Survivor: Chaos Cove
Day Two
Te Dei Tribe
The first night passed by peacefully for Te Dei. The castaways took turns telling personal stories around the campfire they'd made together before trying to sleep on the shelter's bamboo floor. Some had better luck sleeping than others, but the sun poked up over the horizon before anyone was ready, basking the beach in sunlight.
Madison sat cross-legged on the sand, enjoying the moment.
Madison: In the hardcore world of business, you have to constantly be tuned in to succeed. Every morning, I wake up to a barrage of urgent messages, and they don't stop coming. I keep picking at my pocket to check my phone, forgetting I don't have it. Honestly... I could get used to this.
"Someone's up early." Anthony joined her on the beach. "Trouble sleeping?"
Madison shook her head. "I'm always up at the crack of dawn. This is when the spirits are at their most tranquil. You?"
"I've slept better." Anthony cracked his back. "Oof. The shelter did a number on my back."
Britney walked onto the beach, letting out a huge yawn. "How are you guys awake? I couldn't sleep at all."
"You're not the only one," Anthony said.
Madison waved her over. "Come enjoy the sunset, my pupil! That's what it's there for."
"Will do," Britney replied, sitting next to them with a smile. "Thanks."
Britney: Madison's a little bit kooky, but I think she means well. She's been showing off some of her techniques to me and I guess she thinks I'm her student now. And I don't want to hurt her feelings, so I go along with it. At least my social game is off to a good start.
Anthony raised an eyebrow. "What, you're taking Britney on as a student?"
"Only if she's willing," Madison replied.
Before Britney could answer either way, Mike's voice came through the trees. "Rise and shine, grasshoppers! We've got a lot to do if this is gonna be our dream camp."
Most people in the shelter were still sleeping, but everyone was awake after that.
"Already?" Steve rubbed his eyes. "Musta forgot to shut off my alarm..."
"Ain't no alarms out here, Steve-O!"
"Right, so let us sleep," Greg said.
Kat sat up and stretched. "I wasn't sleepin' anyway. What are ya wantin' to do?"
"Glad you asked!" Mike replied. "I woke up bloody starving this morning, and no way am I the only one. We're gonna build traps and place 'em in the jungle, snare us some real grub to throw on the barbie."
Mike: The number one most important thing that every survivalist will tell you to keep in mind is food. You can't survive without food. So, if we're gonna win this game called Survivor, we need to get some real food in our bellies.
"We're going to go hunting?" Britney asked. "Do we have to?"
"I'd prefer that to eating plain rice every day, that's for sure," Vanessa said.
"There are lots of berries in the jungle. They're edible and everything."
"I don't know about you guys," Steve said, "but I ain't surviving on just berries."
"That's more my speed," Mike said. "None of you will be saying that once you get a taste of real protein."
"How do you plan on goin' about makin' traps, anyway?" Kat asked.
Kat: Mike's bein' real overbearing, rallyin' everyone together at the crack of dawn like he did. But everyone's just goin' along with it for some reason, so I kept my trap shut and let him run things. I have a hard enough time fittin' in back home, so I ain't about to make it worse on myself here.
"Glad you asked! We could make all sorts of things using bamboo and palm fronds. They'd be primitive, but they'd get the job done just fine."
"That would probably work pretty well," Anthony said. "We could even use the berries as bait."
"Wait, so you're definitely doing this?" Britney asked. "Isn't there anything else on this island we can eat?"
"Mike's idea is worth doing, Britney," Shawn replied. "If we can start hunting and cooking our own food before the first challenge, it's gonna be really hard for Nuara to catch up to us."
Britney sighed. "You might be right. The truth is, I'm vegan. Sorry I didn't say anything sooner, just… please don't make me help you with that."
Britney: (She throws her hand up in defeat.) I guess it was only a matter of time before my veganism came out. Didn't someone get booted for this exact reason in one of the first few seasons? Ugh, I just hope it doesn't screw me over…
"Is that it?" Mike laughed. "No worries mate! We can also use the baskets to carry your berries. You'll be eating lots of 'em."
"I guess so," Britney said, uncertain.
"Mike, what do you say we get a head start on this while everyone else wakes up?" Anthony asked.
"Sounds ace to me." Mike grabbed the machete and the pair left camp.
Anthony watched as Mike searched for his ideal plant. "So, how'd you become a survivalist, anyway?"
Anthony: Mike is somebody I really want to be close to. Judging by the first couple days out here, it's clear he's going to be the center of the tribe, socially. But it helps that he's a genuinely good person to have – life'll be pretty good around here with Mike around.
"You know the joke, how everything in Australia wants to eat you?" Mike chopped a thick plant down and cut off its branches.
Anthony laughed. "I've always wanted to vacation there and see for myself."
"You're missing out, mate," Mike joked. "It's true though – at least in the sticks where I grew up. Had a few near misses. And I figured if I survived that, I could survive anything. Haven't been wrong yet." He rolled the stalk tightly, forming a spiral. "That's step one. Mind helping me with step two?"
Anthony laughed. "Lead the way. I'm so glad you're on this tribe."
Nuara Tribe
The members of Nuara loitered listlessly around their camp late into the morning. They didn't spend much time in the shelter, as the smallest bump could collapse it. Instead, the tribe huddled in small groups around the clearing for warmth. Despite their proximity to each other, conversation was sparse.
Alexander: Survivor is so much more brutal than I expected! I always assumed it had to be fake, but this? Sleeping on the ground, outside in the cold, covered in bugs and huddled together for warmth? It's very much real.
Stella got up and grabbed her canteen. She let out an exasperated groan when only a couple drops came out. "Anyone wanna come fill the canteens with me?"
Noticing an opportunity to socialize, Ryan stood up. "I'll come!"
Stella beckoned him. "Come on, string-bean."
Stella: This tribe's a mess and the conditions suck, but there's still a game to be played and I ain't never been one for sittin' around. Ryan and I are straight outta different worlds, but the kid's alright. Too bad I can't say the same about everyone else.
The pair left camp with the canteens. "So let me get this straight," Stella said on the way to the well. "Not only did you go back to school willingly, but you pay tens of thousands of dollars a year to do it?"
"…Uh?" Ryan didn't know what to say. "I guess?"
"Why?!"
"I guess… I'm interested in the material?" Ryan offered. "And my parents want me to get a good job. That sort of thing. I'm in debt for all that money, you know. It's not like it's my money."
"Sounds like crazy-talk to me."
"Well, what do you do?" Ryan asked. "You're obviously far better equipped for than I am."
Ryan: My first impression of Stella wasn't the most positive. Not only is she intense and emotional - the opposite of myself - but she's also a physical threat. Not exactly somebody I want to compete with. But in reality we get along really well!
"Pfft," Stella said as the pair approached the well and started filling the canteens. "I think they call me a sales associate? Or some other BS."
"O-oh."
"But I spend all my free time training. I hope you're right and it wins me this game."
"Good luck with that." Ryan dropped the bucket into the well and had to fish it out. "Oops. Speaking of the game though, what do you think about our alliance?"
"You and me? We're good. Thick as thieves. But I don't got much confidence in the six. I'm only loyal to them so long as we're on the same page."
Ryan let out a sigh of relief. "Good to know. Because I don't think we should necessarily take out all the beach people-"
"We can talk about that once Isabelle's ass is gone," Stella interrupted, capping off the last canteen. "Then we'll play it by ear."
"Fine, I guess that works," Ryan conceded.
On their way back to camp, the pair ran into Lukas and Miriam. They were picking berries and not too happy about it.
Lukas: Hey, what up Rhodes Bros. Today, we're spending the afternoon… foraging for food. (He sighs.) Not really how I imagined my summer going, but ya boy is real hungry! I won't win this game on an empty stomach.
"How's the Survivor life treating you guys?" Ryan asked.
"This sucks, dude," Lukas said. "I wanted to be chilling and surfing by now, not freezing and starving."
"Not only that, but why are there so many stuck-up old people?" Miriam said. "Doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of a show like this?"
Ryan and Stella shared a glance. "No?" Ryan said, uncertain.
"Girl, did you get lost or what?" Stella asked. "This ain't your stupid hookup show, this is a million-dollar game. How dense can you be?"
"You're calling me dense?" Miriam shot back. "You're the one starting drama right now and, girl, you do not wanna know what happens when you mess with me."
Miriam: God, Stella's such a bitch. All I did was complain a little bit… (She starts to cry.) This is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be! I just need some time, okay? (She composes herself.) Ugh. She's not even worth the crocodile tears. Bye, Felicia.
"Bitch, please," Stella retorted. "Your useless ass couldn't survive a vote to save your life."
Miriam gasped indignantly. "Excuse me? I'm a top five Fire Field player. I'm pretty sure I can learn my way around a stupid reality show."
Lukas nudged Ryan. "Bro, are you seeing this? They're catfighting already. This is primo content, dude!"
Ryan laughed nervously. "Yeah… it's like it came straight out of one of your videos."
Ryan: I've been trying to keep this on the down-low, but I don't mind saying it in confessional. I still can't believe not one, but two people I've watched videos of for years are playing Survivor with me. Unfortunately, they're not that good at it, but still. What are the chances?
"You're a fan? That's awesome man." Lukas fist-bumped Ryan then turned his attention back to the girls.
Stella crossed her arms. "Do you really want to test that theory?"
"You don't want me to," Miriam replied.
"Break it up guys!" Ryan moved between the girls. "Miriam, you're super competitive, and that's why your streams are great, but do you mind saving it for the other tribe? Stella, we've got a job to do. Let's go."
Miriam rolled her eyes. "Fine! But you better bring it too," she said to Stella.
"I already am," Stella replied before walking away with Ryan.
Once they were gone, Ryan let out a sigh. "You really need to stop picking fights with people, Stella. It's not gonna end well for you."
"And you need to stop being starstruck by those guys," Stella replied. "You think people can't see that? They ain't long for this game, and the same'll go for you if you hitch yourself to them."
Stella: There's just one upside to being on a tribe full of entitled snobs, and that's that it don't matter which order they go home in. Everyone's gotta go home sooner or later, it's just a matter of who annoys me more. And right now, the competition's fierce.
Ryan cringed. "Called out. Are you saying you want them out instead?"
"Good question. Maybe there's a way we can get all of 'em out at once?" Stella joked.
Te Dei Tribe
As the day went on, Te Dei's members woke up and got moving. People worked, mostly as directed by Mike, getting to know one another and forming relationships.
Kat and Shawn traipsed through the jungle, each carrying an armful of firewood.
"Look at us, haulin' ass to provide for everyone," Kat said. "We make a damn fine team."
Kat: I gotta say, things have been goin' just dandy so far. I'd be mortified if I were the first one out, bein' a superfan and all, but this tribe is strong and I think they like me well enough. Knock on wood and all.
"We sure do," Shawn agreed. "I'm surprised you can keep up with me. No one else on the tribe's been able to."
"I'm stronger than I look, ain't-" Kat crashed into Kristen, and both dropped what they were carrying.
"Watch where you're going!" Kristen said. She picked her stuff up: one of the makeshift baskets, full of berries. "You're lucky I didn't lose too many."
"Sorry about that! Good to see ya doin' your part. You camp much?" Kat asked.
"Nope," Kristen replied. "I didn't expect to have an obnoxious Australian guy barking orders into my ear at the crack of dawn. Sorry if it's not exactly motivating."
Kristen: This tribe is like a cult sometimes. One guy woke us all up at the crack of dawn today, and nobody told him off once. Obviously people are being fake – this is Survivor – but that doesn't make it any less agonizing.
"He's really milkin' it for all it's worth, ain't he?"
"You think so too?" Kristen breathed a sigh of relief. "Good to know I'm not the only one who's not drinking the Kool-Aid."
"You guys don't like Mike?" Shawn asked. "We'd be lost without him."
"You're not wrong," Kristen replied, "but it would be way better if he just wasn't annoying."
"Fair enough, but I find him more charming than anything. Wait, you guys aren't thinking of, y'know…" Shawn trailed off, not wanting to broach the subject of Tribal Council.
Shawn: Kat and Mike are two of my favorite people here, so it's a bummer that she doesn't like him. I'm trying my best to think positive and everything, but it could get real awkward once it's time to vote someone out.
"Course not!" Kat said before Shawn could finish talking. "It wouldn't be right, considerin' all he's done for us."
"Yeah, but eventually he'll outlive his usefulness," Kristen said. "He better catch us some rabbits before then." She laughed, and Kat joined in as the trio re-entered camp.
A few people were milling about. Loud whacks filled the clearing as Greg tried to chop wood, while Vanessa and Britney worked to keep some embers alive.
"We've got firewood!" Shawn announced. The group dropped off their supplies.
"Finally!" Britney said.
"You guys came just in time," Vanessa said. Both their faces were red, covered in sweat.
Vanessa: I've been trying to keep things running smoothly around camp. They make it look so easy on the show, but every part of island life takes hard work. It's a good thing that they nixed the firemaking twist, because I'd have no shot.
"No problem," Shawn replied. "Take a break you guys. I got this."
Whack! A chunk of wood flew past their faces. Britney yelped.
Greg came running to grab it. "Crap, sorry about that, guys! Is everyone alright?"
They nodded. "Be more careful with that thing!" Britney said.
"There's a certain technique to chopping with the machete." Shawn him for the machete. "Here, let me show you."
Greg reluctantly obliged. "Fine, go for it."
Greg: Shawn's starting to get on my nerves. All he does all day is show off and, for whatever reason, everyone's eating it right up. Don't they realize they're going to have to beat him at some point? Oh well, if he goes on to win they'll have no one to blame but themselves.
"It's easier than it looks. You just keep your arm straight, the machete centred, and…" He chopped, neatly cutting the wood in half. "…Bam. You commit to the chop. There you go."
Greg took the machete back, scowling. "Thanks."
"Anyway, it's about lunch time, don'tcha think?" Kat said. "Let's get this fire up and runnin' again so we can eat."
"Sounds like a plan," Shawn said.
There were still a couple small embers so Shawn, with some help from Britney, placed some sticks and kindling in the firepit. Before long, they caught fire.
Shawn went to high-five Britney but she hugged him instead.
"Teamwork!" she said.
Britney: Shawn is definitely my favorite person here. He's everything you could want in a teammate. He's strong, he's confident, he's supportive, the list goes on and on. And I won't lie… he's got the eye candy factor too.
Vanessa put a pot of water over the fire and the group sat around the fire waiting for the rice to cook.
Kristen munched on a few berries from her basket and passed it around. "There's my contribution for the day. You can't say I didn't do anything."
"You're a team player," Shawn said. "We all are. Good work everyone."
"They're kinda sour," Greg said.
"They sure are," Kristen replied. "Your point?"
Greg raised his hands defensively. "Just saying, jeez!"
Greg: (He sighs.) I've started this game off on the wrong foot. The best reaction I've gotten from anyone so far is indifference, but then some people give me outright hostility. I'm gonna have to come up with a backup plan and soon, or else it'll be my head on the chopping block.
Vanessa scowled at Kristen but didn't say anything before the rest of the tribe returned to camp for lunch.
Nuara Tribe
Eventually, Nuara's members woke up and began moving around. Some chose to gather food, others chose to improve their shaky shelter. However, now that the reality of their situation set in, nobody slacked off. Either everybody works, or nobody survives.
Ruby pulled a piece of twine tight and wiggled the shelter's new frame. "Does that look secure to you guys?"
Ruby: As relieved as I am to have a solid alliance and a plan in case we lose, I'm beyond peeved that we even have to think that far ahead. Losing shouldn't be on our minds. It's not that hard to have your crap together, and yet we're as dysfunctional as you can be.
"It's doubtlessly an improvement," Godfrey replied. "Perhaps it's even improved beyond 'embarrassment' tier." They had decided to take apart the first shelter before it toppled on the tribe in their sleep, and they just finished building the new frame.
"Where are we at now, 'passable'?" Victor asked.
"Don't be singing our praises yet, old man," Marta said. "I don't trust this rickety thing as far as I can throw it. And I was never known for playing sportsball in my heyday."
"Who are you calling an old man?" Victor asked. "I've been keeping up with you just fine!"
Marta raised an eyebrow. "That ain't much of a feat, you know."
Marta: Being the two oldest people on the tribe, Victor and I need to look out for each other. I don't mind – he's good people, if a bit intense. And so far, we ain't doing half bad for ourselves. Plus, maybe people will come for him before they come for me, so it works out just fine.
"Are you kidding?" Ruby said, placing bamboo shoots on the frame as a roof. "You guys are doing great. I'm happy to have you on my tribe compared to some people. If only we could get them all out at once."
"Sadly it don't work like that," Marta said. "Have patience, they'll get what's coming to them."
"But the question is, who do we deal karmic retribution to first?" Godfrey asked. "Of course, Stella wants Isabelle out, but we don't have to heed her demands."
Ruby raised an eyebrow. "I guess that's true… What do you think?"
Ruby: Karmic retribution? Who is this guy?
"I'm simply inquiring."
Victor shrugged. "It doesn't really matter to me."
"I don't see any reason to rock the boat," Marta said. "It ain't me so I can't complain."
"So we're agreed then?" Ruby asked. "We just wait and see what happens?"
"I suppose so," Godfrey conceded.
"Great," Ruby said. "We're gonna need more bamboo for this roof. Any volunteers?"
"I'll go," Victor said. "I gotta get my old bones moving anyway."
"Allow me to accompany you," Godfrey said, and they left. "There's something I just can't pinpoint about you, Victor," he said once they were alone.
Victor raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
"You appear to have everything you could possibly want from life. Why, pray tell, would someone in your position ever subject themselves to the misery that is Survivor?"
Godfrey: This competition is moving much too slowly for my liking. I can't operate to my maximum potential in such a sluggish environment as this. I must catalyze the process, and if my hunch is correct then Victor can offer me some assistance.
"I don't know what to tell you." The pair arrived at some bamboo shoots and Victor started hacking. "Maybe I just like adventure."
"Perhaps that's everything, but I think there's more to you than meets the eye." Godfrey reached into a nearby tree and dug around. "I posit that we're more similar than you're willing to admit. You're just itching to commence the game, aren't you?"
Victor kept hacking at the bamboo, not answering for a few seconds. "You're a perceptive one. What's your point?"
"I only wish to offer you an olive branch," Godfrey said, pleased with himself. "Having strategic conversations is a natural instinct for people like us, and suppressing your true nature is never healthy."
"You're not wrong." One bamboo shoot came down and Victor threw it aside with Godfrey's help. "Where's your head at then, if you've been thinking so hard about strategy?"
"I'm overjoyed you asked." Godfrey moved on to another tree. "It doesn't require a genius to notice the feud brewing between Stella and Isabelle. Or the collective disdain we all hold toward Lukas and Miriam. Why remove them so soon when they'll be such easy targets in the future?"
"Because most of the tribe will be on board to get one of them out. Who do you want out instead?"
Victor: Godfrey's… well, he's obviously not stupid, but he's got no clue what he's doing. Survivor's a marathon, not a sprint. We're still on episode one, but he's playing this like it's episode ten. I won't write him off yet if he's willing to work with me, but his strategy won't end well for him.
"I simply believe we can use the discord between our tribemates to further our own games. It matters not to me who the victim is."
"Well, I'll tell you what. If you can get the ball rolling on a big move, then you'll have my vote as long as you help me lay low."
Godfrey shook his hand. "Deal."
"By the way, did you find anything in the trees?"
Godfrey laughed. "Wouldn't you like to know? Sadly, I had no such luck this occasion, but the hunt is just beginning."
"If you say so." Victor chopped the last bamboo stalk down. "Just help me bring these back before the others get suspicious."
Te Dei Tribe
By the time the sun started to fall, the Te Dei tribe was nearly ready to test out Mike's snares. Steve and Vanessa worked together to collect pieces of wood for the traps.
"What do you do back home, anyway, Steve?" Vanessa asked. "You don't talk about yourself much."
"Well, there ain't much to say." Steve picked up a stick and examined it. "I help keep the factory running and help fix it if it's not. Day in, day out." He threw the stick away when he saw it rotting. "This is my vacation!"
"Your vacation?" Vanessa pondered. "It's intense for a vacation, don't you think?"
Vanessa: Steve makes some interesting points, but I can't play Survivor like him. As much as I'd love to cut loose, I feel like I'd be doing myself dirty. I need to put myself through the ringer and test myself, or I won't get what I need from this game.
"Are you kidding?" Steve said. "This is fun! There's always something new goin' on, somethin' to look forward to. The real world never changes."
"You think so?" Vanessa asked, taken aback. "Consider yourself lucky. Real life's been nothing but craziness. I'm hoping to get some clarity from this whole ordeal."
"Different strokes, I guess. Loosen up a bit!"
"Maybe I should." Realizing they'd been slacking off for some time now, Vanessa gathered a few random sticks. "Should we meet up with the others?"
Steve nodded. "Sounds good."
Steve: I get along pretty well with Vanessa, but I couldn't imagine not findin' Survivor fun. I could get not likin' the campin' part, if yer a sissy, but the challenges look like fun and I always loved tryin' to keep up with the strategy.
After a short stroll through the jungle, the pair met up with Mike, who was tinkering with his snare, along with Anthony, Kat and Shawn.
"Took you slowpokes long enough!" Mike said. "We're nearly ready to roll."
"And by 'roll,' you mean 'wait.' And wait and wait." Anthony quipped.
"Keep talking like that and you'll be waiting a lot longer than everyone else, mate," Mike replied.
The others laughed, none harder than Anthony himself. "I'll eat my words once you're eating your rabbit." Everyone settled down, leaving an awkward silence. Anthony changed the subject. "Have you guys been thinking about the game much?"
Anthony: Weirdly enough, people were slow to talk strategy. I was expecting alliances to form every five minutes based on the show, but that hasn't been the case here. Well, maybe they're just happening without me, but that – not to be arrogant – would be a surprise.
Mike groaned and returned to his work.
"I've just been feeling things out so far," Vanessa said. "Nobody's come to me with any deals yet."
"Me neither," Shawn said, to everyone's agreement. "There's six of us here right now. What if we lock something down?"
"I feel like I can trust y'all," Kat added.
The group pondered that. "You guys all seem reliable," Vanessa said. "The others are wildcards, in a sense. Unpredictable."
Anthony put his fist out. "I think we're all in agreement, then. It's an alliance." Everyone except Mike enthusiastically put their fists in too. "Mike?"
Mike groaned again and joined in. "Alliance." He returned to his trap.
Mike: My eyes bloody glaze over every time someone brings up strategy. 'Let's vote for this bloke, split the votes on that bloke.' Piss off! It gets in the way of the real game here: survivin' the elements.
Everyone stared awkwardly at Mike. "…Is there a problem?" Vanessa asked.
"Not at all, mate," he said, not looking up.
"Well, who do ya wanna vote out?" Kat asked. "Are we workin' together or not?"
"I was gonna decide who to vote out once we lost. I don't plan to lose."
Kat opened her mouth to refute but gave up. "Who do we want to vote out, anyway?"
Everyone was silent at first, nobody wanting to throw the first name. Steve broke first. "I dunno, what about Britney? She's just a kid an' can't do nothin' special."
The group considered it. "I don't mind Britney," Anthony said. "She reminds me of my students."
"Yeah, she's pleasant to have around camp," Shawn said. "Why not Madison? She's the most 'wildcard' of all."
"Madison's harmless," Steve said. "An' I thought she was funny."
"That just leaves Greg and Kristen," Anthony said. "Any preferences?"
"Greg?" Kat asked. "He's a downer 'round camp, and we don't need that."
"I don't mind him," Shawn said. "He tries his best – he's just having trouble adjusting."
"I agree," Vanessa said. "If you want to take out a downer, vote for Kristen. Her attitude is the worst for morale."
Steve nodded. "Can't argue with that. Works fer me."
"Then it's agreed," Anthony said. "She should be an easy consensus vote anyway."
"You think so?" Kat asked.
Kat: I don't care for the way things're headed right now, but I reckon I ain't got a choice in the matter. Kristen and I've been gettin' along great, and I don't wanna see her go home yet. There ain't anyone quite like her on the tribe.
"Do you disagree?" Vanessa asked.
"N-No, 'course not."
"Good to know," Mike said. "In other news, the trap's ready. Now we wait 'til one of the buggers crawl in!"
"Nope!" Steve spun around and left. "I ain't waitin' all day for that!"
"We've been here together for awhile," Anthony said. "We should probably scatter before anyone gets suspicious." And scatter they did, except for a nonplussed Mike.
xxx
Steve: Don't think I forgot about my fortune! Madison ain't like anybody I ever met back home, so I wouldn't want her to leave before I get my fortune. …Course, I don't believe none of the stuff she says, but she sure knows how to build suspense!
Madison cackled. "You're here for your fortune?"
"You didn't finish what you were sayin'!" Steve said. He'd met her covertly in the forest. "I want my money's worth."
"I didn't charge you anything…"
Steve huffed. "You know what I mean! Do I win the game or not?"
Madison: I didn't expect anyone to take me seriously. You can imagine my surprise when Steve of all people followed up with me! Not that I'll let a golden opportunity to sink my teeth into someone pass me by…
"Fair enough." Madison grinned. "Since you asked so nicely, allow me to tell you the truth…"
Steve leaned forward.
"I'm not sure. But the signs all point in your favor," Madison continued before Steve could protest. "If we play our cards right, you could dominate this game."
Steve chortled. "Fat chance! But, as long as yer willin' to help me…"
"Of course." The two shook hands, no more words needed.
Nuara Tribe
Bonk! A coconut landed on the ground, and Alexander pushed it into a pile with the rest. "You sure you can get down from there?" he called up the tree.
"Surely it will not be more difficult than climbing up?" Isabelle answered.
"Maybe, but I don't want to have to explain to the others how you broke your neck."
"Have more faith in me! I made it to the top, did I not?"
Isabelle: This has been such a wonderful experience! Never before have I slept under the stars, or climbed trees to forage for food, or met so many fascinating strangers. Alex particularly has been a great friend to me thus far.
Alexander cringed while Isabelle shimmied back down the tree but, before he knew it, she was back on solid ground. He exhaled sharply in relief. "That's enough extreme sports for you today, Iz."
"I am just getting started. There is still a whole jungle to explore! And do not think I am going to let you off the hook either."
"I'll stick to solid ground. Besides, the sun's starting to set." Alexander picked up an armful of coconuts. "We should show the others your haul."
Alexander: Isabelle has the enthusiasm of a puppy, pulling me around town on her first walk. Truth be told, it's contagious! While she's off exploring, I've been trying to wrap my head around the strategy aspect of this show. I know we play challenges and vote each other out, but there's gotta be more to it, right?
Isabelle sighed. "If we must." The pair hiked across the beach, watching the sun set over the island. "You do not get to see a view like this often…"
"It's really something, isn't it?" Alexander said as they entered camp.
Everyone was present in camp, winding down after a surprisingly productive day. A few castaways lounged in the sturdy, if not comfortable, shelter, while others sat around the clearing munching on the scraps they'd scavenged. They didn't have much, but it was still progress.
"Yo, that's awesome!" Lukas walked up, grabbed a coconut and spun it on his finger. "How'd you pull that off?"
Lukas: Trusty audience, I've got a confession. I'm pooped! Why didn't anyone tell me Survivor was gonna kick my ass? Don't worry, I'm still gonna take home the gold for you guys, but it is not gonna be easy!
"It was all Isabelle." Alexander gestured. "She climbed the tree and everything."
Victor nodded approvingly. "Not bad. The husks'll work as kindling and the coconut water is rich in carbs."
"Thanks Isabelle!" Lukas chopped the top off his coconut. He put it to his lips, gingerly sipped and scrunched his face. "That is… different, dude." He passed the coconut around and everyone took a turn.
When it got to Stella, she passed it. "I don't need no coconut," she said. "You really think you're all that just 'cuz you brought home a few coconuts?"
Isabelle blinked. "No, I simply wanted to help-"
"God you're transparent, girl," Stella said. "You'll see what everyone thinks of you helpin' when we get to Tribal."
Stella: This girl really thinks that grabbing a few coconuts is all it's gonna take to save her ass. Well, I got news for her. She ain't gettin' out of this that easy.
"Sorry? I do not understand."
"This is a game for money, and nobody here has cash like you. Hope you're enjoyin' all your little escapades out here, 'cuz your days are numbered."
Isabelle's eyes widened. She didn't reply.
"Just ask if they're willin' to keep you here!"
Isabelle looked at the rest of the tribe. Nobody said a word.
"There you go. I'm out." She left the clearing in silence.
Before long Marta followed her out, and then the rest of the tribe scattered to discuss what went down.
xxx
"When did you guys decide to vote Isabelle anyway?" Alexander asked.
"It was Stella's idea," Ruby said. "And it's not set in stone."
"It's not like any of us were going to refuse an easy vote," Victor said. "Nothing against ya, but it wouldn't do me any favors to stick my neck out for you."
"I suppose I understand," Isabelle said, turning to leave. "If you will excuse me, I need to be alone."
Isabelle: I had no idea I would be targeted so soon. And for something I cannot help! I am still in shock. (Tears well in her eyes.) Above all else, I did not expect it to hurt so bad.
Godfrey followed her. "Before you withdraw, a word?"
"Hm?"
"Frankly, I'm disgusted by the spectacle we just beheld. You performed a great service for this tribe today."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
Godfrey checked their surroundings. "Sadly, it is much too late to have a proper discussion. Just know that I believe strongly in justice, and that I am on your side here."
Isabelle yawned. "Glad to hear it. Good night, Godfrey."
xxx
"Well, that was something," Victor said. "I'm gonna take a walk."
"You do that," Ruby said. "I'm going to bed."
"I'll come," Alexander said. "I'm not really tired anymore." They left to wander along the beach.
"How're you liking Survivor life so far, Alex?"
"I've never done anything like it," Alexander admitted. "This game is so thought-provoking. I'm still trying to figure it out. And you seem like you know a thing or two about it."
Victor grinned amusedly. "Why do you ask?"
"I think it's awesome! I was… kinda hoping you could teach me."
Victor was taken aback. "Teach you strategy? That's a new one."
Victor: I thought I was ready for everything, but Alex took me by surprise. It's not every day the enemy wants you to teach them how to fight a war. He seems like a good kid though. Maybe I'll sprinkle in some fake info here and there to keep him on his toes.
"Yeah! The game's barely started and you're already thinking rounds in advance. It's like chess on steroids."
"I like your enthusiasm, kid." Victor grinned. "You're on. Here's rule one: never stand out."
"What do you mean?"
"You can't be so bad everyone hates you, but you also can't be so good everyone's scared of you. It's the people in the middle that slide to the end. Not an easy task if you're the oldest person in the game."
Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "If anyone can pull it off, it's you."
"Let's hope so."
xxx
"There you are," Marta said. "It's getting dark, you should come back."
"I'm good," Stella replied. "I can't stand to be around them right now."
"Me neither, but if you want that million bucks you're always talkin' about, you're gonna have to get used to it."
Marta: I see a lot of myself in Stella, so it's hard to see her make the same kinda mistakes I made at her age. If she keeps this up, she won't stick around long. And maybe it's just my motherly instincts, but I happen to like her.
"It ain't fair! I'm out here bustin' my ass to survive and she comes along with a few coconuts and gets all the praise."
"It's not fair. That's just how the world is sometimes."
Stella kicked a rock. "I was hopin' Survivor would be different."
"It is different! You just gotta chill and play the long game. I've got your back. Now let's go, you ain't sleepin' out here."
Stella cracked a grin. "Thanks."
xxx
A/N: Overshot my deadline by a little bit, but that's fine! Day 2 is here, and thanks for reading! Day 3 is up next, hopefully sooner, where the first immunity challenge and first tribal council will take place. Lots of possibilities depending on which tribe loses, but who do you think the first boot will be?