance with both of them. Together, we’re a trio, and that’s all we need to have a majority on this tribe. This could not have gone any better, it literally fell into my lap, perfect as is. [laughing]

Christine: Us three just have to stick together, and we’re golden on this new tribe.

"nacala"

- It’s not looking good for Markus and I right now. We’re two people going up against three others who have not shown any desire to work with either of us at this stage of the game. We need to win the next immunity challenge or Markus and I are screwed and we could end up losing another member of our alliance AGAIN.


 * On the Waya tribe, Carter wanted to target Wanda…

Carter is talking with Annabeth.

Carter: I think if possible, we need to flip Leroy to our side and take out Wanda.

The camera cuts to Leroy in the background by the shelter, and Wanda in the foreground, looking off into the distance, back at camp.

Carter: It might be the only shot for both of us to make it through this tribe swap.


 * And Wanda wanted to target him back.

"waya"

- Iif Carter is actively rallying to vote me out, then that just means I’m going to have to get him first. If we end up going to Tribal Council, he’d better be worried, because I will come for whoever comes for me first.


 * Headed to Tribal Council, the Qamea tribe was split, with Summer and Marisa wanting to take out the threat that had caused them both so much trouble…

Marisa: Well, I think it’s obvious. Nicholas has got to go.

Summer: I agree. Nicholas is the biggest threat on this beach. He can’t weasel out of getting voted out again this time. He can’t.


 * Knowing Reyna was his only shot at staying, Nicholas made a fake idol…

"qamea"

- I’ve been collecting materials over the past few weeks across the beach; stuff like seashells, tiny ornaments, fabric and other pieces of jewelry. I even have stuff that Albert and Axel left behind. But the best thing I’ve got is that I still have the parchment from Percy’s hidden immunity idol. When he gave it to me, I kept the paper!


 * And attempted to negotiate for his own safety.

Nicholas: If you go home, and we go back to Tribal next, I won’t have an idol and Summer and Marisa will either vote me out with Trixie or it’ll end in a tie. I don’t want that. Their duo will have all the power if either you or me get voted out tonight. So like it or not, we both need to put aside our differences and vote one of them out. If you agree to vote with me tonight, I can get Trixie to flip on the pair of them and we can keep each other safe at least until the merge.


 * Backed into a corner without any other allies, Reyna was forced to make her own decision…

"qamea"

- Now, Nicholas is offering me a chance to get to the merge, by targeting Summer and Marisa first. It would keep the both of us safe for two votes, but it’d require us having to put aside our differences and work together. Nicholas and I are on completely different alliances, both now and back on the original Waya. So really, I’m dealing with the devil right now.


 * ...and she ultimately chose to side with the devil she knew over the devil she didn’t.

Jeff: Summer, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

Summer: It’s been fun, guys. Good luck.

Summer leaves, disappointed. Marisa still looks stunned.


 * 14 are left. Who will be voted out tonight?

Night 16
The four members of Qamea return to camp, and Marisa does not look happy.

Marisa: Wow. How long was that in the works?

Nicholas: Since this afternoon.

Marisa: I really cannot catch a break with you, can I?

Nicholas: It’s just the game.

Marisa points an accusing finger at Trixie and wags it.

Marisa: And you? How long have you been lying to me?

Trixie feigns innocence.

Trixie: Hm?

Marisa: Have you ever been on my side?

Trixie blinks.

Trixie: Not really, no.

Marisa: Ugh. You are a snake. You hear me? You’re a SNAKE.

Trixie giggles, rolling her eyes with a smirk.

Trixie: It’s not my fault you decided to trust me. You got played, sister. Own it.

"qamea"

- I came back to the Qamea beach tonight feeling...completely burned. I’ve been going on and on about wanting Summer out for the longest time and yet now that she’s finally out of the game, I wish she was still in. Because now I’m stuck on this beach with no allies and three people who just joined forces to blindside me and I feel...stupid, and manipulated...and used. Trixie completely pulled the wool over my eyes. I suppose I thought me saving her from being the second out should’ve counted for something but clearly, not to her. Now my game might be in serious trouble and there’s nothing I can do to get out of it.

Marisa goes to sit on the shore and stare out at the waves in the night.

Trixie is laughing quietly behind her back and Nicholas is grinning.

Trixie: Look at her. She’s so devastated. I never even got the impression she ever liked Summer.

Nicholas: She’s just feeling dumb after tonight. Leave her be.

"qamea"

- Marisa finally sees the light. [snorting] She called me a snake, which is a pathetic insult. Like, meh. I’ve been called worse, way way worse. She’s so salty. Like, it’s fun to see her rage a little. I like toying with her because she’s so easy to mess with. I mean, I didn’t come out here to make friends or anything. I came here to win a million dollars and if I can have a little fun while I’m at it, more power to me, right? She was stupid to think I’d want anything to do with her and the little cult that Markus is running.

Nicholas: You made the right choice.

Nicholas is talking to Reyna now, who is sitting brooding in the shelter, watching Marisa alone staring out at the waves.

Nicholas: I’ll prove to you that you made the right decision. We’ll be at the merge, you and me.

Reyna: Yeah? Okay. I believe you.

"qamea"

- Nicholas...is just so slimy. He thinks he’s slick, but I still wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him. This whole partnership thing we’ve got going on to get rid of Summer and Marisa, it’s only temporary. As soon as I get the chance, I want to take him out of this game. I just have to make sure he never sniffs out my true intentions until it’s too late.

Day 17
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

Both Waya and Nacala troop on in.

Jeff: Both tribes, getting your first looks at the new Qamea tribe. Summer voted out at last night’s Tribal Council.

Becky mouths “Wow”. Markus shakes his head, chuckling to himself.

Jeff: Markus, you’ve got a look on your face.

Markus: I’m just kinda...getting used to seeing Qamea members getting voted out over, and over, and over again. It’s getting a little tiring.

Nicholas wags an eyebrow at this, hands on his hips. Wanda rubs her arms, looking over at Markus.

Jeff: Pretty big statement, huh, Carter? That only Qamea members seem to be getting voted out?

Carter: I mean, Charlie got voted out too, didn’t he?

Becky: Yeah, but that was just one guy. Half our original tribe is gone.

Carter shrugs.

Carter: Fair point.

Markus: It’s a little depressing. [chuckling]

"nacala"

- I’m starting to think Nicholas and his big band of allies are the bane of my existence. They got rid of Albert, they got rid of Axel, now they got rid of Summer. Who else do I have left to lose? If Marisa goes next, or me and Becky go back to Tribal Council and we’re down 3-2, then we lose another member of our alliance. The new Waya tribe needs to go to Tribal just so we can keep a bit of our numbers at the merge because it does not look good for us original Qameans at this point. The ship is sinking fast.

Jeff: You guys ready to get to today’s reward challenge? For today’s challenge, you will race through a series of obstacles, collecting bolos along the way. At the end of the obstacle course, you will throw those bolos onto a set of poles. First tribe to land four bolos wins reward. Winning tribe will be treated to a Survivor barbeque.

The tribes cheer.

Carter: Awh, nice.

Jacobiah: I’m famished. [laughing]

Jeff: Waya, you’ve got one extra member. Who you sitting out?

Wanda raises her hand.

Jeff: Wanda, alright. Nacala, who you sitting out?

Christine: I’ll sit out.

Jeff: Alright. We’ll get started.

The tribes get into position.

Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!

The three tribes race out through their obstacle courses.

Jeff: Out of the gate, Waya is moving fast!

The Waya tribe, led by Carter, Leroy, Jacobiah and Annabeth, are charging ahead of the others.

Zoe is faltering, getting trapped in ropes, and Markus stops to beckon her to hurry.

Markus: Come on! I got you!

Zoe: I’m coming!

Over on Qamea, Marisa trips and scowls as she picks herself up. Nicholas is roughly throwing himself into the mud to get through the low crawl, Trixie right on his heels.

Christine: Go Nacala!

Wanda stands stoically next to her, observing the others.

Jeff: Waya is through first! Get your bolos!

Leroy and Jacobiah boost Annabeth up as she retrieves their four bolos.

Behind them, Qamea has made it through, with Nacala bringing up the rear.

Nicholas and Reyna are boosting Trixie up, and Markus and Becky are boosting up Zoe.

Jeff: Annabeth has all four bolos! Start tossing, Waya!

Leroy and Jacobiah set Annabeth down and the four of them run to their posts.

Jeff: Waya, once again speeding ahead of the competition in a challenge…

Nicholas: You got it, Trix?

Trixie: I’m trying...almost…

Becky: Zoe, you good?

Zoe: I got it, okay?

Trixie unties her bolos, and Zoe follows suit not a moment too soon.

Jeff: Qamea, you’re good! Nacala, you’re good!

Carter is throwing the bolos for Waya now, and nails his first one on his first try.

Leroy: Nice!

Jacobiah: Good one.

Jeff: Carter scores the first point for Waya!

Christine: Keep going, Nacala! Don’t give up!

Jeff: It is Markus tossing bolos for Nacala, and Reyna tossing for Qamea.

Carter scores his second point, and Leroy whoops behind him.

Jeff: Waya in the lead with two points! Neither Qamea nor Nacala have landed a single bolo…

Markus bites his lip, throwing again. His bolo latches onto a post, and then swings itself off from the momentum.

Zoe stamps her foot, cursing.

Jeff: Oh! On and off…

Carter tosses again, and just misses.

Annabeth: It’s okay, Carter, you’re doing good.

Reyna tosses, and hooks on her first bolo.

Jeff: Reyna with the first point for Qamea!

Markus tosses again, and hooks his first.

Jeff: Nacala with their first point!

Carter tosses, and misses again.

Carter: Jacobiah, switch out.

He hurriedly swaps with Jacobiah, who grabs the next available bolo and swings his arm back, his biceps rippling as he hurls the bolo forward, a look of intense concentration on his face.

Jeff: Jacobiah swapping out with Carter…

Jacobiah’s bolo latches onto its post.

Jeff: And he scores! Waya in the lead with three points!

The camera cuts to Zoe glancing over at them, still panting slightly, an incredulous glint in her eyes.

Nicholas: Reyna. Tap out.

Reyna hands the bolo to Nicholas, who steps up to the plate.

Jeff: Nicholas now swapping out with Reyna…

Markus tosses, and scores the second point for Nacala.

Jeff: Nacala scores! It is Waya with three, Nacala with two and Qamea, once again in dead last.

Nicholas shakes his head at this statement, and tosses, just missing.

Jeff: Jacobiah could win it for Waya right here…

Jacobiah takes a deep breath, tosses his bolo again...and nails it.

Jeff: Just like that, Waya wins reward!

Annabeth, Carter and Leroy leap for joy, all screaming with excitement and Jacobiah’s face breaks out into a relieved grin as he turns around and is immediately ambushed by a big group hug.

Smiling, Wanda is tottering across the field to join them and Jacobiah opens up his arms to envelope her into the group.

Trixie rolls her eyes.

Trixie: Pft. Shocker.

The tribes take their places on their mats again.

Jeff: Well, Waya, once again, you have continued to emerge dominant in these challenges. Head back to camp, your reward will be waiting for you.

Annabeth: Thanks, Jeff! [laughing]

The Waya tribe leaves excitedly.

Jeff: Qamea, Nacala - I got nothing for you. Head on back to camp.

They leave. Trixie looks cross as she snatches up her things.

"qamea"

- Gah, I’m so pissed. Once again, the Waya tribe wins. They are unbeatable in these challenges, seriously, they are so lucky, and athletic, and it’s just...urggghhhh. It pisses me off. I’d like to see them lose for once. [cackling] They deserve to lose.

Meanwhile, at Waya…

The Waya tribe is in high spirits when they return to their camp and find a heap of barbeque supplies and meats waiting for them.

Annabeth: Yay!

Carter: That looks so [censored] good…

Jacobiah: Good job, everyone. That was a team effort.

Wanda: Oh, don’t be modest, Jacobiah. You did most of the work.

"waya"

- [laughing] Man, we are unstoppable right now. The five of us, with the exception of Annabeth, have won every single challenge since the one where Charlie went home, and I am living for it. They say Survivor’s hard, but not when you’re winning every challenge while you’re out here. No, the five of us are living the high life right now. [chuckling] And it is phenomenal. I couldn’t stop smiling just knowing how lucky we are to be on this tribe, and seeing the disappointment in everyone else’s faces. It’s such a thrill.

Jacobiah starts up the fire, and begins sizzling meat on the grill, and the others are gathering around and helping with laying out the food and cooking.

"waya"

- I think I’m very blessed to be on the Waya tribe. I love my tribe and it’s great to have been able to help them pull out this win. Morale couldn’t be higher right now. We’re on a winning streak, we haven’t had to go to Tribal in a while and now we get to eat barbeque. The Survivor gods are smiling down on us, and life is good. I can only hope it stays that way.

Jacobiah: For you…

Carter: Thank you.

Jacobiah: Here you go.

Annabeth: Thank you so much, Jacobiah…

Wanda: Thank you kindly…

The Waya tribe begins feasting.

As the others talk and eat and laze back, Leroy is fidgeting in his seat, adjusting a bunch of the raw meats on the pile near the fire. As he does so, he uncovers a small slip of parchment hidden beneath a slab of pork, and his eyes narrow. Glancing around inconspicuously to make sure no one is watching, he wordlessly slips it into his back pocket and clears his throat.

"waya"

- While we were all eating, I found this small parchment hidden beneath the meat. At first, I freaked out, on the inside, of course, but I was freaking out, trust me. And I couldn’t believe I didn’t think to search the barbeque stuff for a hidden clue or advantage earlier. Like, I know this game inside and out. Of course they would hide an advantage of sorts among the rewards! I’m just glad I found it by accident. [snorting] The luck continues. Now all I got to do is steal away and go read this little bad boy by myself…

When the barbeque winds down, and Carter is snoring, full and satisfied, Leroy sneaks away by himself to go read his note.

Leroy: Congratulations, you have found a secret advantage. Tonight, a boat will come to pick you up, and will take you to the Island of Advantages in secret. Are you bold enough to sneak away from camp for a chance to get an advantage to further yourself in the game? The choice is yours.

He puts a hand over his mouth, eyes wide.

Leroy: Damn...

"waya"

- Oh my gosh. I’m going to the Island at night? What is happening right now? [laughing] Well, I mean...of course! Of course, yes! The answer is yes! Of course I’m going to go for it. I don’t care what the others think. If there’s a chance for me to get an advantage, forget sneaking away, I’d do a whole lot more than just sneak off on my own at night to try and get it. I can’t wait for the sun to set.

The sun begins to set at his words, and the sky rapidly grows dark.

Night 17
Soon, night has fallen.

The camera cuts to the figures of Wanda, Annabeth, Carter and Jacobiah all snoring peacefully in the shelter in varying sleeping positions.

Leroy is standing nearby, watching them like a father gazing down upon his kids, before scurrying off down the beach on tiptoes.

Down by the water’s edge, a boat waits to pick him up.

Soon, it arrives at the Island of Advantages, and drops Leroy off, where he takes a torch and follows a path of torches down to the wall of urns, and the puzzles accompanying it. He reads the instructions to himself.

"waya"

- So I’ve never been to the Island of Advantages before, and it seems like tonight, the rules are more or less the same. I risked a lot coming out to the Island at night and leaving my tribe behind, so I know I need to make this one count. If I don’t get some sort of advantage out of this little trip, then it’d all have ended up being for nothing.

Leroy flips the hourglass over and gets to work on the puzzles. He completes two within the time limit and almost finishes the third. He makes his choice of urns and smashes them both open, revealing one is empty and the other contains a parchment.

Leroy: Congratulations, you have found a Legacy Advantage. Oh, hell yes. This Legacy Advantage can be used when there are 13 people left in the game, or 6. If you are voted out, it must be willed to someone else.

"waya"

- [holds up Legacy Advantage] I did not leave this Island emptyhanded. [grins] I have this little bad boy here to show for my troubles, and this made the whole sneaky trip worth it. Having an advantage on a season that is all about advantages definitely makes me feel much better about my game and much higher on my chances. If I can make it far with this advantage, I plan on using it to further my game and improve my resume.

Day 18
Meanwhile, on Nacala...

Zoe and Percy are sitting in the sand down by the water. She is weaving palm fronds and gently showing him how to do so as well.

Zoe: And so you just tuck this end over here…

Percy: R-Right…

Zoe: That’s it. You got it. Good job.

Percy: This is relaxing.

Zoe: I should hope so. [chuckling]

"nacala"

- I’m glad I found Percy in this game. He’s a bit of a kindred soul to me. We both like and care for animals, we both enjoy reading. He has a very calm energy about him and like him, we both feel a little displaced in this game.

Out in the water, Markus is out trying to catch fish. Zoe is watching him.

Zoe: How is he so good at outdoorsy stuff?

Percy: He told me once he used to take his kids out camping, like his father did with him.

Zoe: Of course he did. He’s good at making friends, good at surviving the elements…it’s no surprise he volunteered to be you guys’ leader. He just has this leadership aura to him, you know? People gravitate to him.

Percy: You almost sound a little jealous.

Zoe: No, I’m just saying I think he’s the biggest threat on this beach right now.

Percy: Yeah, well, he’s the first to go if we go to Tribal. Don’t worry about it. I promise you.

Zoe: Imagine if we were the ones who took him down. That’d be so awesome.

Percy: Right?

Zoe: I just feel like I need to make a big move in this game. I don’t think anyone respects me.

Percy: Yeah. I know what you mean.

Zoe: Back with the other people on Waya, on the Qamea beach after the swap, I think people didn’t really value me as a player. They all thought I was weak because of my performance in challenges. I’m sure they thought I was secondary to Carter.

Percy: Tell me about it. I’m not great in challenges either.

Zoe: If we want these other players to start taking us seriously, I think you and me need to make a move together.

"nacala"

- Zoe’s talking a lot about how she wants the two of us to make a big move in the game. I agree, because I think we’re both underestimated a lot by the others, since we’re weaker in challenges and we’re not great in camp life. Taking down Markus, who’s a triple threat because of challenges, strategy and his social game, would be a huge plus for the both of us. So if and when Nacala goes to Tribal Council, me and her are both in agreement that he’s got to be the one to go over Becky.

Day 19
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

All three tribes troop in.

Jeff: Ready to get to today’s immunity challenge? For today’s challenge, you will race through the water, collecting bags of rice and pushing them through an obstacle course. Once you get to the beach, you must open up the bags to retrieve three balls. You must maneuver all three balls up a wall with holes in them, and get them to the top. First two tribes to get their balls to the top win immunity, safe from Tribal Council. Losers will go to Tribal Council where someone will be voted out and become the seventh person voted out of this game. Waya and Nacala, you’re sitting somebody out. Who’s it gonna be? Cannot sit the same person out in back-to-back challenges.

Annabeth raises her hand for Waya. On Nacala, Zoe raises her hand.

Jeff: Alright. Annabeth, Zoe, take your spots on the bench. We’ll get started.

The tribes are in position out in the water.

Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!

The tribes begin racing out, grabbing their bags of rice and pushing them through holes in the obstacle course.

Jeff: These bags will be heavier once they get wet. You’re gonna need a lot of strength to carry them through.

Nicholas is shoving the bags through, Reyna rushing to help him. On Waya, Jacobiah, Carter and Leroy are making quick work of the bags. By Nacala’s end, Markus is moving most on his own as Percy and Becky struggle to help him.

Jeff: Waya is moving quickly, yet again...Waya has their bags through and are heading up to the beach!

Sure enough, the Waya tribe is speeding ahead to shore, Carter carrying one bag and Jacobiah beasting it with both heavy bags of rice across his shoulders.

Jeff: Jacobiah carrying two bags on his OWN! Wow!

Nicholas is panting and grunting as he and Reyna pull the last bag through, Marisa and Trixie barely helping.

Nicholas: C’mon, let’s go!

Jeff: Qamea struggling to catch up!

Markus and Christine are working together to lift their final bag through the obstacle course.

Jacobiah and the others reach the beach at last, and Jacobiah dumps the bags down, as Leroy and Wanda move to rip them open to free the balls.

Jeff: Waya getting to work on retrieving their three balls…

Nicholas and Qamea reach the beach next, him and Reyna each carrying one bag, with Marisa and Trixie carrying the third one together. They drop their bags, exhausted, and Reyna moves to open the bags while the others catch their breath.

Jeff: Qamea just a step behind them. Nacala rushing to catch up!

The Nacala tribe is struggling behind to catch the others, and Percy all but collapses onto the sand as the others drop the bags of rice down. Markus, Becky and Christine begin opening up bags of rice, sending stray rice spraying all over the floor.

Leroy and Wanda get their balls free first, and Leroy rushes to the wall, where he sets the first ball in place and prepares to raise it up the wall of holes.

Nicholas and Reyna free their balls next, and Nicholas is now on the wall.

Jeff: Leroy and Nicholas, working on their first ball. Nacala, still trying to get their balls free.

Becky finally gets the third and last ball out, and Christine is up first, trying to get her ball up the wall.

Leroy is biting on his tongue, his face screwed up in concentration. His ball slips and falls into a hole, and he curses, rushing to restart.

Jeff: Leroy drops the ball, he’s gotta start over. It is still anyone’s game!

Becky: You got this, Christine, honey. Just take it steady…

Christine is breathing deeply, moving slowly but carefully.

On the other end, Nicholas is moving slowly, but makes a big move, trying to fling his ball into the top hole. He narrowly misses, and it slips down into a hole and falls out.

Nicholas: Damn it!

Marisa: Ugh.

Trixie throws her hands in the air, turning around to look away in disgust.

Jeff: Nicholas has to start over as well…

Christine is now in the lead. She inches her ball slowly up, it teeters around the edge of the top hole, and sinks into it.

Jeff: Christine scores the first point for Nacala! Nacala, now in the lead!

Becky: Yes! Good job!

Christine swaps out with Markus, who rushes to step in with the second ball.

Leroy is still working on his first ball, and he pushes it up and sinks it in.

Jeff: Waya with their first point too!

Now Wanda is taking over Leroy. For Qamea, Nicholas is still working, and his ball is just on the edge of the hole on top, before sinking in.

Jeff: Nicholas gets his ball in too. We are neck-and-neck right now.

Now Reyna is taking over him.

Markus has his ball all around the edge of the top hole, and finally gets it in.

Jeff: Markus with the second ball for Nacala! Becky now swapping in…

Wanda and Reyna are side by side, inching their balls up, and both sink them in at around the same time.

Jeff: Waya and Qamea, both trying to catch up with Nacala!

Carter now takes over from Wanda, and Trixie takes over for Reyna.

Becky’s ball is trying to maneuver past a difficult section of the wall, and she drops it through the wrong hole. She wails, and runs to restart, as Christine bites her tongue with nervousness behind her.

Jeff: Becky drops! Nacala has to restart. This could be the opening that Waya and Qamea need!

Carter is exhaling out loud through his mouth, his focus unparalleled and directed entirely at his wall. His ball is almost at the top. Trixie is right behind him.

Becky looks strained, glancing over at the pair of them.

Jeff: Carter’s ball is almost at the top...can he do it?

Carter tugs upwards, and his ball sinks into the top hole with ease.

Jeff: And he does. Once again, Waya, wins immunity, unstoppable in challenges!

Carter throws his hands into the air in celebration and the tribe, including Annabeth, gathers in a big embrace, not as exuberantly celebrating as before but still happy.

Leroy: [censored] good job, man. We’re beasting it.

Jeff: We’re still looking for one more…

Trixie is sticking her tongue out, worry written all across her face. Her ball is on the edge of the wrong hole, just an inch or two beneath the top hole, and she winces as it drops.

Jeff: No! Trixie drops. Qamea has to start over!

Nicholas grimaces, showing his disdain as he kicks at the sand. Reyna pouts a little, shaking her head. Marisa has a dead look in her eyes.

Jeff: Can Becky do it?

Becky has steadily inched her ball up to the top. It gets closer and closer to the final hole at the top, and is dancing all around it, until at last, she eases it in.

Jeff: And she does. Nacala wins immunity!

Becky lets out a huge sigh, dropping to her knees as the others rush around her to give her a hug. Zoe is coming over too, looking pleased.

Markus: You did so good, girl. You did so good.

Becky hugs him with shaky arms, and the tribe embraces as well. Over on the Qamea tribe, there is an almost complete lack of any sort of emotional reaction besides a general sense of dejection. Nicholas looks annoyed, and Reyna is staring at the floor, one hand perched on her hip.

The tribes take their places on their mats.

Jeff: Waya, congratulations. Here’s your immunity. Once more, you have dominated in a challenge and remain undefeated.

Carter: Jacobiah, you take it.

Leroy: Yeah, man, you were a beast.

Jacobiah smiles bashfully as he takes the idol from Jeff.

Jacobiah: Thanks, Jeff.

Jeff: Nacala, congratulations as well.

He hands a beaming Becky the idol.

Jeff: Waya, Nacala, head back to camp and enjoy the night off.

The two tribes leave. Wanda waves goodbye to Reyna, who nods at her.

Jeff: Qamea…

The four of them on the blue mat do not look like a happy bunch. Trixie looks incredibly frustrated.

Jeff: Trixie, already, your facial expression tells me all I wanted to ask you about.

Trixie: Not happy about this, Jeff. [shakes head] Not happy one bit.

Jeff: Unfortunately for you guys, Qamea, one of you four will become the seventh person voted out of this game. You have the afternoon to figure out who it’s gonna be. I’ll see you guys tonight. Head back to camp.

The four of them dejectedly turn to leave.

The camera focuses on Marisa as she walks off with her tribe.

"qamea"

- I needed to win today’s immunity challenge, because I was in trouble. And now, of course, I’m headed back to Tribal Council. Nicholas and Trixie seem to have paired up, so right now, I’m thinking my only shot at staying in this game is going to be trying to throw Reyna under the bus. It won’t be easy, but it’s the only chance left I’ve got.

The Qamea tribe returns to camp.

Nicholas and Trixie leave first, and they meet up down the beach to talk.

Nicholas: So tonight, obviously...it’s got to be one of the two of them.

Trixie: Yeah. No question.

She chews on a piece of coconut.

Trixie: [eating] So what are you thinking?

Nicholas licks his lips, staring out at the ocean, lost in his own thoughts.

Nicholas: I’m thinking it has to be...Marisa. She can’t stand my guts. I can’t play with someone like that at the merge.

Trixie: Yeah, but Marisa’s no threat. I mean, let’s be real here. She’s not. Isn’t Reyna, like, tight with the other people on Waya?

Nicholas: Wanda and Jacobiah? Yeah, I suppose she is.

"qamea"

- Tonight’s vote is about choosing one of two options. It’s either Marisa, or Reyna. Reyna is the bigger threat. She’s got allies in Wanda, Jacobiah, Leroy - basically, the people my alliance and I were isolating back on our old Waya tribe. And she’s a real smart cookie, Reyna is. Marisa, on the other hand, is not that much of a threat, but she’s also got ties to the people from Qamea. From the sound of it, Markus and his allies are a bit of competition for me, and they gave me a lot of trouble back on the old Waya tribe. Taking out Marisa now would take away some of their numbers at the merge too. So it’s like I’m weighing both these options on a set of scales and seeing which one’s heavier and which one’s lighter. [laughing] And me and Trixie have to choose.

Nicholas: Who would you rather see go?

Trixie: Personally? Marisa. From a strategic standpoint? Reyna. [tosses coconut shell] But I’m fine with either. I don’t think Marisa would ever vote for you or me if we made it to the end, so maybe her. And it’d make me happy to see Markus and Becky on their own without any of their allies left.

"qamea"

- If Marisa goes tonight, then the whole of Markus’ alliance will have been wiped out. I just find that idea hilarious. [chuckling] And honestly, Marisa’s just dumb. I don’t know what she’s doing out here. She’s too easily lied to and she takes things too personally. She doesn’t let go of grudges which explains why she hated Summer for so long over a complete misunderstanding...that yours truly orchestrated. It was fun while it lasted, but I’m bored of Marisa now. I can stand to see her go.

Marisa is watching the two of them talk down the beach from the shelter, and she turns to Reyna, who is standing by the fire, watching the water in the pot boil.

Marisa: Looks to me like they’re plotting which one of us should go.

Reyna: Yep...probably.

Marisa: I just wanted to say sorry that I, you know, didn’t trust you before. If I had, maybe none of this would have come to this.

Reyna: Yeah. Don’t worry about it. You were just doing what you had to. It’s a sucky situation, I know...neither of us want it to come down to this. But it is what it is.

Marisa sighs, curling up, and looking out at the water.

"qamea"

- I know that if I can get to the merge, I’m safe. I can reunite with my old allies on Qamea, and screw Nicholas and Trixie and Annabeth and the trolls on Waya to smithereens. I just need to take Reyna out now, and stay at least one more day. Reyna has a lot going for her in that she’s got people on the other tribes she’s working with. Maybe that’ll be my pitch to try and get Nicholas and Trixie to save me and get rid of her. It pains me to have to grovel to them after I argued with Trixie and tried to get Nicholas voted out, but I’m out of options.

Marisa meets Nicholas in the forest.

Marisa: Okay, so hear me out.

Nicholas: Right.

Marisa: Reyna is a bigger threat than I am. Come the merge, she’s going to reunite with her old friends on Waya. I have almost no one left. I know Trixie probably says that I’m friends with Markus and Becky, but my relationship with them is slim now. Reyna is a much bigger threat because she’s not only got more allies than I do, she’s playing a better social game, a better strategic game and a better physical game. Do you really want to keep a player like her around and pass up the chance to vote her out now?

Nicholas: Trust me, I’ve considered all of that already.

Marisa: Okay. Then you’ll vote her out tonight?

Nicholas: To be honest, if it’s not her, then it’s going to be you.

Marisa: Well, yeah, I know that. I also know that you’re a gamer, so I know you’re going to think through all your options thoroughly. You’ll see that keeping me and voting her out is the right move here.

"qamea"

- I made a promise to Reyna when she helped me vote out Summer, that I’d keep her and bring her to the merge in return. I have no problem breaking that promise if I have to. But all this talk of Reyna being a threat works both ways. She is a threat because of all the things that Marisa mentioned, yes. But that could also make her a good shield at the merge. It’d be a lot easier convincing other players to blindside Reyna once we merge, than to blindside a non-threat like Marisa. So maybe it’s best we take the risk of keeping a player like Reyna and we get rid of someone like Marisa now instead. This game is all about choices, after all. This is just another one of them.

While Nicholas and Marisa and Trixie are missing from camp, Reyna is sitting by the fire still. Her eyes are serious and solemn. She gets to her feet and goes for a walk.

"qamea"

- There’s this tension in the air that I can’t quite explain. I know that I could be at risk of going home tonight, and...it does scare me. It scares me even more that I’m alone on this tribe and basically at the mercy of Nicholas and Trixie. I have no other allies to keep me safe here and it’s all down to me to keep myself in the game for another three days. And...with Marisa no doubt doing her best to throw shade on me so she can stay in the game, it definitely feels like...I’m a lone soldier trying to weather a storm, all by myself.

The camera cuts to Reyna talking to Trixie…

Reyna: ...and if we get to the merge, there’s always a road for you to work with us in the future. I am open to doing that.

Trixie: Mhm.

...then to Nicholas…

Reyna: I know we agreed we would take each other to the merge. I don’t plan on going back on that. You’re a threat in this game, and I know you think I am too. People like us can protect one another when people start looking to take out the gamers on the tribe.

Nicholas: I know. I have thought about that.

"qamea"

- It’s especially hard having to pitch to someone like Nicholas, who knows that eventually, we will both most likely end up going toe to toe and try to take one another out, since we’re just on completely opposite alliances right now. So it really feels like I’m one woman taking on three different adversaries right now, and the odds are really stacked against me going into tonight’s Tribal Council. But of course I’m not giving up. I’m no stranger to adversity. Back home I’ve struggled with poverty, with growing up in a neighborhood that didn’t necessarily take too kindly to people of color, let alone a woman of color too.

The camera pans over Reyna walking through camp, focusing on the grim, determined look on Reyna’s face.

"qamea"

- I’m used to feeling alienated and on the outs, and I’m no stranger to that same kind of environment here. But I don’t let that get me down. I have so much love and respect for Survivor. I’ve watched it for years. And I want to play as hard as I can and making the merge would allow me to do that. If I can just get to that merge, get back in with Wanda and the others, I know I’d be able to play a little more freely. Tonight is just another hurdle on that race to the finish line, and I just hope I’ll be able to cross it.

The camera fades away from Reyna as she grabs her torch, and the sky darkens as she and the other three carry their torches out of the Qamea beach and head to Tribal Council.

The four of them arrive at Tribal Council and take their seats.

Jeff: Trixie. You look angry already.

Trixie: [laughing] I’m just a little ticked off. I’ve been to almost every single Tribal, like, literally all except one. And I’m getting a little tired of seeing your face, Jeff.

Jeff grins at this.

Trixie: Let some of the others join in the fun, like Leroy or Jacob or whatever his name was. I don’t want to have to keep seeing you.

Jeff: And yet, you’ve stayed each and every time.

Trixie: I’m a scrappy mother[censored]. And I hope to stay tonight too, yeah.

Jeff: So, Nicholas. Coming in here after your last Tribal Council, clearly, there were waves made when Summer was blindsided. Have the lines been drawn in the sand in this tribe yet?

Nicholas: Absolutely. Summer getting voted off made it clear who was loyal to who on this tribe.

Jeff: Reyna. What are the tribe dynamics like now?

Reyna: Well...I think it’s pretty obvious that Nicholas and Trixie have become a pair. They are both...kindred spirits, I would say. They’re both pretty cunning, ruthless players…

Nicholas chuckles, and Trixie smirks.

Reyna: And they’ve formed a pretty tight alliance. Meanwhile, there’s me and Marisa over here and we’re...kinda on the bottom right now.

Jeff: So is it safe to say it’s going to be one of you two going home tonight?

Reyna: Yeah. Most likely. Nicholas and Trixie aren’t turning on each other so...it’s been pretty clear the whole afternoon that Marisa’s coming after me and I’m going to have to write her name down tonight.

Jeff: Wow. So Marisa, it seems pretty cut-and-dry then that the two of you are effectively at Nicholas’ and Trixie’s mercy, despite there being only four people on this tribe.

Marisa: Yup. Nicholas and Trixie...they’ve made it pretty clear too. So I haven’t bothered trying to break that up. I’m just focusing my energy on making my pitch.

Jeff: And what pitch is that?

Marisa: That Reyna is a bigger threat than me and will continue to be a bigger threat than I am once we hit the merge.

Nicholas’s eyes are circling the floor, twinkling, as he listens to her speak.

Jeff: Why is Reyna a bigger threat than you?

Marisa: She’s better physically, she’s...better socially, and judging from last Tribal, she’s better strategically too. I think that if Nicholas kept her in the game over me, he’d be making a big blunder.

She glances at Nicholas.

Marisa: If you get voted out because you kept her in the game, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Nicholas nods.

Jeff: And Reyna, what’s your pitch?

Reyna: I know they see me as a threat. I can’t change that, or diminish it. I know there are many reasons to want to vote me out tonight before I can get to the merge. But at the same time, those same reasons make me just as good a shield as I am a target. Use me for your own games. I do believe that Nicholas and Trixie would benefit from keeping me and using me down the road than voting me out. I respect them both as competitors and I hope that they feel the same way about me too.

Marisa: There is also the point that Reyna could reunite with her allies at the merge.

Jeff: Such as?

Marisa: I’ve heard that she’s got friends on the other tribes. Wanda, Jacobiah, Leroy. Do you really want her to get back in with them?

Marisa poses this question to Nicholas, who thinks on it.

Reyna: Yeah, but Marisa has friends too. She’s got Markus, Becky…

Trixie’s eyes sparkle at their names.

Marisa: I’m not even all that close with them anymore. I blindsided them both, to save you, Trixie, might I add. I’ve shown I’m not above turning on them before, so you know I’d be more than willing to work with you guys as well in the future.

Reyna: Trixie, I voted with you too. Me, Wanda, them all, we voted to keep you safe when Charlie went home.

Trixie shrugs at them both.

Trixie: They’ve both got a point. They each saved me from getting voted out once before.

Jeff: So whoever’s name you write down…

Trixie: I’d be betraying someone no matter what.

She pauses a bit, before continuing with a smirk.

Trixie: But I’m no stranger to betrayal.

Marisa’s face darkens at this. Reyna sucks in a breath.

Jeff: Nicholas, where do you weigh in on this debate? What are you basing your vote on tonight?

Nicholas: Jeff, I mean...Survivor’s all about making choices. I say this a lot, but it really is. Choosing whether to trust this person or that person, to vote for this person or the other, choosing who to save and who to keep and whatnot, there’s a lot of decisions. And tonight is just another one. It might work out for me, it might not, but I’ve spent a lot of time today deliberating and I’ve made up my mind on who I want to keep and for me, it’s based on a whole lot of different things. Whether I think keeping this person will work out for me in the short term, and the long term and all that, running the numbers and stuff, who’s more likely to work with me in the future...I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.

Jeff: But long story short, you’ve already decided?

Nicholas nods.

Nicholas: I’ve already decided.

Trixie: As have I.

Reyna chews on her lower lip. Marisa raises an eyebrow.

Jeff: Alright. In that case, let’s find out what decision it is, exactly, that the two of you have made. It is time to vote. Nicholas, you’re up.

Nicholas nods and leaves.

The camera zooms in on Marisa looking nervous, glancing to Nicholas leaving then back to Reyna, and back to Nicholas again. The camera then cuts to Trixie chewing on her thumb, and then to Reyna hunched over, her fingers intertwined as if in prayer.

The camera fades away and cuts to Marisa holding up her vote at the voting booth.

"qamea"

- I’m sorry about this. Really, I am.

The camera cuts to Reyna looking off in her direction, and fades away.

A snake is seen hissing and sliding across the arch above the voting booth, before cutting down to Reyna casting her vote for Marisa. In her seat, Marisa’s mouth twitches and she looks down.

The camera fades away, and cuts one last time to Trixie walking to the voting booth.

Nicholas swallows and adjusts his seat, craning his head back to look up at the night sky.

At last, Trixie returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves.

Reyna sits up straight, rubbing the back of her neck. Nicholas sighs, looking at her back. Marisa’s eyes are intently following Jeff as he returns with the urn.

Jeff: If anyone has the hidden immunity idol and you’d like to play it, now would be the time to do so.

Nicholas glances over at Reyna. Reyna’s attention is focused calmly on Jeff, her back stiff and rigid.

Marisa looks disappointed as she looks around.

Jeff: Alright. Once the votes are read, the decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

Marisa jerks her head, tossing a strand of hair out of her eyes. Reyna looks worried.

Jeff: First vote...Reyna. (1-0)

Reyna nods, her face impassive.

Jeff: Marisa. One vote Reyna, one vote Marisa. (1-1)

Marisa’s face is stony.

Nicholas glances up at Probst. Trixie’s eyebrow twitches as she crosses her legs primly.

Jeff takes out the third vote.

…

…

…

Jeff: Marisa. That’s two votes Marisa, one vote Reyna, one vote left. (2-1)

Marisa’s face breaks out into a disappointed grimace and she shakes her head, turning her face away from the others.

Trixie raises an eyebrow, looking excited. Reyna is exhaling steadily, rubbing her arms.

The camera cuts one last time to the resigned look on Marisa’s face.

Jeff: Seventh person voted out...Marisa. You need to bring me your torch. (Final Tally: 3-1)

Marisa glares at Nicholas before getting to her feet.

Nicholas is tonguing the inside of his mouth, but winks at Trixie when she glances back at him, and she nods in return. Reyna turns in her seat to watch as Marisa walks by the three of them to put her torch down.

Jeff: Marisa, the tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

Marisa is leaving even before Jeff has finished snuffing her torch.

She turns around for a split second.

Marisa: Good luck beating him.

She leaves, as Nicholas snorts, rolling his eyes with a cocky smirk. Trixie’s mouth breaks into a tiny grin.

Reyna doesn’t look happy, despite staying in the game.

Jeff: Well, tonight, you had to make a choice between two people, and only time will tell if the right decision was made. Grab your things and head back to camp. Goodnight.

Final Words
Marisa: To get voted out before the merge blows. I really wanted to make it to the merge and I was so close and I’m disappointed in myself. It feels like wherever I tried to go, Nicholas was always there to stonewall me and now I’m out of the game and he’s still in it. [deep sigh] I’m just…[sniffs] I’m just really kicking myself for all the mistakes I made and all the crap I did wrong in this game. Should’ve trusted Summer, shouldn’t’ve sided so much with Axel, should’ve trusted Reyna over Trixie...I just feel stupid, and manipulated, and used...and it hurts.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * After more than two weeks, the tribes have finally merged!

The thirteen remaining castaways are gathered on the Nacala beach and Christine is reading aloud from a piece of parchment.

Christine: Congratulations, you have officially merged!

Everyone explodes into whoops and excited yells.

"vantagem"

- And now, the game finally kicks into gear. Everyone’s moving around, talking to everyone, it’s just - it’s chaos.


 * The juggernauts of the game face off…

Markus and Nicholas are talking at the well, and Nicholas is looking at Markus with a guarded, wary expression on his face.

"vantagem"

- He’s too good at this game. He’s likeable, he’s athletic, he’s smart - I gotta take him down.

The look on Markus’ face is one of wide-eyed concern.

"vantagem"

- I just can’t trust this dude. I can never tell if he’s being sincere or not.


 * Alliances are tested…

Zoe: Do we really want to be seen as Nicholas’ goats though?

Percy: You think we’re his goats?

Zoe: I just feel like an outsider in this alliance. I’m not that close to them as I’d like to be.


 * And no one will be safe in the war.

Nicholas: It should be Wanda or Reyna. We need to vote someone they wouldn’t expect.

The camera cuts to Nicholas and his alliance gathered down by the beach, and cuts to Wanda in the midst of a discussion with Reyna and Jacobiah.

"vantagem"

- He’s getting his people together, I’m getting my people together. We’re gonna have to put in some work.