Final Tribal Council

Night 39

After three different opening statements, the power is out of the final three's hands. The jury's about to take over, saying and asking what they have to for the last time.

Jeff gestures to the jury. "All the power is shifting into their hands. Collect yourselves, and get ready because people either make their chances, or break them apart…"

The host turns to the jury, and utters one word.

"Ready?"

Nods all around.

"Alright Rick, you're up first."

He makes his way to the final three, front and center.

"First off, congratulations on making it here. You did what you had to do to get here." He turns to the princess. "Daisy, i got a question. I remember when we made our pact, and wanted to get to five. Here, Rocket blew it up, and it didn't work out. If our five worked out: we're you going to be complacent? Or stab me in the back? I want the truth from you."

"I know myself, and I wouldn't just pick the other side off. I knew I couldn't beat Li, and if we didn't crack I would have to take a shot." Daisy answers, honest about it.

"Would you have the numbers?"

"Me, Li, and 'Lala were a group in the group, so if we wanted to do something devious, we could. That's the thing, in both realities, I'd find a way here even if I had to lie and cheat." She answers, owning her process.

Rick nods, a little smile creeping up. "Do what you've gotta do. I'd ask Samus something, but we got a few jurors who have interesting ones. That's all I have."

"Thank you Rick. Drax, you're up."

The Kylosian takes center stage this time. "You all fought like hell to get here. Some did with grace. Others did not. Monty.."

The Gator closes his eyes. "What Drax?"

"You seem like you know what I'm going to say, so I'll say it. You've been a dick to me the whole time. Even after we got into tribes, you've tried to distract me every time." He calls out. "Why?"

"I saw you as my enemy, straight up."

"Neither person next to you laughed about my failures. You want to call the alien a menace, but you're just as bad." Drax is going IN. "I knew you were bad news from day one."

"Well…" speaking of a Samus. "YOU weren't around for when he slandered you physically."

"Really?"

"He said you had all the muscles but none of the brain to win."

"NUH UH!" Monty snaps his head her direction. "Stop lyin'!"

"Since you threw me under the bus with lies, I'll give them the truth."

"Lies? Whatever! Whatever.."

Drax just shrugs. "Don't know what that was about, but I've made my decision."

"Thanks Drax." Jeff points to Sektor. "Sektor, you're up."

That cyborg takes his time getting to the spotlight. His cold demeanor is obvious to everyone, and they brace for some harsh hits.

"Coming in to tonight..I was only impressed with one of you. My opinion hasn't changed. Daisy, the only time you've made a move to benefit yourself was cutting Li. You may have better odds, but I wouldn't count on getting my vote. Monty.."

The gator rubs a tooth. "Yeah?"

"You've been exposing Samus to those in the jury who care. I can't take it seriously. You've been following her around for the whole game, and if you never aligned with her..you were at the bottom of our original alliance." Sektor reveals. "Your loudmouth gets you into trouble, even now, and you lost any chance of Drax's vote."

"Ok bud."

"I'm telling you what the reality is."

That's when he turns to D. Samus. "Samus, you may not be the best socially, but I can't ignore your gameplay. You were at a disadvantage, and took down two alliances from the middle. You didn't need them, they needed YOU. You deserve the credit for getting here."

"Glad you saw my plan."

Month clears his throat. "Ahem OUR plan. You couldn't do squat in the middle without me."

"You couldn't do anything in general without me. You'd just follow better players around and get no votes." She's digging into him. "Is that your strategy?

"See?" Monty points at her. "This is what it's like with her! Barks down at me all the damn time! Just keep your mouth shut."

"You are making yourself look great."

"Nah YOU wanna make me look like a baby. It's not baby behavior to call you out, I'm a gross ass Gator I'll do what I want."

Everyone on the jury's grinning ear to ear, eating it up. Sektor decides this is a time to call it. "I'm voting for the best force. That's all."

"Alright. Silver, you're up next."

Silver Sonic leaves the bench and stands above the final three. What does he have in store?

"Unlike a certain someone I don't need to put any of you down. I'll ask all of you this: what was your best strategy in this game?" He asks. "Monty, you're vocal so you should go first."

"My best strat was sticking by Samus and making our moves TOGETHER. If I clung to the whole Cyrax ship, then I'd be a sitting duck. So I put my vote between alliances."

"I'll accept it. Samus?"

"My play was better than both of these players. I didn't have to stay loyal to an alliance, or worry about which side to flip to because in the end…I did what I said I was going to do."

"Would you do anything different?" Silver asks.

"Nothing at all. If I devoted myself to a side, I would have been at the bottom..and sitting where you are."

Silver nods, accepting that too. "Daisy, what was your best strategy?"

"Well I like to talk to basically everyone, and I don't make enemies unless they come at me first. Because I wasn't so mean all the time, that got Li and Ulala to keep me, it got these two to work with me during Li's blindside. I KNEW how they'd react if I was, Samus was going off about Rocket after their fight. I'm grateful she didn't throw me under after the whole Ulala thing." Daisy answers. "OH, can I add to that?"

"Go ahead."

"Another great strategy I did was drawing a line between personal stuff and the game. There were times I flipped out, but I never personally attacked anybody. These two can't say the same."

Both her fellow finalists turn to her. "Oh you want in?" Monty asks.

"Just saying.."

"Interesting. We'll see if you get my vote." When Sikver sits, Ulala stand and heads to the front, smiling at Daisy.

"Hiiii"

"You look stunning!"

"Aww thank you. I don't have a question for you, but congrats on getting here, you're making me proud! There is someone I have a gripe with, who didn't make me feel proud at all." She turns Samus, her smile falls off. "Samus."

"Is this about what I think?"

"Mhmm. We talked about being role models for women, and getting another one to win..but right after you promised to stand by us, you got me out." Ulala recalls. "Why did you feel the need to do that? You know I hate when people do that.."

"Your group was the biggest left. I needed you to have a false sense of security. Didn't care if I had to lie or not. This is how I play."

"That makes me question what ELSE you lied about. Were you actually poor?"

"It was for sympathy. I'm well off."

Ulala looks at her like "really?" "Oh. OK, so not only do you talk down to someone who's, you know, your ally, you also want to lie about your life. I felt bad for you and that wasn't even real? How is anyone supposed to respect that?"

"If they know the ga—"

"If you treat people like crap nobody's going to vote for you! There are poor people who would kill to go on the show but they can't leave their job! You didn't just spit in our face, you spat in theirs too!" Ulala's face is getting red. "You don't have my vote, Daisy does, end of story."

She takes a seat, crossing those arms. The last time she was angry she was calm about it, but Dark Samus broke that straw on the camels back.

"Thanks Ulala. Rocket, you're up."

Raccoon makes his way to the front of the three. He's rubbing his hands together. What's he plotting? "I've heard about the same moves over and over again. Let's do something a little different. I'll ask each of ya WHY the people next to you shouldn't win. Monty, you're first."

Monty slides his shades up. "Easy. Daisy shouldn't win cause she rode Li's coattails the whole time."

"I literally got her out."

"Still did it. Samus shouldn't win cause she's a scummy piece of sh—"

Samus gets a hand in his face. "On that though raccoon, I'll go next. Monty shouldn't win because he's a hypocrite. He accuses Daisy of riding coattails, but rode mine the whole time."

"Cool, what about Daisy?" Rocket asks.

"She was crying after Li went home. You aren't a deserving winner if deceit hurts you that much."

"Wow!" Daisy turns to her. "Me next. YOU shouldn't win because you can't understand, that emotion is natural. It makes us do what we do, and you know what? I DIDN'T ride coattails because *I* called the shots earlier. Drax and Sektor are gone because I said their names first. Back off me."

Her clap back gets a grin from Ulala, but a stone cold reaction from Sektor.

"Oh yeah." Daisy continues. "Monty talks a big game, but anytime he's gotten heat, he's said the same stuff."

"What I can't defend myself?"

"You aren't really doing it good."

The gator snorts. "Ok princess."

The three turn back to Rocket, and from the look on his face, he got his entertainment for the night. "Good luck." He says, heading back to the bench.

"Thanks Rocket, Li you're up."

Li takes center stage, looking in the eyes of everyone at the final three.

"This is a big accomplishment, so you should feel proud of yourselves. That doesn't mean I won't give you hard questions." She looks at Samus first. "Samus, you are someone who's admitted to doing whatever it takes to win. Is there a line for you?"

"Not at all."

"Explain it."

The finalist pauses for a few seconds. "The only reason I ever lied about anything was to make players feel comfortable. I'm not usually a nasty person outside of this."

Li shakes her head. "I don't believe that."

"So your best friend betrays you and you're ok with that. When I lie, it's bad?"

"Don't twist my words. Daisy didn't need to make up personal information for sympathy points. She may be a traitor but she's genuine, and that's why I'd rather vote for her." Li crosses her arms. "You JUST talked down to Monty and want to say you're not nasty. You're not fooling anyone."

That puts a smile on the gator's face. "Yeah.." it comes off when Li focuses on him. "Monty.."

"Yo?"

"You've stated many times that this relationship with Samus is toxic. I'm curious why you haven't broken up with her."

"Well Li here's what I was thinkin'. I'm at the end with loads of threats, and I gotta take someone who can well, fumble a jury. Knowing her, I stuck by, and look at how she's blown it."

"You have too." D. Samus points out.

"Ah ah ah, enough from ya."

Li just facepalms. "It's clear that won't change. My last question is for you, Daisy.."

"Hit me with it."

"Was my elimination YOUR move alone? Or were you just a tagalong in it. Samus was likely targeting me anyway, I want your perspective."

"Ok..so after Cyrax won, I went to her IMMEDIATELY and said we should vote for you. You've had the final say in so much, and you had Rick's vote easy." Daisy explains. "After that..I felt like a horrible human for what I did. Backstabbing isn't something I do in the real world, so it took a toll..but I had to get back in it, it's like you said, don't lay down and die because one bad thing happens."

That makes Li smile. Seems she remembered their private talks.

"You also told me not to rush in. If I rushed, you'd be sitting here and killing me. You said to stop being predictable. I made a move people thought I didn't have the guts to do. I used your own tips against you." Daisy says, cracking a smile. "You won't kill me will you?"

"Hehehe, no. I like your answer though."

"You taught me too well."

Li nods. "Thanks. Good luck everyone." She probably just means 'good luck Daisy,' but she's not that petty so she heads back to the bench.

"Last person up: Cyrax."

Cyrax takes the stage for an address. "My time has taught me a lot about myself. I hope it's done the same for you because my question is about self awareness. Samus, how do you think you're perceived? If you think it's wrong, what should we think of you?"

"Players think I'm a villain. They'd be correct, but I'm a villain who does what it takes to win."

Ulala facepalms, while Li just mouths "doesn't get it." Samus actually sees that and pushes further. "Without ME, you would be sitting here, so it's all thanks to me the biggest threat is out."

"What about you, Montgomery?" Cyrax asks.

"They think i got anger issues. I do have anger issues. But there's more to my story. I've sneaked by, my personality just covers it.."

"Unique way to put it." Cyrax comments. "Daisy. Last, certainly not least…"

"Judging from what I saw…people still like me? Which is shocking." Daisy let's a chuckle out. "I thought they'd tear me up, but if I want them to think of me as anything: it's a winner who knows what to do, when to do it, and how they should go about it. I don't need to get personal, or nasty with anyone."

Cyrax nods, accepting all three. "Rocket told me to do this for 'spice.' Who shouldn't be on the jury?"

"Drax." Monty answers. "He's not votin' for me so it'd be best."

"Samus?"

"Ulala." She answers. "Li has done the work to get here. Ulala just floated." That gets a dirty look from the reporter, but it's not about her.

"How about you, Daisy?" Cyrax asks.

"Sektor." She answers. "He's pro-Samus, and I don't think there's much respect for him, well as a juror after what he did to you, and what he said tonight. You didn't deserve that."

"I'm aware but I appreciate the thought."

"He also won't vote for me so it's a better game move. Hear that, Sektor? I can play!" Daisy jokes, but Sektor gives her no reaction. He's not amused.

Cyrax seems satisfied. "May the best player win." he says, taking a seat. All eight jurors are done speaking, and it's..been an eventful Final when it comes to pot shots.

"Alright. Jury, before you go to vote, this is the final three's last chance to sway you." Jeff reminds. "Samus, make your closing statement."

"It seems most of you refuse to respect how I played, but to those who do, don't be afraid to write my name down because of what others think. Use your head, not your heart, it's a game of deceit and I treated it that way."

Jeff moves on. "Monty.."

"Look, tonight wasn't my best moment, but I knew what was goin' on, and didn't need to lie about my money, or lie about feminism. Thank you." He sits down and it gets laugh from the jury. This gator is actually real.

"Daisy."

"Sooo I've made an ass out of myself the least tonight, and did what I had to do get here. I had my agency, made my moves, and have better connections than them. I knew they would tank each other tonight, and chose them because of it. I've been playing the whole time, just haven't been flashy about it. Thank you."

With her plea is done, the final three is done actually, and Jeff knows what's next. "To the final three, sit back because your place is about to be decided. Jury, you have all the information you need. One by one, you'll head into the booth and vote for who you think should be the winner. For the last time, it is time to vote. Rick, you're up first."

He heads to the voting booth.

In the booth, he's looking around.

Rick: Been a while.

His vote is hidden.

Drax: Even though you betrayed me…those two betrayed themselves. That was awful. (Daisy)

Once he's done, Sektor walks in and writes a name down immediately. He shows his parchment off to the camera.

Sektor: Unlike them i respect what you've done. Play for no one but yourself. ("Samus")

After he's out, Silver Sonic walks in and writes a name.

Silver Sonic: I would like to reward the best player, but after consulting with Rocket..we need to send a message to the worst. That type of game can't be rewarded. (Monty)

Once that hedgehog leaves, Ulala heads in and writes a name down. She leaves her parchment face down.

Ulala: You entertained me tonight, and ate Samus up. That's enough to get my vote. (?)

Once she's gone, Rocket comes in and writes down a name.

Rocket: I'd love to vote for Daisy but let's be real: Samus needs a reality check. This isn't strategic, it's personal. (Monty)

Once he's out, Li writes a "D".

Chun-Li: I'm proud of you. Enjoy the money. (Daisy)

The last person to enter the booth is Cyrax, who keeps his parchment hidden.

Cyrax: All of you came to win. It was amusing to watch. There's only one game that can be rewarded in the end, and a couple are getting left out. (?)

After they vote, that jury heads back to that bench, leaving the rest to Jeff. The final three looks on, with what could be described as a mix of nervousness, excitement, and a false look of stoicism.

Nobody can be stoic with a million dollar vote. Well, almost nobody.

Jeff carries that urn back to the podium, but doesn't set it down this time. "Thank you all for a great season, with moments I'll still remember for years to come. These votes will be revealed soon. For now..I'll see you in L.A."

He takes that urn and leaves the Tribal Council set for the last time this season. All those eleven castaways can do is watch, and that final three is going to be left in suspense until the live finale!

"..you think I tanked it?" Monty asks.

"Yes.."

"NO." Daisy cuts in. "Don't beat yourself down, you'll be fine."

CBS Television City

Los Angeles

Suddenly, the camera cuts back to L.A, with a roaring crowd as Jeff walks onstage from backstage. The final three are all glammed up next to each other, ready to see the fruits of their labor. To their right, is the jury itself, somehow looking MORE clean than they did on the bench.

Daisy and Monty are talking, but it's inaudible compared to the cheering crowd. Dark Samus is just staring at that urn.

Jeff sets that down. "Alright, quiet down everyone. You'll have plenty of time to cheer later..because in just a moment, we're about to crown our next Sole Survivor! Before that, again, I have to thank our cast." He faces those eleven once again. "It was entertaining for me to watch, but I'm Survivor's biggest fan. Speaking of fans…the final three has plenty!"

The camera pans over to a few more..Dark Samus clones. Does she have a family?

It also pans over to Freddy, Roxanne, and Chica. That wolf just hits a pose for the camera. That trio's still supporting their friend, but one of them just loves the fame.

The last pan is Daisy's support. There's Peach, her hubby Luigi, Mario appearing for the first time, and a few Toads goofing off.

One of those groups are about to have a BLAST!

"It all comes down to this. Who's going to win this game? DARK Samus…Daisy…Monty. One of you are about to win, and remember: these votes are for a winner. I'll read the votes.."

Daisy and Monty's breathing picks up, while Dark Samus scoffs at them. Her whole name got acknowledged this time.

"First vote…"

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"Samus."

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"Daisy."

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"Monty. We are tied, six votes left."

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"Daisy."

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"Monty. We're tied again."

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"Daisy."

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"The winner of Survivor: Man versus Machine, DAISY!"

She jumps up and hugs Monty out of pure instinct! It's so tight he has to squirm out. She runs off stage while the jury applauds with the audience. When she reaches her people, she gives Luigi a big kiss!

"MWAH. I DID IT!"

"YES!" Luigi pulls her into a hug. While Daisy's in she sees the warm smile of her cousin. Mario tips his cap to her. Thirty-nine days in a stressful environment deserves a cap tip from anyone.

On stage, Monty gives a silent Samus the smarmiest look he can. "I was the one on coattails?"

"Silence…fool."

"I'm terrified, haha."

While they have their own drama…again, the camera pans over to Jeff with a smile. "After getting beat down early, Daisy was able to claw her way here and earned the million, AND title of Sole Survivor! Didn't need an idol, didn't need to be saved by immunity. That's more bragging rights for Sarasaland! What a season. We had character arcs, like Cyrax and Sektor's relationship, Megatron's destruction, Silver Sonic and Drax had theirs as well! Don't forget about the blindsides, and some of the biggest FAILS in Survivor history."

A purple rabbit is running onstage behind him..wait a minute that's Nabbit! Li pins him to the ground, and security rushes onstage to take him out! What's he even doing here?

Jeff looks at the stage..and back to the camera with a grin. "Not forgetting that either, and we hope you don't forget this season either! Thank you for tuning in to Survivor: Man versus Machine! I'll see you for season five!"

The camera zooms out to capture the scale. Daisy celebrating, mergers having their little talks, pre-mergers joining the stage, and Nabbit getting a police escort right out of L.A!

The very last scene..is Daisy jumping out of her seat! Wide eyes, jaw dropped, just pure joy on her face.

Votes (5–2-1):

Daisy— Rick, Drax, Ulala, Chun-Li, and Cyrax

Monty— Silver Sonic and Rocket

Dark Samus— Sektor

Final Confessional Count:

66– Daisy

58– Dark Samus

53– Monty

71– Cyrax

61– Chun-Li

56– Rocket

39– Ulala

35– Silver Sonic

41– Sektor

29– Drax the Destroyer

27– Rick Grimes

20– Megatron

16– Clank

12– Mighty Gazelle

10– Brandon

5– Sackboy

4– Nabbit, Porky Munch

Wow…this is by far, the longest story I've ever written. Over 150K words, and the length of like..Fifteen "Survivor" episodes in the real world. I've put a lot of work into this, and I'm proud. Congratulations to Daisy, the first woman to win in four seasons! All that talk has paid off. There's a lot I could say about her, but Jeff's repeated what she's said herself. She's a deserving winner, and came in with a majority of the jury wanting to vote for her. Sat next to the right people!

Now if we're talking about that vote..Monty got two votes to spite Dark Samus after her performance. Rocket was feeling petty, and after what she admitted to, nobody on the jury blamed him for it. She, and even Monty might have the messiest Final Tribal Council in the history of this series. It was constant with them, but they both got cut down for their actions earlier in the season..and tonight.

With that, we are on to Season Five! I'm really conflicted here because I don't know what I want the theme to be. Do I go with newbies again? Or do I do a Second Chance season? Maybe even an All-Stars depending on how many big names we have! Don't know yet.

When I do, a new story will go out. I still want to continue this series anyway, I am madly in love with the show lol. Ticket out…and I'll see you down the road.