They're Both From the Survivor Dollar Store

This is the premiere episode of Survivor: Vatulele.

Challenges
Reward Challenge: Paddle Battle After being assigned tribes, both tribes will have to carry a canoe through the jungle and out to the beach. They will then paddle out to a floating platform where a multitude of supplies are found, with seven rowers and one director. They have ten minutes to get from the jungle clearing to the platform and collect as many supplies as they can. As a bonus, the first tribe to get all eight of their members onto the platform will be the only tribe to receive flint. Reward: Supplies/Flint Winner: Ekubo

Immunity Challenge: Conch Conkers Four castaways will hold up buckets filling with conch shaped blocks, while the other four castaways will throw conch blocks into the baskets of the opposing tribe. The first tribe to eliminate all of the other tribe's castaways by causing them to drop from the weight wins Immunity. Winner: TBA

Day 1
Survivor: Vatulele opens with a shot of an expansive, shallow bay bordering a small, emerald islet. The already turquoise water is clearer and lighter, being illuminated by the pale, sandy bottom. Waves lap gently at the shores of the rapidly approaching island. Vatulele is just a speck of land in the Pacific Ocean, one of many little islands surrounding Viti Levu in Fiji. It is here that the thirty sixth season of Survivor will play out.

Jeff Probst stands on a rocky outcropping that juts out over a shallow, teal inlet. The sun glimmers down on the paradise, making things even more idyllic. The camera closes in on Jeff as he begins to speak.

Jeff jumps down from the outcropping into the shallows, the water rising up to his waist. He isn't phased, just wading out of the inlet and onto the beach, towards the jungle which buzzes with the catcalls of the various birds and insects that inhabit it.

The shot zooms out from Jeff to the whole island; a small path through the jungle leading to a clearing is visible, and it is the one Jeff will follow to the starting place of Survivor: Vatulele. Two Jeeps, one blue and one gray, rock along muddy trails towards the clearing from the opposite direction. On those two Jeeps, sixteen castaways are sitting, waiting for their experience of a lifetime to begin. They are silent; they cannot communicate until the game begins. Many marvel at the landscape around them, while a few are already observing their competitors and taking mental notes. The camera focuses on an Asian man in a striped dress shirt who is surveying the seven other Americans on his Jeep with a practiced eye.

"taunovo"

- Survivor is about to begin in moments. This island is truly beautiful, but I'll have 39 days to wonder at its mysteries. I am going to take every opportunity and every moment in this game to advance myself. The game hasn't even truly begun yet, but I am already assessing my fellow tribemates. Sure, the game doesn't officially commence until we get our buffs and Jeff is standing before us in all his glory. For me however, this game's already starting, right in this Jeep.

The camera pans to one of Jolyon's tribemates, an older woman with long, graying hair and jolly crow's feet. Her eyes are alight with awe, her head constantly turning to view the jungle at a different angle. She's jostled around by the Jeep as it roars over a bit of rough terrain, but she doesn't seem to mind.

"taunovo"

- Oh, I can't tell you how excited I am. I feel it in my fingers, my toes, my tailbone, my spinal cord. Everywhere, my nerves are tingling with enthusiasm. I have traversed the world on many an archaeological dig, and rarely have I seen a place as majestic as this. Just imagine the history that will unfold here. I can't tear my eyes away from it all.

The next shot is of Jeff stepping out of the water and quickly heading towards the jungle path, charging through the silky sands of the beach.

This is very true on the other Jeep, the gray one, where one castaway is already taking stock of the people around them. The beautiful woman has her eyes narrowed as she looks from person to person, making judgments with her eyes only.

"ekubo"

- I don't know if these people are on my tribe. Hell, I don't even know if they're real or anything, because I haven't been able to speak to them. But they sure look like a...thrilling bunch. We've got the old man, the little flirt, the nerd, and the young golden boy jock. This tribe seems quite stereotype-y on first glance. Thankfully for them, my hell mongering ass is here to stir stuff up.

Some of Calliope's tribemates are also taking stock of the people on their Jeep. In particular, the older man of the group is looking around a bit sourly, trying to decipher people's skills from their looks and clothes.

"ekubo"

- Look,Survivor likes to fit some people into boxes. It's easier for people to understand the complexities of the show then. So I'll happily read into those boxes. I know which of these people here I have a shot at controlling, and which ones of them are going to rebel against the authority I'm going to impose. I know who is trouble to my game, and who I can use to further myself and build a solid pact with. Everyone says not to judge books by their covers, but the cover of a book is just a portrait of what really happens inside its pages.

Jeff is now forging through the rainforest, moving swiftly along the path despite the humidity and the heat that makes his damp clothes cling to his body. He continues to speak.

Over on the blue Jeep, a woman with dark brown skin and a determined look on her face shares something about her life that will help her beat this "ultimate challenge", as it is described by Jeff.

"taunovo"

- I have been a lawyer for nearly 20 years. I rarely lose my cases. I make a stand for my clients and help them receive justice. I put passion and care into every case that I take, and I will do the same with this game. My livelihood is based on integrity, but there are no formal occupations in the wilderness. Without my livelihood, my integrity is faded as well. And I'll use that fact to pave a deep run into this game.

Jeff begins to walk faster as he nears the end of the trail and the clearing. Determined to reach the clearing before the Jeeps, Jeff's pace continues to quicken as he talks once more.

A woman with an afro and an excited grin on her face licks her lips in anticipation, her adrenaline running high, as she is pumped for this game to begin.

"taunovo"

- The name of this game shouldn't be Survivor; it should be Adapter. This game is all about using your arsenal of personal skills to adapt to every situation thrown at you, be it a blindside, monsoon, or twist. Whoever can maneuver their way the best and prove their adaptability is the strongest is the one who will win this game.

Jeff reaches the end of the trail. He turns around before walking into the clearing, beaming at the camera. The intro of Survivor: Vatulele plays, showing the sixteen castaways in the thick of the game with their names beneath their faces. Various shots of Vatulele's flora and fauna punctuate the faces of this season's castaways, and the intro ends with a crescendo in the music as the season's logo shimmers on the screen.

The first shot after the intro is of Jeff standing in the clearing where he will meet the castaways, arms folded. The two Jeeps rumble into the clearing from two different paths. The Jeeps roll to stillness, and the castaways slowly step out, making their way towards their mats. A very young girl on Ekubo's gray Jeep accepts a man's hand as she steps into the jungle.

"ekubo"

- The second my shoe hit the ground and that cute boy, Breccan, helped me down, the reality of this all truly sunk in. I'm on Survivor. I'm on Survivor!! I'm beyond astonished and I'm so excited for this to begin. The show may have started when I was about 2 years old, but that just means I've grown up watching it. Survivor is a part of my life, inseparable from the good memories from my childhood. I always dreamed I'd be here, and now I am here. I just can't believe I'm really here. I might just explode with all the emotions racing inside of me.

The castaways collect on the two mats laid out on the ground, one blue and one gray, taking the ones that match the color of their Jeeps. They realize that the people they rode out with are indeed their tribemates as Jeff begins to speak.

Probst: Welcome to Survivor: Vatulele!

The castaways whoop and cheer, with Cornelia doing a loud wolf whistle before jumping up and down in excitement.

Probst: Woman with the gray hair, are you excited to get this game started?

Cornelia (breathing heavily): Oh yes, Jeff. Extremely. My hands never shake and right now they're bouncing around like jackhammers!

A few chuckles chorus through the amassed group of sixteen castaways.

Probst: Well, good thing you're excited. You rode out together for a reason. It was a way for the sixteen of you to get to know your tribemates a little before the first challenge of the season. That's right; the first reward challenge of the season is about to begin in moments.

The cheers and applause from the castaways are deafening, and Jeff grins widely at the enthused bunch he has this year.

"taunovo"

- Oh sure, I'm here to do everything that Survivor has to offer to me, and more. I'm not here for one singular reason. But, really, the foremost reason I am here is to compete. Being an NFL linebacker, competition is the thing that gets me buzzing like nothing else, and I'm so hyped to be able to show my tribe on the first day my worth in this challenge.

Probst: Before I explain the challenge, here are your buffs. Gray tribe, your name is Ekubo.

Jeff tosses the bundle of buffs to Sulien, who grabs them easily out of the air with a smirk. He starts passing out the buffs to his jittery tribemates as Jeff turns to the navy mat.

Probst: Navy tribe, your name is Taunovo. Here are your buffs.

Spence nabs the bundle out of the air, almost falling over while doing so. A few of his fellow Taunovos chuckle, and he grins happily at them, giving them their buffs. Once everyone has their buffs on, Jeff begins to explain the first reward challenge of the season.

"ekubo"

- Everything feels surreal at this very moment, standing on my starting mat with a fresh gray buff hanging around my neck. But it's time to let that feeling go. For the next 39 days, I have one goal and that is to win this game. This island is so majestic, but it's time to focus and prepare to prove my abilities in this first challenge.

Reward Challenge
Prosbt: Ekubo wins reward! Flint for them, waiting back at camp! There's still two minutes left to get as many supplies in your canoe as you can!" Probst: Time is up! Anything not in your canoe must be left on your platforms!
 * The tribes stand on their mats; the canoes that they must carry out to the sea lay in the clearing in front of them. They'll have ten minutes to get as many supplies as possible, and the first tribe fully on the platform wins flint as well!
 * The challenge begins, with both tribes racing forward to grab their canoes and paddles. Tungsten barks orders succinctly, and everyone on the gray tribe quickly fell under his command.
 * Talula is also a formidable leading presence for Taunovo, but her tribe picks up their canoe a little slower as she doesn't have the fear inspiring yells of Tungsten.
 * Both tribes work together to carry their canoes down the jungle path and out to the beach, with Ekubo having a ten second lead on Taunovo. Their lead increases when Emilia trips on a plant root and lets go of her paddle and the part of the canoe she's holding up.
 * Ekubo carries their canoe out into the sea after getting out of the rainforest. They hop in, paddling madly, as Taunovo appears out of the forest, panting and trying to catch up. Jeff, standing on the beach, says that five minutes are left.
 * Tungsten continues to direct his tribe firmly, shouting "Row, row, row!" in sync with their rowing strokes, standing at the front of the canoe. Taunovo slips their canoe into the water, with their strongest men, Cress, Dane, and Spence, tugging it out into the water before hopping in.
 * With two minutes left, Ekubo reaches the platform. Everyone surges out, and Tungsten pulls Kinsley onto the platform as Taunovo is about two thirds of the way to the supplies laden platform.
 * Ekubo immediately starts grabbing the bigger items, like the two tarps, the toolkit, and one of the fishing spears. Florine grabs the map to their beach.
 * Taunovo arrives with about 70 seconds left. Jolyon immediately grabs the other fishing spear while Dane snatches up the map. It's an all out frenzy as the castaways gather as many things as they can into their canoes as the seconds tick away, piling fruit into their canoes after they get all of the tarps, fishing supplies, and the like.

Tatiana sets down am armful of guavas with a sigh, while various other castaways toss a few odd items back onto the platform.

Probst: And with that, Survivor: Vatulele has officially begun. Ekubo, you won a reward of flint! And Taunovo, I've got nothing for you besides all of the food and supplies packed into your canoe! (This elicits some laughter from the navy tribe). Follow your maps to your campsites. Head out. I will see you guys at the Immunity Challenge.

The two tribes row their laden canoes out in opposite directions, as their beaches are on different ends of the island of Vatulele. The shot zooms out to show the two canoes rapidly rowing apart across the seemingly endless turquoise sea, leaving behind the ransacked platform and the place of their first challenge. Survivor is now kicking into full gear. The scene fades as the show cuts to commercial break.

Taunovo
The screen lights up with the image of a seagull drifting in the air currents above the Pacific, squawking as it twirls and dives down towards the sea in chase of some prey. The shot shifts to that of Taunovo's canoe. The tribe's oars slice through the water. Emilia sits criss cross applesauce on the prow, reading the map and telling the rest of the tribe where to go.

Emilia (pointing): Look! Over there, it's the flag! Turn a little west, it's not far now.

The rowers start paddling harder as the Taunovo flag, flapping in its navy glory, comes into view on a curved stretch of pale white beach. Soon enough, Spence hops out into the waist deep water and helps guide the canoe onto the beach. The front digs into the damp sand, and the castaways start to climb out, arms full of supplies. While they'd arrived late to the platform, the navy tribe had still managed to get a considerable amount of things. They amass their spoils underneath the trees at the edge of the jungle. Everyone on the tribe just stands there for a minute, not sure what to do.

"taunovo"

- When we first got onto the beach, there was a really odd moment after we put everything down. We were all wet and tired from the challenge, rowing to camp, and our nerves from the whole day. We just stood there silently for what felt like eternity, but no one wanted to break the silence and be that person who stepped forward as the "leader" type, even if they were just exerting a minimal amount of control. I was sure Talula was going to try and take control, but she just kept quiet like the rest of us. It was pretty odd, and I was thankful when Jolyon spoke up since I was about to speak up and tank my whole strategy just to end the awkwardness!

Jolyon (hesitantly): So, what do you guys say? What tasks do we need to get done first?

Talula (evenly): Well, we do have quite a bit of food and some water here, so I don't think those should be our first priorities. We definitely need a shelter.

Spence: Yeah, I'd say we get working on the shelter. It's pretty right now but it might get hellish at any time.

Cornelia (jittery): Oh, but we can't forget about fire. Fire, does anyone know how to make a fire right on the spot? I know we didn't get that flint which would've been so extremely useful, so we'll have to make do.

No one speaks up, and the tribe realizes that they might be going without fire for the first three days of this game. That makes most of them groan internally, but no one voices their anguish, not wanting to seem like the complainer of the group who could easily be targeted first.

Jolyon (gaining confidence): So if we're not really going to be able to get a fire started, the supplies we gathered are just that much more important. I say some of us sort through them and decide what needs to be eaten first and what can be kept for a little before it rots, while the rest of us go find a place to build the shelter and do it.

"taunovo"

- Coming out here, I knew that I couldn't be blatantly in control from Day 1 to have any chance at winning this game. I'm not Tom Westman, I can't be that much of an out-there competitor. I'm a strategist, and strategists lay low in the grass, unnoticed and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But once I spoke up to get things rolling, I realized that our tribe needed a little spurring along if we were going to get things done. Maybe it's just the control freak trapped inside of me that comes out in stressful situations, but I sort of started coming up with what we should do around camp. I'm definitely not trying to take over as the leader. That would ruin my game, to be perceived as the biggest threat here only ten minutes after we stepped onto the beach. I just hope people don't start labeling me as something I'm not on this island. Then again, perception is everything on this island. I'm going to have to make sure my image isn't branded "leader" today, or I may have to rethink my whole gameplan.

Louise: Sounds perfect to me. We'll probably need more people on the shelter.

Emilia: I'll sort stuff. I'm not the best construction worker. I'm better with fragile bird bones than big logs! (giggles quietly, and a few of her fellow castaways chuckle quietly as well.)

Cornelia (sighing and wiping her forehead): I'll stay here with Emilia to sort things as well. The rowing's made me pretty weary, I think it'll be better for my morale if I stay in the shade and help her out.

Talula: That will work for now. The other six of us can go work. I suggest that we go scope out where we want to place our shelter as a group before we split up to go gather materials to build.

Everyone nods in agreement, and then the castaways of the navy tribe set out to work. Cornelia and Emilia sit at the roots of the leafy tree that the Taunovos piled their supplies underneath, starting to sort through the fruit. Cress grabs the two machetes they got from the platform to help cut things down and then jogs to catch up with the rest of the shelter builders. The sextet discusses menial things in a relaxed tone as they explore the thin jungle near their tribe's flag. After about a half hour, they find the perfect spot about a quarter mile west and a little north of the flag. The ground is clear, but the branches of some larger trees arch over the cleared area, making it shady and partially blocked from the elements.

The group splits off once they choose their building site. Louise, Cress, and Spence take one machete, going to collect wood to use to build the shelter. Dane, Talula, and Jolyon use the other machete, searching for palm fronds to make the shelter's roof with. These six are hard at work, chatting as they set about their tasks. The camera focuses in on the trio gathering wood. Louise and Spence take turns chopping down bamboo poles they find growing abundantly in the jungle while Cress picks them up and carries them back to the clearing. As Cress heads off for a fourth time, a long pole slung over each shoulder, Louise and Spence begin to talk. Louise takes the machete from Spence to do a few hacks as she speaks up.

Louise (teeth gritted): These damn things don't like coming down!

Spence (joking): RIP to my Survivor experience. It all ended day one when I couldn't even cut down a bamboo pole and quit out of embarrassment.

Louise (laughing): Haha! But for real, you better not quit on me. I know you won't, but I just have to tell you that. I mean that about our whole tribe; I don't like quitters and people who give up. But I especially want you around here. You're tough, and strong. I see that glint in your eye. You like danger.

Spence: Who, me? Likes danger? Little ole me, who broke both arms when I was nineteen doing BMX riding? Nah, Louise, you're way off the mark.

Louise (chuckling): You've also got a good sense of humor. (Louise sees Cress starting to head back towards them to get more bamboo poles). Just know I've got your back for now, alright? We'll need each other out here.

Spence (stretching out his hand): You've got it, girl. I'm down with this. (Spence and Louise bump fists before heading back to hacking away at the bamboo).

"taunovo"

- It's Day 1, and I know that some of the strongest alliances form on Day 1. So I think it's a good sign that I found someone like Louise out here that I instantly vibed with. We just clicked. I get her, she gets me. She's a cool young lady, and I think I can trust her as much as one can trust someone they've known for twelve hours. I see good things in our future.

The scene quickly changes to that of two colorful birds of paradise prancing in a tree, making the leaves on the branch wobble. The male flairs his vibrant plumage and sings a melodious, high pitched song before the shot shifts to Talula, Dane, and Jolyon gathering palm fronds. Talula steps back from the shorter palm they've found, sweaty and tired from the work. She hands the machete over to Dane, who takes his turn working. Jolyon stands nearby with the collected fronds in his arms. Talula leans against another tree to rest as the trio talks quietly. Talula's wrapping up a little story about her daughter throwing a party while she and her husband were away.

Talula (tiredly): But yeah, Tasi sounds just like your daughter, Dane. Both quiet little kids who transformed into partying insomniacs. We still have to replace the carpet in the basement, there's wine stains everywhere. That's the first thing I'll do if I win the million. (Talula chuckles, and Dane grins at her as he chops down another frond.)

Dane (laughing): You sure we aren't related somehow? Lina got "spaghetti sauce" all over the love seat in our sitting room. Definitely was my cabernet.

Talula (chuckling and shaking her head): Kids these days. At least they're not in the courts, though. I don't necessarily approve of Tasi's behavior, but if she keeps it quiet and mostly lawful, it doesn't bother me too much. She just keeps herself out of my courtroom and I won't get too angry. Teenage years are for exploration, are they not?

Dane: Definitely. I remember being a teenager. Dang, that was like twenty five years ago when I was spilling beer on my dad's dashboard.

Talula: Time really flies. Now we're old hags, especially out here.

Jolyon (entering the conversation after counting the fronds): At least we have Cornelia on our tribe. You guys look like toddlers compared to her! (Dane dissolves into chuckles, and Talula smiles).

Talula (jestingly): Well, she is fourteen years old than me. That's looooong.

Jolyon: My patience around her is definitely not loooooong. It's more like *snap*

Dane: Hey, hey, let's not start getting too judgy. We barely even know these people.

Jolyon: Well, she is the weakest link on the tribe. She isn't going to last very long around here.

 Talula: I don't necessarily think she's the weakest link. At least she's shown some extreme enthusiasm to be out here. Emilia just sort of seems...apathetic. Maybe she's just a docile girl, but I don't think she wants to be out here, digging her elbows in the mud and whatever she can to help us win. At least we know Cornelia will put one hundred percent effort into everything she does here.

Jolyon (sighing): I guess that's true. Her constant cheeriness is going to be grating, though.

Dane (firmly): A couple of nights out here will probably wear it out. She's probably still riding high on the adrenaline from starting the game and all. And, anyway, we haven't even lost yet. We don't really need to start discussing stuff.

Jolyon (submissively): Yeah I know, I just feel comfortable around the two of you, and I just let the game thoughts in my head slip out. I didn't mean to start getting schemy or anything. Don't want to intimidate anyone.

Dane: It's alright, I get it. I guess we're going to have to talking about it soon anyway. This game moves fast.

Talula: If the courtroom's taught me anything, it's always better to be prepared just in case. Who knows, Jeff could walk up in two seconds and tell us we have an impromptu Tribal Council. And it's not like we're planning some huge coup to dethrone some power player. We're just assessing the weakest members of our tribe.

Dane (agreeably): Yeah. I just thought we'd take the first day easy, but everyone else is already scheming I bet. It's good we talk about this stuff.

Dane cuts down one more frond. They've sliced down quite a few, and Talula takes some of them while Jolyon carries the rest. The trio ambles back towards the clearing where they're building the shelter. The camera focuses in on Dane, who's fiddling with the machete in his hands, before flashing to his confessional.

"taunovo"

- I guess I didn't realize that this game would get kicking right away. I should've known better. It's not that I feel uncomfortable around Jolyon and Talula and didn't want to talk strategy around them; I really like Talula, and Jolyon's alright. Don't mind him, although he seems like he might be a little schemer. But I just didn't even think about the fact that people would start discussing who to possibly vote off and making loose alliances Day One. Thinking about it, I probably should've tried to make some sort of pact just to ensure that we could have working relationships over the next month plus. Right now, I think Talula is my closest ally, and I like Louise a lot and would like to get to know her better. I think Emilia and Cornelia are definitely in trouble if we go anywhere near Tribal Council before the merge.

Dane's face fades as the scene shifts. A shot of a cloud of purplish fish parting around a piece of coral is shown. They're prompted into action by a sinuous blacktip reef shark, which twines its way around the coral in chase of the school of fish. The camera pans to the surface of the water, showing the waves of the sea. The shot swings towards the shore, where Emilia and Cornelia can be seen by the Taunovo flag, sorting through the supplies and conversing tamely in the shade.

Emilia (worryingly): This watermelon seems a little soft...I think we should probably eat it tonight.

Cornelia: Oh, what a fantastic way to end such a fantastic day. Sitting with my new friend Emilia by our newly built shelter, eating glistening triangles of pinkish fruit...I desperately want to eat.

Emilia: Everyone's still slaving on and on, though. We can't eat it now.

Cornelia (thinking): Unless...oh yes! They're all deep in the jungle, no? They won't notice a watermelon missing. We do have two, and lots of other things to eat.

Emilia (a little shocked): You're saying that we...we just eat it now?

Cornelia: And tell no one. We're already on thin ice here, darling. We're not Joey Amazings, so we need to be able to do our best in the challenges. And to do our best we need to be properly fueled. No one's going to miss a watermelon, my friend.

Emilia (hesitantly): I really don't know, Cornelia. What if they find out? We don't want to make them angry...

Cornelia (dismissively): Oh, bah! They probably found chocolate or something at tree mail and are devouring it without us! Probably gossiping like little children do instead of working! You and me, my friend, are going to have a feast, and no one will be the wiser.

Emilia (warming to the idea): So like a tea party? I have tea parties all the time with my little girl, Sparrow.

Cornelia (excitedly): Yes, just like a tea party! We can pretend to be ''Brits, governor! ''And eat our watermelon in peace. Doesn't that sound pleasant? Oh, and by the way, what a name! Sparrow! So beautiful!

Emilia: Thank you so much! I work as an ornithologist. Birds are my passion, and I was following the migration paths of some house sparrows in my county when I got pregnant with her, and I felt like it was such a fitting name.

Cornelia: Your husband didn't object? I wanted to name my daughter after my favorite subspecies of stegosaurus, but my wife wouldn't let me! So I settled for Eleanor, her mother's name and the name of my favorite American heroine, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Emilia (quietly): Sp-sparrow's father isn't really in the picture. I just had a fling with a guy from college soon after graduation. He was engaged at the time. He rarely visits her, and his wife doesn't know about her.

Cornelia: Oh my friend, I am so sorry for bringing up such a touchy subject. Here, let's comfort ourselves with this decadent watermelon and some swigs of delicious water!

"taunovo"

- I felt terrible about bringing up Emilia's struggles in life. We're here to struggle for a million dollars on an exotic island; all of the forsaken hurdles in this complex game are enough to worry about and more. And then I brought such a subject to the forefront of her mind. It was so cruel of me. I made sure she ate most of the watermelon. I don't want to ruin her time in this game. Every second here is precious to all of us. Some because we're closer to the million bucks, but also for Emilia and I, because we're spending yet another minute on Survivor and foraying into our wildest dreams. I will make sure never to broach such a subject again. We must make the best of the joyous occasions out here in Vatulele, and not bring them down with melancholy and stress.

Cornelia nudges Emilia as she reaches over for the watermelon, causing the slightly saddened girl to grin and giggle. Cornelia uses a small knife to dice apart the watermelon. Emilia keeps turning around, convinced that one of the other Taunovos will emerge from the gloom of the jungle and spot them. Emilia takes her piece from Cornelia after being satisfied with the fact that no one is nearby. She devours her piece, letting the sticky juices dribble down her chin, and when she's finished there's plenty more to eat.

Emilia (sighing): Oh, there's just so much Cornelia. I feel pretty bad about this. It's wrong.

Cornelia: Tsk tsk tsk. This is Survivor, my friend! We will be doing plenty of bad and wrong things if we want to make it far together.

Emilia (wiping juice off of her chin): S-so you want to go far together?

Cornelia (exasperated): Of course! I don't call people my friend if I don't really mean it!

Emilia: Oh, I just thought you were being nice. You know this game very well it seems. I thought you might just be playing nice with me and making bonds with me like you will with everyone else.

Cornelia: Well of course I'll attempt to make bonds with everyone, but the one between you and I feels natural. Like the raptor must fell the parasaurolophus in order to survive, you and I must stick together in order to have a shot at becoming the Sole Survivor. We are the weaker ones, my friend. You must know that. We'll need to work together to advance to the latter portions of this game.

Emilia (happily): So we're allies?

Cornelia: I truly believe so. If that's alright with you.

Emilia: Of course!

Emilia reaches over and hugs Cornelia tightly. The two grin as they continue to nibble at their watermelon.

Cornelia: I'll need you to work hard as well, my friend. We need to identify who we can build bonds with and who others feel uneasy about so we can target them and keep their sights off of us. I know you are quite the timid lady, but the both of us need you to forge connections with others to give us a fair shake in this game.

Emilia: Cornelia, you know I'll try. It might be a little rough, but I'll definitely try.

Cornelia: And that's all I can ask of you.

They've eaten about two thirds of the watermelon, and they can't eat much else without feeling sick. Cornelia picks up the rest of the watermelon, dices it into pieces, and buries it in the ground a little distance away from the place they've been sitting and sorting. Emilia polishes off her last piece and tosses her rind in the ocean before turning to Cornelia, who has walked back after burying the remains of their meal. Emilia laughs at a joke Cornelia makes as her confessional is shown.

"taunovo"

- I think I'm pretty lucky to have found someone like Cornelia this early in the game. I knew my biggest hurdle coming into this game would be the social aspect. Bigger than even my physical limitations since I'm not that strong of a woman. I'm pretty shy. But that's why I came out here. I came out here not only to show my daughter that I can do it, but also to prove to myself that I can step outside of my comfort zones and grow as a person. I need this experience to teach myself how to be open and how to meet new people. It's time that I get out there and shake things up and start playing this game, even if that means compromising my high moral character. I'm not ready to lay down and die.

A last shot is shown of Emilia and Cornelia giggling, sitting in the shaded sand, before going to commercial break.

Ekubo
The premiere episode returns with the prow of Ekubo's gray canoe furrowing into the sand. Tungsten grunts as he pulls the ship forward with one more heave, and it's then partially beached. His tribemates start to trickle out, lugging the numerous supplies they gathered. Sulien carries the large tarps they managed to find, and Florine totes a basket full of apples and tangerines. Breccan lugs the toolkit that will be very useful in building their shelter across the sand, wiping his brow after dragging the heavy crate full of tools off of the canoe.

Tungsten (loudly): Alright gang, let's not waste any time. We're here at Camp Ekubo, and we're going to do well here! We're gonna get a shelter put up today, and we're going to get it done well. We are lucky to have all of these supplies, and we're going to put them to good use.

Everyone stands there around Tungsten, unsure of what to do. They all know that Tungsten is a brash leading personality from his fervor during the Reward Challenge, but they are a little surprised to see that he is taking control so blatantly. However, most don't seem to care or object except for a select few. Tatiana and Calliope share a look of disapproval.

"ekubo"

- I just looked up at Calliope after we got off of the canoe and Tungsten started yapping about doing this and doing that. Our eyes locked, and I knew we were destined to work together. Our eyes rolls were almost in sync. I had to keep myself from laughing. I think I've found a sarcastic, strategic soulmate out here in Vatulele. We'll need each other to deal with effing Tungsten.

Breccan (hesitantly): Sooo...we break into groups or something?

Tungsten: We'll build the shelter in this little clearing right behind us. Close to the sea and surrounded by the trees for support. We need to go collect materials while other people move everything off of the canoe.

Calliope: We could just keep everything in the canoe for now so it's organized and in the same place.

Tatiana: That sounds good to me.

Tungsten (sighing): Well, what happens when we have to go fishing?

Tatiana: It would just be temporary until we build the shelter to put everything in.

Kinsley: It sounds pretty good to me. We don't need to waste energy by moving stuff all over the beach. Just a few trips from the canoe to the shelter and we'll have everything close and organized.

Tungsten (exasperatedly): I guess that works out. Well, we need someone to get wood, and we should try and get a fire started for boiling water and the like.

Tatiana: What about palm fronds?

Sulien (holding up the tarps): We do have the tarps. They're definitely big enough to cover the shelter.

Calliope: If you say so.

The castaways divide into their groups. Many of the castaways head off into the jungle to explore and collect wood to build the shelter with. Jenson decides to start trying to get a fire starting in the center of the clearing they've chosen to set up their shelter in. He collects some coconut husk, and Tungsten comes over, carting some sticks and a few larger logs for the fire. Jenson smiles up at him before starting to strike his machete against their hard earned flint.

Tungsten: You think you can handle it?

Jenson (zoned out): Huh?

Tungsten: You think you can handle making the fire?

Jenson: Oh, oh yeah. I practiced back at home. I think I've got it.

Jenson continues to strike the machete against the flint, determined to prove his worth to their seemingly de facto leader. Tungsten squats beside him, watching intently. After a minute or so, he's gotten some good sparks, but nothing catches permanently in the husk.

Tungsten: Here, Jenson, move over. I can get it going.

Jenson tentatively hands the flint and machete over to Tungsten before scooting out of the way. He watches in fascination as Tungsten strikes the machete against the flint with power, causing a shower of sparks to fester in the coconut husk. It quickly catches fire, and Tungsten starts to pile the twigs and logs around it in a tepee style. Soon enough, the flames are licking at the wood and growing into a full blown fire. Tungsten stands, looking down at the fire with satisfaction.

Jenson: Impressive.

Tungsten: Just gotta put your heart into it. This game's really not that hard.

Jenson: That's an interesting opinion.

Tungsten: What, that this game is easy? Well, it sort of is. I just got the whole tribe to agree to my leadership with almost no hiccups, and now I'm going to run this game. They can't get rid of me; I lead the challenges and I make the fires. Get rid of me, and you'll cause hell in this game.You'll starve and shiver and be picked off one by one.

Jenson: Oh no no no, don't worry, I'm not thinking about getting rid of you. I...like your style, I guess. At least better than many of the others. I know where your head is at. It's hard to decipher what anyone else is thinking.

Tungsten: A plain, honest man is the best man there is on this Earth.

Jenson: Well, honest to a certain extent. You do have to lie in this game, after all.

Tungsten: Oh yes, of course. I wasn't insinuating I have a high moral standard or anything like that. I'm here to win a million dollars, no matter what it takes. Just hiding your emotions is a cowardly thing to do in everyday life I what I meant more so.

Jenson: I like that. I'm here to do anything to get to the end as well.

Tungsten (smiling): Well, it seems that our interests are aligning for now. And I have a feeling they'll be aligning for a while. (Tungsten extends his hand to Jenson) Promise that we'll tell each other if anyone on the tribe's talking about booting us?

Jenson: I'm down.

The two shake hands, and then Tungsten goes to collect more wood for the fire while Jenson goes to go get their pot from the canoe, wanting to prepare for boiling water later and to see how they'll place it over the flames. As Jenson strides across the beach towards the canoe, the scene cuts to his confessional.

"ekubo"

- I don't particularly like Tungsten. He's too cocky and too traditional, and if we were outside of this game I wouldn't spare him much more than a few words. He's just not the type of person I would want to have coffee with at my local cafe. But in this game, you have to make allies with the people that will strategically benefit you. Right now, Tungsten is leading this tribe, so if I get in good with him, I should be set to make the merge and beyond. And if we are targeted, they'll always go after the loud, obnoxious dude before the quiet, nice one. Sure, I may dislike Tungsten quite a lot. But in this game, he's an invaluable asset to me.

A small lime green lizard is shown scurrying across a branch, scenting around for insects, before the shot changes to some of the other castaways. Sulien and Breccan are working together to pull down the bamboo-like poles, using a hatchet from the toolkit to do so efficiently. Florine walks over as Sulien chops into one of the poles. The base cracks and it falls to the ground.

Sulien: I'm yelling tiiiiiiiiiimber!

Breccan (laughing): You better move! You better dance!

Florine: And I thought you guys were the cool jocks!

(The three start chuckling. Sulien starts cutting down another bamboo pole, and Florine picks up the one that just got cut down and slings it over her shoulder.)

Sulien: Think you can handle that...um, I'm sorry. I'm terrible with names.

Florine: It's Florine. And that's alright, you guys are working hard. The island heat's probably cooking all of your two brain cells into oblivion!

Breccan (chuckling): You sure are good at making jokes, eh?

Florine: Not really. I just looked up "Jokes to Tell Jocks" before I came out here so I'd be able to start conversations with you guys. I'm fresh out of jokes now.

Sulien: You only had two?

Florine: Hey, I am a quiet little boutique owner who can't even throw a baseball five feet. I didn't understand the rest of the jokes!

The three chuckle, and the next pole falls. Breccan picks it up, along with another they've already cut down.

Breccan: We'll take these back to the clearing, and you keep cutting Sulien. Aight?

Sulien: Sounds great to me.

Sulien turns to the next pole, digging the hatchet into the base, while Florine and Breccan walk off together, dragging their poles along towards the clearing. Things are quiet for a moment before Florine speaks up.

Florine: Sorry for the awkwardness. I'm just not that good at getting to know people, but once I break the ice in my odd way I'm less awkward. Hopefully.

Breccan: Oh, it's totally fine. I get it. I moved schools when I was in middle school, and I know all about social anxiety. Only reason I'm the "cool kid" jock that I am today is because I joined the basketball team in high school and people suddenly liked me because I wasn't too bad.

Florine: That's relieving. I didn't want to make a fool out of myself, but the two of you, especially you, seemed like someone I'd want to get to know right away. Tungsten's too much, and most of the other girls seem pretty crazy. I know Calliope and Tatiana are going to pop off at Tungsten sooner than later.

Breccan: Kinsley doesn't seem that bad, though.

Florine: I'll have to talk to her, I guess. She just seems shyer, like me. But in a different way.

Breccan: Almost like she's faking it?

Florine: Maybe. I can't really tell yet. But that doesn't really matter, she's probably the least of our worries on this tribe.

Breccan: Agreed. I'd rather have to deal with a shy woman trying to backstab us than some hotheads like Tungsten or Calliope. Kinsley seems like she could be manipulated and used as a vote, but the others seem too independent for that.

Florine: Look at us, already talking about manipulation and forming a voting bloc. I like it.

Breccan: Well, we better start talking about it soon. It's obvious Tungsten, Calliope, and Tatiana are going to come out of the gates swinging too, so we need to make sure we're safe before anything else.

Florine: Agreed. But I don't think we're in much trouble. They'll be at each other's throats most likely. We just have to make sure we don't make any scenes, and we should glide past the first few votes.

Breccan: We better.

"ekubo"

- I actually do like Florine. The way she introduced herself was pretty awkward, but I understand why. It's hard to start conversations with people you don't know, especially if you're not a social butterfly. She seems like someone I'd be interested in working with in the weeks to come. She's a little threatening because she seems to think strategically very well, but almost all of my other tribemates are more worrying to me at this moment. Everyone in this game is a threat to me. It's all about determining which threats are best to keep around and which ones are the most dangerous to your game in the long run. And right now, Florine seems a lot more beneficial than not to my game.

The duo arrives at the clearing with their bamboo poles. They're pleased to spot that Jenson and Tungsten have coaxed the fire to life, and Kinsley is pouring canteens she filled from the well into the pot to boil the water for drinking. Everything seems pleasant as Tungsten walks over to Breccan and Florine.

Tungsten (pleased): Good job. You got more coming?

Breccan: Sulien's chopping more down as we speak. Florine and I are just the delivery service.

Tungsten: Good. We'll need more to build an adequate shelter that will fill all of us.

Breccan: I'll go get more then. I'm sure Sulien has a ton down already.

Breccan and Florine turn to go get more poles, but Sulien emerges from the jungle, dragging two with each hand, the hatchet tucked in his waistband. He grins at everyone, and Breccan takes the hatchet from him before he drops the poles into the dirt.

Sulien: Didn't feel like waiting around for you slowpokes to come back!

Breccan: I guess we know who wins the "Employee of the Month" award for Ekubo.

Tungsten: Commendable, Sulien. We'll still need more, however. Think you can go get more?

Sulien (saluting): Aye aye captain!

Kinsley (giggling and walking over from the fire): Let me get the twenty gun salute!

Tungsten turns towards her and glowers at the blonde, his mouth set in a firm frown.

"ekubo"

- When Tungsten turned around and glared at me after I made the little joke about a twenty gun salute, my heart stopped beating for a second. My whole angle for the first few days is to play the quiet, nice girl that no one pays attention to. I was just cracking a little joke to be part of the tribe conversation. But now I may have just made our tribe's leader angry over some dumb joke. I don't care for Tungsten, but I still can't make him angry. I was worried about what would come out of his mouth and how it would effect my game the moment he twirled to glower at me.

Tungsten (gruffly): Are you mocking me? Just because I took over as leader doesn't mean I'm being a dictator, Kinsley. You don't need to make fun of me.

Sulien: Hey man, we were just kidding.

Tungsten: There's no need to tamper with the unity in this tribe on the first day by making fools of one another. There's no need for Kinsley to say things like she just said.

Suddenly, Tatiana and Calliope emerge from the jungle. They both look unamused, having overheard the past several moments of conversation between Kinsley, Tungsten, and Sulien.

Tatiana (shouting from across the clearing): Tungsten, Kinsley can say whatever she pleases. She was just making a little joke. If you can't handle a joke, how are you going to handle the pressures of this game?

Tungsten: Oh, so now it's "heap the mockery" on Tungsten time, eh? I was just sharing that there's no need to make fun of one another! We need to keep this tribe together and unified, which you and Calliope are putting no effort into! You're not even helping around camp!

Calliope: Hey. We just went out to find tree mail, and it took us a while to find it. We're being productive. What have you been doing? Twiddling your thumbs and directing everyone around like we're mindless drones? You don't get to order us around like we're your underlings in a factory!

Tungsten starts to walk towards Tatiana and Calliope, hands on his hips. The other members of the Ekubo tribe look on with a mixture of fear and worry. Sulien looks relieved, sharing a grateful look with Kinsley.

"ekubo"

- Thank god we have such explosive personalities on this tribe. If not for Tatiana and Calliope interfering, Kinsley and I may have gotten chewed out by Tungsten and made into pariahs. Tungsten's really wearing on my nerves already, but so are Calliope and Tatiana, no matter if they rescued me from having to do damage control with Tungsten or not. This tribe's already pretty messy, and I'm not looking forward to what it'll be like in a few days when we're all starving and tired...

Tungsten: I made this fire right behind us that's going to keep us warm, fed, and not thirsty. Neither of you could do that, I betcha. And you were probably playing in the ocean instead of looking for the "oh so elusive" tree mail. There's literally a damn path to tree mail right over there!

Breccan: Guys, let's chill out. There's no need to get all up in arms. I know it's the first day and everyone's nerves and stuff are running high, but we need to cool off and get the shelter built.

Tatiana (grumbling): I guess you're right. He just needs to chill out and stop acting like he owns this beach and all of us. It's really disgusting to see someone feel so entitled to power in a game like this.

Tungsten: And it's disgusting for me to see someone feel so entitled that they do nothing about camp and gossip about the rest of their tribe.

Calliope: We haven't gossiped about anyone but you, Tungsten, and that's because you're a grade A asshole!

Breccan: GUYS! Chill! Seriously. If we have this much infighting going on, we're going to lose every challenge from here on out, and then we're all screwed. We have to learn to work together, even if we don't like each other. That's a huge part of this game.

Tatiana: Okay, okay. I'm sorry. He just gets on my nerves.

Florine: We know. It's alright. We're all going to get on one another's nerves at some point in this game. We just have to manage our emotions and work together. Let's go cook up some dinner with the rice and fruit and try to keep it civil, okay?

The three nod, and then the whole tribe moves over to the fire. Sulien carries over the pot of rice, and Kinsley uses a machete to dice up some mangoes and hands them out to everyone in the tribe. Tungsten, Tatiana, and Calliope are all a little grumbly at first, but their animosity dissolves as they get food and water into them. They don't talk to each other, but they have fun with the people they do converse with. The sun begins to set as the gray tribe finishes eating and sits around the fire, chatting. The camera pans towards Florine, who smiles at Breccan as she eats a slice of cooked mango.

"ekubo"

- I'm happy we managed to diffuse the situation for now, but you can still feel the tensions running beneath everything. This tribe is not in a good place right now. Unity is key in this stage of the game, even if it's feigned. Some of us can barely pretend to like one another, and it'll just get worse as the days go on. I have hope that we may be able to survive this, but a part of me feels like Ekubo is already doomed to a terrible fate.

The shot cuts to Calliope, who is laughing uproariously at a joke from Tatiana.

"ekubo"

- Tungsten better keep his eyes open. He's rubbing everyone on this tribe the wrong way, and if Ekubo ever goes near Tribal Council, Tatiana and I will be campaigning to get him sent home harder than we've ever done anything in our lives. I see fireworks on the horizon, and I can't lie. My drama-loving self is excited to see how this shit's about to play out. There's on thing I can say for sure: there's going to be some blowups in this tribe's future, and they're going to be massive, glorious, and destructive to someone's game. Watch out suckers. Ekubo is about to implode, and make sure you don't miss the show.

Taunovo
A time lapse of a shell being covered by the rising tide is shown with the words "Day 2" glimmering in the corner of the screen. The camera pans up to show the navy tribe's flag fluttering in the slight breeze blowing across the island. It's early morning, and the sun is peeking over the horizon.

The shot shifts to the Taunovo shelter, hidden in the jungle. The roof is not fully constructed, but the shelter's frame and the floor is all laid out. It's elevated a little off of the ground, and seems pretty sturdy. The eight Taunovos are mostly asleep. Many had a rough night, struggling to fall asleep, but everyone except Talula has drifted off. Talula slips silently out of the shelter. She picks up the canteens and slings them over her shoulder, walking towards the well. As she does so, her confessional is shown.

"taunovo"

- Things are eerily calm out here. There's few jungle sounds right now, my whole tribe is asleep. I'm just alone in the jungle with the trees and the buzzing insects. I always thought that this game would be constantly moving, that people would wake up at four in the morning to start scheming. But, being out here, I'm starting to realize that a good portion of this game is also patience. Thankfully I've been gifted with the skill of patience, but I can see how so many players ruin their games. They lose their patience and jump the gun and disrupt things. This really isn't what I thought it would be, and I'm enjoying it. In my day to day life, I don't usually enjoy surprises. But out here, I'm on a journey and an adventure. I'm ready for the surprises lurking around every corner, and I'm happy that this game can keep me on my toes. I'm just looking forward to what comes next.

Talula carefully ladles water into the canteens before closing them up and hauling them back to camp. When she returns, Emilia is awake, nibbling on a guava by the beach. Talula sets the canteens down by the shelter and makes her way over to Emilia's side, plopping down in the sand beside her.

Talula: Good morning.

Emilia (surprised): Oh! Hey.

Talula: The sunrise is so beautiful today. I can't get over it.

Emilia: Yeah, that's why I was out here. I wanted to wake up to see it.

Talula: Our first Fijian sunrise. I'm impressed.

Emilia: Yeah, me too. And the birds look beautiful against it, too. The frigates look so majestic, coursing through the currents.

Talula: Frigates?

Emilia: Yeah, they're these larger seabirds. In one species, the males have large red pouches on their throats that can inflate. They look pretty odd but are interesting seabirds.

Talula: Interesting. You learn something new everyday. I can't really teach you anything from my job. Law doesn't really apply to this island.

Emilia (worriedly): That's for sure! I just came out here to watch the sunrise, and center myself. I feel like the game's going to kick up a notch today.

Talula: I think today might be calm too. But if we lose the Immunity Challenge tomorrow, or even just after competing in one, I think tempers are going to flare and there's going to be lots of strategy being passed around.

Emilia (nervously): I'm a little worried, to be honest. I know I tripped in the Reward Challenge, and I'm not the strongest or most social out here.

Talula: Just relax, you're alright for now. We didn't even lose a challenge yet, and I'm pretty sure there's others who would go before you.

Emilia: Really? I'm not the first one to go?

Talula: No. I don't think so. At least, I wouldn't want you to be the first to go.

Emilia (happily): Oh, thanks so much! I was worried about being the outcast out here, but both you and Cornelia seem to get along with me. This is turning out better than I expected.

Talula: That's nice to hear. I think others are starting to wake up. I'm going to go help around camp, maybe eat something. I'll talk to you later.

Emilia: Alright! See you, Talula.

Talula stands and walks off back towards the shelter, leaving Emilia reclining in the sand. Talula grimaces to the camera as a confessional of hers is shown again.

"taunovo"

- I don't know what to think about Emilia except that she's not a threat in the slightest. She's going to get bulldozed by the people in this game. It's pretty obvious she's not confident at all and that her heart isn't truly in this. She also struggles in challenges, if her performance in the Reward was any foreshadowing. However, she could be easily manipulated. Right now I'm keeping all of my options open, and being kind to Emilia could help me get that one vote I need to pull off a blindside.

As Talula returns to the shelter, the other members of the navy tribe are starting to wake up. Cornelia sits on the ground near the shelter, using a machete to dice up an apple. Cress climbs out and sits down next to her, taking a slice of the apple when the older woman hands it to him. Talula lays down inside the shelter beside Dane, Spence, and Louise, chatting and laughing as the sun rises over the shelter. Emilia eventually makes her way back to camp, her guava long eaten and her nerves subdued.

Cornelia: I think some of us should go check tree mail. Who wants to come with me?

The four in the shelter are consumed in their conversation and all refuse. Jolyon sidles over to the group and inserts himself into the conversation, trying to get into what he thinks is a solidifying majority group of the Taunovo tribe. Emilia almost speaks up, but Cornelia eyes her and mouths "Go join the conversation." Emilia immediately looks hesitant, but she just nods quickly and then slides into the shelter, listening to the others talk and trying to break in to the conversation.

Cress: I guess that just leaves you and me, Muttano. I'll go with you.

Cornelia: Must you really call me Muttano, my friend?

Cress: Get used to it. People that I get along with get called by their last name. It sounds better than Cornelia anyway. Kids call you Corny Cornelia in school?

Cornelia: Pfft, Cress, I'm an ancient specimen. I don't know what this "school" is that you're referring to!

Cress shakes his head slightly, chuckling, as he stands. Cornelia also rises, gritting her teeth as her knees creak. She shakes off the odd feeling, walking with Cress towards the path that leads to tree mail.

Cornelia: So, you get along with me?

Cress: Of course. It's always good to have comic relief around, and you remind me a lot of my Aunt Carla.

Cornelia: How sweet! I've always admired the name Carla. It sounds like the name of some decadent sex goddess.

Cress: Thanks for that image. (Cress shakes his head again). Whew. That'll take a moment to clear out.

Cornelia: Oh, get your head out of the gutter! I'm just trying to incite conversation about how you feel about working together in this game!

Cress: You're proposing an alliance?

Cornelia: Well of course. I'm a weaker competitor. They'll be aiming for me. I need someone strong on my side. We could even form an alliance to combat that one that's materializing inside the shelter.

Cress: Well up against that alliance, we'd be down 6-2. That's grim.

Cornelia: Not all of them are really into it. Jolyon's on the outskirts, and Emilia's working for me, if you know what I mean. She's close to me, and she doesn't have the skill to assimilate even if she wanted to, my friend.

Cress: That would still be 4-4. No way we'd lock down someone like Jolyon who's one the fence to do a tie vote.

Cornelia: We just need to scope out the other castaways attitudes towards each other and make the first move. The time to act is now.

"taunovo"

- I believe I have Cress's support if I can conjure up another vote or two. We need to make a move before that group in the shelter solidifies and becomes the real deal. Even though Cress is stronger and it might make sense short term to eliminate players like myself and Emilia to keep our tribe strong, he will be on the outs if he gets rid of us. Cress needs us, and I think I'll be able to make him see that. Then we have to pull in some of the others before they make a true alliance and take over this tribe.

Cress: I'm just worried about keeping the tribe strong. If we lose tomorrow, why would be vote off one of our stronger members? It just seems counter intuitive to vote out someone strong.

Cornelia: If we vote off the weakest link, I am gone, my friend. And in any alliance you make with the younger folk, you will end up on the outskirts, and will be the first one gone after Emilia and myself. We must work together if we want to survive to the end of this game.

Cress: I know I'm not exactly in their best graces. But it's only Day 2. Things can change.

Cornelia: And that's my point exactly. We can be the ones that change them. Because right now, the current path is the people in that shelter minus Emilia dominating this tribe and sending all three of us to Ponderosa before the jury's even in sight.

Cress: I understand that. But don't you think my concerns have some weight? Voting off someone like Spence or Louise would be like shooting ourselves in the foot.

Cornelia: I agree that we'll be weakening the tribe and we may start losing more if it comes to that, but what's better in this game: our longevity, or the longevity of a tribe that'll dissolve in a few weeks? We don't need to agree on specifics yet. We haven't lost Immunity yet. I'm just mulling over my strategic thoughts out in the open because I think we need to work together, and I feel trust forming between us.

Cress: You're probably the person I've talked to most strategically out here. I do think you're one of the most trustworthy people out here as well. I'm just voicing my concerns, but I do agree with what you said. We have to strike first.

"taunovo"

- Who would've thought, the NFL linebacker making an alliance with the grandmothery archaeologist on Day 2. I wouldn't have predicted it before this game started. I like Cornelia, but this alliance is more out of necessity than anything. I think Cornelia is a person I'll trust and enjoy a lot when we get to know each other better, but I'm not thrilled to have to work with people like Emilia. I thought I'd be set out here before the merge, being a strong guy and all, but a lot of people on our tribe are strong, and I'm not fitting in as well as I believed I would. Who knows, tomorrow Louise and Dane could come up to me and say they want to have a Final 3 with me and I'll become a part of their alliance. But for now, I'm doing my best to make sure I stay in this game as long as possible, and if that means making an alliance with the granny and the shy bird watcher, I'll do it.

A last shot is shown of Cornelia and Cress grinning at one another before the scene cuts to commercial break.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * What's gonna happen at the next episode?

Author's Notes

 * This is where you put your trivia.