Loyalty Gets You a Nice, Warm Shower

This is the ninth episode of Survivor: Bermuda - Brain vs Brawn vs Beauty!

Challenges
Reward Challenge: 7UP One at a time, teams member will go down a huge water slide, where they will go out into the water and retrieve a crate. The number of team members retrieving crates increases each turn. Once a team has all of their crates, they will then assemble a puzzle. First team to assemble their puzzle wins reward.

Reward: A trip on a yacht, where there will be a feast of cake, sandwiches and fruit. Winner: TBD.

Immunity Challenge: Last Gasp The players must swim under a steel grate and stay above the water. As the tide rises, player will run out of breathing room. If the fear of drowning is too much, that person can bail out. The last person still in the grate wins the challenge. Winner: TBD

Vireo Tribe
(Following Constance's blindside, the ten remaining members of Vireo return to camp.)

Misty: I have never felt so nervous in my life.

Will: Why would you be nervous? I knew it'd happen.

Misty: Still, those five votes coming up for you had me terrified.

"vireo"

- I have never felt so relieved in my entire life as I did when that sixth Constance vote came up. It was like this huge pressure had been lifted off me. I knew from the moment we merged that the Gombey Five would come together and my suspicions were proved true tonight. When those five votes for Will came up I was about to have a heart attack because all I could think was "It's 9-2, I'm going to be on the bottom", and even as those other Constance votes came up, I was still thinking I'd be one short. Phyllis flipping was a surprise because it was sort of a last gasp type plea, but I guess I got through to her! I just... (laughs) I want to smile, I want to celebrate, I want to scream, but just like last Tribal, the tension is really high because a lot of people were betrayed, so I'm being sensitive. I just hope things are salvageable because I feel like we could be on the cusp of permanent division and if that's the case, we'd have to rely on Somers permanently and they'd get to the Final Three. I needed to make this move tonight, but I'm praying it hasn't damaged the rest of my game.

Luca: I’m just so shocked that someone flipped on us tonight…

Will: Well, you shouldn’t be. People should know by now that targeting me doesn’t work. Bailey tried it, he went home; Ryan tried it, he went home; Isla tried it, she went home; and now Constance. No matter what I’ll always find a way out of things.

Jacob: Yeah, cool. We get it, dude.

Will: Good, and hopefully the fourth time is enough for people to learn and not try it again. But if you want to commit Survivor suicide, then try by all means.

(A smug smirk appears on Will’s face. The camera focuses on Jacob, who rolls his eyes.)

"vireo"

- So, Will and his stupid arrogant ass survived Tribal again and of course he’s parading around like he’s the best in the world at this game when he survived by, like, one vote. I’m, like, annoyed a little and I don’t usually get annoyed at things, but this is the third time I’ve voted for Will in this game now so, like, he’s gonna end up coming after me at some point. I don’t get it, ‘cause I literally asked Celia what they were doing about twenty seconds before we left for Tribal, and they all said Will. I would have voted for Constance if they’d told me, but no, apparently not. The first time they lied I get ‘cause Oswald would’ve gone home, but this time? They had no reason, so I guess this means I wasn’t ever with them and they’re just stepping on me to get ahead. That sucks, because I’d really grown to like them, especially Celia. I’m sorry for bitching, ‘cause I’m aware I probably sound really whiny right now, but in my eyes they’ve showed their true colours tonight.

Luca: I guess you're just good at surviving... but what was the deal with my fake idol? Darn thing. I could have sworn it was real! It looked the part.

Will: Isn't it obvious? Someone on Gombey has the real thing and they faked you.

Luca: I get why you'd say that, Will, because obviously you're trying to break us up. But no, I know these guys would never do something like that to me. Even if someone did make a fake idol, they would have told me, because I showed it to the group. No one would lie to me like that. They're my friends!

Will: You've clearly never watched Survivor. Someone's playing you, Luca, and don't say I didn't warn you.

Luca: I'm sure there's a perfectly logical explanation for this, because I followed the clue to the letter and found the idol. They must be doing something different this season. I think all the idols must be fake.

Will: Okay, you keep telling yourself that, while I know the truth: there's a traitor in your group.

Adrian: (trying to appear calm) Regarding that matter, Gombey, we must converse forthwith.

(The Gombey Four walk off to a private area. The camera focuses on Adrian, who is looking angry.)

"vireo"

- Tonight, the devised scheme was to eliminate William with our six votes and thus advance Gombey to the ideal position of comprising the five remaining individuals. However, instead the result indicated that six individuals had voted for Constance and Luca’s Hidden Immunity Idol was discovered to be counterfeit. Instead of celebrating, we are now examining our strategic partnership for evidence of treachery. (sigh) I am vehemently irate at present! This should not have occurred. Whoever deviated from the specifications is required to have some incredibly logical motivations!

Jacob: (to the Somers Trio) Yeah, guys, we should have a talk of our own.

(Jacob and the Somers Trio walk off towards the beach. The camera picks up again as they arrive.)

Jacob: So do you guys wanna explain to me what just happened?

Maria: We decided that the best move for us was to vote for Constance.

Jacob: Okay, but I asked you literally two seconds before we left for Tribal and you told me, to my face, you were voting for Will. What the heck was the point in that?

Oswald: Jacob, I know you’re angry, but we just had to what was best for our games and that ended up being splitting the Gombey Five.

Jacob: And you couldn’t have told me that? I don’t get it. Was the best move also completely screwing me over and putting me in a crap position so y’all could get yourselves further?

Celia: That’s not what we were doing at all!

Jacob: It kinda was!

Celia: No… ugh! Jacob, listen, you’re my friend and I-

Jacob: Okay, Celia, I like you a lot but if you really cared about me, why’d you put me in such a bad spot? It sucks because I feel like I was the only one who actually wanted to save y’all instead of use you as a pack of votes, and then this happens. It just seems like you guys never cared in the first place and everything you said on Somers was a total lie just to get my vote.

Celia: Jacob, no! That’s not how I feel! You’re my friend and I do care about you!

Jacob: Then why leave me out?

Celia: I thought it was important we distance ourselves from you because-

Jacob: (sigh) That doesn’t really seem like you care. You know what? I’m gonna sleep on it because I’m feeling pretty annoyed right now and I don’t wanna accidentally say something I don’t mean, because I really like you guys, but it hurts.

(Jacob walks away)

Celia: ''Jacob! (kicks the sand)'' !

"vireo"

- I can’t believe this ! I’m so pissed at myself for what I did. I thought it would be best to distance myself from Jacob and prove loyalty to Somers, but why did that matter? Jacob was my friend and ally and I knew he would always look out for me. Why did I ever think this was a good idea? He’s so pissed and it’s my fault… How hard would it have been to tell him? I wanted to create the divide but I feel like I’ve myself even further now because Jacob isn’t going to trust us anymore. my life! This is going to end badly.

(Following Celia’s confessional, the camera focuses on the Gombey Four as they convene in a private area.)

Adrian: (angry) Whose vote deviated from our specifications?

Veronica: Well it wasn’t me!

Adrian: Nobody insinuated the fact.

Veronica: Well I’m just saying, you’re probably all going to blame me but it wasn’t! I swear, everyone has had it out for me ever since this game started and they just pin everything on me! It happened last vote, it happened with Gary’s vote, it even happened over on Stovel, but not this time!

Adrian: Your insistent denial sans any accusation leads to one drawing the conclusion that it was you!

Luca: You can tell us if it was, Veronica. We won’t be mad.

Veronica: It wasn’t me! I knew this would happen: you’re all just going to gang up on me because I’m the scapegoat for everything. You all jumped up and down about being loyal to Gombey but the second I actually do it, someone flips. This is exactly the sort of thing someone would do because everyone knows I always get the blame for everything!

Luca: Veronica, calm down, please.

Veronica: No! I’m so sick and tired of this! How come I was the first one everybody thought of? Why not Adrian? He’s done it before and it make sense that he'd act all angry and push it on to me because that’s exactly what he did last time! And why not Phyllis? She was never even part of the Gombey Alliance in the first place!

Phyllis: Excuse me!

Veronica: And why the Hell is no one blaming Jacob? He’s the one that makes the most logical sense! Oh, wait, I know why. Adrian, for some reason, your head is so far up Jacob’s ass that you’ll just believe he’s on your side. Is that right?

Adrian: My cranium is not betwixt any buttocks! In fact, Veronica, your irrational meltdown and accusations of every other individual is the reaction you would exhibit if you had betrayed Gombey!

Veronica: So this is it? It’s just my fault. That’s what we’re doing?

Luca: I think we should all just calm down and talk about this…

Veronica: No! I’m not talking to any of you guys! I can’t believe it. I was debating it all night and I decided I’d be loyal because of what Will did to me, and to prove that I was past everything that had happened, but you’ve just proved to me why I should have flipped! Screw you guys!

(Veronica storms off, crying. The camera focuses on her as she leaves.)

"vireo"

- I am disgusted! Of course someone had to flip. These guys make me absolutely sick. I didn’t even flip and they’re still blaming me! I am sick and tired of constantly being betrayed and then getting blamed for everything! I can’t handle this anymore! The second we got back, Adrian just accuses me because I said it wasn’t me. How does that make sense? And then even Luca accuses me. They just automatically assumed it was me, even though this is exactly what someone else would do! I’m sick of this. I’m so sick of everything. This is slowly becoming the worst experience of my life and I’m starting to wish I’d never even come out here.

Luca: (sigh) Great...

Phyllis: We should all just get some sleep. We're emotional right now and we should feel better in the morning.

Adrian: Affirmative.

(The three of them head back to the shelter. The camera focuses on Phyllis, who looks slightly guilty.)

"vireo"

- I was the one who flipped tonight, not Veronica. I did it because I felt the Gombey Five would only take me to fourth place. I wouldn't have even considered it if I didn't know for a fact that Somers were going to go for Constance, which is why I talked to them before Tribal. I chose Constance over Adrian because I feel Adrian will keep the group together better and give me more options to work with, whereas him going would have blown the alliance apart. I knew that Veronica would get the blame for this and I do honestly feel bad for it, but I think the best move for me right now is to lay low and continue to let her draw heat, especially with how emotional the group is. I'm also fortunate that Luca seems to have drawn the conclusion all idols are fake this season, because I feel like I've avoided a lot of trouble and almost emerged unscathed. I'm now open to both sides but I'm in a very precarious position. All it takes is one person to unravel everything and I'll be in very imminent danger.

Vireo Tribe
As the camera opens on Day 23, sad music plays as the camera skims over the sleeping Vireo tribe in the shelter, before panning down to the beach and showing Jacob, all on his own. He is standing by the water's edge, picking up pebbles and skittering them across the water. He watches them as they move, a saddened expression on his face, and sighs deeply.

"vireo"

- I don't know what's wrong with me today, but I just woke up feeling really down. It's the first time in this game it's happened and it doesn't much outside the game either. I'm generally an upbeat, happy guy who tries to see the positive in stuff. I can bounce back from a lot of things. Like, I bounced back from Bailey going, I did pretty quick from after Isla went, but for some reason, last vote has hit me like a freakin' truck. Mom said this game strips you down to your core, and I never realised how true that was until this morning. I guess it's just hitting me. I feel like I have no allies and even the friends I had aren't going my way; I really like Misty, but she's clearly with Will, and even Celia moved against me last night and she's the one person I always thought I could count on. I feel like Adrian's the only person I've got out here and I'm not even sure how that's going, 'cause he's still clearly uncomfortable with me being gay, although he's trying, and he's got all his Gombey friends. I guess it's just finally starting to sink in how much everything has gone against me in this game, even when I thought they wouldn't. I never expected it to get to me this much, though. I've never been this down in my life and it's scaring the heck out of me.

(As the camera returns to the beach from Jacob's confessional, Adrian is seen approaching him and stands behind.)

Adrian: Greetings, Jacob.

Jacob: Hey. How long have you been there?

Adrian: Momentarily. I was standing atop the beach when I observed you removing pebbles from the sand and releasing them from your arms in such a manner so as to cause it to bounce along the water's surface. Ordinarily, the incentive for one to commence such an activity arises from the need to alleviate aggravation. Are you aggravated at present?

Jacob: (throwing a pebble) I guess you could say that.

Adrian: Would one be correct if they were to hypothesise the events of the previous Tribal Council correlated to the causation of such feelings?

Jacob: Yep, that's part of it. (he then bends down to pick up another pebble)

Adrian: I do not wish to intrude, and you can promptly request I vacate the immediate vicinity if I am overstepping, but would you like to converse regarding that topic? What you elect to convey to me shall remain confidential.

Jacob: (sigh) Sure. Let's sit down.

(Jacob puts down the pebble in his hand and he and Adrian go back and sit on the beach.)

Adrian: What is the cause of your aggravation?

Jacob: (sighs, looking down) Where do I begin, dude? It's just... literally everything in this game has gone against me. I've been to, like... (counts on his fingers) four tribals and I've only voted the right way in one of them, and it was the very first one. I wouldn't even consider that the "right" way because it screwed me over and put me in a bad position. And, like, whenever I think I've got something going for me, it just fell apart.

Adrian: May you elaborate?

Jacob: I was cool with Misty on Stovel, but that fell apart. Then I was the swing on Somers and I knew both of them only wanted me for my vote. Then I get here, I think I've got something good going with Isla and Somers and Isla goes, then I still think I'm with Somers next round and then... you know what happened. (sighs) I thought I was good with Misty, I thought I was good with Celia but she betrayed me for, like, no reason last night. I just feel like I have no one anymore. All my allies are either going home or betraying me, I'm constantly voting in the minority... I suck at this game, dude! How am I supposed to last the distance?

Adrian: Negative, that is an incorrect statement. You have not performed poorly in this competition. Why is failing to contribute to an individual's elimination with your assigned vote a negative? This is especially applicable in regards to Isla: the final memory that individual will have of their time competing is that you remained loyal to them and thus, would that not result in their evaluation of who is most deserving of emerging victorious being biased favourably towards you?

Jacob: I guess, but that only goes so far. I mean, if I went with someone who'd played a way better strategic game than me, wouldn't I just get shut out?

Adrian: Not necessarily. Each individual scrutanises gameplay differently and view certain characteristics with a higher priority and more favourable regard. Luca, as an example, is likelier, if I am hypothesising correctly, to prioritise loyalty and friendliness if positioned as one of the nine deciding votes for the victor. William, contrarily, I estimate would hold a strategic game in higher regard.

Jacob: Yeah, I suppose that's one way to look at it.

Adrian: I would further like to address your declaration that you are devoid of strategic partnerships and interpersonal bonds, and inform you that is another incorrect statement, for I am applicable to both the aforementioned categories.

Jacob: (beginning to smile) Thanks, dude, I really appreciate it.

Adrian: (moves his arm towards Jacob, then awkwardly withdraws it) Jacob, is... is placing my arm around your shoulder the appropriate manner in which to comfort you in this situation?

Jacob: (smiles wider) Yeah, dude, it's fine.

Adrian: (moves his arm towards Jacob, then hesitates) Does this action have homosexual connotations?

Jacob: (laughs) No, dude, it's not gay to put your arm around me. People do it all the time.

Adrian: Ah. (tentatively, as if he is about to place his hand on hot coals, Adrian puts his arm around Jacob.) Am I engaging in this correctly?

Jacob: Yeah, you are. (giggles) You're a great guy, Adrian. I hope you know that.

Adrian: Much gratitude. I also regard you favourably, Jacob.

(The two of them sit on the beach, Adrian's arm around Jacob. Adrian's confessional is heard over the top.)

"vireo"

- Having noticed Jacob exhibiting behaviour suggestive of a state of agitation, I approached him on the beach and inquired regarding his state of mind. What followed was a cathartic conversation concerning all of Jacob's grievances, which I believe was necessary for him to end his feelings of sadness. I believe I comforted Jacob with the truthful information that failing to successfully eliminate an individual did not have negative connotations and, furthermore, declaring my applicability to the categories of strategic partnership and interpersonal bond. I was entirely engaged in the conversation under the latter category. I believe its occurrence has strengthened our interpersonal bond substantially and, as it reached its conclusion, I began to discover that I am considering Jacob's sexuality with less significance than previous. I shall not fabricate a tale where the situation completely eradicated my feelings regarding homosexuals, however I believe I am progressing. I am now realising that, with the exception of my mental barrier, my interpersonal bond with Jacob does not differentiate from those I share with heterosexual males. Thus, one could conclude the conversation was beneficial for both of us. I am hoping Jacob regains his happiness so as to continue participating in this competition, for I truly now hypothesise that Jacob's assistance can correct my negative feelings regarding homosexuality.

(From Adrian's confessional, the camera focuses on an area of the forest, where the Somers Trio.are talking.)

Maria: So it looks like last night might have backfired on us.

Celia: You're telling me. Ugh, it was such a stupid idea. Why did I think it would be good?

Maria: Well on the plus side, it might have put someone in the firing line before us.

Celia: Yeah, but it was still a stupid idea! We wanted to create a divide and we don't even know if that's happened yet! Will doesn't even seem to care!

Maria: Creating division is important, but how are we going to divide them even further? We've already split them in two sides.

Oswald: We divide one side even further. The Brains are pretty fractured right now because Phyllis flipped, right? Well, let's shake things up a little more. Last night, Luca played a fake idol and he thinks they're all fake, right? But mine's real and I know it is, because I got a note with it. Hundred bucks says Luca never got a note.

Celia: So you're going to go up to Luca and do what, exactly? Because he won't believe you. He's too caught up in his fantasy world where everyone's his friend and doesn't lie. That was proved last night.

Oswald: I'm gonna show him the idol and the note. It won't damage me in any way 'cause everyone knows I already have the damn thing, but once Luca realises that someone in the group has faked him, it's gonna create a wedge in the group, 'cause they'll start distrusting one another.

Maria: Won't that endanger Phyllis? I feel like she's one of the few left who would work with us.

Oswald: It won't endanger her. If the group starts turning on each other, then she'll come to us and we can work with a four and see where things go from there. This is the perfect way to splinter that group.

Celia: Sounds good, we have to try anything.

Maria: I'm happy for anything as long as it doesn't screw us further.

Oswald: It won't. I've got the stuff in my bag, I'll go grab it and talk to Luca now. Jeez, this is gonna be hard to do. It'll crush him, but it has to be done.

(Oswald bids goodbye to the group and heads off.)

(Following this conversation, there is a transitioning shot of nature before the camera picks up on Luca as he is walking through the forest and humming a tune. Oswald is then seen approaching him.)i

Oswald: Good morning. Luca!

Luca: (jumps a little) Huh? Oh, hey, Oswald! Sorry, you scared me a little there. (embarrassed laugh) I was off in my own little world.

Oswald: Sorry about that! It's a nice day we're having, huh?

Luca: Yeah! It's great. So... what's up?

Oswald: I just wanted to check that there were no hard feelings about us going against Gombey last Tribal Council.

Luca: Nope! Well, none on my end, anyway, and none that I know of from the other guys. Don't worry, we completely understand why you did it. Actually, I was wondering how you were doing. I guess it can't have been easy to find out that the idol you've had all this time is fake. It's weird, I didn't know either, but I followed the clue exactly on Gombey and got that, so all idols must be fake this season.

Oswald: About that... I have to tell you something.

Luca: Oh?

Oswald: Luca... the only idol that's fake in this game was yours.

Luca: (confused) Wh...what? No, that's not right...

Oswald: It is right. (He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the idol and note) Look, here's what I got with mine. (He shows Luca the note, who reads it. As he continues along the note, his face falls.)

Luca: ...I never got a note.

Oswald: I really hate to break it to you like this. The reason you didn't get a note is because somebody else in Gombey has the real thing and faked you.

Luca: (crestfallen) But... that would mean... I don't get it. I showed it to the group! So you're telling me that... the whole time, someone had it and let me believe it was fake?

Oswald: Yep, that's exactly what happened. I'm really sorry that you had to find out this way, but I'm telling you because it's not fair that you keep getting lied to like this. I really hate to have burst your bubble, but someone in that group is lying to you.

Luca: I can't believe it... they're my friends... but one of them was lying to me?

Oswald: I'm really sorry, Luca.

Luca: No... thank you for telling me. I just... can't believe how much of an idiot I've been this whole time. Sorry- sorry. I really need to go.

(Luca walks away, completely shattered. The camera focuses on his devastated face as his confessional is heard.)

"vireo"

- I can't believe I've been lied to again for so long. I feel like such a moron. I haven't seen this show a lot so I didn't realise you were supposed to get notes with idols. I saw my fake and thought it looked real enough and I just never questioned it. What makes all this that much more heartbreaking is I showed it to the whole group and obviously someone had it the entire time but they never bothered to pull me aside and correct me. I wouldn't have minded! I would have appreciated the honesty! Whoever had it let me walk into Tribal and try to use it, so I guess it must be the same person who flipped, but who could do this to me? Obviously not Constance, because she got voted out. Not Adrian, because he and I are close, he's an honest player and he'd never do that to me, especially if Constance was getting votes; it can't have been Phyllis because we're really close and I showed her the idol one-on-one so she would have told me it was fake, but that only leaves Veronica. (sigh) I hope it's not true, but she has told a huge lie to me before, so... I don't know what else to think at this point. I'm sorry, but this has completely shocked me.

(The camera then changes focus to Oswald, who is looking a little guilty.)

"vireo"

- Telling Luca only his idol was the best move for my game, but it doesn't mean I don't feel awful about it. I saw the way his face completely fell, when it hit him that he'd been lied to. It was like telling a kid that Santa Claus isn't real. That man saw only good in people and I just showed him there's a whole lot of bad in one of his closest friends. It completely broke his heart. (sigh) That poor guy. Things are about to get emotional for that Gombey group and I have a feeling it's gonna be downright ugly.

(Following this, there is a transitioning nature shot, and the camera picks up again as Luca meets up with Adrian on the beach.)

Luca: Adrian, thanks for coming with me here. I didn't know who else to talk to about this.

Adrian: What problem has arisen?

Luca: I just had a conversation with Oswald and he told me that only my idol was fake. He showed me his and the note that came with it, and mine never came with a note! So it was fake, someone has the real one, and long story short I feel like a darn fool.

Adrian: I had previously deduced, upon the discovery that your Hidden Immunity Idol was counterfeit, that it had been created by the individual in possession of the genuine object. Which Gombey member do you believe could have located it?

Luca: Well, that's the thing, and it really hurts me to think that this person did it after everything we've been through. It wouldn't have been you, because you wouldn't have let Constance leave.

Adrian: Affirmative. Had I been in possession of the Hidden Immunity Idol, I would have utilised it.

Luca: Obviously Constance never had it because she left. Phyllis can't have had it because I showed her the idol first, one on one, while we were on Somers together. She would have told me it was fake if she knew. So that only leaves...

Adrian: Veronica.

Luca: I don't get how she keeps lying like this. She told me she wanted to go looking for the day I found it, and I told her, "No, you'll get in trouble if they catch you. I'll look," and she agreed! Why not tell me she had the idol right then and there? It doesn't make any sense!

Adrian: Veronica has previously deceived us regarding her decision to align a vote towards me and falsified her knowledge of the specifications that required her vote be assigned to you. Then, on Stovel, she declared to Isla on numerous occasions that she would assign her vote to William, yet deviated and voted for Ryan without informing Isla prior to the vote. Furthermore, she betrayed Isla by informing William of Isla's scheme to eliminate him, despite insistence to refrain from doing so. It has been thoroughly established that her actions are wholly void of logic. She infuriates me.

Luca: But what do I do about it?

Adrian: Approach her in a secluded area, removing the possibility of eavesdropping, and make a second inquiry regarding her vote at the previous Tribal Council. If she admits to having deviated from our specifications, inform her that she will be reprimanded with leniency. Furthermore, her admission will ascertain that she is in possession of the Hidden Immunity Idol.

Luca: You want me to confront her? I'm not very good at that...

Adrian: You are the only individual who can compromise with her, the one she will engage with and respond to. If we are seeking an admission of deviation, you are required to converse with her.

Luca: What if she explodes on me again?

Adrian: It will only consolidate her guilt.

Luca: Okay... (sigh) I'll go talk to her. I really can't believe she'd do something like this.

(Luca walks away. The camera focuses on Adrian, who watches him go, shaking his head.)

"vireo"

- Luca returned to me, crestfallen, having been informed by Oswald that his Hidden Immunity Idol was the only one to be counterfeit. This did not flabbergast me as it did him, for I had foreseen this as the most probable conclusion. Thus, based on evidence, we deduced that Veronica has not only acted fallaciously regarding her deviation from our specifications, but also regarding her ownership of the Hidden Immunity Idol. Furthermore, I fail to be surprised that Veronica has undertaken this course of action, for she is evidently a pathological liar. I believe we must secure an admission from her forthwith to minimise damage and fractures within our strategic partnership and Luca is the most qualified individual to obtain the desirable outcome. Ascertaining yet another example of Veronica's deception has consequentially decimated the last microscopic particle of trust I had for her. Thus, one can ponder whether it is most advantageous at present to remain within our Gombey Four to eliminate William, Misty, or a Somers, or utilise the votes of these individuals to comprehensively dispatch Veronica, the most treacherous and problematic individual remaining in the competition. Surely such a move should carry mutual benefit for all of us.

(The camera next picks up as Luca approaches Veronica in some part of the forest.)

Luca: Hey Veronica. I've been looking for you for a while.

Veronica: I've been avoiding Adrian and Phyllis all day. What's the point in even talking to them if they're just going to assume I'm guilty of something I'm not? It was so sick, all of it. They just assumed I flipped and there's no evidence. They're such massive hypocrites, too, especially Adrian. He's flipped before and he expected us to get over it and still blamed me for it. Can you believe him?

Luca: Well... I just talked to Oswald, and he told me that only my idol is fake, so someone from Gombey has it and left the decoy there.

Veronica: That's another thing Adrian's going to blame me for, obviously. I bet he did it all along! I bet he's got the idol, he's had it all this time, and he knew Constance was going to beat him in the end so he turned on her, knowing I'd get the blame for it! He's done this perfectly, I mean, credit to him. Every single person thinks I flipped. Everyone's always against me and he took advantage of that!

Luca: (sigh) Veronica, I really don't think Adrian could have done this-

Veronica: Oh my God, you too?

Luca: I... I need to ask you something.

Veronica: What?

Luca: I need you to... (sigh) please tell me honestly if-

Veronica: (enraged) Are you serious!? I can't believe this! You were not just about to ask me that! You too. Wow, Luca, wow. Why is this happening to me!? How has Adrian got you all wrapped around his finger like that? My own closest friend, abandoning me! I expected it from Phyllis, I expected it from Adrian, but never from you! Did Adrian put you up to this? I bet he did! This is all his doing! He's trying to turn everyone against me because he hates me that much! I can't believe you'd accuse of this! I thought you knew me better!

Luca: Veronica, please calm down-

Veronica: No! Why the Hell should I!?

Luca: Well... Veronica, you have lied before-

Veronica: That doesn't mean I'm lying again! I seriously can't believe you! I told you there was no more secrets between us, but somehow, Adrian has still turned you against me! Ugh, this is... I should just quit! That's what everybody wants, isn't it? That would just make your lives all so much better!'

Luca: What? No! Don't quit! Please don't! Nobody wants that!

Veronica: Well it seems like you all do, since you've all turned against me!

Luca: Veronica, you really didn't do this, did you?

Veronica: Of course I didn't do it! I can't believe you'd just come up and accuse me like that.

Luca: Look me in the eye and tell me, in a calm voice, you didn't do this and you don't have the idol.

Veronica: (sighs, looking at Luca) I didn't do this! I swear!

Luca:  And you don't have the idol?

Veronica: (pleading) No! I swear I don't! I don't have the idol, I didn't flip. I hate how no one believes me!

Luca: Well... (sigh) I hope this doesn't come back to bite me, but I believe yo-

Veronica: (joyous scream, hugs Luca with such force that he falls backwards onto the ground) Thank you! Thank you so much!

Luca: Woah! You don't want me to get evacuated, do you? It's okay! I believe you!

Veronica: You're, like, the only person who does! Obviously you see now that Adrian's been pulling the strings in all this, right?

Luca: (getting back to his feet) I believe that you didn't do it, so that's a start. Please don't quit. We'll get through this and find out who really did it, okay?

Veronica: I'm not quitting, I promise! Thank you, again!

(The two of them walk off in different directions. For the first time in days, Veronica is all smiles, as she continues her walk in the forest.)

"vireo"

- I've had a really horrible last few days because everyone's been against me since the merge started. When Luca accused me of flipping and having an idol, I was disgusted. I was ready to just pull the plug and quit altogether, because if Luca had been turned against me, I would have had no one. But thankfully, he has a brain in his head and realised that I was actually telling the truth! Adrian really thought he could turn Luca against me? Well sucked in to him. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have Luca. He's the only person who's been consistently with me, even through everything. If he makes the end and I don't, I'm hands down voting for him to win. He's the only person who deserves it. If it weren't for him, I would quit this game. No joke. He's the one holding me together.

(The camera transitions to Luca, who is anything but smiles, as he heads back to camp.)

"vireo"

- I feel a little embarrassed that I didn't believe Veronica. I went to talk to her about it and she unleashed something fierce on me before I'd even finished my sentence, and through all that, I realised that she actually hadn't done it. Veronica admits things when she's pressured into it, but she never wavered, so I asked her to look me in the eye and tell me she hadn't, and when she did I believed her completely. Veronica's been distraught the last few days, especially yesterday and this morning, and was ready to quit when she thought I was against her. I'm glad we've sorted things out, I know she's innocent, and we're back on the same page. If she'd quit because I'd falsely accused her of flipping, I would be completely shattered. Honestly, though, that means something far more sinister has happened. Veronica's convinced Adrian did it, but no way does he turn on his best friend with an idol in pocket. If Veronica didn't do it, that leaves... Phyllis. I'm almost certain she's the flipper and holds the idol now, and if that's the case I'm really quite upset, to be honest. I was close with her on day one, I aligned with her on Somers; I showed her the idol one on one and she didn't admit it was fake. I showed it again to the group, still nothing. I would have thought we were close enough for her to admit a mistake and know that I would have kept it secret and not been mad. Now that I know this, I'm keeping it to myself while I figure out how to confront her on it. I'm not even sure if I should, because it could fracture the Gombey Four even further and split us up, and I'm still all in on Gombey to the end, so that's the last thing I'd want. Oh, what am I supposed to do?

Reward Challenge
Jeff: Come on in, guys!

(The castaways walk in and stand on their mat.)

Jeff: You guys ready to get to today's reward challenge?

Castaways: Yes!

Jeff: For today's challenge, you'll be split into two teams of five. One at a time, you'll go down a water slide and swim out to collect a very heavy puzzle crate. As more members come down, you'll have more help to get your crates. Once you've collected all five crates, you'll use them to solve a puzzle. First tribe to solve their puzzle wins reward. Wanna know what you're playing for?

Castaways: Yes!

Jeff: The winning team will be taken away on a yacht where you will enjoy a feast of sandwiches, fruit, and chocolate cake all while cruising around the ocean. (The castaways all look excited.) We'll do a random draw for teams and then we'll get started.

(The castaways are awaiting Jeff's signal.)

Jeff: On the Teal Team, we have Jacob, Luca, Misty, Oswald and Phyllis. On the Magenta Team, we have Adrian, Celia, Maria, Veronica and Will!

(The camera goes up to the Magenta Team at the top of the slide)

Will: (whispering) Now, remember, weakest people go down last so you'll have the most help carrying the crate. Adrian, you take charge on the puzzle. Got it?

Adrian: Affirmative.

(The camera goes back down to Jeff.)

Jeff: Survivors ready? GO!

Challenge Summary: 
 * Maria goes down first for Magenta, while Oswald is down first for Teal. Maria swims out faster and gains a slight lead as she pulls the crate back quicker.
 * This lead only gets stronger as Celia comes down quickly. Misty manages to keep up with the swimming, but struggles slightly with the crate, while Celia and Maria handle it easier. As Will and Jacob go down for their respective teams, Magenta's lead only gets bigger as Jacob struggles carrying the crate back, while Maria leads the team in carrying the crate quickly.
 * Teal manage to claw back a little bit of time as the last people go down, despite Magenta having a strong advantage. Veronica struggled for Magenta and held them back a little, but as they got their puzzle back, Luca struggled to carry the crate for Teal, giving Magenta a huge time advantage. Under Adrian's guidance and Maria and Celia lifting the crates, they complete the puzzle with ease. Although Teal managed to get back before Magenta had finished, they had barely started when Magenta placed their last piece in, giving them a big win.

Jeff: The Magenta Team win reward!

(Team Magenta celebrates. with Will pumping his fist and Maria and Celia sharing a celebratory hug. Veronica jumps up and down with excitement as there is a timeskip and the castaways are back on their mat.)

Jeff: Adrian, Celia, Maria, Veronica, Will, congratulations on a huge win! The yacht is coming to pick you up now. You guys can head on out!

(Team Magenta heads out, with Veronica still jumping about excitedly like a child.)

Jeff: Jacob, Luca, Misty, Oswald, Phyllis, unfortunately I have nothing for you. Grab your stuff, head back to camp. I'll see you at the next challenge.

(Defeated, Team Teal leave the challenge area as the camera fades away.)

Reward
(The camera opens again as the winning Magenta Team are on board the yacht. They walk around the deck, and to the table with their food reward.)

Maria: That is a massive chocolate cake.

Celia: Were they expecting five people or fifty?

Will: The point isn’t how much cake there is, it’s that there’s cake. Let’s eat.

(The castaways then begin loading their plates with sandwiches, fruit and cake. Will takes the cake knife and cuts himself a massive slice as everyone stares in shock.)

Celia: Are you pregnant with quintuplets or something? That’s huge.

Will: It’s there to be eaten and otherwise they’ll throw it out. I’m just eating my share.

 (As everyone sits down to eat, the camera focuses on Will as he takes a huge bite of cake.)

"vireo"

- I like chocolate cake. Deal with it. Having devised the strategy that allowed us to crush the opposition I felt well within my rights to take an enormous piece. The win today was satisfying. I hate losing, so living in a world where Maria, Superhuman Robot 4000, wins everything was starting to get under my skin. And before feminists jump up and down, it’s not because she’s a woman and I have fragile masculinity; I don’t like being upstaged by anyone and I don't care if they’re man, woman, unicorn, attack helicopter, or whatever else Tumblr can come up with. It was great for me to be able to end up on the successful side of something out here for once and this is the one time I don’t mind Maria winning. This reward actually gives me a chance to talk to Gombey people. I’m sure they have in their minds that we’re two divided sides with Somers as the swings because I’m going to butcher them to death in their sleep, but if I do it won’t be over that. I don’t care that people keep voting for me. The fact is I always find a way to stay and that’s their problem. What I need to do is show them that and get them back on the right path, and that is eliminating someone from Somers, like we should have done two rounds ago. I don’t care who it is that goes, but I’ll stop at nothing to get one of them out. There is no way I’m letting all three of them into the final nine.

Author's Notes

 * Once again, thank you to the amazing AJ for the incredible Ponderosa mangas!