Something Truly Wonder-Stupid

Something Truly Wonder-Stupid is the 9th episode of Survivor: Mozambique.

Challenges
Immunity Challenge: Keep on Your Toes The castaways would each stand on a small wooden perch in a rectangular frame. They would brace a wooden block on their head and keep it in place using the wooden board above them. The structure would force the contestants to stand on their toes slightly, increasing the difficulty. The last person left with their wooden block intact wins immunity.

Makhuwa
''As the program opens, the six members of the Makhuwa tribe are now shown returning to camp carrying their torches, with Constantine leading the way. They arrive back at camp in relative silence, with only Constantine and Tori appearing relatively unfazed by the vote. As they lean their torches against a tree, Kane is shown to still be both shocked and angry, while the three original Makhuaws all appear pleasantly surprised that Brendyn was blindsided, as Ricki turns to Leah and Jimmy.''

Ricki (Exhaling, Quiet Tone): Wow... can't believe I'm still here.

"makhuwa"

- To tell you the truth, despite everything Tori said, I still expected to be the one voted out tonight. I had hope, but I still pessimistically thought that Tori threw Brendyn under the bus to stir things up and to stop an idol from emerging at Tribal. But lo and behold... I'm still here, and I'm feeling great. All of a sudden, it looks like I'm in a solid majority, so I should be able to get to the merge fairly easily. The key word there is "should," of course/ But hey, Tori still came through for me last night in a big way, and I do hope this alliance with her could last for a little while. (Smiling)

''From Ricki's confessional, the scene switches over to the fire where most of the tribe can be seen warming themselves, as this night got particularly cool. First, Kane can be seen glaring at Constantine, and then at Tori (who are on either side of him). Tori however, has no reaction to Kane's clear sign of disapproval before the scene cuts to her confessional.''

"makhuwa"

- I couldn't care less about what Kane or Constantine think, I have absolutely no regrets about tonight at all. I have a much closer bond with Ricki than I ever would have with Brendyn, especially with Brendyn clearly only viewing me as a strategic tool for himself, on top of the fact that he didn't care what he had to do in order to get ahead out here. Plus of course, there was Kane's remarkably cringe display of kissing Brendyn's ass, and that was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I told Constantine I was flipping so I could make sure I didn't burn that bridge at least. He didn't really like the idea, but I thought it was the best choice for me, so... tough s***.

We are now taken to a black and white scene from earlier in the night, just before Tribal Council, where Tori can be seen approaching Constantine in a private spot to chat about the vote.

Tori: I know you're not going to like this, but I'm flipping. I just can't trust Brendyn at all, and the fact he's got Kane closer to him does worry me a lot.

Constantine (Sighs): I'm not totally surprised, but you're making a mistake. Jimmy, Ricki, and Leah are not loyal to us, at least Kane is...

Tori (Interrupting): For now, until we get to a merge and Brendyn ropes him into whatever other plan he had. I actually have a fairly decent friendship with Ricki, and I do think they'd at least stay with us after the merge.

Constantine (Heavy Sigh; Shrugs): You do you then. You know where I stand, and I do think this is a mistake. But you obviously got your mind made up.

Tori (Nods): Glad you see it my way. I ain't gonna abandon you, but Brendyn needs to be cut loose.

''Transitioning out of the earlier scene, the camera shows Tori standing in front of the fire with a very smug grin on her face. A bit later in the night however, Kane can be seen approaching Constantine, wanting answers about the vote.''

Kane (Irritated): I still can't believe Brendyn's gone! I know you weren't a fan of what he did with Penelope, but it just made no sense to vote him out like that.

Constantine (Annoyed): You saying that I did this?

Kane (Choosing His Words Carefully): N-no... not really. But you did seem most annoyed by the move against Penelope.

Constantine (Crosses Arms): Well, I'll have you know that it wasn't me. I'm just too dang loyal of a person to do that. I can give you the name of the person that did flip though... Tori.

Kane (Surprised): Tori?! Really?!

Constantine: Yup, she went on and on about how she didn't trust Brendyn, nor the fact you were sucking up to him. I told her it was a dumb move, and I voted for Ricki anyway. But there was just no changing that girl's mind.

Kane (Snarls): Unbelievable! I never thought Tori of all people would be this emotional.

Constantine: I can, actually.

Kane: Even if she did, why the heck would she not even tell me?! I could vouch for him not being trustworthy! Now I just feel like I'm on the bottom!

Constantine (Hands on Hips): Maybe, just maybe it has to do with the fact that you went up to Brendyn, got down on your knees (gets down on both knees while Kane crosses his arms and scowls), looked straight at his backside and went: (mocking tone) "Oooohhh! That's such a great idea, Brendyn! (Kissing noises) You're sooooooo smart, Brendyn! (Kissing noises) Anything you say, Brendyn, f*** Constantine's and Tori's opinions! (kissing noises)

Kane (Snarls) Are you done?!

Constantine (Standing Up): Depends on if you wanna go to the jury house or not and kiss his ass some more?!

Kane (Rolls Eyes): Oh come on! I just wanted to make sure Brendyn trusted me, and you know that!

Constantine: Dude, you don't need to stick your head so far up someone's ass and accurately examine their colon to make sure they trust you!

Kane: You couldn't even give me a heads up and tell me what was happening once you knew though?

Constantine: Hey, I voted for Ricki because I thought what Tori did was a dumb idea. I was still hoping she'd come around, and I didn't want to freak you out. Besides, it's not like Brendyn didn't deserve to be blindsided anyway!

"makhuwa"

- So of course, we get back from Tribal, and Kane just assumes that I'm the one that actually voted Brendyn out. Yeah, I hated the guy, but it just shows how little faith Kane has in me, and don't even get me started on how he obviously thought Brendyn was somehow a better ally for him! Best case scenario for me right now would clearly be all us Senas sticking together. But if Kane continues like this, he's gonna be next... and I'm not actually all that upset about it right now.

Constantine (Direct): Listen to me, Tori at least was kind enough to keep me in the loop, so we may very well still have her with us. That would make the numbers 3-3. But if you don't trust me, which you're doing a good job of showing... then I guess we are done.

Kane (Frustrated): Dude! I don't want that at all! Can't you understand how upset I am over this, especially being the only one out of the loop!?

Constantine (Shrugs): I can, and I told you exactly why you were out of the loop. It's up to you to fix it if you want to stick around.

Kane (Heavy Sigh): Whatever, I'm done with this. Chat tomorrow.

Kane now begins to walk away as he rubs his face with both hands repeatedly, extremely overwhelmed by the situation he finds himself in.

"makhuwa"

- I'm royally f***ed right now, there's no other way to put it. I was the only one out of the loop come the vote. Constantine is unsympathetic with me... I just feel lost. Yeah, I'm probably getting an advantage in the morning, but that's only actually good for anything if I make it to the Final Tribal Council, and I just don't see how that's going to happen right now! (Heavy Sigh) I just need to pray for a miracle, there's no other way around it.

The scene now cuts out of the confessional to show a distressed Kane climbing into the shelter and laying down, before switching to this season's intro.



Day 22
As the program returns to the screen, we are taken back to the Makhuwa tribe fairly early in the morning, although most of the tribe is awake and out and about. The camera soon focuses on Kane, who is laying in the shelter with a look of despair on his face before sitting up, and shuffling over to his bag to rummage through it. After a couple of brief moments of Kane looking through his bag, the personal trainer's expression switches from despair to shock and fear as his heart stops and he begins searching more frantically.

Kane (Panicking): No... no... oh, n-n-n-n-n-n-no. This is not good. This is not f***ing good.

Kane's heart begins to race as he gives up searching through his bag. Kane plops down in the shelter on his butt as his jaw hangs open and both hands on the sides of his head. Kane then suddenly gets an idea, quickly and clumsily scooting out of the shelter and running towards tree-mail, which Constantine happens to catch out of the corner of his eye, as the bartender was tending to the fire.

Constantine (Rolls Eyes): Oh please.

Constantine now stands up and jogs towards the woods in order to follow Kane before the camera suddenly cuts to tree-mail, just before Kane arrives. The personal trainer's wide eyes are filled with tears as he frantically searches in and around the tree mail area, looking for any sort of package, envelope, or something with his name on it. Eventually, Kane gives up searching and sits at the base of the tree where the tree mail basket is, looking as though he may start crying at any moment.

"makhuwa"

- Well, turns out that I didn't even know how to make Brendyn trust me because I didn't get his Steal a Jury Vote advantage! (Punches the tree beside him) Absolutely nothing goes my way out here, and I'm just so sick and tired of it! (Sighs) I want so badly to do well out here, and to prove to people that I am, and can be, a good player. But every damn thing I try ends up going wrong and my allies keep going home... and I can't even get the most basic and simple things right like get people to trust me enough. (Takes a deep breath) I know I have nobody to blame but myself for this. But it still hurts... it really, truly does.

''When the scene switches out of Kane's confessional, we see him still sitting at the base of the tree with the tree mail basket. A few seconds later, Constantine arrives, sees Kane, and instantly begins asking about the situation.''

Constantine (Fired Up): Dude, what's going on?! You left camp like a bat outta hell!

Kane (Breathing Heavy): I f***ed up, Constantine! That's what happened!

Constantine (Taken Aback): What do you mean by that?! I mean... yeah, you kinda did f*** up at the last vote... (Kane hangs his head) but what are you referring to?!

Kane: Everything!! I've f***ed up at everything out here! Ever since that first damn vote, I've always been on the damn bottom of the tribe! Nothing has been going my way out here, and it's all my fault! (Pauses) Even you have written my name down... TWICE!!

Constantine physically clamps his teeth down on his bottom lip, not knowing what to say, and fearing that he would say something that he regrets if he opens his mouth, something that Kane happens to notice as he briefly looks into the bartender's eyes.

Kane: E... even YOU hate me! Ah-I can see it! You don't want to say it... b-but I can see it!

Constantine (Interjecting): I don't hate you, Kane! Knock it off!

Kane simply lets out a heavy sigh and hangs his head again, causing Constantine to feel a little guilty for how he snapped.

Constantine (Sympathetic): What's the matter? What's bringing this all on now?

Kane: Because I just f***ed up again! You said it yourself last night! This just keeps happening, and I know that I'm only in this game still by pure f***ing luck! (Heavy Sigh) I feel like I've been cracking under the pressure for a while... and I may have just finally broken.

Kane hangs his head again, prompting Constantine to walk over and sit next to his friend.

Constantine (Slightly awkwardly): Is all this about... last night?

Kane (Sighs): Yes. Well... mostly.

Constantine (Raises an Eyebrow): Mostly?

Kane (Nods Slowly): Mostly. (Pauses) To be honest... I kinda figured that with the way Brendyn was playing the game that he was gonna get voted out. I didn't think it was gonna happen last night, but like, I thought it would happen eventually.

Constantine (Puzzled): Okay?

Kane (Continuing): Well... on the first day... when all 20 of us were at the same camp, building the shelter... I saw Brendyn take something out of that big crate... and he showed it to me.

Constantine: What was it?

Kane (Sighs): It was an advantage in the game. That advantage said that if the holder of it got to the Final Tribal Council that they would be able to steal the vote of someone on the jury. Basically, if they don't think a certain juror is going to vote for them, they can prevent that juror from voting, and cast a vote for themselves to win, in that juror's place.

Constantine (Surprised): Woooowwwww.

Kane (Nodding): Yeah... I agree. So like... Brendyn showed that to me, and one other thing that it said was that if the holder of that advantage got voted out, then they would have to give it to someone still in the game... and obviously, I wanted that person to be me. I became desperate to build his trust so that I could get that advantage from him.

Constantine (Piecing Everything Together): So that's why you were sucking up to him!

Kane: Yes! I swear to God, that's the only reason I was doing that, and that's why I went so far with it! I figured, foolishly: "There's no way Constantine or Tori would vote the other way." So like, thinking he was the swing vote, and seeing how he objected to my suggestion to vote Jimmy off, I wanted to make sure he knew I was all for whatever idea he had, and I wanted him to trust me 100%. I obviously would've loved to go to the final three with you and Tori... but like, if Brendyn thought that I was his number one... then I thought he'd respect me for that and give me the advantage.

Constantine (Nodding): Yeah... that makes sense. I mean, you went really over the top with it...

Kane (Interrupting): I know! That's what I mean by I keep f***ing up! When you did those kissy sounds last night after the vote... it just proved to me that I was the reason for Brendyn going home, and that by sucking up to Brendyn, I made myself equally untrustworthy! (Sighs) I can't catch a break out here... and it's all my fault! Even f***ing Brendyn obviously didn't trust me enough to give me the advantage!

Kane now hangs his head again, as Constantine nods along slowly, trying to think of how to respond.

Constantine (Awkwardly): So... ummm... you said you were under all this pressure... what's causing that? Friends? Family?

Kane (Nods): Yeah... friends especially. In fact, my best friend, Vick...

Kane puts his hand over his mouth as he realizes what he is about to say, causing Constantine to get confused once again, although the bartender says nothing as Kane corrects himself.

Kane (Lying): Before I came out here, my best friend was all: "I know you're gonna win!" and, "Go out there and bring us home a million bucks!" I guess... all that pressure has just been getting to me, ya' know?

Constantine (Nodding): Yeah... I do, and quite frankly, that friend of yours is an ass*** for doing that to you before the game. I'm seeing now just how difficult this game is, and the last thing you need is people back home expecting you to win!

Kane: Yeah, definitely! But like, that's all still getting to me, on top of the fact that I was a huge fan to start out with, and I always imagined coming out here and doing really well instead of f***ing up day in and day out! Not only did I just f*** up Brendyn's game, but I'm always driving people away like you... and now Tori... (shakes head) this is just too much!

Constantine: Are... you saying that you want out?

Kane (Passionately): No! Are you kidding me?! I must be a laughing stock already out here! Especially as a fan of this game... if I just quit... I-I could never live that down. (Sighs) It just... it hurts that my constant f*** ups are bringing down not just me... but the people around me too.

Constantine (Skeptical): Are you about to start apologizing... again?!

Kane: No... I'm not. (Sighs) I know I've done that out here so much already that those words would be meaningless to you. I know you're not ever gonna trust me again... and that it's my own fault. I just... wish I knew how to control my paranoia, and how to... not drive people away. Like I said... even you have written my name down twice!

Constantine (Sympathetic): Well... I can say, that if you remember this incident... then I may not write your name down again.

Kane (Confused): What do you mean?

Constantine (Slightly Awkwardly): I think that... this is the first time out here that I've seen some real emotion from you. Yeah, you've f***ed up... a lot. Yeah, it will take a lot for me to trust you fully. But, at the same time... you seem to finally see the consequences of your f*** ups. Like, how throwing people that did trust you under the bus, or sucking up to someone your allies don't fully trust, may cause people to doubt how loyal you are. Loyalty is very important to me, and... that's one thing that you... haven't really shown out here yet.

Kane (Passionately): I know! I want to change that so bad, because I never could vote for you, except to win the game... and that's the truth! You're the only one out here that's really been upfront and honest with me. You're the only one that really seems to understand me, and I'm so, so grateful for that, I really, truly am! I just wish you knew that.

Constantine flashes a small smile and puts a hand on Kane's knee.

Constantine (Comforting): I do now... thank you. As I said... I think that this is the first time out here that you've really shown that you understand what I've been saying, and that you've really shown that you knew you screwed up and that you're going to try and correct that. Even though you didn't actually apologize, this time, I really do believe that you are sorry.

Kane (Wide-Eyed): Really?!

Constantine (Firm): I still don't trust you 100%...

Kane: Oh...

Constantine (Continuing): But I do believe that you are going to try your best to be loyal to me for the rest of the game, and that you're being sincere right now. I don't know how we're gonna get you out of this mess... but I do want to help you try.

Kane (Wiping Tears Away): Thanks man... thank you so much. I promise I will never, ever betray you... no matter what.

Constantine (Nodding Slowly): You're welcome.

Kane now lets out another heavy sigh as the camera cuts to his confessional.

"makhuwa"

- Ya' know... it felt really good to finally vent and let everything out to Constantine, just about how everything out here is getting to me and how I seem to be breaking under the pressure with how I keep constantly screwing up out here. I almost mentioned that I was Vicktor's best friend, but I am glad I caught myself because... there is still that fear that it could be used against me in some way. (Shakes head) I know I'm extremely paranoid, and I can't help it. But... it's nice to know that Constantine was there to listen to me like a true friend, and that he does understand where I'm coming from. I do believe him when he says that he's gonna try and help me get out of this mess, and I am so grateful for that, because I really don't deserve that, especially from him. I was dead serious when I said I would never betray Constantine... and I just hope that he knows how serious about that I am, and that somehow, some way, we do get very far in this game together... the two of us.

''Once Kane's confessional is finished, we are taken back to the same scene as the two young men sit on the ground in silence, taking time to let everything cool down. After a few moments, Kane perks up, having just thought of something.''

Kane: Just curious... when you got up this morning... did you look through your bag at all?

Constantine (Shakes head): No... I unpacked it last night after Tribal. There was nothing I needed outta there this morning... why?

Kane: I was just thinking... if Brendyn didn't give that "Steal a Jury Vote" advantage to me... maybe... just maybe... he gave it to you.

Constantine (Smirking): So I'm guessing you wanna check right now?

Kane: Uhhh... yeah. I kinda do. (Giggling)

Constantine (Shrugs): Alright then.

''After a quick time skip, we see the two young men returning to camp, making a beeline for Constantine's bag in the shelter so they begin searching through it, which they do for a few moments. Eventually however, not finding anything, they give up, prompting Constantine to reorganize his messy bag as Kane stands up.''

Kane (Frustrated; Quiet Tone): It's not here... damn it.

(Constantine (Giggling): I didn't think it would be, I got pretty pissed at Brendyn and I think that showed. Guy probably thinks I'm the one that voted him out. Heck, you did assume it was me last night.

Kane rolls his eyes at Constantine's jab before shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders.

Kane: Well, someone on Sena probably has it then.

Constantine: You sure?

Kane (Nods): I do. Tori got quite annoyed with him and made that clear, and with how angry Brendyn was at being blindsided, I highly doubt he'd give it to any of his three original tribe mates.

Constantine (Shrugs): Well then... at least we know where that thing is not. Gets us a step closer to finding out where it is, although it would be nice to have that in our possession.

Kane: Yeah... for sure. (Sighs) Thanks so much for that chat back there, by the way. I really do appreciate you doing that.

Constantine (Nods): No problem, man.

"makhuwa"

- Ya' know... I'll admit, it wasn't easy seeing Kane completely break down like that back there... but I am glad he did. He's apologized to me out here for his f*** ups so many times, but I do think that this was the first time that he truly meant it, though ironically it was also the first time he didn't actually say that he was sorry. He knows those words out of his mouth are meaningless to me now, and I think he finally understand that he needs to show me through his actions that he is worthy of my trust, and I guess telling me about that advantage that's out here does work towards that. It does suck that neither he or I have it, but at least we're pretty sure that someone on Sena right now does, and if word they do have it comes out, that is an instant target on their back because a guaranteed jury vote out here is huge! (Sighs) But yeah... I'm really glad that Kane and I have that talk, and at least for now, I will vouch for him to stay in the game as much as I can.

We now see Kane and Constantine walking side-by-side approaching Jimmy and Ricki by the fire, who greet them warmly as the camera fades out.

Sena
The footage now opens at the Sena tribe as their pink flag comes onto the screen before a transitional shot of zebras grazing in a field under the morning sun appears. The scene then switches over to the shelter where Allan can be seen rummaging through his bag. All of a sudden, Allan's eyes go wide as he puts his hand on an envelope, which he lifts up and sees the words "Secret Advantage" on the front.

Allan (Stunned; Speechless): Ho...ly... crap.

Allan then frantically sticks the envelope in his pocket and sneaks out of the shelter and into a private area of the camp. As he takes the envelope out of his pocket, we can see his hands trembling. Allan then takes a few deep breaths before eventually opening the envelope and reading its contents quietly to himself.

Allan: If you're reading this, then the castaway eliminated at the last Tribal Council has selected you to receive this advantage in the game. If you manage to outlast your remaining competitors and make it to the Final Tribal Council, you now have the right to steal the jury vote of someone that you don't think would cast their vote for you to win the million dollars. In order to use this advantage, right before the jury begins to cast their votes, simply show the host this advantage and select the juror whose vote you would like to steal. You will then stand up and cast a jury vote in his or her place. However, that is not the only aspect of this advantage. If you happen to be voted out of the game, you must will this advantage to any castaway of your choosing that remains in the game.

''Allan now looks beneath the description of the advantage and sees multiple lines, with his name having been scribbled on the top one, confirming that the advantage was intended to be given to him. Speechless, his mouth hangs open as he just stares at his name on the paper.''

Allan: Jesus Christ, man... I can't freaking believe this.

"sena"

- So... I was given the shock of my life this morning when I went through my bag and found this. (Holds up his advantage) Apparently, whoever was voted out last night, chose to give me the opportunity to steal the vote of someone I don't think will vote for me if I do happen to make the Final Tribal Council. Of course, if I do get voted out, I need to give it to someone else. But still... this is absolutely huge, and I know that I need to be extremely careful who I share this information with because this is exactly the kind of thing that could put a target on my back and send me home. At the same time... this does make me worried about who got voted out last night. I was close with Jimmy, Ricki, and Leah, and I remember at our first vote, that Brendyn was really hoping to blindside Leah, who isn't exactly shy about expressing her opinions, to say the least. This makes me worried about where I might stand if I merge does happen soon, and who I can really trust because even though original Makhuwa had the majority over there, two from that tribe just went home back-to-back. As nervous as I am though, I guess all I can do is just be careful, watch my step, and watch my mouth.

''Once Allan's confessional is finished, he and Tesla can be seen laying down in the shelter and chatting, while Irene is resting on the hammock. Soon, Cassy and Marshall emerge from the woods with a note from tree mail in hand.''

Marshall: Hey people, tree mail!

Irene, Allan, and Tesla all stand up and greet Marshall and Cassy, with the former reading the rolled up note that had arrived.

Marshall (Reading): On day one, all 20 of you arrived here in Mozambique, building one big shelter for you all to share. Well, the time has now come for you to pack all of your belongings and make your way back to that shelter, where some of you may very well spend another 18 days. A boat will soon arrive to escort you towards this next stage of your adventure!

''Upon hearing the news contained in the tree mail note, all five members of the Sena tribe begin celebrating, with both Tesla and Irene loudly exclaiming the word "MERGE!" The camera soon focuses on Tesla, who is grinning from ear-to-ear as she bounces up and down like a bunny as she goes around to hug each of her four tribe mates.''

"sena"

- I made the merge, I made the merge, I MADE THE FREAKING MERGE!! (Squeals with excitement) Goodness gracious! Thinking back to earlier in the game, especially with how sick I got, I find it so hard to believe that I was able to hold myself together long enough to make it this far... but it happened, and I couldn't be happier. Heck, I even hugged Cassy and Irene I was so excited! Now that the merge has come, these people, especially a certain hateful person, need to watch their backs because I am here to play, and I am here to win!

As the Sena tribe rush around to gather their belongings, the camera focuses on Cassy as she and Allan untie the hammock from the trees.

"sena"

- Well, that note that arrived in tree mail was pretty cut and dry in saying that the merge is here, and to that I say... finally! I may have had Irene on my side over here, but by the looks of things, I was a goner if we went back to Tribal Council. Am I worried about my chances of sticking around? Hell yeah! I'm the only one in the game that was on Sena before and after the tribe switch, and as I said, I was the next to go here if nothing changed. But don't count me out just yet, I'm going to fight for my spot, I am going to fight hard, and I won't let anybody, especially not Tesla, stand in my way of that million dollars!

The five members of the Sena tribe are now shown climbing into the white boat that recently arrived at their beach to take them over to the other camp as the camera switches off.

Makhuwa
The camera now switches back on, showing the Makhuwa tribe this time as Leah reads the note that arrived for them in tree mail.

Leah (Reading): On day one, all 20 of you arrived here in Mozambique, building one big shelter for you all to share, a shelter that should still be standing at your camp right now. Well, the time has now come for the number of occupants of that shelter to get closer to capacity. Visitors will soon be arriving at your tribe... and some of them may very well spend another 18 days here. (Smiles widely as she lowers the note) Sounds like a merge, if I do say so myself!

''Much like the Sena tribe, the members of Makhuwa instantly begin celebrating, each of them agreeing with Leah's assessment of the note they were given. It doesn't take long for the camera to focus on Kane as he enthusiastically pumps his fist before sharing a bro-hug with Constantine.''

"makhuwa"

- As terribly as I may have played this game so far, and as many times as I may have screwed up, at least I know for a fact that I will be leaving here with one thing I can say I accomplished that Vicktor didn't, and that was the fact that I actually made it to the merge! (Sighs happily) The merge itself is a huge opportunity for us to start anew out here, improve our situations, and change the way we play this game for the better, all things that I fully intend to do. I am now more determined than ever to make it as far as I possibly can, while also playing a game that both I, as well as a jury of my peers, can be proud of.

As the celebrating continues, the camera then focuses on Jimmy, who is forcing a smile to remain plastered across his face as he tries to conceal his nerves.

"makhuwa"

- The merge is a place where the game gets kicked up a notch, no doubt about that, and I am just glad to be here with at least a couple of people that I am pretty sure I can trust... for now. Even though there's only one person joining us that I've never officially been on a tribe with, you never really know what kinds of bonds have been made on that other tribe in that week or so we haven't seen each other. The level of difficulty out here has easily just quadrupled, and it will only get harder from here on out. I'm excited, don't get me wrong... but I am very much putting on a mask right now so these people don't get a sense of just how worried I am about what's to come in the next few days.

The six members of the Makhuwa tribe can now be seen standing in their main camp area, looking out towards the ocean as they await the arrival of the Sena tribe, and before long, a white boat does pull up to the beach. Knowing that this is the company that they have been waiting for, all six castaways excitedly make their way down to the beach to greet the new arrivals, who are just as excited to be there. Just as Irene goes to climb out of the boat, the operator hands her an additional note, and we hear him tell her (and see subtitles saying) that this note is "for the whole group," prompting Irene to nod and respond with "Okay."

The camera then cuts over to the beach, where we can see the two tribes coming together and beginning to greet each other. Right away, Leah is shown running over to Allan and wrapping her arms around him, while Allan appears taken aback that she is still in the game. As they hug, Allan quietly asks Leah who was sent home, to which Leah responds with "That lying, backstabbing, ass****, Brendyn." Allan can't help but giggle as the camera pans over to show Irene greeting Ricki and Jimmy, followed by a shot of Marshall giving Tori a big hug. Cassy is then shown approaching Kane and Constantine with a big smile on her face.

Cassy: Oh my gosh, it's so nice to see you guys again!

Kane (Smiling): Same here, honestly! How was it over there?

Cassy (Rolls Eyes): Let's just say, I was the next to go if we went back to Tribal. That's a guarantee.

Constantine: Oof. At least you're back here though.

Cassy: No doubt!

"sena"

- I have no intentions with sticking with the original Makhuwas from that tribe I was just on that were clearly about to vote me out. Irene I might stick with if she wants to be loyal to me. As far as I'm concerned though, Marshall, Allan, and especially Tesla can go jump in the fire for all I care. It's not that I'm desperate to re-unite the original Sena or anything. I just want to align with people out here that aren't going to turn on me the first chance they get. It's as simple as that.

Cutting out of Cassy's confessional, we see that the initial energy from the two tribes coming together has died down a little, giving Irene the opportunity to get the group's attention and summarize the note that she was given by the boat operator.

Irene: It says here that we're supposed to head over to tree mail.

The group of 11 castaways now follow Irene's instruction and head over to the tree mail basket, where they are excited by the sight of a large assortment of food that has been laid out for them next to the tree mail basket including a variety of sandwiches, salads, fruit, desserts, garlic bread, chips, dip, and two large bottles of wine (one white, one red), as well as non-alcoholic sparkling wine for Tori (being under 21). Tori gripes to Ricki in a sassy tone for a couple of moments about not being able to drink the wine, causing Ricki start chuckling.

Ricki (Patting Tori on the Head): There, there, it's okay child. You'll be 21 soon enough.

Tori (Glaring): You touch me again and I will bite that hand off.

''However, Tori is unable to keep a straight face and begins giggling uncontrollably, prompting Ricki to start laughing as well. The camera then pans around to show a big crate in the middle of the feast with a note sitting on top of it, which is noticed by Marshall. The Roman Catholic priest then takes the note off of the crate and begins reading it loud enough for the entire group to hear.''

Marshall: Congratulations, you have now officially merged!

This announcement, officially confirming the merge, is met with loud cheers from each of the castaways before Marshall continues.

Marshall: The 11 of you will remain here, at the old Makhuwa camp for the remainder of the game, and you have been given the task of coming up with a new tribe name and a new tribe flag before the next immunity challenge. Inside this crate are new, clean buffs for each of you, as well as supplies to construct your new flag. Congratulations to all of you for making it this far on your journey. Enjoy this feast and good luck on the rest of the game.

The castaways now open the crate, with Allan grabbing the bag of buffs and passing them out to people to put on. Just as Allan lifts the bag of buffs out of the bag, Kane peeks inside of the crate and notices an envelope tucked to the side, which Kane grabs as soon as he can, although Cassy noticed this and glared in the direction of the personal trainer, but said nothing. Having stuffed the envelope into his pants, we see Kane with a gigantic smile on his face as he takes his new buff from Allan and wraps it around his forehead, while thanking the young firefighter.

"zabava"

- As soon as I saw that envelope, I knew that I had to be the one to grab it because the last thing I need is to see someone else grab it and risk the Brendyn scenario starting back up. This is most likely a clue to the merge idol. But hey, hopefully it's an even bigger advantage that can truly help me turn a new leaf out here and get me into an awesome position right at the start of this merge!

Ricki: So, I guess this is the time when we come up with a tribe name. Anyone got ideas?

Leah: Why don't we just keep it simple like Senhuwa or something? A combo of Sena and Makhuwa.

Tori (Shrugs): I'd honestly prefer something a little more creative than that. Wasn't Mozambique colonized by Portugal at one point? Anyone know Portuguese?

Tori looks directly at Allan as she says this, causing him to blush a little.

Allan: I don't know much Portuguese, to tell you the truth. But if I remember correctly, "Coração" is Portuguese for "heart," which we will all need to win this game.

Irene: I actually like that a lot!

Constantine: How about "Zabava?" I hear it means "party," and what are we doing right now? Having a grand ol' party with this great food as we celebrate this milestone!

Ricki: Zabava? I love how that rolls off the tongue actually! What language is that, Constantine?

Constantine (Shrugs): Some Eastern European language, I think Ukrainian, but I can't remember. I just remember going to events called Zabavas as a child, and both sides of my family are from different parts of Eastern Europe, so it could be anywhere in that region! (Chuckles)

Leah (Unimpressed): I like the name, but aren't we supposed to pick something Portuguese or something to do with this season?

Tori (Rolls Eyes): Since when was that a rule? People have legit named their merge tribes using straight-up gibberish. Besides, as Ricki said, I love how Zabava rolls off the tongue!

Jimmy: So, how many people in favour of Zabava?

Everyone except for Irene, Allan, and Leah initially raise their hands, although slowly, the three of them do the same as well.

Jimmy: Well, there you have it! (Raises his wine glass) To Zabava!

All: To Zabava!

The 11 castaways are now shown clinking their wine glasses together with smiles on their faces as the camera focuses on Constantine, who has perhaps the biggest smile of everyone.

"zabava"

- Just making the merge is amazing just in and of itself, but being the one to actually name the merge tribe really is something special. I almost hate to admit it, but I have been missing home a lot out here, and the name Zabava does bring up a lot of great memories from home flooding back to me. Heck, I can just hear that little tune in my head now: (Singing) "Hey zabava, zabava, do da da..." (rolls eyes) Never mind, I can't sing and I don't know Ukrainian. I'm sure you can YouTube it if you're that curious. But yeah, being able to name the merged tribe after a reminder of home like this really does make this moment all the more special, and I couldn't be happier right now! (smiling)

Author's Notes
Credit to Coolio15 for providing this beautiful merge template in his Survivor: Laos episode An Empire for Two

According to the Croatian-English dictionary at this link:, "Zabava" is actually a Croatian word that can mean "Fun," "Party," "Pleasure," "Amusement," or "Entertainment."
 * "Fun" is the first word that shows up on the page, so that's the one I'm going to officially use under "Namesake" on the tribe page.
 * Constantine Vasylenko's mother's side is Croatian (as mentioned in his profile), while his father's side is Ukrainian (hence his surname). Ukrainians also use the term "Zabava" to describe big parties.
 * Here is a link to the folk song Constantine was referring to when he discussed the merged tribe name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C18Th79deLk