I'm The King Of My Alliance

I’m The King Of My Alliance is the sixth episode of Survivor: Seychelles - Battle Of The Sexes.

Previously On Survivor...

 * Mary-Anne was on the bottom of the tribe.

"meisie"

- I could very well still be on the bottom of this tribe. It...just sucks. I don’t like not having my own fate in my own hands, y’know? I feel caged in. And I want to make a move, I want to flip the game, but I don’t have the power right now. I will fight as hard as I can to stay in this game.


 * But Sasha decided to help her.

Sasha: I would like to have your back too and form a proper relationship with you.


 * And Mary-Anne was able to convince the tribe to vote off Westin.

Jeff: Westin, your tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

Westin: See you later, suckers!

Mary-Anne breathes a sigh of relief as he leaves.


 * At the Seuntjie tribe, Felicity tried to put a target on Dillan.

Felicity: Dillan’s a threat. He’s a good player. He and Bridgette are tight, and he’s also got connections with the boys. If you want to have to deal with a guy like that later on, you’re just inviting trouble on yourself.


 * Knowing she was still on the bottom, Felicity campaigned hard to stay.

Felicity: Bridgette is your main gal out here, and she’s being dragged away from you by a guy. Do you want to lose your biggest ally in this game, to a showmance? I can help you separate the two, and I can help you secure Bridgette’s loyalty, one-hundred percent.


 * But the tribe came together to make sure she didn’t survive another tribal.

Jeff: Felicity, your tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

Felicity: Worst of luck, guys.


 * 10 are left. Who will be voted out…tonight?

Night 18
The Seuntjie tribe returns from Tribal Council, all looking haggard. Dillan slumps down in the shelter, looking relieved.

Dillan: That was fun.

Mallorie: It took a while to get here, but we put an end to that saga.

"seuntjie"

- Having my name come up was a bit of a shock, but I know I can trust this group because they’ve stuck by me. Graham and I have drastically improved our relationship since the swap and I daresay we’ve become good friends. And Bridgette and I are also really tight. I think having a good alliance, going into a possible merge, is really good for my odds.

Mallorie hangs up her bags, clambering into the shelter next to Bridgette. Leaning back on her elbows, she gives her friend a quick fist bump.

Mallorie: Nailed it.

Bridgette: I’m just glad it’s over.

"seuntjie"

- This was the night that we put an end to Felicity’s legacy. Her story and mine have been intertwined for quite some time now, and with her gone, I see a lot more options opening up in this game. It’s looking more and more likely that we’ll be entering the merge soon, it’s gotta be soon, and I’ll need all my bases covered for when it arrives.

Mallorie: This is the Final Five, guys, right here.

Graham: [whoops] As long as we stay strong, we can rock the rest of this game.

Mallorie: Final Five-strong.

She holds out a hand and everyone puts their hands together in the middle for a little group cheer.

"seuntjie"

- Being with this five for so long, together, on the same beach, it’s strengthened us. I think our move to be rid of Felicity tonight was the right move for ensuring our web of trust remains intact and we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Day 19
It is an early morning at Seuntjie beach. Dillan is drawing one of his hoodies closer around him, shivering as he sits up in the shelter.

Bridgettte: We’ve got treemail!

Bridgette and Greta arrive, with Bridgette holding a rolled-up scroll of parchment.

Dillan: [getting to his feet] What is it?

Bridgette unrolls the parchment as everyone else gathers around her.

Bridgette: Seuntjie tribe. Gather everything at your camp that you will want to continue this adventure with and follow this map to your new home…!

Graham’s face is lit up with pure excitement.

"seuntjie"

- It’s the merge! [squeals]

The tribe erupts into celebration.

Dillan: Merge!

Mallorie: Finally!

Bridgette: Come on, let’s pack up and go!

"seuntjie"

- The merge is, like, one of the main accomplishments of Survivor. It is HUGE. I cannot emphasize this enough. The shift from tribes to an individual game is a monumental occasion. This is where the gameplay gets crazy. This is where the game truly awakens.

Everyone is rushing around camp, gathering their belongings and collecting everything they need before they go.

"seuntjie"

- I cannot believe I’m actually here, that I’ve made it to this stage. Like, I knew the merge had to be soon, but part of me refused to entertain the idea that I was actually going to make it. [laughing] I didn’t think I was fit for this game or that I’d come this far, but I did, and I’m really proud.

Bridgette embraces a smiling, almost teary Greta as the rest of the tribe is almost done picking the beach clean.

"seuntjie"

- Before I left, my children and my grandchildren told me not to be the first one out, and to go as far as I could. To know that I can go back home...and tell them I made it to the Survivor merge...I can already imagine their excitement, their pride in what I, at my age, have done! It makes me feel young again. [laughing] I’m very happy about today. I’m excited to meet old friends and meet new people.

Meanwhile, on the Meisie beach, the tribe is lazing around.

Brandy is lying down on the ground, and lets out a loud belch. Sasha’s beady eyes find his prone form in the sand, and narrow. Abraham is sitting in a deck chair, wearing a crumpled jacket, his eyes dead and his tired gaze pointed at the dying embers of last night’s fire, as the smoke wafts over him.

Mary-Anne is looking out at sea, and she perks up.

Mary-Anne: Hey, guys. Is that a boat?

Abraham turns to look, and so do the others.

Sure enough, a speedboat is speeding across the water, making its way to shore.

Brandy: Holy cow, it’s the merge!

The five members of Meisie rush down to the beach and begin jumping up and down, waving their arms over their heads, to welcome the boat.

The boat arrives, and soon the two tribes are meeting each other. Hugs, kisses, handshakes, quick introductions and claps on the back are being exchanged.

Bridgette is enveloping Mary-Anne in a big hug.

Mary-Anne: I missed you so much, girl!

Bridgette: Me too!

Mary-Anne: I can’t believe we’re back together! You have GOT to tell me everything.

Bridgette: You killed it on your own! I was rooting for you so hard.

Abraham and Brandy are welcoming Dillan back with them.

Abraham: Welcome, my friend.

He and Dillan have a quick chest bump.

Brandy comes over and gives the basketballer a friendly noogie in greeting.

Brandy: We’ve missed ya, chum.

Dillan: [laughing] Yeah, yeah, I’ve missed you guys too.

Graham is slapping hands with Kim as the latter hugs the former awkwardly, and Graham is now introducing Greta to him.

Sasha comes up to Mallorie and the two have a brief hug.

Sasha: [whisper] Felicity’s gone?

Mallorie: Yup.

Sasha: Good.

Brandy and Dillan are moving to unload a heavy crate from the back of the boat, as it leaves the tribe on the island.

Brandy: Alright, let’s get this baby opened up!

He opens the chest, revealing an assortment of mouthwatering food items ranging from fruit juice, champagne, cookies, sausages, red meats, cupcakes, brownies and bacon.

The tribe cheers.

Mallorie: Champagne!

Sasha: Thank you, Neptune.

Dillan hands out the champagne flutes, and Abraham and Kim begin laying out a large picnic mat while Brandy unfolds and reads a piece of parchment in the crate.

Brandy: Congratulations, you have merged!

Everyone begins cheering and whooping.

Brandy: [roaring] MERGE, [CENSORED]! WHEW!

A grinning Kim pops open the champagne bottle and begins serving everyone, tipping champagne almost giddily into Bridgette’s extended glass. Everyone settles down and begins eating, drinking and feasting, getting to know one another.

Abraham: Oh boy, we’ll have to introduce each other all over again, won’t we? [laughing]

The group laughs together.

"redneg"

- This merge feast, in itself, is an important part of Survivor tradition. It’s here that, players who haven’t met each other yet, get to size each other up. There are new potential relationships to be made, and old ones resurfacing. It’s a mesh of personalities coming together, and it’s a very important stage of the merge phase, because this is the part where we’re introducing ourselves to strangers, yet again! What we take away from this first meeting could be a big factor leading into our first merge tribal and the rest that follow.

Abraham: Well, I’m Abraham. Abraham Gardiner. I live in San Francisco, I’m 31 years old, turning 32 in a couple weeks, and I’m a chef.

Brandy: Hear, hear. [clinks glasses with Abraham] Ole’ Abe here makes a mean meal.

Abraham chortles.

"redneg"

- Now that we’ve merged, this game gets even tougher, and we need a majority number of six to get by this first vote. I still have Brandy, and Kim, and my boy Dillan back with me, and then we have Mary-Anne and Sasha. That’s the perfect number. But the merge is unpredictable. I can’t always trust what people are telling me. I know from past experience that I can come off as a threat, and I need to downplay that as much as possible to get by this.

Sasha: And what about you, Letterman Jacket?

Sasha turns to look at Dillan.

Dillan: Ah, well, my name’s Dillan. I’m a basketballer.

Sasha: Mhm, yeah, you definitely look the type.

"redneg"

- At the merge, it’s the time where we get to meet all these new people that we never met before but only ever heard of. It’s my first time getting to meet Mary-Anne and Sasha. I’ve heard my fair share of stories about the two girls from Bridgette and Greta so I had an idea what to expect. But beyond that, this is 10 different people all coming together to be one tribe and we all want to get to the end. It’s going to be a bloody game.

The feast is beginning to wind down. Brandy burps again, and Graham is eyeing him with distaste.

"redneg"

- I was not looking forward to being back on the same camp with Brandy again. [laughing] I’m really disappointed to see him make the merge. I’m sure he probably thinks the same of me. This petty enmity could be the end of me, but...at least this time, I have solid allies. I’m not facing Brandy all on my own. The girls have my back. Dillan has my back. Perhaps this’ll be the nerd exacting revenge on the bully, we’ll see.

Brandy burps again, toasting an empty glass, a little tipsy, as he tosses an empty cupcake wrapper into the middle of the pile of empty plates and food crumbs.

Brandy: Now all we need is to drink some brandy, huh? [laughing]

"redneg"

- Why in the world is Graham in this game still? He’s a terrible player! [laughing] Like, am I the only one seeing the ridiculousness of this? He was absolutely horrible those first few days. He’s the worst player I’ve ever seen. I love this game and him calling himself a superfan is an insult. He does nothing around camp. He’s meek, anxious and antisocial. The kid needs to go home because he’s in way over his head. I don’t like him being around here. But...now that we’re at the merge, the way I see it...a guy like Graham’s the perfect jury goat. No one in their right mind would want a mess like him to win this game.

Bridgette: Wait, guys, what should we name the tribe?

Kim: Something poetic...cool and philosophical sounding...

Brandy: How about ‘Redneg’? You know, it’s, ‘Gender’ spelled backwards.

Kim: You know what, I’m down for that.

Abraham: All in favor of Redneg?

Bridgette: I’ll get the paint and get to work on the flag!

Mary-Anne: I’ll come help!

Bridgette and Mary-Anne run off to retrieve the paints from the crate to paint their new tribe flag and name, gigging as they go.

When they return, midday is here. The tribe is dispersing; some to go off and talk and have their conversations, others hang around to watch and help Bridgette and Mary-Anne paint their new gold-colored flag.

Bridgette: You think we should do handprints? That’s what they usually do, right?

Mary-Anne: Or have them sign their names?

Bridgette: Yeah that’s a good idea! We should choose a different ink for each. Greta, what’s your favorite color?

Greta: Oh, I don’t know, I’m not fussy…

Mary-Anne: Just pick one, Greta!

Greta: Oh, alright, I want lime green.

The girls get to work on painting. Graham is sitting near them, watching them outline their new tribe name.

"redneg"

- We have got to have the worst tribe name in the history of Survivor. Redneg? ‘Gender’ backwards? That’s Brandy’s bright idea? It’s so silly. I feel like I’m back in grade school. That’s the extent of this blockhead’s creativity.

Graham gets up to go talk with Dillan, who is standing by the shelter.

Graham: So what are the guys talking about?

Dillan: As far as they’re concerned, I’m still in tight with them.

Graham: Okay, good.

Dillan notices the worried expression on Graham’s face.

Dillan: Hey, don’t sweat it, alright? I give you my word, that I have your back, and I’m looking out for you.

Graham: Right, and I appreciate that, really.

"redneg"

- Back at Seuntjie, I was aligned with Abraham, Brandy, Sven and Logan. Now, two of them are gone and I also have ties to Graham. We’ve had to scratch each others’ backs to keep each other safe while we were outnumbered by the girls, and now that we’re at the merge, I want to do right by him and protect him from people like Brandy. I still have faith in our NuSeuntjie pact, but the problem with a merge is that there are old connections and then there are new ones, and it’s a problem when you have to choose one or the other to stay true to and honor.

Abraham is sitting on a log with Brandy and Kim, talking conspiratorially. Sasha is coming up to join them, and plops down in the sand to listen.

Abraham: Where are the lines drawn after all this?

Sasha: Mallorie and Bridgette are close, that’s for sure.

Brandy: What about the old lady?

Sasha: Greta? Be nice, she ain’t just the ‘older lady’ archetype.

Kim: I like Greta. She seems nice.

Brandy: She seems lucky to have made it this far.

Abraham: She should be easy to sway.

He looks over at Mary-Anne, far off in the distance, laughing as she paints with Bridgette and Greta.

Abraham: Is Mary-Anne still with us?

Sasha: I’m with her, and she’s with me. We formed a connection that we never had before on the old Meisie.

Abraham: Then I hope you can bring her over here and keep her loyal to us because we need her to stick with us right now. I need to be able to trust you two.

Dillan comes up to talk to the group.

Dillan: Hey.

Abraham: Dillan, you’re our main connection to the other four. What went on at Seuntjie?

Dillan: We mostly stuck together to get rid of the main troublemakers on the tribe.

Sasha is silent for a while.

Sasha: And Lydia?

Dillan: Lydia...wasn’t meant to go home. Felicity played an idol, but...we sent her home right after.

Abraham: What’s your take on the girls?

Dillan: Um...well, Mallorie seems to be running the show.

Abraham: Is that so?

Dillan: She’s a...strategic force. Bridgette’s also very smart, but Mallorie puts herself out there.

"redneg"

- I know that this was the Battle of the Sexes. If I’m the one leading the men, then there has to be someone in charge of the women, and that person is Mallorie. I’ve had a couple conversations with her and I get the vibe that she’s clearly a very smart, very intelligent young woman who views and plays this game very analytically. That makes her a threat.

Abraham and Mallorie are taking a walk in the woods, having an amicable conversation, each sizing the other up.

Abraham: I heard this chick Felicity gave you girls a lot of trouble.

Mallorie: Yes. She played the game way too hard and way too aggressively right out of the gate. I figured, someone like that - she had to go.

Abraham: Yeah, yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from.

They continue walking.

Abraham: How was Graham and Dillan at your camp?

Mallorie: They were nice. Graham had a lot to say about you boys.

Abraham twitches involuntarily.

Abraham: Is that so?

Mallorie: What about you? How’d it go with Mary-Anne and Sasha?

Abraham: Nah, don’t change the subject. What’d Graham say?

Mallorie: [pauses] He said he was on the bottom with your lot.

Abraham: [laughing heartily] Well, yeah, that’s no surprise. I hold nothing against the kid, but he was not built to last in this kind of environment.

Mallorie: I’d say he’s doing well so far. How’d it go with Mary-Anne and Sasha at your camp?

Abraham thinks it over.

Abraham: The two girls were alright. Sasha, for one, is a fierce competitor, which I like.

Mallorie: That, she is.

The two continue walking.

Abraham: It’s crazy, to think we’ve merged.

Mallorie: Yeah. It’s a whole different ball game now. The playing field’s gotten much larger. Even back on our old tribe, we didn’t have numbers this big.

Abraham: One would only need six to control this next vote.

Mallorie: That is true. The numbers don’t lie.

Abraham: What are you thinking, in terms of numbers?

The two of them reach the well and Abraham begins ladling water into his canteen, not taking his eyes off Mallorie.

Mallorie: I think that...I’m going to wait it out and play it by ear. I’m open to options, if you’re interested in floating any.

Abraham: I’m just saying...that the people who go home at the merge are usually big players.

Mallorie nods, narrowing her eyes.

Abraham: And the way I see it, you’re a pretty big player...as am I.

Mallorie: [squinting] I take that as a compliment.

Abraham: I mean, all I’ve heard so far of you is that you’re running the show, that you spearheaded the smear campaign against this ‘Felicity’, and that you made the choice to axe her when you could. None of it happened without you.

Mallorie smiles a little coolly.

Mallorie: You flatter me. I haven’t had time to hear of your exploits in enough detail yet, but Graham’s had a lot to say about you. He says you’re the de facto leader of the boys.

Abraham: [shrugging] There’s a lot of testosterone in that group. They want the biggest and the buffest to lead them, so I stepped up to the plate. But the point is, that was back then. Like you said, this is a different playing field.

Mallorie: And like I said, I’ll play things by ear.

Abraham: [nodding] Alright.

"redneg"

- Abraham is definitely on my case. I think he’s intimidated, knowing that I used to, in a sense, be in control with the girls. He was my mirror image, except on a tribe of boys, and so I think he sees me as his female counterpart, and when he views me as an equal, he’s sizing me up as a threat over an asset or an ally. I wouldn’t be surprised if Abraham tries to take a shot at me. I suppose it’s flattering to know he’s threatened by me, but it makes my job a lot harder and I can’t hide it very well.

The day drags on, as clouds swoop on by in the distance. Down by the beach, Bridgette and Mary-Anne are finishing up on the tribe flag, and are talking in low voices.

Bridgette: So, what do you think of the guys so far?

Mary-Anne: Graham and Dillan?

Bridgette: Yeah.

Mary-Anne: Oh, they’re really sweet. I see why you like them. Graham seems kinda shy though.

Bridgette: He’s the mild-mannered sort, yeah.

"redneg"

- To be back with my girl Bridgette, it’s a big relief. I no longer feel like I’m on the edge of a cliff, teetering, trying to stay on my toes, always looking over my shoulder to make sure I don’t fall. That’s what it felt like being on the bottom, outnumbered and alone, without anyone really having my back all the way to the end. I hope that with Bridgette, Mallorie and Greta back, we can resurrect our old alliance and get things going. My biggest concern right now is how to deal with the Testosterone Camp. Abraham, Brandy and Kim are still running a tight ship and they expect to have me, Sasha and Dillan on board with them. There are two ships setting sail and us three are still waiting on the docks.

Bridgette: You know that, with this merge, it’s more important than ever that we retain the numbers.

Mary-Anne: Yeah, I know. Who do you have for sure?

Bridgette: I have Mallorie and Greta, and you, of course. Graham was on the bottom with the guys. I don’t think he’d go back to them.

The camera cuts to Graham, walking around camp, and finally sitting down next to Mallorie by the fire. Brandy sits opposite him, blatantly ignoring Graham, as he jokes with Abraham and Kim in a loud booming voice.

Bridgette: Dillan, I hope I can trust, but I don’t know what connections he had with the boys.

Mary-Anne: What I got so far is that Abraham’s the alpha male, and Brandy’s the beta.

Bridgette: Yeah, that tallies up with what I’ve seen so far. Brandy is really irritating.

Mary-Anne: I know he is. I had to deal with that the whole time I was on this camp.

Bridgette: I feel for you. That had to be rough. I think he could be a viable option for the merge boot.

Mary-Anne: Brandy?

Bridgette: There would be no shortage of people rallying behind that. And I heard of the way he did Graham dirty and I’m not fond of him. We need to get a voting bloc together for the first vote and make sure that a guy goes home.

Mary-Anne: [thinking] There’s a lot to think about.

Bridgette: I know, it’s not going to be easy, but it never is.

Day 20
The sun rises, and members of the Redneg tribe are waking up. Smoke is rising into the sky, as Sasha pokes at the fire with a burnt stick, wiping her grimy face with the back of her sleeve.

Graham is sitting on the edge of the shelter, swinging his legs back and forth.

Sasha: Good morning, Graham Cracker.

Graham smiles a little sheepishly.

Graham: Morning.

Sasha: Not a morning person? I didn't think so. You seem lethargic.

Graham: [yawning] No...I’m not a morning person at all.

Sasha: You mumble a lot in your sleep, you know that?

Graham: It’s not the first time I’ve heard about it.

Sasha: It’s annoying.

She pauses.

Sasha: And what is it that you do for a living?

Graham: I’m a budding scriptwriter.

Sasha: Ah...I see. I was never much of a writer myself.

Graham: Most of what I write, I take inspiration from Survivor. I think it’s a great social experiment with a lot of material.

"redneg"

- Graham is…such a nerd. [laughs] This guy literally…all he talks about is the game. He’s a total gamebot, and he ain’t even a good one either! He’s just kind of goofy, a little weird and eccentric, and kind of...weak. That’s all I can say about him.

Graham yawns again.

Graham: I’m gonna go...get water. Does anyone...wanna...come…?

Brandy meets his eyes with a cold gaze for a second, then Graham looks away.

Kim: Come on, Graham, you can go with me.

Graham and Kim leave. Brandy sits up once they go and scoots over to talk to Sasha a little bit better.

Brandy: See what I mean?

Mary-Anne is watching their exchange with half-open eyes, still lying on her side in the shelter, buried under stray articles of clothing.

Abraham: Make way, I’m going to whip us up something to eat.

Sasha gets up as Abraham tends to the pot.

Brandy: I might go catch us some fish. Dillan?

Dillan: You go on. I...want to stay in for a bit.

Brandy: Suit yourself.

He heads off on his own to the water. Dillan pokes at Mary-Anne, who turns around to face him.

Dillan: [mouthing] Wanna take a walk?

Mary-Anne nods and the two take their leave. They walk down the beach, leaving footprints behind them in the sand. Mary-Anne is only half-dressed, wrapping a large flimsy shawl around her body, that billows around her as the wind picks up.

Out at sea, Brandy is struggling to row his boat out into the water.

Dillan: So I never really got to talk to you, face-to-face, one-on-one yet.

Mary-Anne: Oh, yeah. I feel like we do need to speak.

Dillan: You’re a bartender, right?

Mary-Anne: Yeah.

Dillan: That’s cool. Which bar?

"redneg"

- I think this is where my social game needs to shine. I’ve already heard a lot about Mary-Anne from Bridgette and I think I’ll really need to connect with Mary-Anne in the three days before tribal if we’re going to work something out. We’re both in the same two alliances, one with Abraham and Brandy, and another with Bridgette, Mallorie and Graham. It’s best we figure out where we should move to, because we could be controlling the other three votes in Kim, Sasha and Greta, and with the numbers up in the air like this, we’ve really gotta lock it down, because we could shape the rest of the game in these three days.

Dillan: I wanted to talk to you about the game.

Mary-Anne: Yeah. Go on.

Dillan: The way I see it, you know, I think we could be in the middle.

Mary-Anne: You think?

Dillan: I think we’re swings. We’ve both got our hands in the cookie jars, we’re dabbling in both alliances. It’s...Bridgette, Mallorie and Graham solidly on one end…

The camera cuts to Graham back from the well, sitting between both girls in the shelter, looking at something off-screen.

Mary-Anne: And Abraham and Brandy on the other, right.

Dillan: Kim will do whatever I do.

Mary-Anne: He seems tight with Abe and Brandy. I don’t trust him very much, he’s just their extra number.

Dillan: What about Sasha?

Mary-Anne: I think she trusts me but I also know she has ties to Abe and Brandy. I could convince her to vote with me but she could go in either direction.

Dillan: And Greta?

Mary-Anne: I was the first person she really made a personal connection to. I think Greta could be easy to sway to either side.

Dillan: She’d probably have a hard time doing it, though, if she has to betray someone.

Mary-Anne: Yeah. She has a hard time out here with her emotions. I don’t blame her. Almost twenty days out here and even I’m starting to go a little batty.

"redneg"

- The way I see it right now, it’s Bridgette, Mallorie and Graham on one side, Abraham and Brandy on the other. Bridgette and Mallorie are insistent that one of the boys - Abraham and Brandy - needs to go home, because they’re both loud and obnoxious and think they’re running the game and sending one of the two boys home sends a message and draws the lines in the sand. Graham obviously wants one of them gone for what went down on the old Seuntjie. And Abraham and Brandy still firmly believe that the old alliance with Kim and I is staying Seuntjie-strong, and they want to send the strongest and most strategic female threat in Mallorie home first at this next tribal. Kim is in the boys’ camp and Greta’s in the girls’, which effectively leaves me and Mary-Anne smack dab in the middle. I think we both like Bridgette and Mallorie’s alliance a lot more but it’s not always about choosing who we like the best but choosing the best option for our game. The very fact that a guy like Brandy is so unlikeable makes him a perfect person to drag to the end, because no one would vote for him. What this means is that Mary-Anne and I could be in a tough position.

Graham is cleaning his spectacles, glancing at Brandy, who is emerging from the water. He nudges Bridgette next to him.

Graham: Brandy’s not happy to see me.

Bridgette: Don’t pay him any mind.

Mallorie sits down with them.

Graham: What do you think so far? Do we have the numbers for this next vote?

Mallorie: I think it’s tug-of-war right now.

She jerks her head at Abraham, who is stirring the pot of boiling water, just out of earshot.

Mallorie: He and Brandy think they’re running the show.

Bridgette: Graham, you don’t think Dillan would go back to them, right?

Graham: [shrugging] It’s possible, they were once aligned. But we’ve also created a new alliance.

Bridgette: We have to make sure we land in the majority.

Graham: Well, you two know you have my word, I’m sticking with y’all to the end.

Mallorie: If Greta stays loyal...and Mary-Anne’s still with us...and Dillan doesn’t flip...then that’s six, and it’s all we need.

Graham: What about Sasha?

Mallorie: She was never really keen on working with us, even at the start. Lydia was her only real ally. She’s a floater, she just votes wherever the numbers are.

Graham: So we need Mary-Anne?

Bridgette: We were good friends and allies in the beginning but we were on different tribes for much longer.

Mallorie: You need to ensure she’s still with us.

The camera cuts to Mary-Anne, heading back up to camp with a bundle of firewood, walking and talking with Dillan and Kim.

Mallorie: We need to rely on her to have the numbers for our first vote.

"redneg"

- Mary-Anne is, right now, the crucial number we need. Abraham and Brandy, clearly, think that their alliance with Kim, Dillan and Sasha has the numbers. So we need to make sure Mary-Anne is with us. If she and Dillan give us the numbers, we have all we need for this first vote, and leave the other four on the outs. So I need Bridgette to make sure our girl is not thinking of flipping.

Bridgette is leaning back in the shelter, eating rice out of a coconut shell, when Kim and Mary-Anne arrive and sit down.

Kim: Hey Bridgette.

Bridgette: Yeah, Kim?

Kim: I’ve been meaning to tell you, that I’ve heard...terrible....horrible rumors!

Bridgette: [aghast] What kind of rumors?

Kim: [leaning in ominously]...that you’ve been swapping SPIT with Dillan.

Bridgette snorts as Kim bursts into laughter. Mary-Anne covers her mouth, shaking with silent giggles.

Kim: That’s hilarious.

Bridgette: Oh, Kim, I thought you were being serious.

Kim: I am serious. News spreads fast.

Bridgette: [beet red] Who told you? Dillan?

Kim: Graham may have mentioned it earlier.

Bridgette: Oh, that little…

Kim: To be fair, it would’ve leaked out one way or another.

Bridgette: We’re not attached at the hip but yeah, Dillan’s hot. I can admit to that.

Kim: Oh yeah, he’s SOOO hot.

Bridgette: You’re teasing me, aren’t you? Oh, brother.

"redneg"

- I’m still playing up this funny guy role [laughing] and I really do think it’s hilarious that Bridgette and Dillan have been making out and think no one who wasn’t on their tribe previously would not find out. Dillan’s gotten a girlfriend while the tribes have been swapped and what have I done? The dude’s got smooth moves.

Brandy comes up.

Brandy: [mock voice] Ma’am, is this man giving you any trouble? I’ll beat him up if you need me to.

Bridgette: Oh, no, Brandy. [laughing] My hero. Kim’s a sweetheart, he wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Kim: I’d hurt a spider though. Spiders are just plain nasty.

Brandy: I’ll be watching you…

He playfully punches Kim’s arm and leaves.

Day 21
Jeff: Come on in guys!

In comes the new Redneg tribe, wearing their gold buffs proudly, all smiles. Brandy plants the tribe flag firmly in the ground and joins the others on the mat.

Jeff: Ready to get to your first individual immunity challenge?

The tribe choruses their affirmation with enthusiasm.

Jeff: Alright. First things first, Kim, I will take it back.

Kim hands the tribal immunity idol back to Jeff.

Jeff: Tribal immunity is no more. [unveils individual immunity] Now, this is what you covet.

Kim whistles.

Kim: That’d look good around my neck.

Dillan smirks.

Jeff: Individual immunity - with this around your neck, you are safe, and cannot be voted out at Tribal Council. Tonight is the first tribal council after the merge, and you want to walk into tribal council tonight knowing you’re not going home. For today’s challenge, you will each race to dig up a peg that you will use to maneuver through a table maze. The first six to finish will move onto the next round, where you will use four individually shaped pegs to help you get to the top of a climbing wall. The first three to get to the top of the wall move onto the final round, where you will have to solve a slide puzzle. The first person to solve the puzzle wins immunity and is guaranteed a one in nine chance of winning this game, and one step closer to the million dollars. Losers - Tribal Council, where after twenty days, someone’s shot at the title of Sole Survivor will come up short. We’ll draw for spots and get started.

Soon, the castaways are ready.

Jeff: Here we go! First six to get through the table maze move on to the second round! Survivors ready? Go!

The castaways race to dig up their pegs.

Jeff: You have to dig up your peg and get it through the table maze!

Brandy is a beast, shoveling bucketfuls of sand aside as he barrels into the dirt with his giant hands. Heaps of sand go flying into the air as he goes crazy.

Jeff: Brandy, going nuts, trying to find his peg!

Abraham is first up, running with his peg.

Jeff: Abraham has his peg! Start working on your table maze!

Sasha is getting to her feet, looking scrappy, clutching her peg tightly as she sprints to her maze. Mallorie is up, not a split second after, chasing Sasha.

Jeff: Sasha has her peg! Mallorie has her peg!

Abraham is already working on his maze, furiously jamming his peg into the hole and jerking it around.

Bridgette is clambering to her feet, her peg in her fist. Dillan digs his up as well, and Graham is up and running.

Brandy sifts through the mess of sand and has his just as quickly.

Mary-Anne looks grubby, searching through her pit of sand. She finally gets it and begins running, hot on Brandy’s heels. Kim, the last of the bunch, gets his as well and now, everyone is working on their maze except Greta.

Jeff: Greta, the only person to not have her peg yet!

The other nine castaways are now moving their peg through their maze, intense looks of concentration on everyone’s faces. Greta winces, looking up at them, upset, her chest heaving.

Jeff: Abraham, had a huge lead, and appears to be squandering it.

Abraham: No I’m not, Jeff.

Abraham scratches his head, looking at his maze as if he has never seen one before, the gears metaphorically turning in his head as he glowers at the puzzle laid out before him.

Jeff: Brandy is moving quickly! But is he doing it right?

Brandy is once again going about the challenge as aggressively and as brusquely as possible, not making much significant progress.

Everyone is at various stages in the maze. Sasha is in the lead, with Mallorie not far behind. Bridgette is catching up. Kim, Dillan and Graham are all still in the first section of the maze. Kim looks stumped.

Jeff: Greta finally has her peg!

Greta scurries over to her table maze.

Jeff: Sasha getting closer and closer…Mallorie right behind her…

Sasha has her peg free and smashes the tile waiting at the end of her table to signify she had completed it.

Jeff: Sasha, moving on to the next round!

Mallorie is free seconds behind her, and does the same.

Jeff: Mallorie, moving on to the next round! We’re looking for four more!

Abraham has been dancing around the same section of the maze for quite a while now, but is getting closer to the end by sheer brute force.

Jeff: Abraham, getting closer to the end!

Graham is starting to catch up now, with Dillan inches behind, and Kim right after. Bridgette looks puzzled, but is not giving up.

With a grunt, Abraham gets his peg free.

Jeff: Abraham, moving on!

Brandy is moving faster and faster, and is closer to the end than the others. Mary-Anne is getting left behind, with Greta, hurrying to catch up.

Brandy gets through the maze, smashing the tile with some authority.

Jeff: Brandy, moving on!

Mary-Anne and Kim are now passing Dillan, who is circling back. Graham is going slow and steady, but getting close to the end. At last, he pulls out his peg.

Jeff: Graham, moving on! We’re looking for one more! It is Mary-Anne, Kim, Dillan, Greta and Bridgette, fighting for one more spot!

Mary-Anne is making good ground, but still with a bit of a way to go. Bridgette is making fast work, with still a lot to catch up. Dillan is making little progress. Kim is starting to pull ahead, looking excited.

Greta is nowhere near finishing.

Jeff: Kim is getting close! Mary-Anne and Dillan right behind! Bridgette getting close! Who will it be?

With a few more furious jerks…

Kim gets his peg free in time!

Jeff: Kim, moving on! That means Mary-Anne, Dillan, Bridgette and Greta - no shot at immunity.

Dillan: [wincing] Damn.

Jeff: Take a spot on the bench. Everyone else, we’re moving on.

The six remaining castaways take their spots below their climbing walls.

Jeff: We have Graham, Abraham, Brandy, Sasha, Mallorie and Kim fighting for immunity. First three to the top of the wall will move on. Survivors ready? Go!

The castaways race to their walls. Some are getting their pegs ready, others are adopting different strategies.

Jeff: You each have four pegs to do whatever you wish with, as long as it gets you up this wall.

Abraham runs up the wall, shoving one peg into the halfway mark and clinging on for dear life. Brandy is trying to brute force this section of the challenge as well, sliding down it and crying out as his skin brushes down the surface of the wall, turning red.

Graham is wobbling unsteadily, trying to balance on one peg as he reaches up to plant another in the wall.

Mallorie is looking at the wall analytically.

Mallorie: [murmuring] How do I go about this?

Sasha is heading right into it. Using her allocated resources, she is nimbly scaling the wall, using all four pegs slowly but precisely.

Abraham is getting closer to the top, using very little pegs, but using them wisely.

Graham slips and falls down his wall, yelping as he does.

Greta covers her mouth a little as she sees this.

Dillan: You got this, Graham. Don’t give up.

Abraham is close to the top, and reaching out with one burly hand, he pulls himself up triumphantly.

Jeff: Abraham, moving on! We’re looking for two more!

Sasha is making her way up well. To her left, Kim is squirreling his way up slowly but surely, a grin on his face. To her right, Mallorie is a little behind, but planning out her moves ahead.

Jeff: Graham and Brandy, both out of it. It is Sasha, Kim and Mallorie, all in the running for the last two spots. Sasha, with a slight lead.

As Graham falls down again and Brandy trips, Sasha gets to the top of the wall and stretches.

Jeff: Sasha, moving on! We are looking for one more, it is down to Mallorie and Kim.

Kim is just a little ahead of Mallorie, and looking down at her for a brief moment, he turns back to face the edge of the wall ahead of him, and clambers up, grunting as he does so.

Jeff: Kim, moving on! It is Abraham, Sasha and Kim, moving on to the final round for individual immunity.

Kim pretends to flex at Abraham, bursting into laughter at the look on the other man’s face.

Mallorie scowls as she slides down to join Graham and Brandy.

Jeff: Alright, our final round - for immunity...Survivors ready? Go!

The three remaining castaways get to work on their slide puzzles.

Jeff: This is the age-old classic slide puzzle. You either study the puzzle and formulate a plan, or slide them around willy-nilly and hope you luck out. Someone in this three’s going to win, and you’re going to earn it when you walk into tribal council tonight feeling safe.

Sasha’s face is screwed up in concentration as she moves her tiles around. Abraham is moving his tiles around at breakneck speed, his furrowed brow showing he is thinking quickly.

Kim looks plain confused, chuckling to himself every now and again as he stares at his puzzle, completely stumped.

Jeff: You are making the Survivor logo of this season. It’s on your buff. You’ve seen it for twenty days. Now...you have to recreate it, with immunity on the line. Keep your focus…

Sasha’s puzzle is starting to look more like the real thing. Abraham glances over, hoping to catch up.

Jeff: Sasha getting closer…

Sasha slides one more tile and steps back.

Sasha: Jeff.

Jeff: Sasha thinks she has it…[runs over] and that’s it! Sasha wins first individual immunity!

Sasha claps, her face a mask of determination. Abraham comes over and gives her a quick one-armed hug, with a pat on the back.

Abraham: Good job.

Downstairs, below the wall, the rest of the tribe is clapping politely.

Jeff: Sasha, come on up.

The tribe claps again as Sasha steps up to stand next to Jeff.

Jeff: Sasha - safe at tribal council tonight, cannot be voted out. As for the rest of you, after 21 days, for one of you, your dream at the million dollars will be cut short. You have the rest of the afternoon to figure out who it’s gonna be. It should make for an interesting tribal. I’ll see you guys tonight.

He slaps Sasha on the back as she heads back to grab her things and leave with the group.

The camera focuses on Mallorie as she leaves.

"redneg"

- Tonight is going to be the first tribal after the merge, and it’s the most important one so far because I know my name’s been thrown out there. Abraham and myself have been going toe-to-toe, and this vote determines which one of us comes out on top, and which one of us stays on the bottom.

The tribe returns to the Redneg camp. Mary-Anne pats Sasha on the shoulder.

Mary-Anne: Congrats.

Sasha: [smiling] Thanks.

"redneg"

- First individual immunity after the merge - I’m showing ‘em I’ve got the moxie. [flexes mockingly] I feel like I’ve made a statement. And it feels good to be a winner.

Mallorie is tossing her bags into the shelter, turning to regard Graham and Bridgette, who are standing nearby.

Mallorie: We need to discuss the vote.

Graham: [nodding] Yeah.

Mallorie: If we can get Greta, Dillan and Mary-Anne on board, that’s everyone we need.

Bridgette: We can get the numbers, I’m sure of it.

Mallorie: Do you want to do Abraham first, or Brandy?

Bridgette: We have to see what the others will go for.

Mary-Anne runs down to join Abraham, Brandy, Kim, Sasha and Dillan by the shoreline, as Abraham is laying out the game plan.

Mary-Anne: Hey. So what’s the plan?

Abraham: I’m thinking Mallorie has to go first.

The camera cuts to Mallorie walking to and fro, going about her business at camp.

Abraham: We knock out Mallorie first, then Bridgette, and then Graham. Us six, right here, this is the Final Six. As long as everyone sticks to this, we’re in the clear.

Brandy is nodding insistently. Dillan looks at the floor.

Abraham: Mallorie is a very smart player. I daresay she’s the most analytical one of us here. And Bridgette’s a strong card in her deck. The two need to go, stat.

"redneg"

- For this first vote, I’m pulling together all my influences. I have Kim and Dillan from the first Seuntjie alliance, and Mary-Anne and Sasha from the second. We’re going after Mallorie tonight because she’s the leader of the opposing alliance, and she has Bridgette and Graham with her. So Mallorie has to go - we need to cut the head off the snake. I hope people can see that and don’t try anything stupid.

Sasha: And what if...Mallorie has an idol?

Abraham: [pauses] You’re right. Shoot, I didn’t think of that.

Brandy: Let’s just lie about the vote.

Kim: We say...it’s Bridgette?

Abraham: I think Mallorie’s smart enough and she’d think that we’d act like the vote is her, but we’re actually dumping our votes on her closest ally. I say we tell them the vote is Graham. We just say we want him gone because of last time and tonight is just unfinished business. But we all vote Mallorie. Leave that trio in the dark. She’d expect us to vote one of her allies, not her.

Mary-Anne: What do we do about Greta?

Abraham: I’m going to try and strong-arm Greta into voting with us. I can’t see her putting up much of a fight. Once we have the majority, the rest of them will have to follow.

The camera cuts to a transitional shot of a crab scuttling along in the sand, before cutting back to the action.

Abraham is now walking along the beach with Greta by his side, making wild gestures with his hands, talking animatedly.

Abraham: Here’s the deal.

Greta: Yes?

Abraham: It’s Mallorie.

Greta: It is?

Abraham: Mallorie’s going home.

Greta looks shocked.

Abraham: We have the numbers. There’s no stopping it.

Greta: And who’s out of the loop on this?

Abraham: Other than Mallorie herself, Bridgette and Graham. That’s all. But I think that...you are valuable to us, and to me. And so I don’t want you to be in the minority on this. That’s why I’m telling you what the vote is, so you know.

"redneg"

- I feel like Abraham is too...forthright. I don’t want to have to betray the girls. Bridgette and Mallorie have been so kind to me. I couldn’t do that to them. But I also hope he wasn’t telling the truth, that the numbers are against us. I don’t know what kind of alliance he’s managed to pull together.

Greta: And you’re sure?

Abraham: Yes. I have the guys from my old tribe and the girls from Seuntjie 2.0. I hope you’ll join us in voting tonight. It would prove trust to all of us and cement your status as part of this majority.

Greta looks uncomfortable.

Abraham: Then we’ll go after Bridgette and Graham next. They’re both a little weaker so Mallorie has to go to the jury first.

Greta: Can I go...talk to Mary-Anne?

Abraham: Of course! Whatever you need.

"redneg"

- I again feel out-of-place and disoriented. I’m scared and I don’t know how Abraham has gotten this plan on so quickly but I need to report back to Mallorie. I just hope it’s not too late to save her.

Greta is back with Mallorie.

Mallorie: What’s wrong, Greta? You look worried again.

Greta: Abraham just told me...the boys are voting for you.

Mallorie: [scowling] For me?

Greta: Yes. What should we do?

Mallorie: It seems suspicious he’d tell you that.

Bridgette looks nervous.

Bridgette: You think he’s bluffing?

Mallorie: I can see a way where...he says the vote is me, but he’s actually going after one of you. Like, is he really that boneheaded that he would admit to my face I'm the target? He's very strategic.

She indicates Bridgette and Graham with her eyes.

Mallorie: They know we’re close. [looking at Bridgette]

Bridgette: So you think they’re voting for me? I'm the closest to you, it's clear.

Mallorie: I’m saying Abraham and his goons are definitely coming for one of us four.

Graham: So we need the numbers. We just need to get Mary-Anne and Dillan to vote with us.

Bridgette: I can sway both. I have a good relationship with both of them.

Graham: I can help with Dillan. We've bonded.

Greta: I can also talk to Mary-Anne.

Mallorie: We need those two. I don’t dare think about what happens if Abraham or Brandy has an idol.

Greta: So wait, what do we do?

Mallorie: We can take out the right hand man in Brandy or go after the leader Abraham.

Graham: I want the satisfaction of writing Brandy’s name down.

Mallorie: None of this matters unless we get Mary-Anne and Dillan to vote with us.

Bridgette, Greta and Mary-Anne are now sitting in a row on the beach, talking.

Bridgette: So here’s what I’m thinking.

Mary-Anne: Mhm?

Bridgette: I say we take a shot at Abraham.

The camera cuts to Abraham, checking on the rice, as Dillan stands over him, listening to him chat about one thing or another.

Bridgette: Right now, he’s trying to get the whole tribe on lock. He’s gathering all his influences and connections to isolate me, Mallorie, Greta and Graham.

Mary-Anne: I know.

Bridgette: It’s Mallorie for being a strategic threat, Graham for being on the outs with the guys and me for being aligned closely with Mallorie. And he’s got Brandy loyal to a fault. That’s where everyone stands right now, and you and Dillan could be piggy in the middle.

Mary-Anne: I’m loyal to you, Bridgette. You know that.

Bridgette: He thinks Greta is weak and will be blindly loyal if he promises to protect her. He’s too big an alpha threat, trying to get everyone under his control, even people he doesn't have to, and he’s suffocating himself in the process. He’s like a male Felicity.

"redneg"

- I know this puts Mary-Anne and Dillan on the spot. I am very close and like both of them but they both have individual loyalties in one way or another to Abraham and Brandy. Me and Mallorie and Graham are fighting to secure these votes. The day’s almost over and I’m very nervous if we can pull this off and get the majority we need.

Mary-Anne beckons to Dillan, and the two head off on their own, further down the beach, to have a quick conversation.

Mary-Anne: It’s looking more and more likely that...I’m in the middle of these two alliances, and so are you.

Dillan nods.

Mary-Anne: So we need to decide which way we go for tonight.

Dillan folds his arms.

Dillan: Okay, well…What are you thinking, that we could be in the middle?

Mary-Anne: I think we have a big decision to make because what we do is going to shape the rest of this game.

Dillan: Do you think...we have enough influence to make this move?

Mary-Anne: I’ve got Sasha.

Dillan: And I’ve got Kim.

"redneg"

- Right now, the four of us could be in the middle. Dillan claims to be able to convince Kim and I believe Sasha trusts me more than she does Abraham and Brandy. Us four are deciding which faction to side with. It’s my original girls Bridgette, Mallorie and Greta on one side with Graham, and Abraham and Brandy on the other. I want to side with my girls but that would mean a ginormous alliance of eight on what will soon be a tribe of just nine people. It’s the heart vs. the brain. I want to do one thing but the gamer in me tells me to go the other way and I don’t know who to listen to.

Dillan and Kim are standing side by side near the fire, looking inconspicuous, as the former whispers to the latter.

Dillan: You know who you’re voting for?

Kim: It’s Mallorie, isn’t it?

Dillan hesitates.

"redneg"

- I have a very important decision to make tonight. I have individual loyalties to both old and new alliances, and I need to know which of these various relationships I can rely on. It’s very exciting to try and put a plan together, and even now, I’m not entirely sure on what is the right move. But this game is fluid, and you have to be able to adapt to it as it changes. I’m just going to roll with the punches.

Mallorie, Bridgette and Graham are once again meeting up to talk at camp.

Bridgette: I’ve talked to Mary-Anne and Greta. I think they’ll stay loyal to our original girls’ alliance.

Mallorie: Where’s Dillan’s and Kim’s heads at?

Graham: I don’t know about Kim. I used to like him, but he’s also been working with Abraham and Brandy. And Dillan...I hope he’s being sincere about having my back. I want to believe him.

Mallorie: Right now, I trust this three the most, and we need to have these people on lock if we’re going to send Abraham or Brandy home.

She turns to watch as Abraham walks around nearby.

Mallorie: I’m going to talk to Abraham to see if I can sneak some info out of him.

Bridgette: I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.

Mallorie heads off anyway, as Bridgette and Graham share a look.

Mallorie and Abraham are now taking another walk in the forest, to talk.

Mallorie: I wanted to ask you…

Abraham: Lay it on me.

Mallorie stops walking and turns to face Abraham.

Mallorie: I’ve heard rumors that you’re coming after me.

Abraham: [strokes his beard] From who?

Mallorie: Let’s just say information leaks.

Abraham stares at Mallorie for a bit.

Abraham: I don’t know what to say. Are you asking me or confronting me?

Mallorie: Listen, it’s a game. Everyone vulnerable tonight is going to be scared, I get it. I just want to know why.

Abraham: In that case, I’m just not going to [censored] you. I’m pretty sure it’s you going home tonight.

Mallorie scowls, looking taken aback.

Abraham: I don’t want to throw my weight around, but I’m just being honest with you here.

Mallorie: I just don’t think you’re being very modest right now. You are trying to be a dictator.

Abraham: If you’re going to come after me, I’m going to do the same! That’s just the way it is, and there’s no two ways about that! Don’t get mad at me for wanting to take a shot at you.

Mallorie: [scoffing] And when have I come after you?

Abraham: I know you’ve been trying to mobilize your forces to come after me. You’ve got Bridgette and Graham locked up under your thumb, tight and secure. I have to retaliate.

"redneg"

- Mallorie made me spill the beans about wanting to target her. It worries me if she has an idol but maybe she still believes we’re dumping our votes on either Bridgette or Graham. At any rate, she’s now coming after me, guns blazing. And this is going to be a showdown.

Abraham: As far as I know, you’re going to come after me too. We’re clearly not working together, so I’ve got to make the first strike. It’s all in the name of the game. You’re a threat to me. You’re the most threatening female on this tribe. I need to solidify my alliance and that starts with voting off a big player. Take it as a compliment - I’m sorry but it is what it is, and I understand if you try to turn it against me.

Mallorie: [laughing] You make it sound like it’s my fault.

Abraham: You have the reputation of being in charge of the girls. It’s only natural that makes you a target.

Mallorie: Just like you’re the leader of the boys?

Abraham: Again, it’s just the nature of this game. I respect you. I think you’re a big threat.

"redneg"

- Abraham is targeting me, because he’s threatened by me. And it’s not good news to know my name’s been tossed out there, at the start of the merge. Has war been declared? [smirk] I think so. It’s on. We’re out to get the other.

Night is beginning to set in. The tribe is gathering their belongings, grabbing their torches, and heading out to Tribal Council.

Soon, Redneg has arrived at Tribal Council. Everyone begins putting their torches down and taking their seats. The camera pans down the row to take in all ten members of the tribe.

Jeff: So - our first tribal council after the merge. In this group of ten, there’s bound to be alliances forming, and fast, because everyone wants to be on the right side of the numbers in the very first vote. Mallorie, noticed a lot of that happening?

Mallorie: Oh, yeah, definitely. An interesting part about the merge is that it’s literally, as the name suggests, a merge of old and new alliances. So it’s very interesting to see how it all pans out and who...stays loyal to who.

Dillan rubs the bridge of his nose. Mary-Anne chews on her lower lip, casting a sidelong glance at Bridgette sitting next to her out of the corner of her eye.

Jeff: Bridgette, do you agree with what Mallorie said?

Bridgette: Oh, sure. I think we all saw that...a bunch of factions were very quickly formed, because people want to get a good group they can rely on. That’s what makes this first vote so...tricky.

Abraham nods. Graham’s eyes widen.

Jeff: Dillan, you’ve been with the girls on nuSeuntjie for quite a while.

Dillan: Yeah.

Jeff: But you also spent a lot of time with the boys. So there’s two different loyalties there. Is there going to be a conflict of interest?

Dillan: Y...eah, I think there will be. That’s the problem that comes with a swap. It creates a web of relationships that you have to maintain and it’s...complex. When you have loyalties to people on opposite sides...there’ll be conflict for sure.

Jeff: What about the theme of Battle of the Sexes? Mary-Anne, is that still in effect?

Mary-Anne: I think that, right now, it’s less about the showdown of the genders, but also more about these ten people, these ten PLAYERS - playing an individual game. I think that shift came about since the swap. I mean, look at both our tribes after the swap. We both voted against the majority gender. It’s a sign that this game has transcended...the theme of men vs. women.

Bridgette turns to look at Mary-Anne. Greta nods a little, looking a little spacey.

Jeff: In that case, it would be safe to assume that some of you here, on this tribe, would not be here if not for being saved by other people. That would suggest that you may be in other people’s debt. Would it be hard for you to betray someone who may have saved you in the past?

Abraham's eyes are burning holes into the back of Mary-Anne’s head. Mallorie too turns to look at Mary-Anne, awaiting her response.

Mary-Anne: Yes, it would definitely be a hard thing to do, Jeff. But it’s Survivor.

Brandy smirks. Kim shuffles in his seat.

Jeff: So, Mallorie, right away, what did you see happen after the merge feast? Did the game start being played right away? Was there a period where...people decided to put the game aside, or were there no brakes?

Mallorie: Oh, no, there was definitely some game being played. I think that...it’s in these three days that people have been trying to form little groups or coalitions to take out their intended targets. And that’s part of the game. We don’t want our names to be tossed out as targets.

Jeff: You sound like you’ve heard your name tossed out.

Mallorie: And I have.

Jeff: By who?

Mallorie: By...some of the boys.

Abraham laughs a little. Brandy fidgets. Dillan exhales, leaning back.

Mallorie: It turns out, people are intimidated by a strong woman.

Sasha’s smirk gets even bigger. Brandy licks his lips.

Jeff: Abraham, what do you hope to see happen tonight?

Abraham: I hope that...what I planned for tonight goes according to...well, to plan. And that there are no...surprises...and that it’ll work out for me.

Jeff: Brandy, what about you?

Brandy: I hope to see my target go home, Jeff.

Mallorie gives him the stink-eye. Graham rolls his eyes.

Jeff: And you, Mallorie?

Mallorie: I hope the people who told me what they did...weren’t feeding me lies.

Jeff: Well, at the end of the day, there will be people in this group who’ll have been told lies. At the end of this Tribal Council, you’ll all know who was being lied to.

Kim: [laughing] The suspense is killing me, Jeff!

A couple people laugh. The camera cuts to Abraham’s smile lingering, and then Mallorie looking grim.

Jeff: Alright, I’ve heard enough. It’s time to find out who’s going to come out on top, tonight. It is time to vote. Sasha, you’re up.

Sasha gets up to vote as the music begins to play.

The tribe heads up to vote, one person after the other.

"redneg"

- I have waited to write your name down for twenty days. That moment has finally come.

The camera cuts to Brandy, looking gruff, gritting his teeth as he stares at his feet, the fire reflecting shadows across his face.

Graham folds his parchment up and tosses it into the urn.

Greta heads up...then Dillan...then Kim…

Abraham is up.

"redneg"

- You’re really smart, really intelligent, and I write your name down tonight because I have nothing but respect for you. I'm the King of my Alliance and it makes sense for me to go after the Queen.

The camera cuts to Mallorie, her face and expression serious, as she leans back in her seat, her hands folded in her lap.

Mary-Anne is now heading up to vote. Finally, she returns.

Jeff: I’ll go tally the votes.

He leaves.

The camera pans to Bridgette, Graham and Mallorie, all sitting side-by-side, casting each other looks. The camera then cuts to Abraham and Brandy, sitting together, as Abraham gives Brandy a confident nod.

Mary-Anne takes a deep breath as the camera fades away to the next scene.

Jeff returns.

Jeff: If anyone has the hidden immunity idol and you want to play it, now would be the time to do so.

Mallorie leans back to look down the row at Abraham and Brandy. Abraham props his arm up on his thigh, looking cocky.

Jeff: Alright, once the votes are read, the decision is final. Person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

Bridgette reaches over, and grasps Mallorie’s hand. Greta breathes heavily, covering her mouth with her shaky hands, watching Jeff take out the first vote.

The camera zooms in on Dillan and Mary-Anne, sitting side by side, watching Jeff intently.

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

Brandy scoffs, nodding.

Jeff: Mallorie. (1-1)

Mallorie is swaying left and right, watching her name being read with a serious look on her face. Sasha looks stern.

Jeff: Brandy. Two votes Brandy. (2-1)

Brandy shrugs, unconcerned. Graham arches a brow.

Jeff: Mallorie. We’re tied. Two votes Brandy, two votes Mallorie. (2-2)

Brandy glances at Mallorie, who is tossing her hair over her shoulder with an air of confidence.

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

Brandy licks his lips, starting to look nervous. Dillan blinks, taking a deep breath.

Jeff takes out the next vote.

Jeff: Abraham. One vote Abraham. (3-2-1)

Abraham frowns a little. The camera cuts to Mary-Anne, watching the votes being read.

Jeff: Abraham. That’s two votes Abraham. (3-2-2)

Abraham looks puzzled. Brandy frowns, looking from Kim to Sasha in confusion.

Mary-Anne swallows.

Jeff: Abraham. We’re tied again. (3-3-2)

Realization strikes as Abraham shakes his head, the truth dawning on him. Brandy is looking back and forth, completely befuddled.

Mallorie smiles, wiggling her eyebrows.

Jeff: Three votes Abraham, three votes Brandy, two votes Mallorie.

The camera zooms in as Abraham grins sheepishly, looking depressed.

Dillan turns to look at Bridgette as the latter nods in his direction. Graham strokes his chin.

Jeff: Abraham. That’s four votes Abraham, three votes Brandy, two votes Mallorie, one vote left… (4-3-2)

Abraham: You guys…

Greta looks on solemnly.

Jeff: Seventh person voted out of Survivor: Seychelles and the first member of our jury...Abraham. You need to bring me your torch.

Abraham shakes his head as he gets up. He shakes Brandy’s hand and pats him on the back before leaving.

Abraham: Impressive, Mallorie. Well played.

Bridgette: [whisper] What a move.

Mallorie shoots Bridgette a smirk.

Brandy still looks shell-shocked, swivelling in his seat to watch Abraham pass him by with his bags, then turning back to shoot an accusatory look at Kim.

Kim looks down at the floor. Sasha takes a deep breath.

Mary-Anne’s mouth twitches, as she looks up guiltily to watch Abraham stand before Probst.

Jeff: Abraham…your tribe has spoken. [snuffs torch]

Abraham watches sadly as his torch gets snuffed.

Jeff: Time for you to go.

Abraham: [turning around] Heh. Jerks.

He leaves.

Mallorie winks at Bridgette.

Jeff: Well, that vote answers the question: who was being lied to? And who was on the right, and the wrong, side of the numbers? This merge tribal was only the beginning. Grab your bags and head back to camp, goodnight.

Challenges
Immunity Challenge: Pegatory Knockout [Heroes vs Villains] The castaways will race to dig up a peg that they will use to maneuver through a table maze. The first six to finish will move onto the next round, where they will use four individually shaped pegs to get to the top of a climbing wall. The first three to get to the top of the wall move onto the final round, where they will have to solve a slide puzzle. The first person to solve the puzzle wins immunity. Winner: Sasha

Voting Confessionals
"redneg"

- I’m sorry, you two. I have to pick an allegiance, and your plot’s run out of land.

"redneg"

- Sorry, Abraham, you’re too much of a threat to keep in, and this is a big move for all of us.

"redneg"

- This game is all about alliances and betrayal [winces] I have to pick one camp and stick to it. This is the sacrifice that has to be made.

"redneg"

- We’re splitting the votes to be safe, and in a pair like this, we have to make sure the leader goes home over the lackey.

Final Words
"redneg"

- I screwed myself over. I betrayed too many of my allies, I came on too strong, made myself too much of a target and that’s why I’m sitting here right now. I know my mistakes. I’d give anything to go back in for another rodeo but I’m just grateful to be on the jury.

Next Time on Survivor...

 * Brandy seeks revenge…

"redneg"

- Abraham was a friend and ally. We were meant to go to the end together, and now, because of those girls…he’s gone. And Mallorie had a lot of nerve acting cocky.


 * Mallorie and Bridgette enjoy being at the top.

Mallorie: We’re untouchable right now.


 * Sasha continues to spit fire…

Sasha: Graham, MOVE!

Graham: I’m tryin-

Dillan is charging ahead, lobbing a ball in the air, as Sasha glowers at his back, tackling Mallorie into the water.

Sasha: Get the hell up and GO! I’m not losing this reward! Stop him!


 * The Medallion is back in play…

Jeff: In addition to immunity, the winner of this challenge will earn the Medallion to hand off to somebody in the next challenge.


 * And Mary-Anne contemplates making a big move…

"redneg"

- I just feel like being apart from the girls has had an impact. I see the two of them very close. It bothers me.

Mary-Anne: Do you trust me?

Greta: What are you thinking?

Mary-Anne: I don’t know if this is the right time.

Author’s Notes

 * The episode title ‘I’m The King Of My Alliance’ was coined by Abraham when voting for Mallorie.