Survivor: Chaos Cove
Day Eight
Challenge Beach
"Come on in, guys!" Jeff called.
Nuara stepped onto a dock in the ocean and lined up before Jeff, passing several metal grates on their way. Te Dei followed soon after, another member short.
"Nuara gettin' their first look at the new Te Dei tribe; Vanessa voted out last Tribal." Jeff paused before asking, "You guys ready to get to today's Immunity Challenge?"
The tribes cheered.
"Alright, first things first." Jeff approached Nuara. "I gotta take back Immunity."
"Indeed." Godfrey handed the Idol over.
Jeff placed it on his stand. "Immunity, back up for grabs. But not this Immunity."
He pulled the cover off the other stand beside him, revealing two gold-encrusted bony necklaces. They looked like they were made from the bones of the Tribal Idol.
The tribes reacted in shock, whispering among each other.
"Today's challenge is for individual Immunity, and tonight both tribes will be going to Tribal Council. One person from each tribe will leave. We clear?"
The castaways uneasily confirmed their understanding.
"This challenge will test your ability to stay calm when everything inside you is urging you otherwise. You'll each take a spot in the water under the grates. As the challenge continues, the tide will rise, taking away breathing room until there's nothing left. The last person under their grate from each tribe wins Immunity, safe from tonight's votes.
"In addition, the last tribe with members standing wins reward: a state-of-the-art fishing kit." Jeff uncovered the table he stood behind to more cheering. "A harpoon, some nets, lures and worms – everything you need to get 'em biting – and fix-ins to make 'em delicious once they do. Worth playin' for?"
The castaways cheered again.
"Alright. We'll draw for spots and get started."
xxx
"Here we go, for individual Immunity and tribal Reward," Jeff said to the castaways, all situated under the tribe-colored grates. "Survivors ready?"
The final eighteen gave an array of responses; nods, thumbs-up and various quips, all in the affirmative.
"Then this challenge is on."
The castaways got comfortable in their places. Well, most of them.
"Ugh, this is so claustrophobic," Kristen said.
Marta chuckled nervously. "Kinda feels like jail or something."
"You kiddin' me?" Steve floated on the water, arms and legs outstretched. "Jail sucks, I could do this fer days!"
"Wait," Anthony said, "you've been to jail?" He laughed with his fellow contestants. "How has this never come up?"
"Got myself into one too many barfights in my twenties." Steve shrugged. "Same as anyone."
"Speak for yourself!" Ryan said.
Jeff chuckled at the exchange. "Anyway, you've still got about eight inches of breathing room. You're probably even comfortable. But it doesn't take long for the water level to creep its way up…"
xxx
Elapsed Time: 30 minutes
"We are now half an hour into the challenge," Jeff announced, "and you've got about half as much room as when you started."
The players could still hear him, but not for much longer as the ocean licked at their ears.
"This is the least space you've had yet, but the most space you'll have again. Enjoy it while it lasts. It's like an hourglass, filling slowly but inevitably…"
"It's not that bad!" Lukas called. "You wish you were here, dude, the water's-"
A wave washed over the castaways, filling Lukas's mouth with saltwater, making him sputter.
"I'm good!" he said, but his competitors were too preoccupied to pay attention, leaving Lukas's assurance hanging.
xxx
Elapsed Time: 55 minutes
"The water is up to the grate now, and everyone's still in this," Jeff said. "Now, with maybe an inch of room left, you'll have to suppress that panic reaction with everything you have."
Another wave hit the castaways, forcing many to spit up water and readjust. In the chaos, Kristen surfaced. "I'm done."
"Kristen, first one out of this challenge." Jeff pointed to the dock. "Go ahead and take a spot on your mat."
He returned his attention to the challenge as three more people resurfaced at once.
"And now this challenge is really on. Alex, Godfrey and Steve drop out, leaving fourteen."
Isabelle took on some water, coughed, and slipped out from under the grate.
Ryan's mouth submerged suddenly and the rest of him quickly followed. While under, he checked who was left, and dropped out.
"They're dropping like flies," Alexander commented.
Kat put a leg through her grate to lock herself in, but abruptly changed her mind and dropped.
Britney tried to breathe at the wrong time as water filled her mouth. She went under, then pushed her chin back through the grate to spit it out.
"Nice save by Britney," Jeff said. "Eleven remain. You're gonna have to get creative to stay in this."
Another wave crested over the grates, knocking out Madison, Marta and Miriam.
"Those waves are brutal. Everyone left is working hard for that air, either making snorkely things with their hands or squeezing their faces through their grates."
Anthony, one of the former, had a fairly successful strategy until his hand shook, breaking the seal and letting in water. He dropped soon after.
Britney, one of the latter, moved to adjust her position and took on too much water, involuntarily surfacing to spit it up.
Victor shifted his hands when his strategy stopped working, but he couldn't find a new position, dropping out. "Dammit," he muttered.
"Not bad for, uh…?" Jeff trailed off.
"Sixty-two," Victor said.
"Wow. Take a spot on the bench." Turning to the five remaining castaways, he continued: "The water is now above the grate. Mike and Shawn are battling it out for Te Dei, while Lukas, Ruby and Stella are still in for Nuara. This is still anyone's challenge."
The remaining players fought to keep water out of their faces, each having more failure than success now.
Stella struggled desperately, spitting, shooting water like a whale's blowhole, but her willpower ran out and she dropped.
Shawn sucked in a shallow breath before going under. The benched castaways watched from the edge of their seats as he shot back up under the grate and found air again.
"Shawn stays alive," Jeff said. "Ruby and Mike have been statues this whole challenge, and Lukas is starting to panic! This could be it!"
Lukas had poked his face through the grate, but he couldn't get far enough for oxygen anymore. He shifted around, trying to find air, but not even his stubbornness could save him.
"Lukas drops, meaning Ruby wins Nuara's Immunity! Reward and Te Dei's Immunity are still up for grabs."
Mike, breathing through what appeared to be a perfect hand-tube and Ruby, legs draped through the grate, pressing herself against it, began to stir and struggle after over an hour of stability while Shawn moved to a new position every few seconds.
"Push through that urge to quit!" Jeff yelled. "Dig deep!"
All three castaways desperately fought to stay under the grate, all putting up valiant efforts…
But all three dropped, one-by-one. Shawn surfaced first, and the captive audience held their breaths as the challenge was decided.
Ruby rose from the ocean, spitting up water, barely a second before the winner did the same.
"Mike wins Immunity for himself and Reward for Te Dei!" Jeff made it official over the cheers of Mike's tribe.
Ruby, still in the water, cursed herself.
xxx
"An intense finish," Jeff commended, the tribes back on their mats, "and a great effort by everyone. Ruby, c'mon over."
Ruby did, and Jeff placed the Immunity necklace on her shoulders. "Ruby, safe tonight at Tribal Council, and well-earned. Congratulations."
She returned to her tribe and Mike took her place to accept his necklace.
"Mike, you're safe too, congratulations. In addition, your tribe's fishing kit will be waiting for you back at camp."
When Mike rejoined Te Dei, Jeff continued: "You've all got a long night ahead. Someone's going home from both tribes, and it isn't gonna be Mike or Ruby. You've got the afternoon to figure out who it is gonna be. Grab your stuff, head back to camp."
Mike: I swear this game was tailor-made for me! Not only did they give me a piss-easy underwater breath-holding competition – easy as cake – but they even threw in a free fishing kit. My team was living well before this, but now we'll be living like royalty.
Te Dei Tribe
Te Dei returned, congratulating and thanking Mike for the big win, but the celebration was short and the tribe quickly split up.
Anthony and Steve went to their old alliance's spot out of habit, dragging Mike and his new fishing kit with them.
"We don't have a lot of time, guys," Anthony said. "Do we have any ideas?"
Mike examined the harpoon closely, grinning widely. "I'm gonna take this puppy for a spin once we're done here."
"Great, Mike, but I was talking about Tribal. I think Britney's our only hope; she's targeting whoever she thinks voted for her."
"About that…" Steve snickered. "Madison did it, and Britney's got no idea. We could shift the blame onto Shawn and turn Britney against him!"
Anthony winced. "I'd really hoped it wasn't her. Now we have to lie to Britney, but it could still work."
"Psh," Steve dismissed him. "Part 'a the game."
Steve: Anthony's a good ally 'n all, but the man is too soft. He's tryin' to be honest and junk, but that ain't how Survivor works. Someone's gotta go, and sometimes you gotta lie to make it happen. If it's that big 'a deal, apologize once the game's done, after you've buffed yer bank account.
"Good for yous. Can I go fishing now?" Mike had moved on to the tacklebox, studying each of the lures within.
"Fine," Anthony said. "But first, what's that in the tacklebox there?"
He pulled a sheet of parchment against the base of the tacklebox, and read it aloud. "When you're in a bind / Dig deep for salvation / Life's water is your guide / To accomplish vote negation."
"The hell does that mean?" Steve asked, snatching the paper.
"Steve, that's an Idol clue! But where could it lead…?"
But they had no time to speculate before they heard footsteps. Steve frantically stuffed the clue in his pocket as Britney, Kat, Kristen and Shawn rounded the trees. The two groups eyed each other suspiciously.
"So…" Anthony broke the ice. "What're you up to?"
"Oh, y'know," Shawn replied. "Just… hanging out."
Kristen couldn't take it, turning away.
Kristen: I had to step aside when we crashed the guys' party. That was the most awkward situation I've ever been in; worse than that time my classmate accidentally opened porn instead of his presentation. The worst part? I'm the reason this alliance broke up. I'm the homewrecker here!
"That right?" Steve sneered. "Betcha they were pickin' which one of us to vote off," he muttered to Anthony.
"Actually, no!" Britney said. "We're voting Madison tonight. She's the one who voted for me."
"Ugh, I'm going fishing," Mike said, leaving. "Thank me later."
"Promise?" Anthony said, suspicious. "You guys aren't just gonna blindside us?"
Kat shook her head. "If y'all join us, we can make this vote nice 'n easy. No need to scramble. 'Sall we want."
Anthony held out an arm to quiet Steve. "I'm game, if you're serious about this."
"'Course we are."
Steve crossed his arms, deferent. "Well, that's all there is to it then."
"I guess so," Shawn said.
Shawn: Our conversation with Steve and Anthony was so painful. I wish we could just be a cohesive team again, but I'm pretty sure that's off the table now. They're not happy we're calling the shots, but unless they've got an Idol I don't think they can do anything about it. So… fingers crossed.
"Great!" Britney said, satisfied.
"What about Madison though?" Anthony asked. "Mike's immune and we're all here."
"Just tell her whatever makes the most sense," Kat suggested. "I reckon our answers ain't gonna be the same."
"That work for you guys?" Shawn asked.
"I guess," Steve grunted.
Another awkward silence ensued before both groups went their separate ways.
"Do they even want to work with us?" Kristen asked. "You guys did burn them."
"Steve looked pissed," Shawn said. "Not that I'm surprised."
"Yeah, but I'm sure Anthony will come around," Britney said.
"Let's hope," Kat said. "Besides, we had an alliance with them. The least we could do is give 'em a lifeline."
Kat: It's so nice to finally have an alliance with people I can actually get along with! Anthony, Mike, Steve and Vanessa… I ain't got anything against them as people, but together? Callin' the shots? I don't miss it; that's for sure.
"This is too confusing," Shawn said, exasperated. "First there was that alliance, now there's this alliance… What are we gonna do if there's another alliance?"
"Maybe you should've named it," Kristen said.
Britney lit up. "Why don't we name this one?"
"No way! Alliance names are always corny, no exceptions."
But Kristen's protests went unheard as her allies brainstormed names. Some highlights were the Rowdy Rebels, the Syndicate, and Shawn and the Spice Girls.
Eventually Kat suggested the winning name. "How about the Freaky Foursome?"
Britney and Shawn got onboard quickly and waited for Kristen's reply.
Kristen sighed. "Fine. I can live with that." Her upturned mouth betrayed her annoyed tone.
Britney smiled. "To the Freaky Foursome!"
xxx
"There you are!" Steve called to Madison, panting, having run from the others.
Steve: Those kids really think I'm gonna sit back and let 'em pick us off. It took everything I had to swallow my pride back there, but it'll be worth it. (Bursting with excitement, he whips out the clue.) We got our ticket outta this right here. I can't wait to see their faces!
"Where is everyone?" Madison asked. "They just disappeared."
"We were talkin' about you. Yer goin' home now. You don't got Britney like you thought you did."
"What?" Madison chewed her lip. "How? I was going to turn her against Shawn."
"Don't worry about it! Lookie here." Steve unfurled the hastily-crumpled clue. "Let's find this thing!"
Madison read it over. "Where was this?"
"It was in the tacklebox. They're hidin' clues in the rewards! Where do ya think this is?"
"I don't know!" Madison's tone was dismissive, absent-minded. "I need to flip Britney somehow."
Madison: Apparently my gambit from the last Tribal is backfiring, hard. Britney was supposed to be my trump card tonight. I needed her to take out an actual threat like Shawn, that might not work anymore... (She hangs her head, deep in thought.) I really don't want to use an Idol if I don't have to.
"You ain't gotta do nothin' if we find this. 'Life's water…'" He scratched his beard. "Maybe it's along the ocean?"
"Wouldn't 'life's water' be the well?"
"That's gotta be it. Let's find this thing!"
"Go ahead," Madison said. "I'm going to go change Britney's mind."
"Priorities, psychic!"
Madison waved him away. "I'll do this my way, okay? We're gonna be fine." She left without hearing Steve's rebuttal.
She found Britney quickly. "So, what's the verdict?" she asked.
"Oh, hey Madison." Britney shuffled awkwardly. "You were right. It was Shawn."
Britney: I hate the thought of putting Shawn's name out there. If I were the reason he goes home tonight, I'd feel so guilty. But I don't have another choice. Madison and I agreed that he or Kat are the only suspects, and she can't find out that I know it was her.
"Really?"
"Yeah." Britney nodded. "So let's vote him out tonight."
Madison crossed her arms. "I thought you and Shawn were close? You certainly got over him fast."
"I guess I was wrong about him." Britney gulped. "He's a snake and he needs to go."
"Fair enough! You're the boss."
Madison: Britney is such a bad liar. But damn is she perceptive. I've got to give her credit for sussing me out, but she picked the wrong hill to die on. Tribal is coming soon, and I'm not willing to keep someone who wants me gone in the game. Hopefully I can find a way to change her mind before we vote.
As Madison left, Anthony approached Britney. "Hey, I saw you talking to Madison," he said. "Did something change?"
Britney shook her head. "Nope." She tightened her fists. "She thinks she can pretend nothing happened after lying to my face. Can you believe that?"
"Are you absolutely sure she's lying though? I really think it could've been Shawn or Kat."
"We've been through this, Anthony. I'm as sure as can be. I trust them; it was Madison. You're still with me, right?"
"Of course." Anthony managed a reassuring smile. "Keep me posted if anything changes."
"Sure thing," Britney said.
When she left, Anthony sought out Steve, shaking his head.
Anthony: There's no two ways about it. It's looking bad for us. Steve and I are probably safe for tonight, but those four – Britney, Kat, Kristen and Shawn – aren't subtle about their alliance. If we let Madison go, I don't see why they wouldn't just Pagong us until a swap. I can't lose like that, so we have to find this Idol.
The men found each other and Anthony delivered the bad news, then they went to the well to search. They examined their surroundings closely, the sun setting behind them.
"Look Steve!" Anthony pointed out the well's wooden cover. "See the pattern here? It looks like an arrow."
Steve followed the arrow to a nearby bush and crouched down. Anthony joined him and the pair moved the leaves aside, only to find a hole where the Idol was supposed to be. All the enthusiasm drained from their faces.
Steve cursed.
"Guess that really is all there is to it," Anthony said.
Madison arrived as the men started to leave. "What's wrong? You guys looking for the Idol?"
Steve walked past her and, grumbling, pointed a thumb over his shoulder to the fateful, empty hole.
Nuara Tribe
Nuara, similarly, spent little time celebrating or commiserating. The game was on, and they were ready to play. As the tribe separated, Godfrey lounged in the shelter, grinning smugly.
"Godfrey?" Ryan asked. "You're not going out and strategizing? Did you forget there's a target on you?"
"Ah, Ryan." Godfrey bowed his head. "I'm perfectly aware, and completely unconcerned. Our Victor plan is strong, but even if it somehow goes awry I'm confident in my safety."
"…So you found the Idol?"
Godfrey adjusted his glasses, chuckling. "I simply trust you'll choose correctly tonight."
Ryan just groaned and left. Godfrey leaned back, unperturbed.
Godfrey: While I don't, in fact, possess the Idol, I have something exponentially more potent: the power of paranoia. Indeed I have many detractors, and my alliance isn't particularly reliable, but far as they're aware, their alternative is letting me decide the elimination myself. And they'll never stand for that.
xxx
Victor arrived at Treemail, running his hands through his hair. Marta and Stella caught up shortly after.
"Earth to Vic?" Marta waved in his face. "You gonna let us in? What're you thinkin' about?"
"The vote, obviously." Victor paced back and forth. "Apparently I'm Godfrey's new target."
Stella's eyes widened. "For real? Why?"
"Seems like both sides have double agents. Someone tipped Godfrey off, or so said Alex."
"Did I hear my name?" Alexander showed up with Isabelle, laughing. "Whatever it was, it wasn't me!"
"Just yesterday, the Godfrey thing? My memory hasn't conked out yet, kid."
"Oh yeah, that was me."
"Right. Anyway, the real question is who all's stupid enough to go along with it?" Victor glared at Isabelle.
Isabelle shrunk defensively. "Not me!"
Isabelle: While I feel fortunate I've gotten to know Victor, and I certainly hope he stays tonight, he does tend to come off as cold and over-serious. But when we returned from the challenge it was like a switch was flipped. He was animated, excited, and eager to discuss the strategy for tonight. It was nice seeing this new side of him, but even so... (She shudders.) That glare of his could cut through ice.
"Only Lukas and Miriam considered it," she continued. "Alex, Ryan and myself disavowed it immediately."
"Can confirm," Alexander said. "We're with you guys."
"So we're up six to four," Marta said. "Not too shabby."
"Seven with Ruby," Stella added. "Enough to split votes on Lukas or Miriam if we wanna."
"True, but that's risky." Victor pursed his lips. "It'd only take one flipper to screw it up. Remember that someone leaked to Godfrey, and my money's on Ryan. Kid's close with all three of 'em."
Marta deflated. "I didn't even think of that. You don't think he'd flip, do you?"
"I think not," Isabelle shook her head. "Ryan was furious at Godfrey. In fact, he suggested Godfrey as a target himself."
Stella nodded. "Isabelle's right. I trust him to stick with us."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you two get along? …Eh, doesn't matter. If you guys trust him then I'll take your word for it."
Alexander watched everything play out, transfixed. "So… what are we doing?"
Alexander: Welp, we're gearing up for our first Tribal Council, and I can barely keep up. (He looks shellshocked.) I thought it'd be simpler, but there's a lotto consider. My strategy for now is just to shut up and stand back, and hopefully not make anyone mad. But I'm watching everything closely and getting the hang of this.(He waggles his eyebrows.)Maybe in a few rounds I'll be the one calling the shots.
"We're still voting Godfrey. But to cover our asses, we'll throw a few votes on Miriam. Or would you guys prefer Lukas?" Nobody objected, so he continued. "Miriam it is. Let's scatter. And let's maybe not tell Ryan."
The group determined their votes and split up.
Marta leaving alongside Victor, who was grinning widely. "You seem awfully chipper. You that confident?" She inhaled sharply. "That double agent's got me worried..."
"Oh, same here." Victor laughed nervously. "It's terrifying. But it's also really exciting. I can't help it."
Victor: More than anyone who's played before, I'm a student of this game. But this is still my first ever Tribal Council. It's brand new territory for me. And it really could be me tonight... (He holds up an arm.) Look at this, I'm actually shaking a little! Maybe it's excitement, maybe it's anxiety, I don't know, but I haven't felt like this in years. (He cracks a smile.) So bring it on, Godfrey. Do your worst.
Marta smiled bemusedly. "Fair enough then."
"Just," he continued, "be ready to switch your vote if you smell anything fishy, okay?"
"Of course," Marta said. "I gotchu. My eyes and ears are open!"
xxx
"There you are, Stella!" Lukas called out, rushing toward her. "We've been lookin' for you, dude!"
Ruby trailed him. "Finally. Will you can tell us your big plan now?"
"You kiddin'? Another plan?" Stella crossed her arms. "Everyone's already votin' Godfrey and I'mma be one of 'em."
"That's what I told him, but…"
"Just hear me out, guys," Lukas said. "Godfrey's going after Victor now and we gotta join him."
Lukas: Wassup bros? Things are about to get crazy! Everyone thinks it's gonna be Godfrey tonight, but little do they know we're about to pull the rug out from under them with a Victor blindside. Bet you've never seen a swerve like that before! All I gotta do is get Ruby and Stella on board, and it's a done deal.
"Apparently the old-timer's actually the mastermind." His body language was wilder than his accusations. "Controlling, like, everything. We gotta stop him!"
Ruby and Stella shared a skeptical glance.
"Sounds more like Godfrey projecting to me," Ruby said. "Either way, it ain't happening."
"You ain't got the numbers anyway," Stella added. "I'm pretty sure everyone's votin' him out. You're better off goin' with the tribe on this."
"Sure we do!" Lukas said. "Us three, Godfrey, Miriam, Ryan. Boom, easy money. Afterward we rule this tribe. What's not to love?"
Stella facepalmed. "Ryan's votin' out Godfrey too. That's how many bridges he's burned. Can't we just make this easy?"
"Seriously," Ruby said. "Should we split the votes though? The last thing I want is Godfrey deciding who goes home."
"Way ahead of you, homegirl."
"Really? Who?"
"Miriam, obviously-" Stella covered her mouth, instantly regretful, and cursed.
Stella: I did not just say that! (She groans.) I've had to bite my tongue so much these last few days; guess it was only a matter of time before I blurted out somethin' stupid. And in front of the worst possible person – I could probably trust Ryan to stick to the plan, but who knows what Lukas is gonna try and do?
"No way." Lukas raised his arms incredulously, his volume increasing. "What the hell happened to targeting people we're not with?"
"It wasn't my idea!" Stella lied. "And besides, you were another choice." She stepped up to him. "So really you should be thanking me."
"Even more reason to vote Godfrey out," Ruby said. "His best shot to stay is turning people against Miriam, and he'll totally do it."
"Dude..." Lukas went quiet, his gears turning. "That's messed up."
"Just don't do anything stupid, alright? We all wanna get this over with, so do your part."
Ruby: The biggest obstacle to my threats' alliance is Miriam. Specifically, Lukas's boneheaded obsession with protecting her. But it was okay 'cause Godfrey's been way worse than Miriam, so we could all agree to voting him off. Thing is, Lukas is the only one who doesn't want Miriam gone next... (She gives a sideeye.) ...so maybe it'd be better for us if she bit the bullet instead.
"Fine," Lukas relented. "But I don't like it."
With nothing more to discuss, the alliance separated. Shortly afterward Stella, distress plain on her face, ran into Marta.
"Uh-oh, did something happen?"
"Ugh, did it ever…" Stella recounted her mishap. "What the hell do we do now?"
Marta winced. "Yeah, that could be bad. But we'll figure somethin' out, alright? We can always switch our votes if we gotta."
Marta: Stella gave me some bad news. I suppose things had to go wrong eventually. (She shakes her head.) Not only is Lukas tryin' to blindside Vic, but now he knows we're splittin' the vote. Me, I wanna keep Vic here both as an ally and a shield. So if it looks like he's in trouble tonight, then I don't mind changin' my vote at the last minute to save him.
xxx
"Hey, Miriam," Ryan said. "Looks like we're good; everyone's telling me it's Godfrey, and Godfrey's still going after Victor."
"Same here, but nobody actually talked to me for more than a minute. If my vote doesn't matter anyway, I might as well just vote for whoever pisses me off more." Miriam snorted bitterly. "Too bad Ruby's safe."
"That might be smart, though. If Godfrey actually found the Idol, it'd only take a vote or two to take someone out." Ryan frowned. "Wait, why aren't we splitting-"
"Guys!" Lukas popped up out of nowhere. "Y'know how everyone's supposably voting for Godfrey? Turns out that was all bull." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Stella said they're splitting votes on Miriam."
"Are you freaking kidding me?" Miriam asked. "I can't catch a break around here!"
Miriam: (Tears well in her eyes.) I can't believe I'm gonna be the first one voted off. Even with Godfrey imploding his game for days on end, people still want me gone. I tried so hard to fix things but it didn't even matter. This team just has it out for me. (She kicks a nearby rock.) Whatever. At least I won't have to sleep in the dirt anymore.
"We gotta do something." Lukas tightened his fists. "I'm tired of bein' their punching bag, dude. How do we get outta this?"
Ryan scrunched his face, thinking hard. "If they're splitting the vote, us three plus Godfrey would probably be enough… But I really don't think we should."
"What, you're going to choose them over us?" Miriam asked, her expression venomous. "You're totally fine with tossing me away if things go tits-up?"
"It's not like that! I'm with you, I'm just not with Godfrey after everything he's pulled. But I also don't want you to leave, so I don't know..."
"Whatever, man. You do you."
"Bro, I picked you as my sidekick because you know your stuff," Lukas said. "Do whatever you think is best."
That made Ryan crack a smile. "Thanks, man. I won't let you down."
Ryan: It's been a long first week of Survivor, but all of this tribe's craziness comes down to tonight. Somehow I of all people get to draw the line in the sand, and there's a lot to think about. If they're splitting the vote, I could join the majority against Godfrey, or blindside Victor – or anyone – with just a with Miriam's life in the game at stake... it's all the more important I choose correctly.
Tribal Council – Nuara
Jeff began as soon as the tribe arrived. "Welcome to Tribal Council! Behind each of you is a torch; grab one and get fire. This is part of the ritual of Tribal Council. In this game fire represents your life and, when your fire's gone, so are you.
"So we finally get to talk! Ryan, tell me about your first week here. How have you been?"
"Aw, man..." Ryan paused for a long time. "How am I supposed to sum it up? It's been fun and exciting, it's been crazy and intense and it's been hard and grueling. I've dreamt of playing Survivor my whole life and it's even better than I hoped. I'm just happy to be here."
Jeff smiled. "We're happy to have you. Isabelle, what's camp life been like? You adapting alright?"
"I believe so, yes! I've never done anything so difficult before, but I am still alive and kicking. Though, had you asked me a few days ago, my answer may have been different."
"How so?"
"For an uncomfortable while I was leaving, but that thankfully seems to have passed for now."
"Right. Stella, is there truth to that?"
Stella chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah... Me and her didn't get along in the beginning. I mighta thrown her name out there or somethin'. But she probably ain't goin' anywhere tonight."
"It goes to show that a few days can make all the difference in Survivor. Marta, have the dynamics shifted a lot up until now?"
"Yeah, definitely. I feel like I've mostly been in the loop, but every day there'd be new targets floatin' around."
"Now it's me," Miriam interjected.
Jeff leaned forward, his eyes wide. "Really?"
"Yeah. Well, they're all telling me it's Godfrey, but I doubt it. Apparently Ruby turned everyone against me, and I'm for sure getting votes tonight."
"I didn't turn anyone against you," Ruby said. "You did that yourself. I just said it."
Miriam rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You're lucky you won Immunity."
"Wow. But Godfrey, Miriam said 'they' told her it was you?"
"Yes, I'm indeed a target tonight. I placed my trust in the incorrect person, and they are now targeting me."
"Is that right?"
Godfrey nodded. "But this is an intelligent group, and I believe enough of them will recognize the danger that person poses and vote with me to eliminate them tonight. But, failing that, I do have one more card up my sleeve."
"You're being awfully vague. What am I supposed to do with that?"
"He's talking about me," Victor cut in. "All the stuff about me being dangerous is nonsense, full stop. But he's been obnoxiously posturing all day that he found the Idol."
"Who says I'm just posturing?" Godfrey asked.
"You didn't leave the shelter once since the challenge even though you're on the chopping block, but nobody's seen your Idol. I think you're full of it."
"And yet you're still splitting the votes, are you not?" Godfrey smirked. "Your face says it all, Victor. Miriam, you and your allies' best move is to join me, but I'm sure you're already aware."
Miriam rolled her eyes. "I'm sure."
"Wow. Looks like winning Immunity didn't stop you guys from playing this game hard. Victor, you're the dangerous person?"
Victor shook his head. "Not even remotely. Godfrey randomly came up to me, said he made an alliance to get out Stella, and told me we could control the tribe from opposite alliances." He shrugged. "And I sold him out. Because that's crazy."
Jeff raised an eyebrow at Godfrey. "That's one lofty plan."
"Impressive word choice, Probst. And you're correct, it is lofty." Godfrey pushed his glasses up. "But it was Victor's plan. Hence the danger."
That surprised the tribe.
Victor spun around. "That's how you're gonna play? Really? That was a flat-out lie," he assured the tribe.
"So it's Victor's word against Godfrey's," Jeff said. "Alex, how does all this affect your vote tonight?"
"It's arguably the entire basis for the vote, but nobody was actually there. So it's way more complicated than that. Who do I like more? Who do I trust more? All I can do is go with my gut."
"What about you, Lukas? What's your gut telling you?"
"I'm in a pickle, dude." Lukas rested his chin on his fist. "Miriam's one of my closest compadres, but they're splitting the votes on her so if something goes wrong she's screwed."
"Miriam, if they are splitting the votes on you, where does that leave you? How do you turn things around?"
"That depends on the others! I really want to prove myself and contribute and do well, but I messed up on a few challenges and it feels like they've all made up their minds. What's the point? It's not even fun anymore."
"I mean, nothing's stopping you from quitting. You don't have to stay."
Miriam shook her head vigorously. "No way. I'm no quitter. If I'm still here tomorrow, you better believe I'll keep fighting. And that's a promise."
"Alright. Lots to think about tonight, and it's time to vote. You can't vote for Ruby; everyone else is fair game." Jeff stood. "Isabelle, you're up."
xxx
Godfrey: (Voting for Victor.) Fool.
Victor: (Voting for Godfrey.) Dumbass.
xxx
"I'll go tally the votes," Jeff said before retrieving the urn. "If anyone has a Hidden Immunity Idol and you want to play it, now would be the time to do so."
The castaways looked to Godfrey, who confidently stayed put.
"Okay. 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."
"First vote: Godfrey."
Godfrey crossed his arms, grinning.
"Victor."
Victor nodded, jaw clenched.
"Miriam. One vote Godfrey, one vote Victor, one vote Miriam."
Miriam rolled her eyes.
"Stella. One vote each for Godfrey, Miriam, Stella and Victor."
"Oh hell no," Stella said, startling her tribemates.
"Miriam."
Miriam sighed. Lukas tightened his fists.
"Godfrey. We're tied; two votes Godfrey, two votes Miriam, one vote Stella, one vote Victor."
Marta glanced at Victor, who returned a coy tilt of his head.
"Godfrey."
"Tch." Godfrey looked annoyed, but his breathing picked up all the same.
"Godfrey. That's four votes Godfrey, two votes Miriam."
Godfrey deflated. Victor grinned. Ryan sighed.
"Third person voted out of Chaos Cove: Godfrey. That's five; enough for tonight. Time to bring me your torch."
"Absolutely preposterous." Godfrey gazed at his tribemates in disbelief. "Senseless. Incomprehensible."
"Oh my God," Ruby said. "Just go."
Godfrey shook his head, disappointed, as he slid his torch into place.
"Godfrey, the tribe has spoken." Jeff snuffed his torch. "Time for you to go."
"My intellect is best utilized elsewhere anyway," he muttered as he left.
"I can tell that you're all playing this game hard," Jeff told Nuara, "but this is a long game. Play too hard and you might share Godfrey's fate before you know it." He hung up his snuffer. "But for tonight, you're done. Grab your stuff, head back to camp, and I'll bring in Te Dei."
xxx
Godfrey: Unfortunately, it is I who took the fall tonight. I truly did think my strategy would work but, alas, it would appear I underestimated the Nuara tribe. (He sighs.) But I am not one for regrets. I intended to play hard and ruthlessly, and that I did. That they managed to suss me out and eliminate me before I amassed too much power is cause for respect, and I wish them all the best. Here's to a good game.
Godfrey: Isabelle, Lukas, Ruby, Ryan, Stella & Victor
Miriam: Alexander & Marta
Stella: Miriam
Victor: Godfrey
Tribal Council – Te Dei
"Welcome to your third straight Tribal," Jeff told Te Dei once they arrived. "So, last Tribal seemed like a blindside. Anthony, have you figured out what happened?"
"More or less," the teacher replied. "There was an alliance and a plan that didn't happen because Kat and Shawn had other ideas. So now that alliance is done."
"Kat, why the big move? This alliance sounded like a sure thing."
Kat shook her head. "There ain't sure things in Survivor. We've been losin' nonstop. Say we keep losin' – what happens when it's down to just us six?"
Steve answered her. "It wouldn't a' been you who left."
"It would've been me," Shawn cut in. "So you can understand why I'd flip."
"But ya didn't know that then."
"What? You literally said so after Tribal."
"So?" Steve crossed his arms. "Ya didn't know that when ya flipped. So yer still the traitor here!"
Shawn just laughed. "I don't know how to argue that."
"Steve," Jeff said, "it sounds like you took the betrayal hard. What's the worst part about it?"
"I just hate liars," Steve said. "We had a pact! Where I come from, men keep their word."
"Is that really it? It's not a secret that people lie in Survivor."
"Yeah, I know…" Steve looked down, scratching his neck. "It's just, things were goin' so well, and those two mucked it up fer me. Now I gotta wait around 'til they pick me off. It sucks."
"'Til who picks you off?"
"Britney, Kat, Kristen and Shawn." He pointed them out. "They're runnin' the show."
"N-No we're not," Britney said. "Where'd you get that from?"
"It is kinda obvious," Anthony said.
"Britney?" Jeff asked. "What's the truth?"
"We're not an alliance." Britney put her foot down. "Yes, I'm close with them, but I'm close to everyone here. Not that that stopped someone from voting for me…"
"Did that bother you?"
"Well, yeah! I thought I was doing well too. Everyone told me I wasn't a target, but then why'd I get a vote? I don't buy it. Someone's coming after me."
"So Steve was betrayed, and Britney's paranoid about blindsides. Madison, how does this affect the vote tonight?"
Madison exhaled sharply. "All day yesterday, Britney went, person-to-person, to figure out who voted for her. She's made it very clear she's voting that person out tonight."
"Did you figure out who it was, Britney?"
Britney nodded. "I think so."
"And if you have your way tonight, that person will leave?"
"Yeah."
"So are we ready to vote?" Jeff stood up.
Britney said so, as did some others.
Madison held up a finger. "One question first?"
Jeff sat back down. "Go for it."
"Britney, are you sure about this?"
"Y-Yeah, of course," Britney replied, glancing alarmedly at the Foursome. "I told you who. Let's just vote."
Madison shook her head, frowning regretfully. "I wish I could believe you. Here I thought you were gullible. The one time I needed you to be gullible," she said, removing a shoe, "and you figured me out right away."
"What're you doin'…?" Kat asked, pensive.
"Getting out the Idol." Madison produced a small, parchment-wrapped package. "I found it after the Sumo challenge." She grinned. "The tag on the tarp was actually a clue.
"It's legit. I've got the note and everything." She passed the parchment around and displayed the Idol: an orange tiki on a twine necklace. "I'll be playing it tonight."
Steve's frown flipped to a giddy grin.
Britney gave Madison a shaky smile. "That's g-good for you, but you really don't need to."
"You see, Britney, you actually had the right idea tonight." Madison looked her dead in the eye. "If I were you, I'd go after the person who targeted me too. In fact, that's what I'm gonna do."
She turned to Anthony and Steve. "I'm voting for Britney. Take it or leave it."
"Wow," Jeff said, eyes popping out. "Just like that, this Tribal is live."
Britney's eyes widened, then began to tear up. "Wha…? Why would you do that?" she asked as all hell broke loose among her tribemates.
"I'm in!" Steve announced. He jabbed Anthony with his elbow. "You?"
Anthony hesitated, tugging at his collar. He whispered to Madison. "Why Britney and not Shawn or even Kat? They'd be a far better move."
"Did you hear what I said?" she replied. "Take it or leave it."
"Steve, you jumped right on that," Jeff said. "Is this a good deal for you?"
"You betcha!" Steve licked his lips. "Just a few minutes ago I was down in the dumps. Britney ain't my first choice but beggars can't be choosers."
"Let's do Steve," Shawn said to his alliance. "She won't play it on him."
"You sure?" Kat scratched her nose. "We gotta flush that idol."
"We could split the votes," Kristen said.
"Do we have the numbers?" Kat asked. "She's prolly just bluffin' anyway."
Shawn tapped a panicking Britney on the shoulder. "Get Anthony to split the vote with Steve."
That shook Britney out of her stupor. "You sure?"
Shawn shrugged.
"Britney's on her feet now! Madison," Jeff said, "this is twice in a row you've dropped bombshells on your tribe. What do you get out of this?"
Madison had been laughing at the chaos. She recovered enough to answer him. "Jeff, you have to understand. I was going home until this started."
"But why not keep the Idol secret to blindside people after they voted?"
"I mean." Madison raised her arms. "This is so much more fun."
Britney crouched next to Anthony. "It'll be okay. We're splitting the vote."
"With who?"
Britney jerked her head toward Steve.
Anthony groaned. "Britney, you know I can't agree to that. Why don't we vote for Kat?"
"Well, I can't agree to that either. Can you just keep your vote on Madison please? You're safe either way."
Anthony hesitated, before nodding. "Okay."
Britney thanked him and returned to share the news with the Foursome.
"Even with all this whispering," Jeff said, "Mike, you're still completely unfazed. What do you make of all this?"
"They're taking forever," Mike said. "I made up my mind yesterday, and it's not like they can vote me off. So let's just get on with it, mate."
That got Anthony's attention. "You made up your mind? Who?"
"Well, since you asked so nicely…" Mike whispered a name in Anthony's ear.
Anthony studied his hands, doing some math in his head, then looked down with a sigh.
"Are we good?" Steve asked him.
Anthony nodded.
"Well," Jeff said once the castaways calmed down, "that was the craziest Tribal so far this season." He laughed, straining to find words. "It's not even over yet. Are we ready to vote?"
The tribe practically begged him to do so.
"Then let's vote. You can't vote for Mike; everyone else is fair game. Madison, you're up."
xxx
"I'll go tally the votes." When he returned, he continued. "If anyone has a Hidden Immunity Idol," he said, glancing at Madison along with the tribe, "and you'd like to play it, now would be the time to do so."
Madison didn't say anything, instead choosing to sit and silently rub her temples.
Groans of annoyance arose from her tribe.
Madison opened her eyes. "You know what, Jeff?" she asked.
"Yeah?"
"The spirits are giving me good odds tonight. I'll hold onto it."
"Okay then." Jeff opened the urn, cutting short the tribe's murmuring. "Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the Tribal Council area immediately. I'll read the votes.
"First vote: Britney."
Britney gulped, her leg shaking.
"Madison."
Madison nodded stiffly.
"Britney. Two votes Britney, one vote Madison."
Britney glanced at her alliance for support. Kat offered a shaky thumbs-up.
"Steve."
Steve stiffened as sweat formed on his brow.
"Steve. We're tied; two votes Britney, two votes Steve, one vote Madison."
Steve's forehead was covered in sweat now. Madison winced.
"Madison. That's two votes each."
Madison inhaled sharply, startled by the vote. Britney was breathing hard.
"Britney. Three votes Britney, two votes Madison, two votes Steve, one vote left."
"No," Britney squeaked out as Steve's grin returned.
"Fourth person voted out of Chaos Cove: Britney."
A varied array of reactions arose from the tribe. Saddened, shocked, satisfied.
"You need to bring me your torch."
She did so without fanfare, head hung low, not even looking Jeff in the eye.
"Britney, the tribe has spoken." Jeff snuffed her. "It's time for you to go."
Without another look back at Te Dei, she left.
Jeff addressed the tribe. "It goes to show there's a lot more to playing Idols than just, well, playing them." He pointed at each castaway in turn. "Now you all get to decide how to deal with this new wrinkle in the dynamic. Grab your stuff and head back to camp. Good night."
xxx
Britney: (She wipes her red eyes.) I'm thinking back to every conversation I had today. Who was lying to me? I don't even know who flipped… Mike? Kat? Kristen? Anthony? …Shawn? I'm so stupid for trusting any of them. (She slumps on the podium.) So stupid...
Britney: Anthony, Madison, Mike & Steve
Madison: Britney & Kat
Steve: Kristen & Shawn
xxx
A/N: Thanks again for reading this far! Due to real life and me being too ambitious, it took me forever to write this last chapter. But I did it and honestly, I'm happy with it! I think I did well showing a little bit of everybody despite the absolutely packed episode, and hopefully both Tribal Councils were satisfying enough.
Godfrey is the closest thing Chaos Cove has to a joke character. I don't personally see him as one - I tried to give him enough depth and dignity to surpass that label - but still. He was overtly and conspicuously conniving and manipulative, cartoonishly so sometimes. I actually based him off an English professor I didn't like lmfao, and I used a thesaurus to make his dialogue even more pretentious. So if you come away thinking that he was just a joke, I can't blame you. Either way, I hope his antics were entertaining enough to be worth a spot on the cast.
I've always liked watching the teenage Survivor players. Probably because I'm pretty young and when they did well I felt like I could also do well. Idk. Anyway, Britney was my take on that archetype. And unfortunately for her, the way her arc shook out was pretty tragic. She started off very anxious and self conscious of her limitations. But eventually she got the hang of the game and a handle on herself, a classic underdog story... until Madison's hinky vote. At which point those feelings returned in force and led to her elimination. Her boot was meant to be the more surprising/dramatic of the two, which is why I saved hers for last. Personally I'm really happy with how she turned out and hopefully I succeeded with her arc.