Luck, Guesswork, And A Little Bit Of Deduction

Luck, Guesswork, And A Little Bit Of Deduction is the seventh episode of Survivor: Mozambique - Island of Advantages.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Leroy got the chance to visit the Island of Advantages at night…


 * ...where he won a Legacy Advantage.


 * Meanwhile, on the Qamea tribe, Nicholas and Trixie held all the power.


 * And they had to decide who to eliminate between Marisa and Reyna.


 * At Tribal Council, Marisa pointed out that Reyna was a bigger threat.


 * But in the end, Reyna stayed, and Marisa was voted out.


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

Day 20
The morning dawns on the Nacala beach.

Christine is yawning, stretching as she stares out the serene scenery. She frowns when she notices a small figure out at sea, slowly approaching their beach. The camera focuses on it until it is revealed that it is a pair of speedboats.

Christine: [gasp] ...No way…

She explodes with glee when she sees it is indeed two boats, with the Waya tribe in one and the Qamea tribe in another. She runs back to the shelter.

Christine: Guys! Guys, get over here!

Percy is blinking blearily as he disentangles himself from Zoe’s splayed limbs.

Percy: Whassat?

Markus looks up from the pot of rice he is stirring, and Becky walks over from where she was sitting.

Becky: What is it?

Christine: Look!

Markus: Oh, no flippin’ way…

Becky: Oh my gosh! Is that what I think it is?

Christine: Guys, it’s the merge!

Percy: What?!

Percy and Zoe rush to get out of the shelter as the other three race down to the beach, excited.

Percy: It’s the merge!

Zoe: No way, no way, no way!

The five of them start leaping for joy and squealing with excitement as the two boats get closer and closer. The first boat arrives, bringing aboard the Waya members, and the five Nacala tribe members run to give them hugs, as the Qamea boat comes along too, depositing its three members onto the sand.

Christine: I’m so happy to see you! Hey!

Christine is laughing as she jumps into Carter’s arms and he laughs and hugs her back.

Carter: Good to see you again. [chuckling]

"vantagem"

- The merge is FINALLY here. After so much waiting, we’ve finally merged, it’s finally happened, and I am over the moon that it’s happened. But most of all, I’m just glad to be back with Carter! He was my closest ally in the game in those first few days and I was worried we’d drift apart after being on different tribes for so long. But I’m really excited that now I get to actually play the game with him, for real this time. Don’t get me wrong, Annabeth was nice to talk strategy with, but the person I most wanted to play with since those first few early days was mostly Carter. He and I just hit it off so easily, you know.

Carter: I felt so lost without you. You have no idea what a relief it is to be back.

Christine: [giggling] Oh, stop it.

Carter and Christine are not the only reunion taking place. Across the board, the others are also reuniting, or meeting new people and shaking hands.

Markus: Good to meet ya, welcome to Nacala.

Jacobiah: Nice to meet you! I’m Jacobiah.

Markus: Jacobiah, I’m Markus. And you?

Annabeth: Annabeth. [laughing] And thanks, but it’s not Nacala anymore, it’s a new tribe!

Markus: Oh yeah, you’re right. Haha…

Nicholas: Hey, congrats! We’ve merged!

Nicholas hugs Annabeth and Markus looks on a little awkwardly.

Wanda is hugging Reyna.

Wanda: Good job, baby girl. You did good.

Reyna: Thanks. [laughs, rolling eyes] No joke, I would not have lasted another day there.

Becky: Is there an official merge notice or something?

The boat driver hands Christine a small rolled-up piece of parchment.

Christine: Congratulations, you have officially merged!

This official statement garners much applause and uproarious cheering from the others.

"vantagem"

- Woooo! We’ve done it! It’s merge time, baby! [cackling] And now, the game finally kicks into gear. Everyone’s moving around, talking to everyone, it’s just - it’s chaos. And I’m so excited to be a part of it.

The new tribe of thirteen heads down the beach where a feast has been prepared for them.

Everyone is excited but before they get to the food, they notice a small parchment waiting on the table, addressed to the castaways.

Becky: Wait, what’s this?

Zoe: Oh, is that another note?

Leroy: What is that?

Becky unfolds it and reads aloud.

Becky: Congratulations to the thirteen of you for making it to the merge. However, before you all dig into the merge feast, there is one more twist waiting for you.

Zoe: What? No, come on! I just wanna eat!

Leroy: Damn…

Nicholas: [chuckling] Course. Should’ve known…

Carter: What is it?

Becky: For you to dig into the food prepared, one of the thirteen of you must make a big decision. One member of the tribe must volunteer not to eat at the merge feast. That person will then be exiled, alone, to the Island of Advantages, and must stay there for the whole day. He or she will only return the next morning, missing out on not just the food, but the first day of socializing and forming new relationships with your new tribe. If no one volunteers to sit out of the feast, no one will be allowed to eat.

Zoe has a hand over her mouth, which has fallen open in shock. Reyna flinches, shaking her head.

"vantagem"

- To hear that one of us has to give up the feast is huge, because food is everything out here. We’ve all been looking forward to this merge feast so badly and to have to lose out not only the sustenance it brings but getting to meet everyone else in the game, some people for the first time, it’s too big a price to pay. It would take someone really selfless to make a decision this tough. Part of me almost wanted to say I could do it, but it’s just too risky, especially coming off of last night’s Tribal Council. I need to reunite with my former allies and get to work on meeting some of the players I haven’t met yet. This first day of the merge is too important to miss out on. And going to the Island of Advantages does put a target on your back, because everyone knows there’s a chance you left there with an advantage in your pocket.

Becky: So who wants to do it?

Everyone is eyeing each other up nervously. Leroy stares at the floor, hands on his hips, pretending not to notice. Wanda cranes her neck to stare at the sky. Markus’s mouth twitches as he gazes at his feet in the sand.

Jacobiah: [shrugs] I’ll do it.

Wanda: No, Jacobiah...really?

Jacobiah: Yeah, no, it’s fine.

Christine: Oh my gosh, Jacobiah, I love you.

Markus: You’d do that, man?

Jacobiah: Yeah, I would. Seriously, don’t worry about it.

Carter: You’re the man, brother.

Everyone gathers around to hug or pat Jacobiah on the back. Jacobiah waves off their thanks and gestures with frequent “It’s fine”s and “Don’t worry about it”s.

Jacobiah: [grabbing his things] Enjoy the feast, guys. I’ll see y’all tomorrow!

Christine: We love you, Jacobiah!

Leroy: Thanks a lot, man.

Annabeth: You can have all the rice you want when you get back! [laughing]

Jacobiah smiles and waves as he heads down the beach to where a boat waits for him.

With him gone, the remaining twelve castaways immediately converge on the table of food.

Christine: Oh my gosh, I’m so hungry!

Zoe: [mouth full] Mmph, you have no idea…

Trixie: I’m fuckin’ starving…

"vantagem"

- It was so sweet of Jacobiah to have given up the feast for us, especially considering a bodybuilder like him needs the food more than we do. But that’s just the kind of man he is. He’s such a kind soul and I almost feel a little...no, scratch that last part. I do feel bad for him. I hope he knows how much we all appreciated what he did for us.

As Annabeth laughs and drinks from a flute of champagne, Trixie is busy shoving meat into her mouth, sitting next to Percy and Zoe.

"vantagem"

- If you ask me, Jacobiah’s gesture to give up his spot at the feast was pretty transparent. He’s not wasting away from anorexia like I am, and he’s totally going to get something from his trip to the Island of Advantages anyway. So he’s not walking out of this completely empty-handed. He curried a bunch of good favor from his decision, so I think his choice was more crafty and strategic than most people would give him credit for. I don’t need everyone fawning over him like he’s an angel just because he made a decision in the context of this game. No one’s truly selfless in Survivor; every move has a consequence that comes with it.

Nicholas is sitting next to Annabeth and Christine and is whispering to them.

Nicholas: So how are we on the others?

Annabeth: Mmph. Carter says he and I weren’t good on Waya. Wanda, Leroy, Jacobiah - and Reyna - they would’ve voted him out.

Nicholas: That’s what I heard from Trixie too. Do we have the numbers now?

Annabeth: We can discuss it later, in private.

Nicholas: Okay.

"vantagem"

- Now that the tribes have finally merged, there are thirteen people here playing the game of Survivor, together. And with the numbers that big, it’s very risky. Because I know that there are people who are on my side, and people who are gunning for me. I just need to make sure that those on my side outnumber those that aren’t.

Meanwhile, Wanda is wrapping a hand around Reyna’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. Markus and Becky see the action from nearby.

Wanda: Are you okay, baby girl?

Reyna: [chuckling] I’m fine. I made it through, didn’t I? By the skin of my teeth, but still…

Markus: Were you in trouble?

Reyna: If Marisa wasn’t around, I wouldn’t have made it to this merge feast.

Becky: Really?

Reyna: Yeah. Nicholas would’ve voted me out if they hadn’t decided to vote out Marisa instead.

"vantagem"

- I made the merge, and that’s great. It’s a huge milestone for me on my Survivor journey. But one thing about this that sucks is that most of my original alliance is...all gone. [counting on fingers] It started with...Albert, Axel, Summer, and now Marisa. They’ve been knocked out of the game one after another after another, and the one common link between all their ousters? [laughing] Nicholas.

The camera cuts between Markus and Nicholas, sitting on opposite ends of the table.

"vantagem"

- I really only have Becky left on my side right now, and that’s not a good position to be in at the start of the merge. The two of us need to find more allies, and fast, otherwise we could once again both be in big trouble. [laughing]

Meanwhile, on the Island of Advantages…

Jacobiah arrives on the beach, and is shown reading the instructions to the puzzles.

Jacobiah: Okay…

"vantagem"

- The decision to volunteer to go to the Island of Advantages was an easy decision for me. I am hungry, of course. But at the same time...I didn’t want anyone else to go instead. I’m used to...putting myself aside to help others, I guess. I have a few younger siblings and I’ve always grown up looking out for them and trying to make sure that they are well taken care of, even if it means I sometimes neglect myself. I suppose you could say that’s actually a bad habit in its own way, but that’s just me. But uh...you know, I hope the others got to eat good. If they’re happy, then that works out for me. I can eat another time, but being able to curry favor with the tribe by doing something like this is good for me. I’m happy that I chose to come here, I think my family will be proud of me too that I did that. Even if I don’t get an advantage, I’m hoping that my tribe members will like me more because I did it. And I’m hoping that likability keeps me in the game a little longer once people start looking to me and my physicality as a threat.

Jacobiah finishes one puzzle in time, and smashes open his urn, revealing an idol.

Jacobiah: Congratulations, you have found a special Hidden Immunity Idol. This idol is only good for one Tribal Council. You can play it at the next Tribal Council or keep it, let it lose its power, and use it to fool other players into thinking you have an Immunity Idol. The choice is yours. [chuckles] Nice...

"vantagem"

- [holds up idol] This special idol here is only good for this first Tribal Council. Which is great, because this first Tribal Council is sure to be the craziest, since it’s the start of the merge and there are thirteen players left in the game. I’m going to share my idol with my alliance, and we’ll hopefully come to a plan to make good use of it. I’m so happy I found it, and I hope they’ll be excited too!

Day 21
Nicholas is waiting by the water well, refilling his canteen.

From around the corner, Markus is walking down the path to meet him.

Markus: Hey there.

Nicholas: Hey, man. Alright, let’s talk.

He takes Markus’ canteen and helps to refill it as Markus leans against the side of the well, waiting.

Nicholas: So, I’ve heard a lot about you. [chuckling]

Markus: Aha, yeah, same here, man. You’re honestly all I ever hear about from the Waya folk.

Nicholas: Really? You flatter me.

Markus: No, Christine and Percy have told me a lot about you.

Nicholas: And I’ve heard a lot of you from Becky and Trixie.

Markus: I’m kinda worried about what Trixie might say about me, to be honest…

Nicholas: Yeah, she’s not exactly your biggest fan.

Markus: That doesn’t surprise me. I tried to vote her out once and I know she would’ve tried it too if we ever went to another Tribal together after that.

Nicholas: Obviously, you and I, we both volunteered that first day to be the leaders of our tribes. So there’s already a target on both our backs from that very first moment.

Markus: Right. Honestly, I almost kinda regret doing it, since that’s what most people remember when they talk to me.

Nicholas: I don’t regret it. Nothing would’ve changed even if I hadn’t volunteered. People still would’ve seen me as this big leader or dictator anyway…

Markus: Dictator? Who thinks you’re a dictator?

Nicholas: Well, I’m sure Wanda doesn’t think too highly of me. I’ve never really bonded much with her and we’re not really working together.

Markus: Huh...okay.

Nicholas: Anyway, I wanted to talk. Since I’ve heard so much about you, and you apparently had a big alliance at the start of all this…

Markus: ...that is now almost gone, right.

Nicholas: [chuckling] Yeah, sorry about that. It’s just the game, you get that-

Markus: Oh yeah, no, don’t worry about it. I know, it’s the game.

"vantagem"

- Nicholas himself admits that he’s a big reason why my alliance was annihilated down to just me and Becky. Like…[laughing] I just can’t trust this dude. I can never tell if he’s being sincere or not. It still remains to be seen whether Nicholas is going to help my game, or hinder it.

Nicholas: I’m just going to cut to the chase. You’re a big threat in this game, you must know that. How many people do you know of that have dropped your name?

Markus: Uh...Trixie...I know Charlie, Carter and Zoe did before Charlie was blindsided...Wanda, maybe...I don’t know.

Nicholas: I guarantee you that if anyone’s going to point at the biggest threats on this tribe, the first two people they’d point to is you and me.

Markus: Really?

Nicholas: Yes. Because like it or not, we’ve both been saddled with this perception that we’re the two leaders of our respective alliances. Even if we don’t want to be seen that way, that’s how we’re being viewed right now. There’s no helping it.

Markus: [laughing] You’re not being very reassuring right now.

Nicholas: I’m just being honest. This merge is going to be brutal for the both of us because it will be very, very hard for either of us to hide on this tribe. Is anyone going to...say, target Percy or Christine or Zoe before either of us? No. They’re going to see you as the underdog who had his big alliance wiped out because you were such a big threat, and people like Trixie are going to be deadset on wanting you gone. And they’re going to see me as the Godfather, almost, of my group.

Markus: ...Okay.

Nicholas: We’re both going to have huge targets on our backs and it’s hard enough to be able to avoid being targeted by enemy alliances when we might not even be able to trust the people we’re working with.

The camera cuts to Christine and Carter laughing together by the fire, then to Zoe taking a bite of rice, and then to Reyna talking to Annabeth and Becky.

Nicholas: They could easily band together to take us down. So I think you and I need to work together.

Markus: Really?

Nicholas: You and Becky are obvious targets because you’re on the outs on Qamea. I have Trixie and Percy. If you join up with us, we can target Wanda’s group first, and keep us safe for another three days before shit hits the fan again.

The camera cuts to Reyna, Wanda and Jacobiah sitting together. Leroy is walking by, with a coconut in hand.

Markus: I admit...I see your point. And I don’t want to go home, I know you don’t want to go home…

Nicholas: Duh.

Markus: You’re right, but there’s still a lot to consider. I’ll talk to Becky, and we’ll get back to you.

Nicholas: Okay, that’s fair.

Markus: But if we do this, then who do you want to target at this first merge vote?

Nicholas: I think the obvious easy option is to just take out one of Wanda’s crew. She’s got at least three people working with her.

The camera cuts in turn to Reyna, Jacobiah and Leroy.

Nicholas: It’d be an easy vote to unite us all and take out one of her people, or even her herself. Because she’s a smart woman, and Reyna’s smart, Jacobiah’s strong and likeable and Leroy’s a cunning son-of-a-[censored]. We can decide who we want to just [snaps fingers] knock out of the game.

Markus: Yeah, okay. Because we need to protect each other.

Nicholas: Right. There’s no use for two big threats to go at each other and just leave each other exposed. We have to work together.

"vantagem"

- I spent a good ten, twenty minutes feeding Markus this long spiel about how we need to work together, I scratch his back and he scratches mine and all that good stuff, because we’re both big threats and if we don’t protect each other, then one or both of us will end up goners. But honestly...he’s too good at this game. He’s likeable, he’s athletic, he’s smart - I gotta take him down. And I don’t want him to see it coming. I honestly believe I can control the others better than I can control him. He’s a big player like me and this beach is not big enough for the both of us. Wanda’s group can wait. I want to really knock Qamea down another peg or two.

The camera cuts to a sly look on Nicholas’ face as Markus shakes his hand.

"vantagem"

- I get mixed vibes from Nicholas. I honestly do think that since we’re both pretty big targets, we need to protect each other. But I just...don’t...trust him. He strikes me as insincere. And I already know that if I link up with him, I’m only there to be a meat shield for him and on the hierarchy, I’m pretty low down the totem pole within his alliance. I’m not here for him to use me as a shield he can hide behind, I’m here to play my own game. Whether that means I’m going to work with or against him remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: I don’t trust Nicholas one bit.

Gathered around the fire, Wanda, Reyna, Jacobiah and Leroy are talking.

Wanda: Once we get to that first merge Tribal Council, it’s going to be rough.

Jacobiah: Who do we have on our side?

Wanda: I know who’s not on our side. Nicholas definitely isn’t. Annabeth does whatever he says. Carter and Christine too. Then he’s got Zoe, and Percy, and maybe Trixie too.

Reyna: We might be able to pull in Markus and Becky. I think they’re kind of in the middle right now.

The camera cuts to Becky walking around camp, running a hand through her thick frizzy hair.

Leroy: That’s not good. They still have the majority.

Jacobiah: We might need an idol to keep us safe.

"vantagem"

- Jacobiah did tell us about the idol he got from his trip to the Island of Advantages. He can only use it at this next Tribal, so really, we just have to play it on the right person and hope that whoever we play it on is the same person that Nicholas and his people are targeting. It’s going to involve luck, guesswork, and a little bit of deduction. If I had to guess, I’d say Nicholas and his group will target me or Reyna. That’s usually how most of these early votes go. The big alliance targets one of the weaker females, because they think the men will be more likely to have the idols. Ironically, it’s true that Jacobiah’s the one with the idol here, but that idol is meant for all of us.

Leroy: We need to talk to Markus and Becky to make sure they’re with us if we take on Nicholas.

Reyna: I know. I’m on it.

Reyna gets up and leaves camp.

She meets up with Becky by the rocks.

Reyna: So I wanted to check in with you…

Becky: Yeah?

Reyna: At this first vote, I think it’s a safe assumption that Nicholas has the majority alliance, and that leaves us outsiders…

Becky: I know me and Markus are on the outs. [chuckling] That’s as much as I can tell you.

Reyna: Well, me, Wanda, Leroy and Jacobiah aren’t in a much better position. Right now, Nicholas and his posse control this camp. They’re the ones who are in top position.

The camera cuts to Nicholas sitting in a chair like a king, Annabeth to his right, looking innocently around. The camera then cuts to Christine laughing and patting Carter on the arm as the latter chats with Zoe, Percy and Trixie, the group all smiles.

Reyna: If the six of us band together, we could make something happen.

Becky: How? We don’t have the numbers.

Reyna lowers her voice conspiratorially.

Reyna: Our group has an idol.

Becky: You do?

Reyna: Yes, but it’s only good for the next Tribal. We’re planning on hoping we play it correctly, and we all vote and send one of their group packing.

Becky looks intrigued.

"vantagem"

- Reyna pitches to me this plan that us six outsiders - that is, to say...me and Markus, along with her alliance of herself, Wanda, Jacobiah and Leroy - vote together to blindside one of Nicholas’ big alliance. I was at Nicholas’ mercy back on Waya and it wasn’t a fun time, and he’s been directly or indirectly responsible in sending home several of my allies. So, yeah, having a little payback has definitely been on my mind and it’d be super fun to really give him a taste of his own medicine.

Becky: If you four are down for it, Markus and I are totally down for it too.

Reyna: If you could pretend like you’re going to vote with Nicholas’ group, maybe they’ll tell you who they’re putting the votes on. It’s a slim chance but it’s worth a shot.

Becky: That’s a good idea. I’ll try it.

"vantagem"

- Nicholas and his alliance are in control right now, but our little ray of hope is perhaps sending in Becky or Markus as a spy to figure out exactly how they’re voting. Because our only chance of toppling their empire is by using Jacobiah’s idol correctly. We need to figure out who their target is for this next vote, and maybe we’ll make it out of this next Tribal Council intact. And not gonna lie, it’d be pretty sweet to see Nicholas taken down a peg or two.

Day 22
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

The Vantagem tribe walks in.

Jeff: So, Zoe, what’s the new tribe name?

Zoe: We are...the Vantagem tribe! Vantagem is Portuguese for Advantage.

Jeff: Who came up with it?

Carter: I did a lot of research into the language before I came out here, Jeff.

A few people chuckle.

Carter: I’m not just some dumb jock.

Jeff: Alright. You guys ready to get to today’s immunity challenge? Today, tribal immunity is no more. You will be playing for individual immunity. You will each be standing on your tiptoes on a raised platform, keeping a wooden block wedged between your head and the top of your post. If at any point the block falls, you fall or you touch the wooden frame...you’re out. Last person standing wins individual immunity. Worth playing for? We’ll get started.

Everyone assumes their posts.

Jeff: And this challenge...is on.

The camera cuts to a wide shot of all thirteen players standing on their posts, keeping their blocks steady. A few of the women - Zoe, Christine and Becky - have their eyes closed in focus.

Leroy is wobbling slightly, the block bouncing around on his head. He scowls.

Jeff: Leroy with a little bit of movement…

Carter’s block moves a little, and he looks alarmed, trying to regain his balance.

Jeff: Carter also with a little movement…

Carter’s block tips backwards and falls off and he laughs, looking disappointed and embarrassed as he steps down.

Jeff: And just like that, Carter is the first one out of the challenge. You can take a spot on the bench.

Carter: Great...thanks.

To the side, Trixie’s head is moving about, as her block begins inching its way to the edge of her post. She curses, eyes narrowing.

Percy has his tongue between his teeth, his eyes twitching a little.

A flies lands on Zoe’s shoulder. She peeks open one eye, exhaling shakily, as she tries to blow it off.

Leroy flinches as his block moves again, and he sighs as it falls off completely and he gets down.

Jeff: Leroy drops. He’s out too. We are down to eleven-

No sooner has Jeff said that than Wanda’s block suddenly shifts and topples backwards.

Wanda: Ah- damn it.

Jeff: And just like that, Wanda is out too. We are down to ten.

Trixie is scrunching her face up in concentration as her block continues to move, dangerously close to the edge.

Jeff: Trixie, continuing to struggle…

Markus moves for the first time, eyes focused on the floor, his hands spread out to try and maintain his balance.

Percy’s block is hanging on to the post by a hair, and it finally slips back and he slumps, looking downcast.

Jeff: Percy drops, Percy’s out.

Annabeth hasn’t moved. Christine too is rock solid. Becky has her eyes closed and is clasping her hands together.

Nicholas’ block shifts as his legs shudder a little and he swallows, trying to get it back under control.

Jeff: Nicholas with a little bit of movement…

Jacobiah, the biggest guy in the group, shifts too, and his block shudders in its position, moving closer to the edge.

Jeff: Jacobiah moving a little…

Trixie cannot fight back any longer and eventually her block falls as she steps down from her post, annoyed.

Jeff: Trixie drops. We are down to eight.

It is Markus, Nicholas, Becky, Zoe, Christine, Annabeth, Jacobiah and Reyna.

Markus winces as his block again moves.

Jeff: Markus’ block is on the move, can he recover?

He lets out a shuddering breath as he gets his block back steady again.

Jeff: And he does…

Without warning, Zoe’s block slowly tips backwards and falls, and she looks more surprised than anything, before her face morphs into resignation.

Jeff: Out of nowhere, Zoe drops. Zoe’s out.

Zoe shrugs as she goes to the bench.

Becky’s block suddenly moves too, and she grunts, trying to adjust her position, her legs trembling.

Jeff: Becky trying to adjust...trying to numb the pain of holding that position…

She winces, but stays steady.

Jeff: We could be here a while...

[TIME LAPSE: FIFTEEN MINUTES]

Jeff: You have been up there for fifteen minutes…

Wanda: Good job, guys. Looking good.

Nicholas glances her way for a second.

Jeff: Annabeth is rock solid. Christine hasn’t moved once. And Reyna is still as a statue.

Markus glances sideways, trying to get a look at the three women.

Annabeth is breathing slowly and deliberately, her eyes closed and her brain shut off from the world.

Christine too has her eyes closed. Reyna is lost in her own thoughts.

Out of the blue, Reyna jolts backwards as her block begins to move, hanging on the edge, dangling close to falling out.

Jeff: Reyna with a bit of movement out of nowhere, can she recover?

Reyna’s block falls and she groans, dropping to her knees and massaging her calves.

Jeff: No, Reyna falls. Reyna is out. Just like that, we are down to six...three men, and three women.

Nicholas raises an eyebrow at this. Becky is biting the inside of her cheek, and she shudders a little, losing balance for a split second.

That is enough, as her block falls backwards.

Becky: Aw, dang…

Jeff: Becky drops, Becky’s out.

[TIME LAPSE: THIRTY MINUTES]

Jeff: It has been half an hour. That is a long time to stay in that uncomfortable position.

Becky: Damn. Keep at it, guys…

Markus looks worried, face strained with the effort. His block begins to shuffle a bit.

Jeff: Markus with a bit of movement…

Markus is struggling a little now, stretching his arms out for balance, but to no avail, as the block topples off.

Jeff: Markus drops. Markus is out. We are down to four.

Markus shakes his head, dejected, as he takes his spot on the bench.

Nicholas is staring at the sky, tuning the others out. Jacobiah is breathing heavily, looking tired. His block shifts a little.

Jeff: Jacobiah with a bit of movement…

Annabeth and Christine are still solid, neither having moved a muscle or opened a eye in a while.

Nicholas gulps, as his block begins to move too.

Jeff: Nicholas on the move as well…

Jacobiah tries to readjust, but he moves too much, and his block falls.

Jeff: Jacobiah cannot recover. Jacobiah is out.

Nicholas curses as he loses his balance and sways too far back, his block falling forward instead.

Jeff: And Nicholas is out too. We are down to Annabeth, and Christine.

The two men leave, Nicholas holding out a hand for Jacobiah to high-five as they walk to the bench together.

Jeff: Neither Annabeth nor Christine have shown much movement thus far.

Annabeth’s eyes are moving beneath her eyelids, signifying she is listening. Christine looks like she could be asleep.

Carter: [whispering] Wow...how are they so still?

Zoe: They’re good…

[TIME LAPSE: ONE HOUR]

Jeff: It has been...an hour.

The others applaud.

Markus: Unbelievable.

Jacobiah: That’s insane…

Jeff: Still, close to no movement from either woman.

The camera cuts to a montage of the two women standing perfectly still, fading in and out to shots of the others waiting and watching in silence…

[TIME LAPSE: ONE AND A HALF HOURS]

Christine wobbles slightly, her left leg starting to shiver.

Jeff: Christine moving for the first time in more than an hour…

The wind is blowing harder, tugging at the women’s clothes. Annabeth’s hair billows around her but she stays calm, eyes still closed.

Jeff: Your muscles must be aching but if you want this immunity, you’re gonna have to earn it. All you have to do is outlast the woman next to you.

Annabeth’s mouth twitches slightly.

The camera cuts to a shot of a fly crawling up Christine’s leg, which she ignores.

Christine’s block wobbles slightly, inching to the edge a bit.

Annabeth’s block teeters a little, but stays where it is.

Jeff: Annabeth with her first movement…

Christine is moving a little now, her face contorted in pain as her leg wobbles too. Her block shifts a little again, but stays solid.

Jeff: Christine adjusting…

Annabeth tries to keep her breathing steady, giving no indication she has heard anything else.

Jeff: You want to be safe at tonight’s Tribal Council, you need to earn that safety, right here, right now.

Christine’s block wobbles again, teetering close to the edge.

The camera cuts to the others, Carter looking nervous with one hand over his mouth, and Zoe on the edge of her seat.

In the end…

Annabeth’s block teeters again, moving dangerously close to the edge. She moves slightly, trying to readjust, but her block falls backwards and she groans as she feels it fall.

Jeff: Annabeth drops! Christine wins immunity!

Christine’s eyes fly open with glee as she lets go of her block, letting it fall past her to the floor. The others clap as both women get down from their posts, groaning and gripping their legs and stretching their limbs.

Carter: Good job, Christine.

Nicholas: Well done.

Christine approaches Annabeth.

Christine: Good job, girl.

Annabeth: Yeah, you too.

They hug and Annabeth pats Christine on the back.

Jeff: Christine, get over here.

The rest of the tribe stays on the bench and claps as Christine delightedly walks over to have Jeff crown her with the immunity necklace.

Jeff: Christine, safe at Tribal tonight. As for the rest of you, one of you will become the eighth person voted out and the first member of our jury. You have the rest of the afternoon to figure out who it is. I’ll see you tonight at Tribal.

He pats Christine on the back as the others get ready to leave.

The camera focuses on Wanda as she grabs her things.

"vantagem"

- It was crucial that one of our alliance won immunity today, because it’s bad enough having to guess which of us could be getting the boot tonight. Now that another one of Nicholas’ cronies have won, we have even more of our work cut out for us. Perhaps it’s bad for us to hinge entirely on Jacobiah’s idol. If we’re going to come out on top of Nicholas and his alliance at tonight’s vote, we may need to see if there are any cracks left in his big group that we can exploit. Otherwise...I don’t know how much hope I can have that we’ll all make it out of tonight’s Tribal Council alive…

The tribe returns to camp. People begin congratulating Christine.

Carter: My girl. [laughing]

Christine: Thanks, Carter.

Nicholas: I knew you had it in you.

Annabeth: First immunity! Congrats!

Christine: Thanks guys…

Wanda scowls from a distance.

She beckons to Reyna and Jacobiah and they head down the beach.

Wanda: Okay, so this is not good.

Reyna: I think Markus and Becky are on board.

Wanda: Even if we know who the other side is voting, we may not have the numbers for the next vote.

Leroy is joining them from the shelter.

Wanda: I think we need to try and flip some of their side.

Jacobiah: Like who? Who do you think would flip?

Wanda: From what I’ve seen, I’m pretty certain Percy and Zoe are on the bottom.

The camera cuts to Percy and Zoe together by the fire.

Wanda: Nicholas, Annabeth, Christine and Carter all look much closer together than they are to them. And then there’s Trixie, who’s only just joined them because she wants to vote out Markus. If we can flip them, that might help us secure a majority even if we play Jacobiah’s idol wrong.

Leroy: That’s as good a plan as any.

Wanda: I’ll talk to Trixie.

Reyna: I can check in with Markus and Becky and maybe we can go try and sway Zoe and Percy.

Wanda: It’s a chance we’ve got to take.

"vantagem"

- It’s finally time for me and Nicholas to go to war. He’s the king of his side, I’m the queen of my side, and there are going to be shots fired tonight. He’s getting his people together, I’m getting my people together. We’re gonna have to put in some work. I’ve got a plan, and I’m hoping my alliance and I stick to it, and we can pull something off.

Nicholas and his group are meeting in the forest to talk, as one big group.

Nicholas: What are everyone’s thoughts?

Carter: Obviously, one of the other six have to go.

Annabeth: Yeah.

Carter: I think...just looking at it logically, that...while it makes the most sense to take out a big threat, they might see that coming. So since it’s the first vote at the merge, maybe we stay low and take out someone who’s a little more...under-the-radar. Just to weaken their numbers first, as an easy vote for tonight.

Nicholas: I like that. That’s a good plan.

Zoe: But who?

Trixie: Can’t we just take out Markus?

Nicholas: No, I think Carter’s got a point. It’s risky to make too big a splash at this first vote. Besides, he might have an idol.

Trixie: This is stupid. Who do you want to take out then?

Percy: M-Maybe Reyna?

Annabeth: We could make a case for Reyna. She’s not that out there that they might suspect it, but she’s also a pretty smart player in her own right.

Nicholas: Yeah, Reyna could be an option tonight. It should be Wanda or Reyna. I just want to make sure we cover all our bases by really going for someone they wouldn’t expect.

Christine: Would they expect us to go for one of the big guys? If we took out Leroy or Jacobiah, I don’t think any of them would suspect us to target one of them so soon.

Carter: I kinda want to take out Wanda. I think she’s the smartest one of them all.

Nicholas: Whoever we choose, we just need to keep it under wraps so none of them figure it out.

The others nod.

"vantagem"

- The worst thing that could screw up tonight’s vote is...a hidden immunity idol. Like, our group of seven needs to make sure the other six have no idea who it is we’re voting for, so we need to lie, and deflect and keep our information to ourselves. The best plan is to blindside them all by voting the person we feel they’d least expect and they’d be least likely to play an idol for. We just need to come together and decide, as a group, who that’s gonna be, because everyone has their own opinions on who should be the one going home.

Elsewhere, Reyna, Markus and Becky are taking a walk and talking.

Markus: What’s the plan? Have you heard anything?

Reyna: I think we need to ask you guys that question. Wanda, Jacobiah, Leroy and I have been told nothing. We know it’s going to be one of us tonight. You two need to play spy for us, because otherwise, Nicholas and his alliance are still in power.

Markus chews on this information as Becky nods.

Reyna: You two need to pick a side. If you can figure out who they’re voting, we might be able to idol one of them out.

"vantagem"

- Becky and I have no choice but to work with Reyna and Wanda and their alliance. Nicholas extended me an olive branch to work with him, but if I can’t fully trust him, then I might need to rely on Wanda and her people, and hope that putting my stock in them will bear fruit. One of Nicholas’ allies needs to go tonight, and it’s up to Becky and I to figure out who the other group is targeting, so we can use this group idol that Reyna says they have to hopefully blindside one of them, and send them packing to Ponderosa.

Markus and Becky approach Percy and Zoe by the well.

Markus: Okay, so may not have a lot of time to talk, but I wanted to make a case with you two.

Percy: Yeah, sure.

Zoe: I’m all ears.

Markus: Right now, Nicholas and the Waya alliance is running the game. That much is clear. My question is, why should one man have all that much power?

Becky: He has controlled almost every single vote since the Albert blindside. You know this, Percy.

Percy shrugs, looking nervous.

Markus: I think, right now, he has the biggest resume of everyone on this beach. And it’s ludicrous that at thirteen, he has such a big list of moves he’s made, whereas so many other people are, like, blank sheets of paper. His overconfidence is going to get him toppled, and blindsiding him would be the ultimate big move to make right now. We have a legitimate shot to take him out tonight, if you guys are on board.

Zoe: What are the numbers?

Becky: We would only need the two of you. If you two flipped...you could say, at the end of the game, you had a hand in taking out the biggest threat in the game and blindsided half the tribe in doing so. That’s a big selling point.

Markus: It really is. And we could make it happen, tonight. We all came here to play Survivor and make moves, and this would be a huge one for all of us.

Zoe is chewing on her lower lip, thinking over it.

Zoe: Don’t you think it’s too soon though?

Markus: Too soon to leave him in charge?

Zoe: I don’t want to ruffle more feathers than we really have to.

Markus: The way I see it, his core group is himself, Annabeth, Carter and Christine. I’m not so sure you two, and Trixie, are as tight with him as you’d like to be. Leaving yourself in his army like that might not be best for your games. And the both of you know I’ve always been open to working with you two. Circumstance has always gotten in the way of that. But we can still vote together now.

"vantagem"

- Markus is again back at it with his pitch to work together with him. He has been trying to get me on his side for the longest time but I’ve always held off because I don’t know if I want to work with a guy like him who’s so easily charismatic. As true as it is that Nicholas has had too much power and has dictated far too many votes this season from his vantage point up on his throne, [laughing] I don’t really know if now is the right time to make a move against him. It might just end up backfiring on me and Percy and I’m scared that might happen. I just can’t make a decision because I’m so lost on what the right move is. But I want to make a move, and at the same time, I’m scared to.

After Markus and Becky leave, Zoe turns to Percy.

Zoe: Are you going to call me wishy washy?

Percy: Why would I say that?

Zoe: Because I feel like it’d be bad for our games to make a move this soon when we can still get rid of Nicholas later down the road. But at the same time...he’s a big player. And we should make a move against him. I just don’t know if I want to do it now or later.

Percy: Will we have the opportunity later?

Zoe: There are thirteen people in this game. There’s bound to be plenty of opportunities.

Percy: You can never really know. I’ve seen people who are big threats early on still go on to make a deep run.

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. Markus has a point. He has his core group and...I worry that you and I aren’t part of that.

Percy looks worried.

"vantagem"

- I really do like Nicholas, but all this talk of him being a big threat is grating. He’s a very...tantalizing option for a blindside, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that right now. I’ve already given up an idol for him. Why would I vote him out now and align myself with people I don’t trust or want to work with? They all keep saying Nicholas is such a big threat and he’s a leader and all that, but so is Markus. It’s just picking a side to side with and I’ve made my decision long ago.

Percy: We just need to talk this through with each other, and make up our minds.

Zoe: I know. Whatever we choose, we need to choose together.

Percy: Sure…

In the meantime, Becky sits down with Annabeth and Christine by the shelter.

Becky: Hey, girls.

Annabeth: Hey, Becks.

Becky: Gotta be honest, if you have any name for me, I need to hear it now, because I don’t know what’s going on. [nervous laughter]

Annabeth and Christine share a look.

Annabeth: Okay, so…

Christine: Promise not to tell?

Becky: Cross my heart.

Annabeth glances around before leaning in.

Annabeth: The vote’s Reyna.

The camera cuts to Reyna near the water’s edge, kneeling down next to Wanda and talking.

Becky: Reyna?

Annabeth nods.

Christine: We’re voting her out tonight. If you and Markus want in on this, this is your chance.

Becky looks away, digesting this information.

"vantagem"

- The girls told me that Reyna is their alliance’s target tonight. They might be telling the truth, or they might just be lying to my face. But me and Markus have chosen a side, and we’re hoping we’ve picked the victors and not the losers in this war of alliances, which only time will tell. [chuckling] I like Reyna anyway. She’s a smart girl. And so we’ve aligned with her. I lied to the girls that I wouldn’t tell them who the target was, but I had to. Lying is part of the game. And I do want to see Nicholas get blindsided tonight.

Becky approaches Wanda and Reyna quietly.

Becky: It’s you tonight.

Reyna: Me?

Becky: That’s what Ann and Chrissie told me.

Wanda: See, now that just makes me think it’s not going to be you, Rey.

Reyna: Then who do you think they’re voting for?

Wanda: I think they’re voting for me.

Wanda glances off into the distance, brow furrowed and a scowl deepening the aged lines in her face as she ponders her dilemma.

"vantagem"

- Word around the block is that Reyna is the other alliance’s target. Nicholas held off on voting her out before, so maybe it’s true and they really are going after her tonight. But honestly...I think I’m the real target. I already know Carter was trying to throw me under the bus back on our time on Qamea, and I would’ve voted him out on Waya too if I had a chance. So maybe tonight is the night he and the rest of their alliance try to vote me out. I’ve made it clear I’m going after them, so it’d make sense to vote me out. At the same time, I would hate it if I told Jacobiah to play his idol on me...and then watch as Reyna gets sent to the jury in my stead. I don’t know what to believe anymore. Anyone could be lying about who the real target on their side truly is and we have so little information to work with.

Wanda: I really do think it’s me tonight though. That’s the vibe I’m getting from them.

Becky: You think?

Wanda: I do.

Becky groans, putting her head in her hands.

Becky: This is so frustrating…

Wanda: I’m going to try one more thing to get one of them to flip, and hope that that works.

Wanda gets up and leaves.

The camera fades away to a shot of the sky and clouds passing by, before finally settling back down on a shot of Wanda sitting on the beach, and Trixie coming down to join her.

Trixie: Hey. You wanted to talk?

Wanda: I did. Take a seat.

Trixie plops down next to Wanda, and it is an absurd sight: the spiteful minx sitting with the shrewd businesswoman.

Wanda: I wanted to talk to you about tonight. I know we don’t talk much but I think you should listen to this.

Trixie: Okay. [leans back] Go on.

Wanda: I think that...if you want to make a name for yourself as a player in this game...you need to turn against Nicholas.

The camera cuts to Nicholas lumbering around camp, a big and imposing figure.

Trixie’s face remains impassive as she listens, without saying a word.

Wanda: He is running this game, and he has been for the longest time. Everyone underneath him is being seen as his puppets. Annabeth, Carter, Christine...it’s not a good look. Even if you put the rest of us on the jury, he would be the one getting all the credit because just look at him. He’s the one seen as the figurehead of the alliance and the one coming up with all the plans and the one coming after the rest of us while we have no say. This is a plea from someone on the bottom that those of you who feel on the bottom of your alliance needs to come over to ours.

Trixie: And then what? We’d just be on the bottom of your alliance, wouldn’t we?

"vantagem"

- Wanda thinks she can pitch to me her deal of joining her alliance like it’s some business partnership or something, but she’s forgetting a very crucial point. I gain ZERO benefit from siding with her, and her alliance. She can say all she wants about us being Nicholas’ goonies, but Nicholas has had my back the last two Qamea Tribals and that’s a lot more than can be said about, say, Markus, who I know is on her side. Their only pitch seems to be trying to bury Nicholas, but I honestly think we all have equal say in our majority alliance, and they’re not going to shake me that easily. Because for the first time? I’m confident about my spot in this game, and I am happy with where I’m at. I’m not flipping.

Trixie: I’m sorry. I know you’ve saved me before. But I’m not working with Markus.

Wanda sighs, looking irritable.

Trixie: And you guys keep saying Nicholas is such a big threat. He is, but there’s a time and a place for that. Now isn’t the moment. And I don’t want to make a mess of things when there’s no need to.

Wanda: So it’s one of us? That’s what you’re saying? If it’s me, you know I’ll be on the jury, correct?

Trixie: The game changes everyday, Wanda. That’s all I’m gonna say.

Wanda: Alright. Good talk, Trixie.

Wanda curtly gets up, dismissive, and walks off.

"vantagem"

- My talk with Trixie did not go well. At this point, I think all of Nicholas’ loyal soldiers are committed to not making a move now, and they’re going to go for the easy vote and take out us in the minority. We’d need a miracle to save ourselves tonight if we don’t figure out exactly who they’re targeting.

Wanda, Reyna and Jacobiah find Markus and Becky near the shore as the sky turns orange.

Wanda: I think we’re going to need that idol more than ever.

Jacobiah: Okay. Who do I play it on?

Reyna looks to Wanda.

Reyna: Do you really feel they’re voting for you?

Wanda: They might. That’s just what I’m feeling.

Reyna: What if Annabeth and Christine weren’t lying? What if it’s really me?

Wanda bites her lip.

Reyna: We need a plan in case we misplay the idol.

Becky: I have an advantage.

The others look to her.

Becky: I have one extra vote.

Wanda: Oh, thank goodness. Are you for real?

Becky: Yeah. I didn’t want to use it but I will if I have to.

"vantagem"

- I’m feeling like tonight’s Tribal Council is going to be a mess. The other side has all the power even though those of us in the minority have advantages in play. If I feel like it might help, I may use my Extra Vote, and hopefully, with Jacobiah’s idol, we can make something happen. It’s a slim chance but I don’t know what else to do.

Becky corners Markus on his own later.

Becky: You still have your hidden immunity idol?

Markus: I do. Do you think I should use it?

Becky: I don’t think they’re going after you this early. I really don’t. Nicholas did give you that whole speech earlier about how he wasn’t coming after you.

Markus: He did. But I don’t know how much I can trust him. And I don’t want to use my idol right now because I’m pretty sure I’ll need it later on in the game, considering how people keep saying I’m a threat.

Becky: It’s up to you. It’s your idol, so it’s your choice.

Markus: What about you? You want to use your Extra Vote?

Becky: I feel like, without these advantages, we’re gonna be toast anyway. Someone on our side is going to be the one going home.

Markus: How much can we put our stock in these people? It feels more and more like we’re on a sinking ship.

Becky sighs, cupping her cheeks with her hands.

Becky: Damn it. I don’t know what we’re gonna do...

As the day winds down and the sun gets lower, the camera cuts to Annabeth rummaging in her bag.

"vantagem"

- Thankfully, tonight, I still have the Legacy Advantage that Summer willed me, bless her soul. I can only use it at the final Thirteen or final Six, so tonight is one of the only two times I can use it. If I don’t feel safe...I’ll pull it out and use if I need to. But I really, really...hope I won’t have to do that. Because I want to hang on to this until the final Six because that’s when the game’s the most dicey. I’m just going to hope in the plan we’ve got for tonight and pray that everything goes off without a hitch, and hopefully, I’ll be here to stay another day and still have this Legacy Advantage with me.

The camera cuts away as the tribe leaves for Tribal Council.

Vantagem arrives at their first Tribal Council as a merged tribe and everyone takes their seats.

Jeff: Welcome to your first Tribal Council as a merged tribe.

Annabeth beams, excited.

Jeff: Carter, there are thirteen people on this tribe. That is a huge number.

Carter: It really is. And because we’ve had two tribe swaps before this, there are a lot of blurred tribal lines and different kinds of alliances, so there’s a lot to juggle.

Jeff: Annabeth, this is the first vote that all of you are attending together. What’s going to factor in tonight?

Annabeth: Tonight, I think, it’s mainly going to be a war among alliances. I think there are two pretty big sides going to war tonight and that’s pretty crazy to think about, that there are these two distinct groups who have made it clear they’re going to be targeting each other, and I think it just shows that no one here is too scared to play the game. No one is afraid about potentially ruffling feathers. We’re all here to play.

Jeff: Wanda, Annabeth mentioned two distinct groups. Who are they?

Wanda: I think everyone on the tribe recognizes that Nicholas is in charge of one group, and that’s him, Annabeth, Christine, Carter...with Zoe, Percy and Trixie.

Trixie snorts. Nicholas smiles slightly.

Jeff: Huh. You paused before saying… “with Zoe, Percy and Trixie”. Was that intentional?

Wanda smiles coyly.

Wanda: Perhaps. I do think that Nicholas has his own little core group of four, with Annabeth, Carter and Christine. From what we’ve all seen, those four are the tightest. They’ve always been close since the start of the game, back before even Charlie was still here.

Carter frowns.

Wanda: I think Zoe, Percy and Trixie are just there for the ride.

Zoe scowls at this. Percy looks perturbed.

Jeff: If that’s one group, then that must mean...the other group is…?

Wanda: Myself, Reyna, Leroy, Jacobiah...and Markus and Becky. We’re on the outside looking in for a crack.

Jeff: Markus, you can’t get any more forthright than that.

Markus: No, but I think she laid it out beautifully. I think Nicholas has made a pretty big name for himself, uh, with this whole...reputation as some big leader of a big alliance.

Nicholas chuckles. Wanda rolls her eyes.

Markus: So tonight, it seems that their alliance holds all the power. What stings the most is us outsiders would only need one person to flip to have the majority. It really depends how tight of a hold they have over their little group over there.

Christine cocks her head to stare at him. Carter appears troubled.

Jeff: Nicholas, sounds like, once again, you’re taking a lot of heat.

Nicholas: I don’t understand these people, Jeff. They just love to throw me under the bus.

Wanda sighs extravagantly. Reyna gives him an incredulous look. Leroy appears fascinated.

Nicholas: I don’t believe I’m some king, or whatever. That’s just what they’re saying because they want to get people to flip, but it’s such a weak, transparent way of trying to make people paranoid. I say, Survivor is also about trust, and alliances. I’m just playing a loyal game with my group, but they’re making it out like I’m some sort of dictator. I’m not. We all have an equal spot in the alliance. We came together, as a group, and discussed the vote. There was no one person barking out orders. So Wanda is wrong, clearly.

Wanda laughs a little.

Wanda: Okay.

Jeff: Reyna, if tonight’s vote is really coming down to two alliances battling it out, then what does your side have to offer to come out on top?

Reyna: It’s tough, because I can understand why people would want to stick with their alliance. There isn’t always a good reason to flip. There has to be a right moment and a right time. But to counter that, I’d say that, when people least expect it makes it the best time to flip, rather than when you believe is the best time. I’m always up for making a move, as I have been the whole game, so I’m just hoping one gets made tonight in my favor.

Jeff: It is time to vote. Carter, you’re up.

Carter leaves, and the music kicks in as the camera pans down to Reyna pressing her intertwined hands together in prayer.

Annabeth turns back to look at Nicholas, who nods and winks at her in reply.

The camera fades away to a montage of the others walking to the voting booth.

Christine gets to the booth, and tucks a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear.

The camera cuts to Markus, hunched over, tonguing the inside of his cheek.

Percy is shown slipping his vote in the urn, and leaving, before fading back to a clip of Leroy sauntering up to the voting booth.

Wanda is shown lost in thought, her tongue poking out of her mouth, then the camera cuts to Nicholas stroking his beard.

Trixie is shown slipping her vote into the urn, then the camera cuts to Becky as she gets to the booth.

At last, she returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the-

Becky: Wait, Jeff.

Nicholas whips around to stare at her, surprised. Annabeth raises an eyebrow, her mouth hanging open. Christine looks curious.

Jeff: Yes?

Becky: I would like to use my Extra Vote.

Trixie arches an eyebrow, looking interested. Percy laughs a little shakily.

Jeff: Okay. Becky has an Extra Vote, meaning fourteen votes will be read tonight instead of thirteen. Becky, you can go cast it.

Becky nods and leaves gracefully. Markus glances at her as she leaves, resting his chin on his hands, contemplative. Nicholas snorts and shakes his head at Carter when the latter glances inquisitively at him.

Becky heads back to the voting booth, smooths out her extra parchment, and begins to write down a name.

For the second time, she returns, and takes her seat again.

Jeff: Alright. Now, I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves.

Becky takes a deep breath, glancing at Markus, who nods reassuringly back. Wanda shifts in her seat, rubbing the back of her neck.

Carter has his arms crossed, looking serious, and Leroy is licking his lips.

Jeff returns.

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

Nicholas looks around at the others. Jacobiah takes a deep breath.

Jacobiah: Jeff.

Annabeth breaks into a smile, shaking her head as Jacobiah gets up and walks over to Jeff.

Annabeth: I knew it…

Jacobiah: I’d like to play this idol for…

He glances back at the rest of the tribe. Leroy raises an eyebrow at him.

Zoe is playing absentmindedly with her lower lip, watching Jacobiah’s actions with anticipation.

The camera cuts to Reyna looking gloomy, then to Wanda watching Jacobiah expectantly.

Jacobiah: ...I’m gonna play it for Wanda.

Jeff: Alright.

Jeff takes the idol and Jacobiah returns to his seat.

Annabeth turns back to Nicholas, who simply stares back at her, a glint in his eyes. Wanda is watching them both with a guarded expression on her face.

Jeff: This is a hidden immunity idol. Any votes cast for Wanda will not count. I’ll read the votes.

Reyna bares her teeth, her eyes on Jeff as he opens up the urn.

Wanda turns around to nod her thanks to Jacobiah, who nods back. Leroy glances at the pair, his face unreadable.

The camera cuts to Markus clamping one hand over his mouth, sighing, and then to Becky looking nervous.

Jeff: First vote…

Wanda clutches Jacobiah’s hand, exhaling slowly.

…

Reyna narrows her eyes, her mouth pursed.

…

Markus bites his lower lip, a bundle of nerves.

…

Jeff: ...Becky. (1-0)

Becky winces, nodding with resignation. Wanda shuts her eyes, disappointed. Jacobiah’s eyes widen.

Nicholas is smirking, looking down the row of people at them.

Becky: Damn it…

Becky raises a hand to her forehead, looking stunned. Christine glances at her coyly, a tiny smile on her lips.

Jeff: Annabeth. (1-1)

Annabeth glances over her shoulder at Nicholas, whose eyes are sparkling. Wanda glares at them both.

Jeff: Becky. (2-1)

Becky bites her lower lip, looking nervous, sharing a look with Markus, who looks solemn.

Jeff: Annabeth. (2-2)

Annabeth covers her mouth with her hand, eyes wide. Zoe glances at the back of her head, looking shrewd.

Jeff: Becky. (3-2)

Becky shakes her head slowly, sighing. Markus is watching her out of the corner of his eye, not looking too pleased.

Jeff: Annabeth. We’re tied. Three votes Becky, three votes Annabeth. (3-3)

Annabeth cocks her head to the side, her mouth forming a tight line.

The camera cuts to Wanda looking over at her, then to Reyna adjusting in her seat.

Jeff: Becky. That’s four votes Becky. (4-3)

Becky swallows, glancing down at her feet. The camera cuts to Trixie tossing her hair back, raising an eyebrow.

Jeff: Annabeth. Tied again. Four votes Becky, four votes Annabeth. (4-4)

Annabeth chuckles humorlessly, shaking her head too.

Leroy is nodding to himself, frowning.

Jeff: Becky. That’s five votes Becky, four votes Annabeth. (5-4)

Becky sits up straighter, her eyes sad now, as she exhales shakily.

Markus puts a hand on her shoulder, squeezing affectionately.

Jeff: Annabeth. We are tied again. Five votes Becky, five votes Annabeth. (5-5)

Wanda is licking her lips, her eyebrow twitching. Nicholas has his arms crossed, and is shaking his leg.

Jeff: Becky. Six votes Becky. (6-5)

Becky is holding Markus’ hand still. Reyna looks at her a little nervously.

Jeff: Annabeth. Still tied. Six votes Becky, six votes Annabeth. (6-6)

Annabeth cocks her head to the side, eyebrows raised and quivering.

Jeff: Becky. That’s seven votes Becky, six votes Annabeth...one vote left. (7-6)

Becky sighs, shutting her eyes and putting her hands up to her chin, muttering under her breath. Annabeth is licking her lips, looking a little concerned now. Nicholas is frowning, glancing between the two women, looking vexed.

Leroy raises an eyebrow in anticipation as Jeff unveils the final vote.

Jeff: Annabeth. We are tied. (Final Tally: 7-7)

Annabeth pouts, shaking her head. Leroy snorts, combing one hand through his hair.

Jeff: Here’s how it’s gonna work. We’re gonna revote. Becky and Annabeth, you will not vote. Everyone else here, you can only vote for Becky or Annabeth. Percy, if you’ll come get the urn.

Percy gets up and the camera cuts to Becky flashing Markus a disappointed look, and he pats her hand comfortingly, looking defeated.

Nicholas is smiling as he glances down the row at them.

Percy returns to the booth and sets the urn down, and the camera fades out to a montage of the others getting up and voting a second time.

Becky is staring into the fire morosely. Annabeth is jittery, running her tongue over her front teeth.

Wanda shares a displeased look with Jacobiah, who shrugs at her.

At last, Trixie, the last person to vote, returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves again.

The camera cuts to Becky’s and Annabeth’s worried faces, until Jeff returns.

Jeff: I’ll read the votes.

He opens up the urn. Zoe peeks over at Becky, who looks unhappy.

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

Annabeth fidgets in her seat.

Jeff: Becky. (1-1)

Becky narrows her eyes. Markus is watching her and the votes being read, worried.

Jeff: Annabeth. (2-1)

Annabeth blinks. The camera cuts to a wide shot of the others seated around her, watching.

Jeff: Becky. We’re tied. (2-2)

Becky is breathing through her mouth, jittery. Wanda glances over at her, stony-faced.

Jeff: Annabeth. That’s three votes Annabeth. (3-2)

Annabeth wags her eyebrows, parting her lips slightly.

The camera cuts to a shrewd look on Trixie’s face, then to Jacobiah looking on quietly.

Jeff: Becky. Tied again. Three votes Annabeth, three votes Becky. (3-3)

Becky is still holding Markus’ hand, even now, and he squeezes hers back comfortingly, looking crushed. Percy is watching them guiltily.

Jeff: Annabeth. Four votes Annabeth. (4-3)

Annabeth lowers her gaze. Leroy’s eyes glint knowingly in her direction as he caresses his goatee with one finger. Carter is grinning a little, looking hopeful.

Jeff: Becky. Once again, we are tied. (4-4)

Becky is rubbing her temples with one hand now, on edge. Reyna turns to look at her and swiftly turns her head back. Nicholas has a small, tentative smirk on his face, the whites of his teeth showing.

Jeff: Becky. That’s five votes Becky, four votes Annabeth...(5-4)

Becky exhales even more shakily than before, her face pale and skin clammy. Markus is shaking his head, eyes downcast. Wanda looks unhappy, gnawing on her lower lip.

The camera slowly zooms in on the look of trepidation on Annabeth’s face.

Jeff: Eighth person voted out of Survivor: Mozambique and the first member of our jury...Becky. That’s six, that’s enough. You need to bring me your torch. (Final Tally: 7-4)

Becky deflates, a defeated smile spreading across her face. Markus curses, letting go of her hand and running his own through his hair.

Becky: [sad smile] Haha...you guys…

She slowly gets to her feet with a big sigh, patting Markus on the shoulder as she passes him.

Markus casts her a disappointed look. Annabeth is sighing too, but with relief, glancing back at Nicholas, who winks at her.

The camera cuts to Reyna sharing a displeased look with Wanda, then to Percy biting his lip as Becky walks by him, and lastly to Leroy leaning back, his eyes sparkling.

Becky puts her torch down before Jeff, spreading her hands out helplessly, looking sheepish.

Becky: Hey, Jeff. [laughing]

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

Becky nods to herself, trying to keep her tears back.

Jeff: Time for you to go.

Becky: Thanks…

She turns around and waves goodbye.

Becky: See you, guys. Have fun, play hard…

Annabeth: Bye…

Trixie: Heh. See you, Becky.

Jacobiah: Goodbye, Becky...sorry…

Christine: Bye, Becky…

Carter: Bye. Sorry...

Nicholas nods at her.

Markus waves goodbye, upset.

Wanda nods in her direction as well, and Reyna raises a hand in apologetic farewell.

Leroy has his arms crossed, and appears lost in his own thoughts. Percy looks over at Markus, as the latter looks crushed and is hunched over in his seat.

Jeff: Well, tonight, you voted out your first jury member, but there’s still a lot more blindsides to come and a lot more gameplay left to play. Grab your stuff and head back to camp. Goodnight.

Final Words
Becky: It’s an understatement to say I’m disappointed. [laughing] I am sad, yeah...especially since us Qamean folk haven’t been able to catch a break this whole game. It’s just been one bad break after another, and Waya is just...decimating us. Whatever the case, what makes this sting the most is knowing I’ll have to have a conversation with my kids months down the road, about why their mother didn’t win Survivor. That’s not going to be fun. But...I know they’ll be proud of me and how far I came, and at the very least...I went out swinging, even if my extra vote didn’t help. My adventure may be over now, but as the first member of the jury, I take that title with a lot of responsibility. I want to see the best player win this game.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Two rival alliances go head-to-head in a battle for power…

Nicholas and Trixie are laughing together as they walk and she playfully shoves him.

Trixie: Dude, we are so good.

"vantagem"

- Being the ones on top is pretty sweet. I just don’t want to let it go to my head.

Wanda, Reyna and Jacobiah are clustered down by the beach.

Wanda: This sucks.

"vantagem"

- We now have to fight to stay alive even more than we already did.


 * And big moves are begging to be played…

Markus is deep in conversation with Percy and Zoe by the well.

Markus: This is your opportunity to make a big splash. It’s on your shoulders.

"vantagem"

- This might be my one and only chance to take a shot at Nicholas.