A Risky Reward

This is the fourth episode of Wafflefreak's sixth season, Survivor: Anambas - The Butterfly Effect.

Admiral Tribe
As a few scattered clouds float carelessly over their heads, the five remaining castaways of the Admiral tribe return from their third straight tribal council. The mood in the air is one of frustration, yet relief, as they've just gotten rid of Sierra, their biggest trouble maker.

Courtney (Jokingly): Just let me bask in this, please.

She says, leading the tribe over to the shelter where they all set their torches down. Tossing her bag down to the groung, Courtney starts to make her way over near the fire.

Courtney: I'm sorry to be a sore winner here guys, but after what she has done, I think we all deserve a moment to gloat that her little plan didn't work. (Laughs) Seriously, (bleep) her.

Shrugging it off, Phobos encourages her to gloat away. Jessica sits down on the edge of the shelter, brushes her clothes off, and then begins to untie her shoes. She smirks, just as Colton, who stands beside her, looks into Jessica's direction.

Colton (Whispering): How ya feelin'?

Jessica (Whispering/Relieved): So good.

Reaching out to one another, they quickly and discreetly bump their fists.

Taking a seat around the burning fire, which Jay kneels before stoking, Courtney looks up to the twinkling sky beyond the blotchy cloud obstructions, taking it all in. Colton comes up from behind her, placing his hand onto her shoulder as he passes by, earning Courtney's attention as he takes a seat beside her.

Colton: Beautiful, isn't it?

Courtney: It sure is.

Appearing from off camera, Phobos walks over and pulls up his pants, placing his hands onto his hips as he finishes.

Phobos: Quite the beautiful night, our galactic neighbourhood sure is beautiful, isn't she?

The camera then looks up to the sky, passed the few clouds, showcasing all the far off stars they can see with their bare eyes.

Courtney: (Grins) Perfect way to celebrate finally getting rid of her.

Jessica, who's still sitting in the shelter, claps her hands together, giving everyone a thumbs up with both hands as they look over to her.

Jessica: I, for one, am also in a great mood. I'm happy that if we already have to be down to five, (giggles) that it's with you all.

Phobos: (Smiling) And I'm happy that you seem to be feeling better.

Jessica: Yeah, getting there; taking it day by day.

A close-up of is then shown of Courtney, who doesn't say a word.

For the first time in days, everyone feels as though they're able to relax, enjoying the positivity around camp.

Colton: (Chuckling) I never thought I'd be on a tribe that would have to vote people off so frequently before the merge.

Jay: (Nodding) We're a strong tribe though,

He then stands, fixing his glasses.

Jay: Once we're at our 100, we're making our come back.

Once again, the camera shows another close-up of Courtney, who's deep in thought.

As a transitioning shot is shown of the moon as it slowly passes through the sky, ticking the time away, the scene cuts to show Courtney, Phobos, and Jay together in the jungle. They're huddled closely as they whisper; Courtney, who looks the most intense with her arms crossed, leads the conversation.

Courtney (Whispering): I think it's time we soon need to make a move, guys.

Jay (Unsure/Quietly): What kind of move?

Courtney (Whispering): We've been playing it safe for too long. This tribe keeps losing bad, and right now the other tribe has way more numbers than us right now. I think we should solidify this voting group as an alliance, just to make sure we're all safe as we potentially get into uncharted premerge waters.

Scrunching his brow, Phobos speaks up.

Phobos: You mean if we lose?

Courtney (Whispering): Shhh! Yes, if we lose again, which isn't totally out of the realm of possibility with how we've done this far! All I'm saying is that the more people that go home, the higher your chances of going next are. If we stick together, we're guaranteed at least two more votes.

The camera then shows a quick shot of Jessica and Colton, who are both laughing with one another inside of the shelter, before cutting back to Courtney, Phobos, and Jay.

Jay (Quietly): I guess you do have a point in some regards.

But Phobos bluntly asks,

Phobos: But what if you get sick?

He stares into her direction, leaving both Jay and Courtney caught off guard.

Phobos: I mean, (shrugs) I think it's a fair question.

Jay (Quietly): Well... I guess, ...it would lead to some issues.

Courtney (Whispering): Us three have stayed the consistent throughout this whole game so far, you two are who I'm closest to. We need to start thinking about loyalty, which we've all shown one another, and remember that's all going to soon be incredibly important.

Back at camp both Jessica and Colton happen to notice just how long the other three have been away for, suspicious considering that it's pitch black out. Colton looks over to her, asking Jessica whether or not they think they should be concerned about it. She reminds him that perhaps they need to try a little harder to build friendships with them, something they hadn't had much opportunity to do while sick. With a sigh, Colton gets up, carefully walking through the darkness and disappearing into the jungle.

Shortly after, Colton manages to find them, nearly stumbling over them. 'Oh, hey!' he exclaims, surprising them as he comes tripping from out of the darkness. He awkwardly laughs it off, giving the old 'I didn't see you there' in a joking manner. Doing his best to think quick, Phobos points up to the sky, acting as though he was continuing a thought, trying to hide the true nature of their conversation. Something Courtney looks relieved about, especially considering it's despite his reaction, giving her hope he may be on board.

Phobos: As I was saying, it's truly magical without all the light pollution.

Listing off all the constellations, Phobos spews random space knowledge, whatever that comes to mind that may seem like a flowing and natural conversation. As he does this, the screen pans in closer to Colton, who looks as though he's trying not to smirk.

Doing his best to look interested, Colton follows what Phobos is saying.