You Can't Handle a Double-Edged Sword Without Being Stabbed

Challenges
Reward Challenge: Log Jam A log rolling competition, where the goal is only to stay on the log. In same-sex matchups, the tribes will go one on one. If you stay on the log longest, you win a point for your tribe. Reward: TBD

Immunity Challenge: TBD TBD. Winner: TBD

Night 16
(Having voted out Tucker, Namua returns from Tribal Council. Ruben is overjoyed.)

Ruben: (singing) Haaaalelujah! Haaaalelujah! Ha-

Kiki: (elbows him, giggling) Shut up, you dork.

"namua"

- (excited) YES! YES! YES! TUCKER'S GONE! WOOOOOO! (laughs) Let me tell you, it feels AMAZING to not have Tucker here! I can finally BREATHE! And the best? I controlled that vote! (points at self) I did! Not Tucker, not Vinny, not Desiree, ME! To go from the bottom to orchestrating Tucker's boot feels so good. Ain't NOBODY gonna knock Ruben off the top of the mountain!

Ruben: Why? I'm having fun.

Kiki: Seriously, Vinny's probably gonna want to bash your head in right now, so I'd keep quiet if I were you.

"namua"

- I get that Ruben's excited right now. Together, we got rid of Tucker, and it feels great, sure. I want to celebrate just as much as Ruben does, but unlike Ruben, I know that there's one guy on here whose trust we betrayed. He's feeling pretty crappy right now, and I know Ruben's gloating is just going to make him feel worse. It kind of amazes me that Ruben has no concept of a social game, you know? Maybe aligning with him long-term isn't such a great idea.

Kiki: I'm gonna hit the sack. Night. (Kiki goes to the sleeping shack. Desiree and Sasha go over to Ruben.)

Sasha: Ruben, thanks so much for voting with us tonight. It means a lot.

Desiree: You made the right choice. You won't regret this. I think you, Sasha and myself can make a long-term alliance together.

Ruben: Awesome!

Desiree: (pats Ruben's shoulder) Thanks again. I knew I could swing you my way.

(Ruben, Sasha and Desiree all head to the sleeping shack, with the camera focused on Desiree.)

"namua"

- I knew I could get Ruben over. When I saw him talking to Vinny, I went back to Sasha and told her to vote Tucker. Then I went to Ruben and let him know we were voting Tucker, and his eyes lit up, and I knew I'd made the sale. It's the same look clients get when they're going to buy your house. (laughs) I'm a great real estate agent. But the important thing is, Ruben is sticking by me. I won't let Ruben go now. He's a swing, and he's my goat, as far as I'm concerned. His social game is so poor and he doesn't realise it. From now on, I just need to keep Ruben by my side and keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't stray too far.

(Watching the three go to bed, Johannes begins silently laughing to himself.)

"namua"

- (laughing) It's funny, 'cause, like, Desiree thinks SHE got Ruben to vote Tucker. In reality, the decision to vote Tucker came down to the three of us. (laughs) Desiree is going around thinking she's, like, some big strategic genius, but she doesn't realise she was, like, (uses fingers) yay close to being voted out tonight. (sits back, folds arrms) I'll let her keep thinkin' she's running the show. (smiles at camera)

(After everyone has gone to bed, there is one castaway left outside: Vinny. He is sitting alone, staring out into the distance, looking upset.)

Vinny: (sighs) I am screwed.

"namua"

- I'm too nice. That's my problem. I'm looking out for everyone else before looking out for me, and hasn't that bitten me where the sun don't shine? (sigh) I'm so disappointed in Kiki and Ruben. I thought I'd cemented them and their loyalties. I even gave Ruben a final two deal. I promised to look out for him before all others, and when I give my word, I damn well mean it. (shakes head, sighs) I can't believe Ruben fooled me like that. Those guys won't forget that I voted Desiree. I am well and truly on the bottom now.

The camera fades out with a close-up shot of Vinny, as he frowns, then sighs and puts his hands in his face.

Namua Tribe
The day opens with Vinny and Johannes coming back after collecting water. Vinny seems sad as they begin preparing the water for a breakfast of rice and beans.

Vinny: (glum) Pass me the flint? I'm gonna work on the fire.

Johannes: (passing the flint) Dude, why are so sad? I haven't ever seen you like this before.

Vinny: (striking the flint angrily) Well, I'm on the bottom now, aren't I? I guess that's what happens when you put other people first.

Johannes: Dude, no one said you were on the bottom. It's just the way the votes worked out.

Vinny: (sigh) I guess the fact that I'm the only one who voted Tucker makes me the next to go, doesn't it? Obviously Kiki and Ruben aligned with you three Apolima's, so if we went to Tribal again I'm the obvious boot.

Johannes: Are you giving up, man? 'Cause, honestly, you don't strike me as that kind of person.

(Vinny has now gotten flame and retrieves coconut husk from Johannes. When that's done, they start cooking.)

Vinny: I'm not going to give up. I'm just a little upset with Kiki and Ruben. I thought we'd genuinely moved past all the Tucker drama and were going to stick with Tribal lines, but I guess not. I kinda half suspected Ruben would flip but not Kiki, never in a million years. I thought she was better than that.

Johannes: Dude, honestly, I don't think you're going anywhere right now, because (drops to whisper) my mind is in other places right now. I didn't vote Desiree because I was loyal to her, I voted that way to keep myself in the game. Honestly it's her before you.

Vinny: (shocked,whispering) Really? Why?

Johannes: (whispering) She's dangerous as hell, man. If it weren't for Ruben it would have been her last night. But you can't tell anyone I told you this or else I'm gonna be in deep. Get me?

VInny: What do you mean if it weren't for Ruben?

(At that moment, the rest of the tribe wakes up, halting VInny and Johannes' conversation.)

Kiki: (yawning) Morning, guys. Oh, you guys are making breakfast? That's nice of you.

(There is a montage of the men making breakfast, then everyone settling down to eat it. The camera focuses on Vinny as he eats, his brow furrowed in concentration.)

"namua"

- My talk with Johannes this morning gave me a lot of interesting information. I don't think he meant to leak as much as he did. He told me the vote came down to Ruben, yet told me he wanted to target Desiree. That gives me the idea that, maybe, he and Ruben formed a little side alliance. Is Kiki involved in that? I don't know. I thought she was absolutely solid with me, so her being involved with this little alliance does make sense. Her and Johannes have a lot in common, so it wouldn't surprise me one bit. That means that I have to watch out for the three of them come the merge, because they'll either all go to Namua, or all go to Apolima. With Ruben's track record, I wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter. I may have to break up this trio before they get momentum.

(When everyone is done with breakfast, VInny stands up and gestures to Ruben and Kiki.)

Vinny: You two, can we talk?

Kiki: Sure.

(They go off into the forest, with the camera focused on a concerned Kiki.)

"namua"

- Vinny's mood has really changed today. I know I'm dealing with one very ticked off guy, so I have to choose my words carefully. I'm starting to wish now that I'd made more of a push for Desiree. I think I've broken Vinny's trust now, and I really didn't want to do that. He's such a nice guy, and it sucks to see him this way.

(The camera joins Kiki, Ruben and Vinny as they sit down.)

Vinny: I want you guys to give it straight to me: what the hell happened last night? I thought we were all set to boot Desiree, and then it comes up 5-2 against Tucker. What changed?

Kiki: I was honestly going to vote with you until Johannes came up to me right before Tribal Council and told me about the threesome with him, Ruben and I. The decision to vote Tucker was literally a last second thing, and it was Ruben's decision.

Ruben: Hey, don't I'm make me look like the bad guy! You didn't seem to have a problem voting Tucker!

Kiki: Like I'd go against this new alliance! You certainly weren't budging from Tucker and you made that very clear!

Vinny: (turns to Ruben) You made me look like a fool, Ruben. I came to you and promised I was on your side. I promised to take out Tucker next and I even promised you I'd take care of you, and then you turned around and stabbed me in the back!

Kiki: (turns to Ruben) He told you he'd vote out Tucker next?

Ruben: Well, yeah! But Vinny, nothing about you seemed sincere! Why was I going to believe that someone who'd been with Tucker the whole time and hadn't been loyal to me was suddenly going to take me deep in the game!?

Vinny: Because I told you, my word is my bond. I was serious! I was going to take out Tucker next, but you did it now. I'm disappointed in you, Ruben.

Ruben: See? This is the exact kind of that made me not believe you in the first place! I'm always the one who gets blamed for everything! I'm always the one on the bottom! Why would I go back with you after all the Namua put me through!?

Vinny: (trying to keep his cool) It was two people, tops, Ruben. I've been nothing but kind to you. Remember when you were going to quit the game and I talked you out of it? Funny way to repay me.

Ruben: Sure, you didn't bully me, but did you make any effort to stop it? No! And that makes you just as bad as Tucker!

Kiki: Ruben, Vinny is nowhere near as bad as Tucker!

Ruben: So you're on his side now!?

Kiki: Wh- I never said that!

Ruben: Well you pretty much just did with that statement!

Kiki: At least Vinny tells me things! Why didn't you tell me that Vinny came up to you about voting off Tucker after Desiree?

Ruben: (screaming) ''Because I didn't believe it! How many times do I have to say that!''

Kiki: Don't scream at me! I just asked you a simple question!

Vinny: (puts a hand on Ruben's shoulder) How about you just go for a walk and take a breath, okay?

Ruben: (shrugs Vinny's hand off) Ugh! Why is it that every single time I find an alliance, something comes along and ruins it?

(Ruben storms off angrily.)

Kiki: (turns to Vinny) Vinny... I-I'm so sorry... I really am.

Vinny: It's cool. I just need to know where you're at now? Are you with Johannes? 'Cause that's the impression I got.

Kiki: Well... I was. But after (motions in Ruben's direction) that, I'm not so sure now.

VInny: You gonna stick with Namua after the merge, or you flipping? Looks to me like Ruben and Johannes will want to stay.

Kiki: Of course I want to stick! I don't know about Ruben, but trust me, Johannes won't want to stick either. He told me that Desiree on his tribe was basically like Tucker was to Ruben, so he'll flip with us.

Vinny: And if Ruben wants to flip to Apolima....?

Kiki: I just won't let that happen, and if worse comes to worse... we could always take him out of the occasion.

Vinny: (gasping) You saying we pull a fast one over Ruben?

Kiki: If Johannes is coming to our side, then he's the replacement number. We're still up in numbers, and we'll make sure Johannes makes it to the merge. We've got the reason to believe he won't stick, so why risk it?

Vinny: (sigh) I don't really want to lose another Namua, but my gut says I can't trust the kid. Not anymore. We gonna do this?

Kiki: I will if you will.

(They shake hands on it.)

"namua"

- I tried to make peace with Ruben and Kiki and, while Ruben blew up in my face, that helped Kiki and I to form a little connection over our mutual distrust of Ruben. (sigh) Getting rid of another Namua member is something I really don't want to do but if Ruben is looking elsewhere at the moment- which I'm certain he is- then I consider him a member of Apolima at this stage. Apolima is the enemy and we have to take them down. If Ruben crosses to their side, he can suffer the consequences. I think, if we were to get rid of Ruben, next Tribal Council would be the perfect time to do it.

(The camera shows Ruben, who is huffing and grumping in the forest, in a tantrum-like state.)

Ruben: (grumbling) Stupid Vinny.... stupid Kiki... everyone always gangs up on me on that tribe. I thought Kiki was my friend but nooo! She had to act like I was the bad guy! She forgot all about what Tucker did to her and she tried to look favourable in front of Vinny! If she really didn't want Tucker out, she would have said something!

(Ruben trips over)

Ruben: (screams) ! Can this day get any worse!?

(Ruben gets up, then walks ahead. He notices something sticking out of treemail.)

Ruben: Treemail! I hope it says we're gonna merge, 'cause I'm ready to ditch these guys!

(Ruben is shown grabbing the treemail out.of the tree and heading back to camp, with a smug grin on his face.)

"namua"

- So I found treemail, which was quite exciting for me. I'm really hoping this note is going to tell us that we've merged. I mean, we're down to twelve left, and they've been merging at twelve a lot recently, so it would make sense. (giggling) I REALLY hope this is happening! I'm ready to burn those Namua bitches and take Apolima to the end! And you know something? I'm a little miffed at Kiki and Vinny right now, so they might be the first to go!

(The camera then switches to Desiree, Johannes and Sasha as they are sitting down talking.)

Sasha: Johannes, I wanted to thank you last night for voting with us.

Desiree: Yes, you really saved my skin there. (laughs) so I guess I owe you one. What would you think about making this a long term thing? They have numbers on us- at the moment we're down 5-7- so I think it would be wise for us to stick together come the merge and see if we can bring Ruben into our group.

Johannes: Yeah, I mean, I'm cool with that. Whatever's best for my game, y'know? But what about Skanda? Where does she fit in all this?

Desiree: Obviously we'd bring in Skanda, too. She factors into this just as much.

Johannes: Yeah, but are we merging now, or at ten?

Sasha: That's something that we'll just have to take as it comes. We're hoping for a ten person merge at the moment, because that will give us the best chance of survival, especially if we can pick off another Namua or Chadwick and Skanda can do something over at Apolima.

Johannes: Guess that's our best shot, huh?

Sasha: Are you with us?

Johannes: Could you, like,  guarantee me more than final five?

Sasha: I can't guarantee anymore than that, not even for Desiree or myself. Survivor changes on a dime. I can't do that, if that's what you're asking.

Johannes: It's cool, dude. Don't sweat it. Pound me.

(He sticks his fist out for a fistbump, which Sasha returns.)

"namua"

- Johannes is someone I'm worried about. He seems pretty relaxed and manipulable, but I'm not sure he's 100% with us. I mean, he might be a lot smarter than he lets on and may realise his chances of getting more than final five with us are slim. I need to make sure he sticks with us, because if he flips to Namua, we are absolutely done for.

(Just as this happens, Ruben, Kiki and Vinny return.)

Ruben: Treemail!

(Kiki arrives just in time to see Johannes getting up from his talk with Sasha and Desiree as everyone wanders over.)

"namua"

- Seeing Johannes talk with them, it made me nervous. Johannes could definitely be more of a strategist than he leads us to believe, and he could be playing both sides here. I want Ruben out, but I need to keep an eye on Johannes too.

(Everyone gathers round Ruben as he reads the note.)

'''Namua tribe, gather all your personal belongings and head to the beach to await further instructions. '''



Desiree: (clasps hand over mouth) Oh my god... Merge?

Ruben: (squeals) Merge!

(Everyone celebrates at the idea of a merge, then a montage is shown of them excitedly gathering their belongings. The camera focuses on Vinny, who appears worried amidst all the celebration, as the group walks to the beach.)

"namua"

- That note we got in treemail led us all to the assumption that we're merging today. I'm hoping against hope that's not what's going to happen, because that would put a real spanner in the works. The way the tribes are now, we have the perfect opportunity to get Ruben out, but if we merge now, we're up 7-5, and I have to work my butt off to keep Ruben on our side. (sigh) I believe, deep down, Ruben is a good kid. But the problem is he's lost trust in me now, and I think I would rest easier getting him out. If worse comes to worse, though, an Apolima member is gonna fall. I'm Namua through and through. Green blood pumps through my veins, and I'll fight to protect Namua until my torch goes out.

Apolima Tribe
The morning starts with Chadwick preparing breakfast for everyone while they're all still asleep. A look of unnatural determination is on his face as he watches the rice pot with the eyes of a hawk ready to swoop down on its prey.

"apolima"

- Today I woke up extra early to make sure breakfast was prepared for everyone when they woke up. I got the water myself, I boiled it myself, and I'm cooking it myself. Now I'm watching this damn pot like a hawk to make sure it doesn't burn. I'm doing this to put myself in the good books with the tribe on the off chance I can make them like me enough so they push Skanda out over me. Despite everything I heard yesterday from the Namua members, I'm still thinking they'll stick together.

After a few minutes pass, the group then slowly starts to stir, and are shocked to find Chadwick has made breakfast for them.

Nathaniel: Did you this for us?

Chadwick: Yes. I got up especially early so you guys wouldn't have to. Dig in! It's ready.

(Grateful, the castaways sit down and begin eating.)

Hans: Thank you for this, Chadwick!

Chadwick: (beaming) No problem at all! You guys deserve a break. What kind of tribemate would I be if I didn't let you kick your feet up every once in a while?

As everyone eats, they are in high spirits. The only one who does not seem to be impressed is Skanda, and the camera focuses on her annoyed face as she watches everyone eat.

"apolima"

- Oh my God... (groans) Chadwick is clearly faking all this to get in the good books of Namua. Like, HONESTLY! How can no one else see this!? He's suddenly taken on the workload and camp, and now he's making BREAKFAST for them? And don't even get me STARTED on the happy bull. He's acting like he's been possessed by Brody. None of it's real. it's all a lie. He's just trying to get me out before him, which won't work, because I have arrangements with the Namua guys. So now Chadwick's going to look like a fake loser on national TV! (smiles)

Polls- During Episode
Will the tribes merge? Yes! Merge at 12 No- Jeff is trolling again

Who is more screwed right now? Ruben Johannes