So last episode was quite the game changer. We had a tribe swap, followed by a double tribal with some new relationships forming and old relationships breaking apart. This episode, we're going back to normal, we'll have a reward challenge, an immunity challenge followed by a tribal council where one more person will get the boot. This one I had quite a bit to write about since I can confirm that this is the last episode before the inevitable merge episode.
As always, I will write my recap episode which is episode 7, followed by the merge episode which is episode 8. Quite a bit to look forward to and I do not want to stop while I'm ahead. As always, hope you enjoy this episode just as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Guest: Appreciate the in depth review on my last couple episodes pointing out what you liked about certain characters. Hopefully you enjoy this episode too.
Current tribes.
KORNATI
Damian
Kate
Jayda
Nigel
Rachel
Sarah
JUBURI
Andy
Kenny (Juburi immunity idol)
Lauren
Luke
Vinnie (Vorona immunity idol)
Zane
EPISODE 6: THE WORST VEGAN EVER
Jeff: Previously on Survivor!
Jayda: You have a hidden immunity idol, don't you?
Kate: How could you even assume I had one?
Jeff: The fallout of Brendan's elimination led to an all out war between Kate and Jayda, meanwhile Kenny, the actual mastermind, watched from the distance.
Kenny (confessional): I don't think they've realized that that I was the one behind all of this. So it's kind of thrilling to be honest with you.
Jeff: At the reward challenge, Kornati and Vorona continued their cross tribal agreement, formed by Damian.
Jeff: Kornati wins reward!
Kornati was shown celebrating after taking out Juburi's last tile.
Jeff: This made Juburi all the more determined to win this upcoming immunity challenge.
Juburi was practicing with their bags.
Emily (confessional): I never like for things to come down to the wire but with us it seems like the other tribes have drawn that line in the sand. And we have to fight back or we're toast.
Jeff: But what the tribes didn't know was that they were about to be hit with a swap!
Jeff was then explaining the twist.
Jeff: 2 new tribes will be formed, 2 people will win immunity, both tribes will go to tribal council, both tribes will vote someone out.
Jeff: And Kornati's advantage tipped the scale in their favor as they sat out almost the entire Juburi tribe, leading to Rachel and Vinnie coming out on top.
Jeff: Moana in the water! Rachel wins immunity!
Jeff: Luke is in the water! Vinnie wins individual immunity!
Jeff: And they chose to stick with their original tribes, with the only exception being Luke, who found himself without any allies.
Luke (confessional): It's definitely scary being the only Kornati member to have switched beaches. It's like being the rich new kid at school.
Jeff: And to add more chaos, the hidden immunity idol twist was revealed to the cast!
Jeff: Hidden in each beach is something called a hidden immunity idol. Some of you may already know about these, others this may come as a shock to you.
Kenny and Emily were shown pitching their case to Luke.
Jeff: At the new Juburi camp, the former Juburi members Kenny and Emily tried their hardest to keep themselves safe, using Kenny's idol.
Kenny: I can use this to even up the numbers. We can make it past the next tribal council 3 on 3. You get out of this with no blood on your hands.
Jeff: But despite their best efforts, Vorona and Luke stuck strong and convinced Kenny to keep his idol, leading to Emily being the first one voted out of the new Juburi tribe.
Jeff: Emily, the tribe has spoken.
Shots of the Kornati camp were shown as Damian and Rachel were discussing the vote.
Jeff: At the new Kornati camp, it was a whole different story with Damian already wanting to make a move.
Damian (confessional): Moana and Sarah are way too powerful. Sarah's social skills combined with Moana's idol is way too much. Split them up and we have a whole new game.
Rachel (confessional): I've been tight with Moana and Sarah this whole game and to turn on them this early? It just doesn't sit right with me.
Jeff: Rachel, unsure of this plan, found herself in the middle of the tribe with the former targets in Nigel and Kate.
Nigel (confessional): It would make a shit ton of sense to gun for Damian.
Kate (confessional): Jayda's always gonna target us. That's difficult to keep around I think.
Jeff: And at tribal council, despite Damian and Jayda being tempting targets, the trio ultimately sided with Damian, blindsiding Moana and her ally Sarah.
Damian: Say hi to Curtis for me.
Jeff: Moana, the tribe has spoken.
The Kornati tribe was shown exiting tribal as the recap started to conclude.
Jeff: 12 are left, who will be voted out tonight?
Intro.
KORNATI DAY 16.
The sun was gradually rising on a surprisingly dry day out in Croatia. Everyone made the most of the dryness as they could, doing as much as they can around camp before the weather decided to punish them.
Damian: How much of this rice do we got left?
Rachel: About a couple days worth I'd imagine.
Damian (confessional): Today I woke up hungry, tired, slightly stressed but most of all, proud. My adversary in Moana was blindsided last night with the immunity idol taken out with her. This was absolutely a big move for me, I did not want Moana gaining anymore power, but most of all. I keep all the power to myself.
Kate: What should we do? Eat smaller portions? I'm not too sure when we're joining up with the other tribe just yet.
Rachel: I wanna assume it's when we're down to 10 people.
Sarah: It's Day 16 though. We're almost halfway. I say we just play it safe and go for smaller portions.
Rachel: Fine with me.
Sarah then walked off after Rachel agreed with her.
Sarah (confessional): Tribal Council last night was horrible. I lost my closest ally and best friend in this game. I barely have anyone in my corner to begin with. It's funny how Damian can just come up with a plan just to go back on it only a few days later just because it benefits him.
Sarah spent a few moments alone before someone approached her.
Rachel: Are we okay to talk?
Sarah: I'm not too sure. I'll hear you out but I ain't too sure if I'll have the right response ready.
Rachel: Okay, well first of all I know this isn't going to mean much probably but I'm sorry. I'm sorry I let temptation take over, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I wish we could've stuck together. Damian was just bringing up a lot of good points.
Sarah: Surely you have to realize he's playing all sides. He won't look out for you.
Rachel: I feel like he still trusts me.
Sarah: Good for you I suppose. Look, if you can promise it's not me the next time we have to go to vote somebody out, I'll forgive you.
Rachel: Okay, I'll try and make it up to you. I won't let Damian be the driving force in my game.
Rachel (confessional): I said I'd have to turn on Moana eventually but I did not take in to account how much it would severe my relationship with Sarah. I'll try to repair it as much as I can. At this point my loyalties are fairly limited but I will keep an open mind on who she would like gone and see if that can benefit me before I receive more repercussions of that move.
JUBURI DAY 16.
Kenny was out in the water watching for some fish as a couple others were tending by the fire.
Kenny (confessional): Last night was pretty rough for me to say the least. I had to turn my back on Emily because I knew there was nothing else I could do. I don't like being the one to turn my back on people, usually I'm the one that likes to be there for people whenever they need me. And now I'm facing this battle all on my own, taking this game day by day.
He then spotted a ray and went for it, managing to catch it with a stick.
Andy: Way to go Kenny!
Kenny: Looks like I caught dinner!
Kenny (confessional): I still have the immunity idol from Juburi. That'll get me through the next vote if we happen to lose. After that, I won't know what's to happen. Survivor is like this limbo of endless possibility. I don't even know who from the other tribe is still in the game. Did another Juburi go home? Are there really only going to be three of us left?
The ray was left to be cooked as Andy and Zane found something under the shelter.
Andy: What's that?
Zane then reached under and pulled out a half full bottle of wine.
Zane: How long's this been under there?
Andy: Must've been part of that wine reward. So I'd say a week and a half.
Andy (confessional): At first I thought the wine was going to be a hail mary for us. We drink some, it'll get our spirits high. Keep us from drinking the same water over and over again.
Zane opened it, took a sniff and his face shriveled up like he took a shot of lemon juice.
Zane: That does not smell vintage.
Vinnie: Unless we have a puking your guts challenge today, I'd say it's best if we leave it.
Andy: Yeah don't have to ask me twice.
Zane: Who would even want a bottle that old anyway?
KORNATI DAY 16.
Nigel and Kate were on their way to treemail when Nigel was rambling about a familiar topic.
Nigel: It's been driving me insane. Had I known we would've moved beaches, I'd have brought over the wine.
Kate: Didn't you have plenty to drink?
Nigel: The others didn't seem that fussed over it. Plus we still won that challenge even whilst I was drunk. So I need those bottles as good luck charms.
Kate (confessionals): It is hard to keep Nigel's head in the game at times. I don't think it's quite set in for him that the both of us got extremely lucky with a splintered Kornati tribe. Damian, Rachel and Sarah all hate each other and I want to keep it that way since it's the only way to keep us alive.
Kate: Let's hope this next reward is for alcohol.
Kate then grabbed a note which was attached to a 10 pound sandbag.
Kate: Damn, heavy much?
Nigel: Maybe it's cause you're a lightweight.
Kate: Ha ha.
Kate then unrolled the note and read it.
Kate: "As time ticks away, supplies start to dwindle. Your spirits may begin to corrode. For boost in morale, and improvements at camp. You must know who can shoulder the load."
After reading the note, Kate then lifted the bag again.
Kate: Something tells me we're gonna have to carry a whole lot of these.
Nigel: I can't do weights, I haven't hit the gym since my early 20s.
Kate: Well let's best hope we can choose the right people for this one.
JUBURI DAY 16.
The whole tribe was gathered together as they were reading an identical note.
Luke: Improvements at camp. What does that mean?
Lauren: And shoulder the load? I think we'll need our strongest players for this one.
Vinnie (confessional): Treemail, as vague as ever. We did get a sandbag that weighed roughly around 10 pounds maybe?
Kenny: Well we gotta win this. That way none of us can be chosen for the Temple of Secrets.
Lauren: Half of us have been there and it's not easy. Brutal stuff.
Zane: I haven't been there and I don't wanna start now.
Andy (confessional): There is a debate on whether we should actually win this one because the Temple has proven to be a massive impact on this game and I always want to be on the right side of every impact there is.
Andy: Well we best get ready.
The Juburi tribe all gathered their essentials and left camp, ready to face the reward challenge ahead of them.
REWARD CHALLENGE DAY 16.
There was this arena like area set up for today. Both tribes had 3 stages with two sets of stairs beside each of them. In front of each set of stages were 600 pounds worth of sandbags in 10 pound sets, both piles were also color coded.
Jeff: Come on in guys!
Unlike previous reward challenges, both tribes entered at the same time as they both had to vote somebody out.
Jeff: Kornati and Juburi getting their first look at each others new tribes...
Whilst Kornati was unsurprised at Emily's exit, the situation was not the same at Juburi, who were for the most part speechless.
Jeff: Moana and Emily voted out at last nights tribal council.
Luke then looked over, trying to make sense of the situation but none of the opposition met his gaze. Kenny meanwhile grinned at the outcome.
Jeff: Alright, you guys ready to get to today's reward challenge?
Both tribes clapped and responded.
Jeff: For todays challenge, 3 members from each tribe will have a pole across their shoulders. Each round, weight will be added to one of those poles. The decision about which tribe member gets the weight will be decided by two members of the other tribe. When the weight becomes too much, you drop the pole or step off your stage, you're out of the challenge. Last person left standing wins reward for their tribe.
Everyone nodded, noticing the endless amount of 10 pound sandbags around them.
Jeff: Now, a couple technicalities to address. First of all, since Kornati only has 2 men and Juburi only has 1 woman, the weight barers, those holding the pole for this challenge must be 2 men and 1 woman.
Nigel: Dammit...
Lauren nodded as her tribe patted her on the back to encourage her.
Jeff: Now today's reward is a big one. It is a camp raid. The winning tribe will get to send two of their members over to the camp of the losing tribe where you will get to steal 3 items.
This was when both tribes glanced at each other, trying to recollect what their opposition already had at camp.
Jeff: Because todays challenge only requires 5 people, each tribe will sit someone out. Kornati you guys have to decide which woman to sit out, Juburi, you will have to decide which man to sit out.
Both tribes then discussed before making their decisions.
Jayda: I'm sitting out.
Zane: Same here.
Jeff: Jayda and Zane, take a spot on the sit out bench. Everyone else, I'll give you a minute to strategize and we'll get started.
Everyone then got in to their positions, some took the stages while others stood beside the sandbags.
Jeff: Okay, the weight barers for Kornati are Damian, Nigel and Rachel. The weight barers for Juburi are Luke, Vinnie and Lauren. Last person left standing wins reward for their tribe. Let's get started.
All the weight barers were shown holding the poles behind their necks.
Jeff: Kornati, who do you want to put the weight on first?
Sarah: Vinnie
Jeff: Juburi.
Kenny: Damian.
Jeff: Alright, put the weight on.
Kenny and Andy stepped forward each with a sandbag, stepped up on the stages beside Vinnie and placed the sandbags on both sides of his poll. Likewise was done with Kate and Sarah to Damian.
Jeff: Each tribe will put the weight on their own tribe member to make sure it is placed evenly. But the other tribe decides who actually gets it.
Not much changed from Damian or Vinnie's expressions but they were shown stretching.
Jeff: Each round, we will be putting 20 pounds on one person.
A few seconds passed before Jeff announced the next round.
Jeff: Next round. Juburi, who do you want it on?
Andy: Nigel.
Nigel shook his head, annoyed.
Jeff: Nigel getting some weight.
Kate: Luke
Jeff: Luke also getting some weight. We're spreading the weight around. Alright, put it on.
Everyone retrieved a second sandbag each as they approached the barers.
Jeff: Here we go. 3, 2, 1, release.
Everyone released as they went back to their original positions.
Jeff: Kornati, who do you want to put it on?
Kate: Luke
Jeff: Luke getting more weight. Juburi.
Andy: Rachel.
Jeff: Rachel now in on the game. Put it on.
Everyone went to load the weight on to Rachel and Luke.
Jeff: Luke getting more weight, that'll put him up to 40 pounds. Rachel getting in on the action with her first 20 pounds.
Kenny: Stay strong Luke.
Luke let out a heavy sigh, showing he was determined.
Jeff: This is about endurance and strategy. How long can you stand the weight and who you give it to?
A montage then started to play with bags being loaded next to each other with a couple players starting to wince. Bags were starting to pile up, making the challenge all the more difficult. The montage ended with Damian and Vinnie receiving another 20 pounds.
Jeff: Here's where we're at. Vinnie at 180 pounds, Damian at 160, Luke at 120, Nigel at 140, Lauren and Rachel both holding strong at 100 pounds.
Everyone was shown readjusting to some extent.
Jeff: Next round.
Kate: Vinnie.
Jeff: Vinnie getting more weight.
Andy: Damian.
Damian: Jeez...
Jeff: This will put Damian at 180, Vinnie at 200.
Kenny: Hang in there man, you got this.
Jeff: Big reward on the line. Arguably biggest of the season. Not only are you benefiting your tribe, you're also putting the other tribe at a major disadvantage.
Some more time passed.
Jeff: Next round.
Kenny: Damian
Sarah: Luke
Jeff: Kornati switching it up. Juburi sticking with Damian.
Both tribes loaded the weight on. Damian was starting to wobble.
Jeff: This will put Damian up to 180, Luke at 140.
Vinnie meanwhile was starting to lose his balance.
Kenny: Stay strong Vinnie.
Jeff: Vinnie starting to lose balance. A lot of weight on one side
Vinnie was cringing until he slipped off of the box. Kornati cheered at this.
Jeff: And just like that, Vinnie slips off the platform, Vinnie is out of the challenge. Major advantage for Kornati.
Damian was doing some heavy breathing.
Rachel: You're a beast man.
Jeff: Next round.
Kenny: Damian
Damian: Oh my god!
Jeff: Damian not happy. About to handle 200 pounds, the same weight Vinnie dropped out at. Juburi now down to Luke and Lauren to win it for them. Kornati, who is it?
Sarah: Luke.
Luke: *Sigh*
Jeff: Luke now about to be at 160.
The weight was now loaded on and Damian was squinting in pain.
Jeff: Damian now struggling. That is a lot of weight to be holding up.
Rachel: Come on, you've got this.
Jeff: The record for this challenge is 220 pounds, Damian is 2 bags away from that.
Nigel: This actually ain't as bad as I thought it'd be.
Jeff: Next round
Kenny: Nigel.
Nigel: Yep... saw that coming.
Kate: Luke
Luke looked down, trying to stay focused as he was getting weight for the 3rd time in a row.
Jeff: Luke now at 180, closing the gap between him and Damian.
Damian meanwhile was still feeling his arms give out.
Jeff: Load them on.
After both pairs were done with the weight loading. Damian felt his pole slip.
Jeff: Damian's pole slipping, you can't keep it that low for that long.
Damian tried to get it back up but was no use as it fell and he instantly bent over.
Jeff: Damian drops out at 200 pounds, you can see the pain in his eyes as he struggles to get back up.
And a few seconds after, Luke drops out right next to him.
Jeff: Luke drops out at 180 pounds! Kornati's strategy is working, they've eliminated both guys from the challenge. Lauren is all that's left. She and Rachel still holding 100 pounds while Nigel is holding 160.
Nigel was squinting as he also dropped his pole.
Jeff: Nigel drops out right behind Luke! Suddenly this challenge has come down to the women!
Both Lauren and Rachel were looking fairly strong however pain was really starting to become a factor for them.
Jeff: It has now come down to Rachel from Kornati, and Lauren from Juburi. Both at 100 pounds.
A few more seconds passed.
Jeff: Let's put on some more weight, no choices to be made, you know who's getting it.
Damian: This is just what we needed.
Jeff: This will put both women at 120 pounds. Here we go. 3, 2, 1, drop!
The struggle was now showing between both of them.
Jeff: Last person left standing wins reward, a camp raid.
Sweat was now showing on Lauren's forehead.
Jeff: Let's put on some more weight.
Both pairs got their next set of weights as they approached the girls.
Jeff: Both girls now at 140, 2 bags away from the weight Nigel dropped out at.
Nigel chuckled as he shook his head. Still exhausted.
Kenny then placed his bag further on the edge of the pole just to balance that side out.
Jeff: And release.
Rachel was starting to feel the pain.
Jeff: Rachel re-adjusting. Not a good time to re-adjust.
Lauren was then starting to slip.
Jeff: Both women are fighting hard.
Both held strong for a few seconds until one dropped.
Jeff: Lauren drops out. Rachel wins reward for Kornati!
Rachel then dropped her stack in relief as she went to celebrate with the rest of her tribe.
Jeff: What an effort.
Lauren sighed as she once again lost to Rachel.
Lauren: Sorry guys.
Kenny: Don't be.
Luke: You did a hell of a job.
Both tribes reunited on their mats.
Jeff: Kornati, big win today. Here's how it'll work, you will send two members of your tribe back to Juburi where they will decide what to take from that camp and bring back to yours. Who's going?
Kate: Nigel and I have both been there, we'll go.
Nigel: Hopefully my legs won't snap like twigs on the way.
Jeff: Alright, Kate and Nigel. Go ahead and join Juburi. Both tribes can grab your things and head back to camp.
Both tribes gathered their belongings and headed back.
Kenny (confessional): At first I was pretty bummed out we lost reward but this actually worked out better for me. I get to be back in touch with Kate and Nigel for a bit and hopefully work out a way for us all to survive these next few days. So not all is lost.
JUBURI DAY 16.
The camera panned to the Juburi flag as the 6 members + Kate and Nigel all arrived.
Lauren (confessional): After losing reward, Kornati got to come back to our camp to do a little shopping.
Kate: Wow, I missed this place.
Nigel: Me too. I missed the smell of rotting wood.
Lauren (confessional): At our camp, we have the flint, the machete, our pots and pans, a hammer, and the entire comfort reward.
Nigel: Do you guys by chance have a bottle of wine laying around?
Andy: Under the shelter? Yeah I think...
Nigel rushed to the shelter and found the wine.
Nigel: Oh sweet salvation.
The group watched awkwardly and Nigel took big sips of the bottled wine.
Kate: Damn, I forgot how much you guys got over here.
Luke: Yeah we kinda lucked out ending up at this camp.
Zane (confessional): It's awkward because you want to be on good terms with them because you're more likely than not gonna end up living with them in the future. But it took all my zen to not want to set them on fire.
Andy: You guys may end up living here at some point, just keep that in mind.
Kate: Oh we will.
Kate then eyed the comfort reward consisting of the pillows, blankets and the chairs.
Kate: I think we can settle with this.
Nigel: *Sigh* fine.
Kate (confessional): We ended up taking the comfort reward because we may end up living on this beach again. And if we're gonna come to a beach that has nothing, it's gonna come back to bite us pretty quick.
Zane: I can't watch, I'm going by the rock pool.
Andy: Yeah I'll join you.
Vinnie: Me three.
As the Vorona boys departed and Lauren went back to hunt for food, Kenny took Kate and Nigel to the vegetable patch.
Kenny: Here we go, not a lot but it'll do.
Nigel: I missed this patch.
Kate: Me too. Let's load up.
Kenny: Can you spare a few potatoes? I'm planning on showing Luke and Lauren this to try and get on their good side.
Kate: Gotcha, will do.
Meanwhile on the rock pool. Vinnie, Andy and Zane were all watching.
Andy: Some not very secretive strategy talks going on I think.
Zane: It's so obvious man.
Vinnie: That's why we gotta be careful and split that up. Kenny's one crafty guy.
Vinnie (confessional): Kenny has continued to sketch me out. I know Dianne wanted us to work together but she's no longer in the game. I'm playing for myself and my gut tells me to stick with Vorona.
Kate then left Nigel and Kenny alone to collect the comfort items while Nigel fills his bag with some vegetables from the patch.
Kenny: So how did tribal go?
Nigel: Kornati was a complete mess. We ended up deciding between Damian and Moana and we ended up going with Moana since she apparently had the immunity idol.
Kenny: That's great! Is Damian looking to be next then?
Nigel: I'm really not sure, he could convince them to be all Kornati strong. I know they'll have Jayda with them.
Kenny: Damn, right. That's an issue.
Kenny then paused to think for a bit.
Kenny: You don't think the idol could be re-hidden, do you?
Nigel: Re-hidden?
Kenny: Like if one immunity idol goes out of play, another comes to replace it. It gets re-hidden in other words.
Nigel: That would be pretty handy. Though I don't have the clue anymore.
Kenny: Here, take this.
Kenny then pulled out the clue that Vinnie handed him.
Kenny: If you manage to find it, let me know. I still have mine. We can use these to survive.
Nigel: I hope you're right.
Kenny (confessional): I had the bright idea of letting Nigel know that there could be another idol out there to replace the one that Moana got voted out with. I hope I'm right and that this doesn't work against me.
Nigel (confessional): It would be pretty sweet if there was another idol out there but Kenny's been kinda sketch lately so I'm not sure if I do wanna tell him if I find it. If only there was a coin for me to flip since I'm so indecisive.
Nigel then met back up with Kate.
Nigel: Everything?
Kate: Yep. Pillows, blankets, chairs, the hammock and a tarp.
Nigel: Awesome. Got some veggies we can fry later.
Kate: All in a day's work for the cookie bandits.
The two then fist pumped before leaving to return to their tribe.
Luke: Damn, this camp looks so empty now.
Lauren: I know. This will be difficult.
Luke (confessional): When Kornati left with our stuff, it was like a tornado ripped through and tore everything up. Our shelter was still in tact but we were gonna have to work hard to make up for losing. I ain't one for giving up so easily.
KORNATI DAY 16.
The camera panned to the Kornati flag where below it were some doodles in the sand. Kate and Nigel returned to the beach with Juburi's items.
Sarah: Hey guys! Welcome back!
Nigel: That was so much fun.
Kate: If you guys saw how much they had, it'd be like wandering in to a candy store.
Damian: There better be some food in there.
Nigel: Some veggies that they had. We got some potatoes that we can cook up
Rachel: Awesome stuff.
Jayda (confessional): I struggle sleeping enough as it is, especially with Brendan out of the game. But now it'll be a lot easier for me to relax.
Everyone watched as the stolen items were added to their shelter.
Rachel (confessional): My mind is always going. I know that Nigel and Kate would've had the chance to talk to Kenny, and I don't like that one bit. Whilst Damian looks to be the sketchy one, I may have to put in some work to make sure Kornati gets back together.
Later in the day, a couple of potatoes were getting cooked whilst the tribe was more relaxed.
Nigel: This makes me have a whole new appreciation for the term "Hot Potato".
Kate: We did good today.
Kate (confessional): After a rollercoaster of emotions, getting to win that challenge has really helped us. Nigel and I may be down in numbers but we're high in morale and that's always critical in this game.
The sun was starting to set, everyone enjoyed their acquired potatoes before departing in certain areas. Some stayed up, others tried to get an early night. Damian and Rachel were still up however.
Damian: I think the stars are out.
Rachel: Want to try out the stargazing nest?
Damian: Sure.
Damian (confessional): Before Luke left for Juburi, he put together this stargazing nest back at our camp. At first it was just a bunch of logs and palm fronds but now that we have some comfort over here, Rachel and I wanted to take full advantage and take a couple pillows and a blanket to fully complete it.
Rachel: Wow, that looks great.
Damian: Yeah, Luke did an awesome job.
Both proceeded to try and lay in it and to their surprise, it didn't collapse. They looked up at the sky.
Rachel: You know much about stars?
Damian: I tend to know a bit. Space was really the only part of physics class I cared about. Flunked the rest of the class.
Rachel: Any out here that grab your attention?
Damian then pointed to a couple.
Damian: Alpha Centauri. Third brightest star in our sky. It's a famous southern one and tends to be the nearest star system to the sun. Right now you can only see one star but they say through a telescope, you can see a double star.
Rachel: Wow, you have a telescope?
Damian: Nah, could never afford one. Would love to get one at some point. Sure I'll never get to see the supernovas or the black holes but still, it's space.
Rachel: This is like the closest I've experienced a fully lit night sky. No trees in the way, no rain, no weather. Just out in the open.
Damian: Yeah, I tend to be a night owl in case you couldn't tell.
Rachel: I think the tattoos say it all. Plus I see you and Curtis sneaking off some nights.
Damian: You could see us? Damn.
Rachel: Yep, I'm curious what you both even talk about anyway.
Damian: Just game stuff, nothing super interesting.
Rachel: Makes sense. That's the vibe I've always gotten from him anyway.
Rachel (confessional): Damian is such a laid back guy. He may not tend to fit in the best but he's always open with you if you're open with him and I love and care so much about that. He'd be a great person to hang out with outside of this.
Damian: (confessional): I never thought I'd say this but I actually think I'm developing feelings for Rachel. Our conversations have been the most real, I trust her the most in this game. I'm even starting to think about telling her about my past and what I've done but I'm still working up to it. I want her to be one of the first to know.
The couple started to drift off to sleep but not before Damian planted a kiss on Rachel's forehead.
JUBURI DAY 17.
The tide started to wash away as the sun rose from the horizons. Kenny was up early, chopping wood.
Kenny (confessional): I woke up early this morning. Really wanting to get my peace of mind before trying to plan out how to get out of my current position.
Kenny then nudged Luke who woke up.
Kenny *whispering*: Come with me.
Kenny (confessional): I'm still working hard on my relationship with Luke and I'm banking on the vegetable patch being something that works him over.
The two were then separated from camp.
Kenny: I wanted to show you something real quick.
Luke: What is it? Is it something to do with the idol?
Kenny: No, it's something that I think you'll like. Remember that reward we had on Day 4?
Luke: Yeah, you guys had that Survival guy come over and help out.
Kenny: Well he didn't only help out with the shelter.
The two then stopped in front of the vegetable patch which still had a few Potatoes remaining from last night's looting.
Luke: Wow, those look delicious.
Kenny: I'm keeping it a secret from the rest of the tribe but I want you to know I trust you.
Luke: I appreciate that a lot.
Luke (confessional): When Kenny showed me the vegetable patch, my mouth was like a fountain. Those Potatoes looked like enough that'd get us through these couple days easily. Sure it was probably for strategic purposes but who doesn't love a good potato?
The duo then collected one each.
Luke: Should probably wash these.
Kenny: Really?
Luke: Yeah, to get some of the dirt off.
Kenny: Huh, I've just been eating them completely raw. It would probably help though.
Luke: Trust me, it'll taste a lot better.
Luke then collected a third Potato for Lauren before they departed towards the Water Well.
Kenny: So obviously Vinnie and Andy are the ones running things right now.
Luke: True, I'd say they do make a lot of decisions within that group.
Kenny: Zane's a non threat, he'll just go wherever. As long as it's not him.
Luke: I don't think voting him out next is the smart move. I want to go for Andy.
Kenny: Really? Vinnie's the one with the immunity idol.
Luke: That's what concerns me. He could be paranoid and fire that thing right away.
Luke (confessional): I do not want Vinnie gone this early. With so many idols going around and possibly being played, I'm worried I might be viewed as the collateral damage vote since I don't have anyone here. So if Kenny wants us to work together, then I'd say we go for Andy.
Kenny: I mean I do think that idol is going to be a big problem come whenever the merge is. We're only at 12 people but we're also nearing the half way point which is when that usually comes in to play.
Luke: I guess. Do you think with more people voting he'd be more comfortable at that point?
Kenny: I'm not sure. Personally it's an issue that I'd like to nip in the bud a lot sooner.
Kenny (confessional): Okay, so I admit this issue was primarily my fault. I was the one who decided to send Vinnie to the Temple only because Dianne wanted me to. But I also didn't know it'd lead him straight to the immunity idol at Vorona. It's a hole I dug myself in to and it's something I have to find a way out of.
KORNATI DAY 17.
The sun was now completely out in the open, signaling the Kornati tribe to get up for the day. Damian, Nigel and Rachel were down at the beach talking.
Nigel: Okay, how about this? What would you rather have as a vehicle? A chariot or a monster truck?
Rachel: Let me guess? Monster truck?
Damian: I'm not sure. I think I'll get more people noticing me if I have the chariot.
Nigel: There's no engine, no fuel, just a couple horses guiding you around, you're putting all your trust in them.
Damian: Exactly, with how gas fuel is nowadays I think I'd be much better off. Plus those tires must be expensive. Imagine trying to get a replacement.
Rachel: Okay true but you get a lot more space in a monster truck. It'd be so cool driving from that height.
Damian: People won't get to see you. I'm all about making those heads turn.
Nigel: If those ponies get out of control and you end up heading for a rock avalanche then some heads are gonna get turned alright.
Damian *laughing*: I'm still locking in my answer. Chariot.
Nigel: Alright man.
Damian (confessional): Nigel absolutely cracks me up. As the only other guy on this tribe I think we sort of get each other's sense of humor whilst the other girls I just don't seem to vibe with outside of Rachel.
Rachel: If you end up asking me out, don't expect me to get in with you on that. I prefer motorcycles and monster trucks.
Nigel: She drives a tall order dude.
Damian: Hopefully one mil can take care of that.
Nigel (confessional): This is pretty much another day on the job for me. I crack jokes, ask thought provoking questions and just make sure people are vibing well. Meanwhile Kate is taking a more strategic approach with the girls.
Kate was walking with Jayda down towards the waterfalls to chat.
Kate (confessional): Jayda and I have had a prickly relationship in this game but after Nigel showed me the clue that Kenny gave him, I was like "Something seems off about this". So I wanted to clear the air with Jayda by seeing if we can figure this out and see if we can start fresh.
As Kate was talking, a flashback was shown of Nigel handing the clue to her as he went to distract Damian and Rachel.
Kate (confessional): The plan was that I would go and see if this idol was real and there while Nigel would distract that happy couple and make sure neither of them got their hands on it.
Kate: I wanted to show you this because I think you've had a closer look at it.
Jayda: Alright.
Kate then handed Jayda the clue as she looked at it very closely.
Jayda: Yeah this looks like the same clue he accused you of.
Kate: Why would he do that?
Jayda then realized something.
Jayda: He wanted us to turn against you so that him and Nigel would have numbers during the re-vote since you wouldn't be able to vote. They wanted to get Brendan out.
Kate: You think Nigel was a part of this?
Jayda: I didn't see him try and do anything to stop it.
Kate: I'll have to talk with him about this later.
Jayda (confessional): Kenny and Nigel are complete rats. They tricked us with the idol clue planting and I am now dead set on wanting them out. No one deceives Jayda and gets away with it, that's for damn sure.
Jayda: Wait, what's this?
Jayda turned the map around and there was an X behind it.
Kate: That's to the water well. Wouldn't hurt to try there I suppose.
The two made a mad dash to the well. Wondering where to begin.
Kate: I guess we try and dig around?
Jayda: It's a start.
After around 20 minutes of digging, the two of them grew exhausted.
Jayda: This is ridiculous.
Before they could continue, Sarah walked in on them.
Sarah: What's going on here? You trying to create a moat or something?
Kate and Jayda then looked at each other.
Kate (confessional): We weren't sure whether to tell Sarah or not that we were trying to take advantage of the clue that Kenny got us but we ended up caving in just because this was getting exhausting.
Kate: We got a clue that says that there's an immunity idol here. But we've been digging ages and so far nothing.
Jayda: Forget this, I need to have a lay down. And maybe yell at Nigel if I get the chance.
After Jayda left, Kate just sat there.
Sarah: Well I wouldn't really waste your breath on that.
Kate: Why not?
Sarah then reached in to her back pocket and pulled out a familiar blue necklace.
Kate: No way...
Sarah (confessional): Before we left for tribal, I sensed that something wasn't right so I went to Moana and confided in her.
FLASHBACK.
Sarah and Moana were on their way back to camp.
Sarah: I get the feeling something's off with Damian. He hasn't looked at me all day.
Moana: He says he's solid but I don't know.
Sarah: You don't think they're trying to pull a fast one on us?
Moana: Maybe. If they know I have the idol, you're probably on their radar.
Moana then pulls out the idol.
Moana: Hold on to this. If you feel like it's you, then that's fine. I couldn't have found it if it weren't for you anyway.
Sarah: Are you sure?
Moana: We don't have much time. Just take it and we'll see what happens.
Sarah: Thanks.
Sarah then accepted then idol and put it in the same back pocket.
Sarah (confessional): I ended up getting cold feet and didn't play it. I was still shocked that Moana left. But if they all think that the idol left with her then that's the upper hand I can use.
Kate: Where did you find it anyway?
Sarah: Down at the waterfall. Nowhere near the well if that's what you were wondering.
Kate: So all clues are different. Good to know. I respect you for being so straight up with me.
Sarah: Listen, I know we got off on the wrong foot but I do want to work with you guys moving forward.
Kate: You sure about that? Still not over the whole 2 votes for me to leave.
Sarah: Damian makes and breaks his own deals. He was the one that came up with the whole anti Juburi alliance just so we can get the upper hand on you guys as you were doing so well in the challenges. And now he's gone back on that based on his own personal gain.
Kate: The guy is shifty, that's for sure.
Sarah: If we lose, I can see the 4 votes clear as day. Us, Jayda and Nigel have no problem doing it. We need to split that power couple up right now.
Kate: I'm only on board if you help me take out Kenny next.
Sarah: Kenny?
Kate: Pinned me and Jayda against each other and we think he's been running the show. He also may or may not have the actual idol. We don't have anything solid on that yet.
Sarah: Consider it a deal.
Sarah (confessional): I thought I was on pretty shaky waters coming in to this, especially after Moana leaving left me entirely blindsided. But now the game is changing. Snakes are starting to get discovered and the underdogs are banding together. Just goes to show you how rapidly the tides can change when you have a common enemy.
Kate (confessional): I don't see why I shouldn't work with Sarah at this point. I was looking for an in when I got in to this tribe and that's my in, with her.
The two of them shook hands as they left the now moat surrounded water well.
JUBURI DAY 17.
It was now a good few hours in to the afternoon. Lauren was out, gathering some more palm fronds to provide the shelter with more protection.
Lauren: This should be solid for the next couple days I think.
Luke found her and was easily impressed.
Luke: This what you've been doing all day?
Lauren: Gotta pitch in somehow.
Luke: You're really good at this camp stuff.
Lauren: Thanks. My mom used to take me hiking, really gotten to appreciate the views.
Luke: I've only really spent some time down at the beaches overlooking the ocean. Can't beat that view in my eyes.
Lauren: Love that, I outght to show you some great hills to climb.
Luke: That would be awesome!
Lauren (confessional): People think that just because I'm stuck behind the counter at an ice cream parlour means I don't know a thing or two about working out but it's been fun trying to keep my mind and body in shape, especially in a game like this.
Luke (confessional): I like Lauren a lot, I think out of everyone on both tribes, she is someone I feel a great bond with outside of just strategy or camp life. And it's a really nice feeling.
Lauren: It's been great having new people to talk to. Like I can't begin to explain how much the people on Vorona annoy me.
Luke: They seem like a real strong group having gone through that many losses.
Lauren: My issue is Kenny. He seemed to really rely on them to keep him around.
Luke: He doesn't really have a choice. He's got almost no one in this game.
Lauren: Either an easy target or an easy number.
Luke: Something to mull over.
Meanwhile Zane was busy chopping some more wood until he stood on something sharp.
Zane: Ah! Damn!
Andy: You good?
Zane stumbled back in to camp where everyone else was sitting.
Zane: Stepped on something.
Zane lifted his foot and pulled out a nettle which left a bruise on his foot.
Vinnie: You gotta be more careful my guy.
Zane: Don't worry, I'm fine.
Vinnie (confessional): Ever since we got in to Vorona, Zane has really done his best to step it up and work harder around camp.
Zane: I think I managed to get a splinter the other day as well. Not sure if it's still there or not.
Andy: You need to take a breath. Come and sit down, have some coconut, enjoy the view.
Zane: As soon as I'm done, I can join you guys.
Vinnie (confessional): The only problem is that sometimes he works too hard. He overlooks the simple things like stepping on a twig or getting a splinter. He's gonna absolutely wreck himself just for the sake of the tribe and it's kinda scary.
Zane: It really doesn't hurt that bad. I'm a quick healer.
Andy: Even quick healers can use a time to rest.
Vinnie (confessional): If Zane ends up overworking himself or gets medically evacuated from an infection that would be the most tragically hillarious thing that would have happened in this game so far.
Zane: Okay fine, I'll sit down.
Zane then sat down with everyone else, trying to keep his mind off of working.
Kenny: I can try getting the fire working again.
Kenny (confessional): I think where Zane misses the mark on a lot of his strategy is that you have to work smarter, not harder. And that was evident today where he got all banged up. We don't want him too banged up, I'm trying to make sure we win these challenges to stay alive out here.
Kenny managed to grow the fire to where it stayed at a medium level rather than a couple small flames.
Luke: Good job Kenny.
Zane: Yeah, nice job man.
Zane (confessional): I do find it challenging talking to people. Everyone's different. I'm used to being around people who act like me, who talk like me. So I rather put my energy all to working. Might not be the best approach but it's gotten me this far. And hopefully it'll get me further.
IMMUNITY CHALLENGE DAY 18.
Jeff was shown behind a stone stage with a table in front of him. There were also two benches for the tribes.
Jeff: Come on in guys!
Both tribes came in from separate sides of the jungle. Kornati sat on the right side with Juburi sitting on the left.
Jeff: Alright, 18 days in. Almost at the halfway point in this game. It's time to get to today's immunity challenge. First thing's first, I'll take back both the idols.
Both tribes had a piece of the idol, Vorona with the knight and Kornati with the horse. Jeff then put the pieces back together.
Jeff: Once again immunity is back up for grabs. Both pieces of the idol are now combined in to one. Meaning only one tribe will walk away with this.
Everyone nodded, curious about the layout of the challenge.
Jeff: Today you will participate in a food eating competition. You will race to get down delicacies. You will square off either one against one or two against two. First to do so gets a point for their tribe. First to 4 wins immunity, safe from the vote. The losing tribe, tribal council where one of you will be going home.
Being out here for 18 days did take a toll on some players stomachs however they were unsure at how these delicacies would sit with them.
Jeff: In addition, the losing tribe will pick someone from the winning tribe to head to the Temple of Secrets where they will face a major decision. This is a Survivor classic, we did this in Panama with smoothies, this time, you're eating them raw.
This was new, the tribe heading to tribal council receiving a constellation prize of helping or hurting someone from the winning tribe.
Jeff: For this first round, both tribes will send up two tribe members. Let's get started.
Both tribes deliberated on who to send up first before deciding on who to start off with.
Jeff: Here we go. First round. We have Nigel and Sarah taking on Lauren and Andy.
All 4 members stepped up, both pairs facing each other with the table separating them.
Jeff: Go ahead and reveal your first course.
All 4 went ahead and uncovered their domes. Nigel yelped in surprise.
Jeff: Shotglasses of mealworms. The perfect appetizer. Everyone has one shotglass to get down. First pair to finish scores the first point. Survivors ready? Go.
Everyone raced to down their shotglasses, Andy gagged straight away and lowered his glass.
Jeff: Gotta show me an empty plate and an empty mouth. Nigel powering through.
Nigel was the only one with his shotglass completely empty as he seemed unphased.
Damian: There you go man! Keep going!
He held his nose and swallowed his remaining worms. He showed Jeff his empty mouth.
Jeff: Nigel's good! Take a step back!
Sarah and Lauren were almost done whilst Andy was struggling getting his down.
Andy: I can feel them moving...
All of them kept going until...
Jeff: Sarah's good! Kornati scores first!
Sarah and Nigel high fived whilst Lauren was just able to finish hers.
Jeff: Next round. We're going 1 against 1 this time.
Luke and Damian stepped up, ready for what they were about to eat.
Jeff: Damian taking on Luke. Former tribemates. Let's see what's next on the menu.
Both lifted their lids to reveal two large crickets.
Jeff: 2 giant crickets. Will have a little bit of it's guts and some juice to go along with it.
Both guys were shown to be mildly uncomfortable.
Jeff: Survivors ready. Go!
Luke and Damian wasted no time in putting the first one in their mouth.
Jeff: It's crunchy and it's juicy. Might help, might not.
They were now in the middle of trying to swallow it.
Jeff: Luke now working on his second. Damian right behind with his second.
Vinnie: Come on Luke! Pull through!
Sarah: Don't even think about it, just chew.
Luke managed to get his and opened his mouth whilst Damian was coughing.
Jeff: Luke has it! Juburi scores! We are tied, 1-1!
Damian: Dang dude, twice you've kicked my ass.
Luke: Thought you had a strong stomach.
Damian: Quit smoking for a reason.
The next round had two people coming up.
Jeff: Next round. It's Rachel and Jayda, taking on Zane and Vinnie.
The duos lined up as Jeff motioned them to their platters.
Jeff: Go ahead and reveal.
They all unveiled a long, pink peace of meat that looked like a hill.
Jeff: Cow tongue.
Nigel: Oooh.
Vinnie: That's some protein right there.
Zane on the other hand sighed and looked up.
Zane: Why me?
Vinnie: Just pretend you're kissing someone.
Damian: Yeah I cannibalize my partner when kissing her too.
Lauren: It's okay if you can't do it Zane.
Kenny raised his eyebrow as Zane jumped up and down and prepared himself.
Jeff: Alright, Survivors ready? Go!
They all took a big bite out of their tongues, especially Zane who just wanted his over and done with.
Jeff: Zane with a big bite.
Andy: Yeah that's it! Keep going!
Zane was coughing, clearly struggling but powered through, being the first to finish.
Jeff: Zane's good! Take a step back!
Zane: Can I throw up yet?
Andy: Just wait a couple more seconds man.
Both Jayda and Rachel did their best to catch up but wasn't able to as Vinnie swallowed and showed his mouth.
Jeff: Vinnie's good! Juburi scores again!
Him and Zane high five before Zane went to throw up in a bush.
Rachel: Ugh, I don't need to see that.
Jeff: You good Zane?
Zane: Am now. Sorry I just had to get that out of my system.
Jeff: Next round. The two who haven't gone yet.
Kenny got up from his seat as did Kate.
Jeff: Kenny and Kate now squaring off. Lift up the dome.
The former Juburi members did so and got their first look at the next dish.
Jeff: Starfish skewers. Fresh from the sea.
Kenny: Oh man...
Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!
Both shoved the skewers in their mouth, trying to get the starfish out.
Jeff: Kenny and Kate shoving the whole thing in their mouth. Similar approaches, trying to get the starfish loose.
The tribes were cheering them on until Kenny ended up swallowing too much and started choking.
Jeff: You alright?
Kate meanwhile managed to finish while Kenny punched his back and managed to cough up the chewed up starfish.
Jeff: Kate scores for Kornati! Kenny you okay?
Kenny: Yeah, bit off more than I could chew. It happens.
Jeff: We are tied, 2-2. Next round. Now going in to the individual rounds. You can pick whoever since everyone's gone once.
Nigel: I'm fine with doing it again, we've been killing it.
Zane: Yeah go ahead, keep talking.
Nigel: You don't scare me dude.
Zane: I'll kick your ass right here, right now. Gloat in our face a couple days ago for a challenge you did terrible in and got a free bottle out of it. Keep running your mouth.
Nigel: Gotta run something, I don't work out.
Jeff: So it's Zane and Nigel then?
Nigel: Sure, let's get an ego fed.
Zane: Sick of this guy.
Andy: Alright, let's go Zane.
Both stepped up, glaring at each other.
Jeff: This time we have a drink prepared for you guys.
Zane: Let's see it.
Jeff pulled out a jug and two glasses. The jug was full of cow's blood, he proceeded to fill the glasses.
Jeff: Got some cows blood for you both.
Zane: What you got against cows man?
Jeff: We are tied, 2-2. We are playing to 4. First person with an empty glass, scores the point.
Both nodded before turning to their glass.
Jeff: Survivors ready? Go!
Nigel picked up his glass straight away and started drinking while Zane was more hesitant but held his nose while doing it.
Jeff: Nigel with a bit of a lead, Zane falling out of it.
Nigel did a countdown with his fingers before finishing his glass.
Jeff: Wow, Nigel scores for Kornati! That was less than 10 seconds.
Zane: Dammit...
Nigel: I'll stop running my mouth now.
Jeff: Kornati only needs one more to win, Juburi needs to score to stay alive. Next two.
Sarah stepped up as did Vinnie.
Jeff: Sarah taking on Vinnie. Go ahead and reveal.
Both took off the top of their dishes and saw an odd looking egg dish.
Jeff: Balut.
Kate: Oh...
Andy: Dang, that's brutal.
Jeff: That is a duck embryo. Saved the most difficult for last. Here we go, for the win. Hands on the table. Survivors ready?
Sarah and Vinnie looked at each other briefly before their eyes reunited with the dish.
Jeff: Go!
Vinnie took his first bite while Sarah put the whole thing in.
Jeff: Wow, shell and all.
Damian: Hell yeah, Sarah!
Vinnie: Holy hell.
Luke: Don't look, just focus Vinnie.
Sarah was jumping up and down, trying to distract herself while Vinnie took another bite.
Jeff: Sarah getting close, Vinnie doing his best to catch up.
Both tribes looked in anticipation until Sarah displayed her empty mouth.
Jeff: Sarah does it! Kornati wins immunity!
Almost the whole tribe jumped out of their seats to congratulate Sarah while Vinnie just put his head on the table in defeat.
Jeff: Juburi heading to tribal council once again. Someone else about to get voted out.
Vinnie then finished off his water bottle while Zane shook his head.
Jeff: Kornati, congratulations. Immunity is yours, well earned. Sarah, come on over.
Sarah: Thanks!
Sarah raised the statue as Kornati all shared high fives with her.
Jeff: Before we send you guys back to camp. Juburi, pick someone from Kornati to go to the Temple of Secrets. And choose wisely, that person will have a big decision that may or may not have an impact on how the next couple days play out.
Vorona shared some brief whispering to each other before making their decision.
Zane: Let's send Jayda again.
Jayda: Heh, whatever.
Jeff: Jayda, head out, boat will pick you up.
Jayda gathered her things and left.
Jeff: Kornati, enjoy the night off. Juburi, tribal council tonight. One of you will become the 7th person voted out. You'll have the afternoon to figure out who.
Both tribes got up and departed, future events plaguing everyone's minds.
TEMPLE OF SECRETS DAY 18.
The boat approached the secluded island as Jayda sighed as she got off.
Jayda: Hello Temple, my old friend.
Jayda (confessional): Seems like I'm the popular girl, Kornati wanted to send me here and now Vorona's giving me a round trip ticket. They seem to think this is a punishment for me, like telling me to go stand in a corner or go to my room. They're just giving me more power. Maybe I should annoy people more often.
Jayda grabbed the torch and headed inside, she bypassed the first 5 sections before stopping at the section revealed for her.
Section #6 - Day 18 - Knowledge is Power
For the first time this season, the Temple of Secrets will come in to play after the immunity challenge. Your tribe has earned immunity and is safe from tribal, but with it comes another choice to make. As the person selected to spend the night, your decision will not be made here, instead it will be made at tribal council later tonight. In a few moments, a boat will come to pick you up, you will then arrive at tribal council where you will get to listen in on the entire discussion. Before the tribe goes up to vote, you will earn the opportunity to decide which of the tribe members you want to take with you to spend the night together. That person will not be able to vote but will also be safe from the vote. The both of you will then leave before the vote takes place and will rejoin your respective tribes the next day. You will now have to decide what comes first, helping an ally, or weakening an enemy. Good luck and remember, choose wisely.
Jayda: Of all people to get this power.
Jayda (confessional): This is a difficult decision for me because I don't really have any allies at this point in the game. What I do have are a couple people who I would very much like to remove from the game.
Jayda: I want to get Kenny out of the game but I also have to worry about him having the immunity idol. How do I get both out?
She then spent the entire afternoon pondering her recent dilemma.
JUBURI DAY 18.
The 6 members all got back dejected from their loss. Zane slammed the tribe flag down in rage.
Zane (confessional): I thought our tribe had the stronger stomachs but nope. We had our asses served to us medium rare today.
Zane: Nigel is one classless son of a bitch. Takes everything I says and then twists it trying to be funny. Like shut up, man.
Zane (confessional): I got beaten today by a middle aged comedy junkie. I had to have cow tongue and cows blood. I'm like the worst vegan ever. I'm livid.
Andy: Just go and relax on the beach, you'll feel better, we'll talk later.
Zane: Fine. First had to kill a fish for a reward we didn't even win and now I gagged up some cow saliva, love this show, everyone should do it.
As Zane walked off, Kenny went and sat down in the shelter.
Kenny (confessional): So we're heading to tribal council again. This may be the night where I have to whip out the old immunity idol to keep myself safe, because I know no one else is gonna look out for me.
Kenny: I do want us to talk later, but just as a safety thing so people don't get suspicious.
Lauren: Yeah absolutely.
Lauren (confessional): Personally I do find it difficult to trust Kenny. He was willing to let Emily go who was his only ally, all for the sake of keeping his immunity idol safe. If he's willing to do that to her, he could be willing to do that to anyone. So I would prefer that worry get nipped and have Kenny and the idol out of the game but obviously it isn't as simple as that.
Andy and Vinnie meanwhile met up at the water well.
Vinnie: I might have to play the idol tonight.
Andy: Why do you think that?
Vinnie: Kenny seems too relaxed. I don't want to get screwed here.
Andy: I really don't think he has one. If he did, he would've played it last time.
Vinnie: Can we make sure that no matter what, we eliminate the threat of an idol come merge?
Andy: We have us, Zane and Lauren. We can split on Luke and Kenny if we need to. If Luke votes for Kenny, even better.
Vinnie: Okay, I'm sold on that plan.
Zane then walks up on them.
Vinnie: How you feeling?
Zane: Better, at least I think. I can never tell.
Andy: We were just talking. I think it be best if me and Vinnie vote for Luke, you and Lauren vote for Kenny.
Zane: Do we tell Lauren?
Andy: I'm not too sure how she'll take Luke being a target.
Zane: I mean she has to pick a side. We're the ones that's kept her here through tribal after tribal. What do those guys have to show?
Andy (confessional): This is a risky plan. We have to make sure that no one breaks. I'm putting in all my work to make sure Zane doesn't leak. It's difficult but I think I'm getting through to him.
Andy: This is one of those moments where we have to stay strong. Otherwise our entire game plan can be messed up.
Zane: Alright.
Luke then met up with Lauren later in the day.
Luke: So what's going on?
Lauren: Kenny is looking to be the target here.
Luke: Okay, that makes me nervous.
Lauren: Because of the idol?
Luke: Yeah. I'm just not sure who could have one if we know Kenny has one.
Lauren: When we look at the first few people to go to the island. Who were they?
Luke: From each tribe? Dianne, Kenny and Moana.
Lauren: Dianne's out of the game, Vinnie got sent there and had to sit out of a challenge.
Luke: Does he have it?
Lauren slowly nods her head, making Luke put his head in his hands.
Luke (confessional): Lauren just gave me possibly the most devestating news.
Luke: If they both have protection, who's getting the boot.
Lauren: If they both play it? That's an issue.
Luke: Because if Kenny plays his, how do we not know Vinnie's gonna counter?
Lauren: You do have a point. I see your worry.
Luke: I'd be screwed.
Lauren (confessional): I made a promise to Luke that I would look out for him and Damian in this game. I am a woman of my word.
Luke: I can't risk voting for Kenny, I really can't.
Lauren: Who would you vote for then?
Luke: I guess Andy? If we're looking at him and Zane, Zane can just get booted at any time.
Lauren: As someone who's been stuck with him, Andy's definitely one of the more shadier ones.
Lauren (confessional): I wanted to get Kenny out but it looks like Luke has other plans. That's fine. As long as Kenny still gets the majority vote, regardless of who leaves, I'm keeping myself and Luke safe since no votes will be on us.
Vinnie got back to camp and met up with Lauren.
Lauren: Same plan?
Vinnie: Yep. Kenny tonight. He thinks it's Luke.
Lauren: Thought so. I trust you.
Vinnie: Me too. I think once we merge, we'll really be able to make the distance.
Lauren: Absolutely. I'd love to make it far.
Vinnie: Once we merge. We finish the job. We take out Kate, we take out Nigel, and we take out Jayda.
Vinnie (confessional): Lauren and I's relationship seems to have grown stronger since the swap. We have complete trust in each other.
Lauren (confessional): I feel like my best path forward is trying to use Vinnie to get myself further in the game. I have Luke and the Kornatis and now I have Vinnie helping me in this game. I don't have to pick a side just yet but we'll see where the cards fall.
It started to get late and everyone started to pack their things. Luke whispered something to Kenny.
Luke (confessional): I'm really nervous going in to this vote. There are so many possibilities that can happen at this point. My priority is to survive, reunite with my Kornati folk, hopefully bring Lauren on board and we should be safe.
Kenny (confessional): No matter what happens, I'm making sure I'm leaving tribal with a flame still lit in my torch. Whoever leaves, I'm fine with. I've seen that you can trust no one in this game but yourself.
The tribe all departed with their lit torches in hand.
TRIBAL COUNCIL NIGHT 18.
Juburi walked along the bridge, dreading another visit to the jungle invested tribal. Jeff as always was awaiting them. The group of 6 all placed their torches down and had a seat.
Jeff: Okay. Before we get started, we have someone else joining us.
A couple confused glares were shot at the host before he pointed to the entrance where to the surprise of everyone, Jayda walked in and took a seat in the soon to be jury bench.
Jeff: Alright. So Jayda is here mainly to observe tonight's tribal. And before we go to vote, she will make a decision which may or may not affect this vote.
Zane: Okay then...
Jeff: Zane, you seemed pretty heated during that immunity challenge, it seemed Nigel was annoying you, part of you still frustrated that you lost that match up?
Zane: Oh I was heated. I really put my neck out on the line for this tribe and to once again see it not make a difference sucks. I've had quite the ego battering these last few weeks.
Vinnie: Props to Zane though. You ask him to chug a gallon of Cow's blood on Day 3 he'd throw that stuff in your face.
Zane: Getting votes during a tribal really changes your perspective on how limited your time is and how to make use of it.
Jeff: Andy, it's this unique nature of Survivor where you do things you wouldn't normally see yourself doing in your day to day life.
Andy: I agree. I've gotten to do many things whilst out here and honestly it's been a really cool feeling. Hard to believe we're only half way through this journey.
Jeff: Lauren. For you, Andy, Zane and Vinnie, it's your guys fourth time at tribal council. How does that sit with you?
Lauren: The Vorona curse seems stronger than ever. Every time the Vorona tribe has headed to tribal, a woman seems to get their torch snuffed and as the only female left on this tribe, that makes me nervous.
Jeff: So are you hinting at possibly a mens alliance?
Lauren: Not neccissarily, just a trend that I've been noticing recently.
Jeff: Kenny, last time we were here, Emily was voted out. You and her were the only original Juburi on this tribe. Do you worry about your position now that she's gone?
Kenny: I've been worried even before the whole Emily thing. These last 3 immunity challenges neither me or the tribe I was on has been able to pull through and it gets tough after a while to keep that steam going where I know that I'll be showing up here plenty more now compared to the first 3 votes.
Jeff: Luke, it's definitely an interesting turn of events to see the tribes that were doing so well in the challenges such as what Kenny was talking about, not doing so well. How do you think you have performed these last couple of days?
Luke: I think I've always given it a hundred percent. Heck maybe even more. I may have came in to this in a new jungle and new roommates but that doesn't mean I want to hold these people back.
Jayda rolled her eyes visibly, no one paid her a glance however.
Jeff: Zane, has there been any talk of a merge coming up?
Zane: I think that's what's been filling the blanks on everyone's minds right now. A game where everyone's playing individually, you have only yourself to count on in the challenges and the vote. And I don't want to go through that the same way I had to go through these tribes. No offense to you guys, I'm just looking forward to that change.
Jeff: Andy, is this vote more about preparing for that upcoming merge or to keep your tribe strong so that you can be more prepared for those tribal immunity challenges?
Andy: Definitely wanting to keep the tribe strong. If we're losing all of these challenges then we have to look at whoever is dragging us down.
Kenny: I think that's complete bull crap.
Everyone then turned to face the lone Juburi member.
Kenny: I can absolutely promise you that those 3 are looking for a merge. Once I'm gone, they'll keep the illusion going with the Kornati and Vorona agreement and they'll be playing everyone for fools. You guys have been plotting against us since Brendan went out.
Andy: You knew very well that you wanted us to keep losing so that you guys would have the numbers. We did your strategy, and we did it better. Your focus has been entirely on yourself from literally the very first day when you ditched your tribe.
Kenny: I didn't even want the statue, Damian offered it to me. He wanted me to take it, and I did. Because I thought he was a man of his word. I have no one in this game, I've had to play solo because no one's looking out for me. Why get me out when you have alliances that will completely crush you.
Zane: I mean if you have no one in this game then that really shows that you don't know what you're doing.
Kenny: If you say so Mr Cow Saliva.
Jayda laughed at this.
Andy: If you want to vote for me again then go right ahead. I seemed to be an easy target for you last time.
Kenny: If your strategy relies on calling people out and constantly getting your way then that can only get you so far. Luke, I'm telling you, I think you're a great guy with great longevity in this game. Don't let other people lead you on and dictate your life for you.
Luke looked down, shaking his head.
Jeff: Okay, it is time to get to the vote. Before that, Jayda has a big decision to make.
Everyone then turned to her.
Jeff: Jayda now has the opportunity to choose one of you to go back to the Temple of Secrets with her. That person is safe, they cannot cast a vote however they cannot be voted for.
Zane: Another immunity.
Jeff: Jayda, who would you like to save from this tribal council and take back with you?
Jayda then looked at the group for a while.
Jayda: After witnessing everything that went down. I would like to take Andy with me.
Andy was shocked at this but nodded. Kenny was shuffling in his seat.
Jeff: Alright Andy. Grab your things, grab your torch. Head out with Jayda. The two of you will return tomorrow morning.
Andy: Sounds good. Thanks.
Andy got up. Vinnie looked at Zane while Luke looked at Lauren. Kenny listened in. Jayda and Andy both left tribal.
Jeff: Okay, it is time to vote. Kenny, you're up.
Kenny got up, nervous. Luke looked at Lauren.
Luke *whispered*: Do you want to?
Lauren looked up, she then glanced at Vinnie who mouthed someone's name.
Jeff: Zane.
Zane was the next to vote. He paused before writing Kenny's name down.
Zane: They say 3 strikes and you're out. It's time to hit the benches bud.
Luke was up next. He drew a line at the start of his parchment and continued writing as Vinnie glanced up, trying to get a read of his expression.
Luke *whispering*: Doing what's best for Kornati in the future. You're a great dude all around.
Vinnie then walked to cast his vote. He put it in the urn and walked back. Lauren was last up. She glanced at the pen and sighed. She was then shown sitting back down.
Jeff: I'll go tally the votes.
Kenny glanced at his bag while Vinnie did the same.
Jeff: Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. If anyone has a hidden immunity idol and they'd like to play it, now is the time to do so.
It was like a tense stand off. Luke shook his head at Kenny while Zane did the same for Vinnie. Both glanced at each other until...
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Nothing.
Jeff: Okay, I'll read the votes.
Jeff lifted the lid and pulled out the first vote.
Jeff: First vote. Kenny.
Kenny lifted his thumbs up at this.
Jeff: Vinnie. 1 vote Kenny, 1 vote Vinnie.
Vinnie nodded, though glanced around.
Jeff: Kenny. That's 2 votes Kenny, 1 vote Vinnie.
Zane smirked as Kenny shook his head.
Jeff: Vinnie.
Vinnie paused his expression and looked over at the other group.
Jeff: We're tied. 2 votes Kenny, 2 votes Vinnie. One vote left.
Kenny was starting to open his mouth in shock whilst Zane covered his eyes.
Jeff: 7th Person Voted out of Survivor: Croatia...
Shots of all 5 members were shown until the vote was revealed.
Jeff: ...Vinnie.
Kenny covered his mouth, shocked. Zane did not look happy.
Vinnie: Can't believe it. Cannot believe it.
Vinnie grabbed his torch and presented it in front of the host.
Jeff: Vinnie, the tribe has spoken.
Vinnie watched as the flame turned to smoke and ashes. He bailed out as Zane glanced at the others.
Zane: There's gonna be hell to pay.
Jeff: This game is just like the sun, on some days it shines upon you but it can also leave you in the dark. Grab your torches, head back to camp, goodnight.
Zane quickly rushed away with his torch while Kenny raised his fists. He gave Lauren a quick kiss on the cheek as they left. Luke walked from behind, feeling some sense of guilt. The credits started rolling as the four members left.
Jeff: Next time on Survivor.
Zane: I'm done playing for this tribe, those guys are on their own.
Lauren: You owe me big time for this.
Jeff: On Kornati, Damian finds out the truth.
Damian: They were gonna vote me out next?
Rachel: You dug yourself in to one hell of a hole buddy.
Damian (confessional): I might have made a game ending blunder.
Jeff: And a surprise merge ends the battle, but begins the war.
Jeff: Drop your buffs, we are merged.
Andy: Time to start playing. This game just gone up a level.
Final Words.
Vinnie: I was really banking on sending Kenny home with that idol but low and behold, it ended up happening to me instead. Pretty complicated stuff if you ask me. Thought I could keep the numbers together but clearly when Dianne was voted out should've been a clear enough warning for me. I got too confident and comfortable. At least I get this cute yellow souvenir, as long as this sells for over a million, I've already accomplished my goal out here.
Votes.
Kenny: Vinnie
Lauren: Vinnie
Luke: Vinnie
Vinnie: Kenny
Zane: Kenny
Andy: EXILED
12th: Vinnie
13th: Emily
14th: Moana
15th: Brendan
16th: Dianne
17th: Curtis
18th: Gail
I always hate having to remove people from the game with unplayed advantages but I wanted this to stay true to the show. Also, hope I caught everyone off guard with the fact that Sarah had the immunity idol this whole time after Moana left. Sarah and Kenny both remain with immunity idols, everyone else is on an equal playing field. So we have 11 players left going in to this merge. Tribe wise, numbers seem pretty even but you never know, especially when these players are now playing as individuals.
It felt so good to be able to finish this. I'll be honest. I've kinda been struggling with writers block these last few months but I wanted to fight through it and see this story through and I'm glad I did. It's the characters, it's the people that keep me invested in to wanting to write more each and every day and I'm so happy to get to have finished this one. It's been almost 2 years since the Panama finale and while that is a great milestone, with me working on this series for a year and a half, I don't want to keep going like this where I upload one chapter every 3 to 6 months.
But yeah, we are down to 11 now. Merge on the horizon but first I will be writing a special recap episode and including some special scenes featuring our 7 pre-mergers. And then I will go full speed ahead on this merge episode. It will be an exciting one for sure. Until next time. See you whenever!