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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 12:51:09 GMT -5
Survivor Holidays: All Stars
Episode III
“Analyze This”
Saint Patrick’s Day: Christopher, JoJo
Independence Day: Missie
Halloween: Ashley, Drew, Isaac, Jake, Jon
Valentine’s Day: Beth, Elisabeth, Jenne, Kyle, Rami, Ryan, Taylor, Tenzil With two more upsets out of the way, All Star was shaping up for a bumpy ride with thirty-three days left to endure. Jamie Drayson’s eviction had been a slightly wider margin over Drew, but Angie Cristobal’s dismissal opened some eyes. The vote had been scattered between Drew and Ashley with a resounding eight strong block against Angie. The evidence of an active and dangerous alliance was unmistakeable. Heads where turning, mouths were running, people were wondering—particularly among the teen-aged male population of the cast. The nagging question was: who? Tenzil Goodman had been left out of every strategy discussion possible: this was not up for debate. The writing was on the wall, and in Tenzil’s interpretation, the words said, “You are next!” Beth Sowles was never far away, and Tenzil always knew he could rely on her, and when they made their way back to the aisle of huts, he found his way next to her for her shoulder. Tenzil: I get the feeling that I am not long for this game…and I can’t wait. Beth: I’m not long for the game, either. I’m out of the loop on everything, and I’m finding it hard to care. Tenzil looked at her gravely. Somehow he hardly believed that Beth was out of the loop. Beth was never out of the loop. For all intents and purposes Beth Sowles was the loop. He narrowed his eyes scoldingly. Tenzil: I don’t think Jamie should have paid the price. I’m going to be so hurt if someone I considered a friend—not someone I just met—but someone I’ve known a while is in on this. Beth: I don’t know who started this. Tenzil: Someone who wants to win a lot more than we do. Let ‘em. I am not in the mood to dance. They walked in silence for a moment; Beth was uncharacteristically short on words. Tenzil: Do you think Jenne was a part of Jamie’s boot? Beth hesitated before answering. It was a very direct question, and she didn’t know that she was at liberty to answer for her friend. Beth: I thought maybe she was the Ashley vote. Tenzil: Me too. It hurts me that Chris was a part of this—to my core. Beth: He doesn’t know Jamie, though. Tenzil: It still hurts. It doesn’t matter if he followed the mob or started—it still hurts. Beth: I don’t know what to say. Remember…just a game. Who did you vote on round number two? Tenzil: Drew both times. The second time I just didn’t care. I couldn’t work up enough energy to vote anyone else. Beth: I wondered if yours was the Taylor vote. Tenzil: I thought it was you. Beth: I voted Angie. Tenzil nodded and they continued on in silence for a bit longer. Tenzil: I’m heading to find a gun for my head. I can’t take it. Beth stopped in her tracks and nabbed him by the arm. Beth: Just stop that! It’s a freakin’ game! Tenzil: He was my friend, and I never went against him. Ever! He knows I supported him. Beth: It’s a game, Tenzil! We’re all going to get voted out sooner or later. At some point, our friends are going to have a hand in it, don’t you think? Tenzil regarded her for a long moment as they stood their, facing off, listening to the evening tide roll in. The breeze from the sea was cool, but not as cold as Tenzil felt inside. He penetrated Beth was his eyes, until she grew uneasy. Tenzil: Did you vote Jamie? Beth sighed and nodded slowly. Beth: I can’t lie to you. Yes. Smiling weakly, Tenzil turned and kept going. Tenzil: I feel like everyone’s punching bag—for Tonga. I feel like I’m being pissed on for the Commander, even when I’m not playing the part. Beth: You probably won’t believe this, but one of my factors in voting Jamie was keeping you. I know you hate me now. I get that you hate me, and I get that you don’t trust me or want me around. I’m sorry. Tenzil: It’s not that. Beth: Do you want to know why I voted Jamie? Tenzil: I know why. Beth: No, you don’t. Or should I ask, why do you think? Tenzil: I know what she was doing. Beth: Please believe, I never did it to hurt you, and I didn’t want to hurt Jamie. Tenzil said nothing. Beth: If you don’t want to talk to me, I understand. Tenzil: I need to be alone. I’ll talk tomorrow. He turned and stalked away, leaving Beth to stand there alone on the beach. A tear began to trickle from her eyed and she mopped it up with her hand before she continued on by herself. Before closing himself off in his hut for the night, Tenzil crossed paths with Jenne Lotz in the aisle. She seemed startled to see him but smiled when he paused and looked at her. It was the same Jenne smile that always affected him and drew him in, but this evening he was dead to it. Her smiled faded as his face remained as stone. Tenzil: Jenne. Jenne: Hi, Mikey. Tenzil : Did you do what someone is accusing you of doing? Jenne: What’s going on? Who’s accusing me of what? Tenzil: Angie told me earlier that you were helping boot Jamie. Jenne bit her lip thoughtfully. This was classic Tenzil, and she knew the truth was going to cost her a peaceful conversation. Jenne: I talked to Angie today and told her the three names I’d heard. Ashley, Taylor, and Jamie. Tenzil: That’s not what I asked. Did you vote for Jamie? Jenne flinched at the gruff boom to his voice Jenne: I voted for Jamie, if that’s what you were asking. I don’t know what Angie was telling you. But Jamie was telling people she wanted to vote you out on her own terms and that she wished someone would have clued her into voting for you at the first tribal council. She would’ve been in on it, and that’s crap, Mikey! I don’t like the way she toys with you! So, hell yeah I voted for her! Tenzil: I just wanted my friends to be together at the end. I feel like the punching bag for people in this. Jenne: You ain’t my punching bag. I hug you and love you, and you know that. Tenzil: It’s the environment. Jenne: You know with her gone, no one has any reason to target you. Tenzil: I did nothing and got slammed with votes. Jenne: I don’t know what happened that firs TC, but I honestly think you have no problems now. I’m not gonna feel bad about the way I voted. Jamie hadn’t spoken to me once this whole game. So, yeah, I did what I thought was best, and I knew you’d be mad. I just followed the rules of last time. You didn’t want to know, so I didn’t tell you ahead of time. I’m straight with you, Mikey. She was no good for my game, and she was hurting yours too. You gonna hate me and ignore me now because I voted out someone who you shouldn’t have even trusted? Tenzil: I just need to be alone. Jenne reached up and put a hand on his shoulder. Jenne: I understand, Mikey. I know how you get. I just don’t want you sitting here pouting, being sad and upset with me. I know you are upset, and you should be. Tenzil removed her hand coldly. Tenzil: I’ll talk tomorrow. Jenne: Don’t let this silly game affect your mood. There are a lot of us who truly love and care about you. No matter what happens in a stupid, dumb game, you are loved. Tenzil had started walking to his hut with Jenne a few steps behind him. He turned on her quickly. Tenzil: I need to be alone! Jenne: I don’t want a game to make you upset! Tenzil: I feel absolutely horrible. She started to reach out for him, but he brushed her off and turned to disappear into his hut. Jenne: Don’t let this crap get to you, Mikey! But he was gone. She stared after him, a lump forming in her throat. She honestly couldn’t stand it. He would see Jamie again, and his hands would be clean. Beth had been watching from the distance, and she approached Jenne slowly. Jenne looked up and willed away any tears that had formed. Jenne: He’s sorta a child about this. Like grow up! It’s a game! He’s so upset! It’s a stupid, freaking game! Beth: This taking a gun to his head crap… Jenne: He wasn’t even voted for. ‘I feel absolutely horrible.’ Game! GAME! HELLO PEOPLE! Beth: With this many of us, how can he possibly expect that we won’t vote each other out? Jenne scowled toward Tenzil’s hut where the lights went off. Jenne: He said he wanted his friends at the end. I’m like, really that’s nice, but I want MY friends at the end, and Jamie ain’t one of them. Beth: Jamie had how many final two’s already, and people heard of them! Jenne: Sorry, bitch had to go. What’s sad is Drew told me how much he liked Jamie and how he swore to her he’d never vote for her. She led the charge to vote him off! Beth: She talked about him like he was a puppy in constant need of scolding. Oh! And so now Kyle also assumes he and I are together after he totally voted against us! Jenne shook her head quickly. Jenne: He didn’t vote against us. He voted his conscience. It’s different. Beth heaved a sigh. Beth: That’s true. I’m crabby and bitchy I think. Smiling, Jenne reached up and patted Beth’s shoulder. Jenne: I’m going to reel Drew in with this, though. May as well steal Jamie’s puppies now that she’s gone. Beth agreed it was a good idea. Drew would most likely jump at the chance working with them—especially knowing that Tenzil, who had been angry with him initially, was now on a warpath. It would be perfect. Tenzil sank down on to his bed after locking himself in the hut, pulling all the shades, and cutting off the light. This was, by far, the worst gaming experience that he had ever had. It would possibly be over in three short days, and he secretly hoped that it might. Kyle Adams walked away from the council feeling very vulnerable. Jamie had been his true spoken alliance—Angie had been maneuvering that way. Now they were gone and he felt most guilty about not putting his full power into saving them. Taylor Napier had been a major component for ousting Jamie—and Angie, for that matter—and he feared his continuing allegiance with Kyle. Kyle had been openly and adamantly against the dynamics of the evening. Taylor: Sorry about tonight. I know you didn’t want to see them go. Kyle: I’m cool with it. Game, man. I think it will work out better. Taylor: I know Angie and Jamie both wanted me gone. Kyle: Yes, they did, and I fought with them over it. Taylor: Why did Angie want me gone? Kyle shrugged. Kyle: Because she didn’t trust you. Taylor: I hate to sound pompous, because this isn’t meant to be, but when someone comes after me, I don’t sit down and die. Kyle: I understand. Only thing is…this leaves me in the same situation as Valentine’s Day. Taylor: No, it doesn’t. You’ll beat Tenzil This game will get ugly at final ten and you will be there. My ideal final seven is Kyle, Taylor, Lizzie, Chris, Beth, Jenne, JoJo. Kyle: I was actually thinking those same people today—minus Elisabeth. I’ve got my eyes on Chris. Taylor: As well you should. Kyle: He tries to butter me up…tells me what he’s doing. Taylor: He says he likes you. Kyle: So he tells me. But when someone comes on so strong with adoration to someone he hasn’t met…makes me wonder. Taylor: People don’t want to vote you out again. Remember that. But I wouldn’t worry about it right now. Kyle: Oh, I’m looking at it now…subtly. Got my feelers out. Taylor: Good. Kyle: Well, I need to head to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow. They bade each other good night. Kyle changed hurriedly and dropped into bed, the events of the evening running freshly through his mind. He was now going to have to change his whole game plan. Beth Sowles was still there with him, Taylor was still walking by his side… He turned and peered out the window where he saw Missie and Isaac pass. Where exactly was Missie in all this, he thought in his mind. To this point she had seemed more trustworthy than expected, but she had also played a significant role in getting Jamie out—possibly Angie. Kyle was torn in wanting to work with Missie against the Valentine’s Day crew, but at the same time, she seemed to be a controlling power who fell into the categories of strengths that needed to be cut as they surfaced. In Kyle’s book anyway. Rolling over, he still saw the images of Jamie and Angie disappearing from the council area. It was deflating at best. |
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 12:52:40 GMT -5
With that, Kyle hoped he could find his way for the remainder of the game. Since Jamie had gone, Beth had mentioned to him hoping they had an agreement for the final two. He had agreed. He needed someone for the bumpy ride ahead. It was an adventure to say the least.
Taylor returned to his hut on top of the world. He was, of course, sorry for the loss his friend had taken at that evening’s tribal council, but he was ecstatic about how the way things were going for his game. His friends were holding true as he was most certain they would.
Whatever the case, all was well with Taylor Napier.
Others weren’t quite so confident. Having their name up so early in the game and actually receiving several votes was never promising for the long haul.
Drew Herlitz came away from tribal council disappointed. Disappointed that he had lost a good friend in Jamie and disappointed that he would apparently be on the block until they could finally be rid of him. Tenzil was already angry with him, and Drew felt he was not long for the exit.
A mere few steps out of the council area, Drew had attempted to assure Tenzil that he had not gone against him, but Tenzil would hear nothing. Even thinking back to the conversation got Drew’s heart to pumping…
Drew: That TC was a shocker for me. I swear Jamie wasn’t my idea, nor did I even vote for her.
Shooting a glare at Drew, Tenzil made no effort to conceal his contempt.
Tenzil: That’s a lie.
Drew: No, it really isn’t!
Tenzil rolled his eyes and stopped walking.
Tenzil: Drew, don’t take this the wrong way. I like you, but I do believe you voted for her, and whatever you try to tell me won’t change anything.
Drew sighed. Having Tenzil mad could mean only bad things for his game. Tenzil was just too powerful.
Drew: Ok then. Suit yourself, I guess.
Tenzil: When this show airs, if I am wrong, then I will apologize immediately, and I always do that when I am wrong.
Drew: Well, sorry to tell you but you will be apologizing. My two votes were for Ashley and Taylor. Can I at least have you promise me that you won’t plot against me based on suspicion?
Heaving a heavy sigh, Tenzil reached up and massaged his temples in frustration. He couldn’t get the point across that he had not been playing this game safe for the benefit of others. He had devised no plot or scheme toward anyone thus far and had not planned for the future—even in his dire situation. All had advised to shelve the Commander, and shelve the Commander he had.
Tenzil: I never targeted anyone. I only supported the people I like, and I refuse to target anyone now.
Drew: Thank you for that. And I love Jamie to death, I really do!
Tenzil: This doesn’t mean I’ll never vote for you or that I will trust you…
Drew: I understand that.
Tenzil: But I will never target anyone—ever.
Drew: Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for an alliance here or anything—
Tenzil: I no longer want one with anyone.
Drew: Fair enough.
Words had run dry. It was apparent they had nothing more to say to each other, and Drew took that as his cue.
Drew: Thanks for being willing to talk with me. Good luck in the rest of the game.
And with that he left. He didn’t know where Tenzil went after that or who he went to conspire with, but he was glad to be away from the most awkward moment of the game, wondering all the while how he’d found himself in such a hazardous situation. He had done nothing, hadn’t even asked people for alliances. After his stint in both Valentine’s Day and Halloween, he had been very careful.
Now he seemed to be in an even worse situation. Maybe he needed to start making alliances.
Instead of returning to his hut that evening, Drew made his way to the resort to bide his time, knowing that he would only lay in his bed restless otherwise. Thoughts were heavy as he ambled about until he ran into Ryan Appel.
Ryan noticed his glum right off and immediately went to his aide.
Drew: I’m just so unhappy that Tenzil is pissed at me.
Ryan: Why?
Drew: He thinks I voted for Jamie.
They found themselves at the main restaurant, seated themselves in the back and ordered a couple of sodas and dessert. The bar seemed so much more appealing, but Drew was underage and Ryan wanted to accompany him for the evening. He appeared just vulnerable enough to strike up a solid alliance.
Drew: I loved Jamie dearly. I told her I would never vote for her, and I didn’t. I need this next immunity like none I’ve ever needed before.
Ryan: Well, I will definitely be trying my hardest. So, if you didn’t vote for Jamie, you voted for Ashley, right?
Drew: Yeah. I didn’t want to, I really didn’t.
Ryan: So that means Tenzil voted for you.
Drew shook his head sadly.
Drew: Everyone I thought was my friend is proving me wrong.
Ryan: It’s early in the game. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Drew: Yeah, but if I don’t watch out, early in the game could be the end of the game for me.
Ryan: Good point.
They both grew silent for a moment, Drew staring at the table bleakly, Ryan watching all around them. Now was the moment he could move in. His alliance with Rami would be solid and he had remained quiet through this early portion of the game to read people, figure out which ones to add to his core alliance for padding.
Moments like this was exactly what he hoped to stumble upon.
Ryan: You need to make good, solid alliances, my friend.
Drew: I’ve been trying to avoid that, but now I’m seeing it is a must.
Ryan: I’ve been trying to feel people out first, too.
Another silence fell upon them. Both of them sat there with the word on their lips, only they would never let it escape. Finally Drew took in a breath and rapped the table with his knuckles.
Drew: Ok, here it comes…would you be interested in an alliance?
Ryan smiled broadly. Yes, there it came, and he didn’t even have to do the asking.
Ryan: Like I hinted earlier, I’ve been trying to work with you since last season.
Drew: Awesome!
Suddenly Drew didn’t feel quite as doomed, and they shook hands on it briefly.
Drew: I’m agreed here, but we need more people to be able to do anything.
Ryan: Have you noticed any stragglers that we could pull in? I don’t think it would be smart to pull in an already formed block.
Drew: I think we could get Ashley. Her butt is on the line.
Ryan: Good point. What about Isaac or Jake? Have you talked to them?
Drew: Jake and Isaac would both be in…I know they would.
Ryan sat back proudly.
Ryan: Ok, then. We now have five. Jon?
Drew: He could. How many do you think we need? I don’t think we necessarily need the majority.
Ryan: No, I agree. Who would you be willing to boot from either immunity team, regardless of who wins?
Drew: I would be willing to boot anyone from the other team save for Beth or Jenne. As for our team…JoJo preferably. I would also go for Missie.
Ryan: That works for me.
So they agreed that they would talk this new alliance up among those they had chosen. It was a brand new feeling, and Drew welcomed the change of atmosphere. Tomorrow would dawn a new day for both of them.
Drew left lighter. Ryan left much the same only with a new alliance that he knew would stir the game.
Laying in bed, Ryan considered the events of the day.
But there was hope now. That’s what laying and waiting could do.
Ashley Miller had retreated to her own hut that evening, not wanting to mingle much, not knowing what was going on around her. She hadn’t connected well with many in the cast thus far, but Angie Cristobal had been her friend from Halloween even though she had conspired with AJ and Zack to have her eliminated at the final four.
Thinking back to that day, over a year ago, she remembered one of the few arguments with Angie, also known as Desiree.
Ashley: Are you mad at me since you didn’t say hi to me?
Desiree had fully planned on ignoring Ashley that day, but Ashley, as always, had broken her down.
Desiree: I’m very shocked and a little upset. And nervous now.
Ashley: Why?
Desiree: Am I next? Will you do the same to me? I know you and Gary didn’t like each other, but still…
Ashley: No we didn’t like each other, but I would never do that to you. You’re my ally! You’re making me the bad person, and I want to know why.
Desiree: No, I’m not. I didn’t mean it that way. I just wanted to know if I was next. I don’t think you’d do it to me, but I’m sure AJ and Zach will work for it.
A silence had fallen between them.
Ashley: So, if I wouldn’t have talked to you today, you wouldn’t have talked to me, right?
Desiree: No, I would have eventually. You’re my girl. I just had to get over the shock a bit.
Ashley: I was trying to save my own butt, so if you’re mad at me, I’m sorry. You’re my girl too.
Halloween hadn’t ended so loving for either of them, but Ashley still thought fondly toward Angie. Seeing her voted out wasn’t a high point in the game, though remaining safe from tribal council was.
Christopher Collins summed up the evening for those how knew they were in control. Though the vote for Angie had been a little too close for comfort, everything else had gone done almost flawlessly.
It was the end to another fulfilling day on All Star Island.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 12:53:49 GMT -5
Day 7
The seventh day started early for Ryan Appel. After a much exhilarating chat with Drew Herlitz the night before, he was ready to inform Rami of all the good news. It would seem that with a core of Drew and Rami, Isaac, Jake, and Ashley would make a very beneficial padding of six.
Still Ryan had built an actual relationship with Jenne, and he had hoped somewhere down the line that he and Kyle could put their heads together. Add JoJo Treadwell and Christopher Collins to the equation, who had been pleasingly friendly with him, Ryan felt set for the long haul.
On his way to meet Rami for breakfast, he saw Jenne stirring in the aisle of huts.
She smiled as he approached her.
Ryan: Fancy seeing you in a place like this.
Jenne: Well, my my…Ryan! Imagine running into you!
Ryan: Last night was another humdinger, wasn’t it?
Jenne: I’m getting the feeling.
Ryan: This game is quite the headache, but hey! I’m still in it for now so I can’t complain.
Jenne: Everyone was all over da place!
Ryan: I know. I don’t understand where it is all coming from. The Angie vote surprised me.
Jenne: I never know what the heck is going on…ever. Who’s the good guys and who’s the bad guys?
Ryan: That’s the problem. Nobody admits to their votes.
Jenne: I do. Every last one of them. I stand by them or wouldn’t cast them otherwise.
Ryan: I do too, even if I regret it later.
They turned and started walking together toward the main resort.
Jenne: That’s what’s funny. With Valentine’s Day I always said I was the only survivor in history to use truth as my only weapon. It’s what I did in that game. I never had to lie—which is good ‘cause it’s not something I enjoy doing.
Ryan: I used truth except in early stages of the game when we voted Lucas—not that it was any huge secret.
Jenne: I know people get deceitful and think that’s what you have to do to win, but I disagree. People cause their own demise. Keep your hands clean, and you smell like roses…and look like eye candy.
She flashed Ryan a titillating smile, and Ryan grinned.
Ryan: You’ll have to teach me the eye candy part.
Jenne: It’s genetics, baby!
They laughed together and then parted ways. Ryan watched until she was out of sight and then went to find Rami.
Rami approached shortly, and the strategy was on.
In the mean time, Tribe Snickalick was just beginning to rise for the day, going about their own separate ways, maintaining rapports, keeping their thumbs on a pulse of strategy, scoping out ties to the others.
After the first two tribal councils, alliance scrambling was a must.
Drew Herlitz was fast at work gathering the people that he and Ryan had brainstormed would make for a safe group of voters. His first stop was to Ashley who seemed most interested in joining the group—especially if it saved her from the bullseye following the next tribal council.
Then there was Isaac Miller whom Drew didn’t exactly know where he stood, but he seemed the most trustworthy and ethical of all the other younger guys.
Drew: Ryan is starting an alliance, and he was wondering if you would like to join. I’m the messenger boy.
Isaac looked up quickly. Such a bold question, he looked around for eavesdroppers. He remembered vividly Drew’s openness about alliances in Halloween. Nothing had been subtle, and with the way he through the alliance in his lap, Isaac didn’t think anything had changed.
Isaac: I don’t know. Maybe. I don’t really want to commit to one this early.
Drew: It’s fine. I just thought I’d let you know about it because he wants me, you, him, and Jake for sure. Then maybe a few others for numbers.
Isaac: Well, I appreciate you guys asking.
Of course Drew had expected Isaac to be hesitant at first, but surely he’d come around. The first time Isaac heard his name up on the block, Drew knew he would come running.
So Drew continued his rounds and found Jake Erickson. If this was still Halloween, Jake would be the last person Drew would ask, but they had built a trust currently. Drew trusted him. Drew trusted him easily, just like he trusted most everyone else.
Drew: Hey, did Ryan talk to you yet?
Jake: Nope, I haven’t seen him.
Drew: Well, he wants to.
Jake cocked his head and narrowed his eyes.
Jake: He…wants to what? Ahhhh….I get it.
With a few power players out of the way, Ryan was now making his move. It all made sense.
Drew: Well, it’s about, dare I say it, an alliance he told me about.
Jake: Oh man, there are sixteen people in one tribe. Any alliance will just get struck down.
Drew: I know that, but I thought I would just tell you. Like I said, I would always be straight up with you.
Jake: I’m not convinced it’s a good idea. Look at what happened to Missie. People thought she had an alliance and two of her supposed allies are gone.
Drew: I would have to agree with you there.
Drew wasn’t altogether sure it was a good idea, but he knew he needed an alliance somewhere—especially with Tenzil mad at him. He left Jake still hopeful—still hopeful that he and Isaac would realize the power staring them in the faces and open their eyes to the need.
The next tribal council was still three days away. They still had time.
Tree-mail reading was quickly approaching.
Over breakfast Ryan had explained all the details of this new alliance to Rami, proud that he had so strategically left Rami’s name out of all of it. No one was to know they were still together. Rami seemed very keen to the idea.
Then came the issue of what names could be used for safety.
Ryan: I’ve formed fake bonds with the JoJo, Chris, and Taylor alliance.
Rami: I kind of have something going with Beth—oddly. Kyle is just being weird. I don’t talk to him about strategy, and he hasn’t said anything to me.
Ryan: If your team loses immunity, you won’t be booted ‘cause you have Tenzil.
Rami brightened.
Rami: Yeah, maybe I should throw it.
Ryan: I would rather dwindle the large block of eightish that keeps eliminating people.
Rami: Got to find out who they are, though. If you have three people working with you, and if I can get Beth, that’s a block of six. Almost half. With this many people, that could be good.
Ryan: I think the whole Chris, JoJo, Taylor involves more than just the three of them. I think they are the ones that need to lose someone next. Break them down, force them to rely on others.
Rami: Basically now it’s Tenzil, unless he gets immunity. Then we go for the big block.
Ryan: Unless we can use him to sway the vote.
Rami: He is crippled now that Jamie is gone.
Ryan paused thoughtfully, a light shining on the top of his head.
Ryan: Think about it. If he had others voting with him, and we attached ourselves, we could go further. Everyone will hate him way more than us.
Rami: They already do. He doesn’t talk to me about strategy anymore, though. He doesn’t trust me at all, and I think he believes I’m the one trying to get rid of him.
Ryan: I have a feeling this challenge might be the Family Feud. Your team is a season four reunion, but I wasn’t invited.
They laughed aloud together. They would shortly find out what the challenge actually was. Either way, whichever side won immunity, they were confident that the R Twins would remain strong.
With the sun straight overhead, the remaining sixteen castaways gathered at the beach for yet another reading. Seven days into the game and they had already been whittled down to what was considered a standard game of Survivor.
Sixteen individuals looked around curiously as they waited for Karen, wondering all the while what sort of challenge would necessitate teams. As in every eve of a challenge, there were those who had their guesses.
When Karen finally arrived to orate the riddle, many knew for certain.
Karen: Immunity up again, but this time as teams. Survey says? And one team gleans.
Some even gasped and cheered.
Karen: Challenge tomorrow night at seven o’clock sharp.
From that point on everyone knew the next challenge would be the Family Feud, and many began to celebrate. The fun was about to begin, and those that had played in Valentine’s Day remembered how much fun they had at the Family Feud challenge.
Ryan Appel, ever contemplating how he would build this alliance of his saw Kyle in the distance and made his way nonchalantly over to him. Kyle was still a question to him. He seemed workable, but there was that question of who else he was close to in the cast.
Still, Ryan took his chances.
Ryan: And again TC confuses me.
Kyle: Oh gosh.
Ryan: It always makes me nervous to see such a split decision because you never know where the group stands.
Kyle: The second one was crazy.
Ryan: I just don’t understand where people come up with these names. First Jamie, who is a strong competitor and then Angie who seemed friendly?
Kyle: I just don’t get it. I voted for Drew twice.
Ryan: I voted for Jamie simply because I had been hearing it around, and she approached me for the first time yesterday pleading her case.
Kyle: Never a good tactic.
Ryan: Leaving talking to me until you’re on the block…definitely not.
Kyle: So many people make that mistake.
Ryan grimaced as he turned to scan the others.
Ryan: I unfortunately made that mistake last season.
Kyle: Ryan, you don’t know how hard I tried to keep you around.
Ryan: I do, and I appreciate that so much. So…can I ask you a question, and you don’t have to answer?
Kyle: Yeah, you can ask me.
Ryan: Have you started making alliances and what not already? I don’t want to know with who, I just want to know what stage the game has gotten to.
Kyle glanced at him thoughtfully. Who were his alliances? Jamie and Angie were gone. Beth? Should he give her away? Jake? Even though they couldn’t pin down any strategic discussions? And surely the alliance with Missie and company wasn’t real enough to be considered official.
Kyle: Honestly…I don’t have a set agreement with anyone. There are a lot who talk to me, and I’m assuming they trust me because they keep me in the loop. I’m going to have to hammer down some true blue agreements if I don’t want to end up like last season.
Ryan: That’s sort of what I got. They keep me in the loop.
Kyle: I’m just a little wary of season four people, ya know?
Ryan: Of course. Once they’ve voted you out once, how much can you trust them?
Kyle: Exactly.
The conversation quickly died. It was a start at any rate, and both of them felt wall slowly chiseling away. Maybe once the challenge was complete they could put their heads together for discussion. But now Kyle’s mind was already racing, wondering what he could do to secure himself.
Ashley Miller couldn’t have cared less about the challenge for the time being. Drew had painted a beautiful picture of some grand alliance, handing out an invitation to her. It had seemed like a promising group, but how could Ashley know if she could trust all those young guys? What was in it for her?
The latest she had heard from Drew was that Jake and Isaac were involved, she most certainly wanted details.
She found Jake amidst the crowd and approached him at once.
Ashley: I have a question. Be honest. Drew came to me yesterday and told me that he had voted for me. Anyways, after I wasn’t voted off he told me that you, Isaac, Drew, and Ryan are all an alliance. He asked me if I wanted to join. Is this true?
Jake Erickson cringed inside. His sole reason for turning down the group when propositioned was to keep his name from being dragged around clumsily. And here it was, tacked onto the group as if he was an avid member.
Jake: Oh, I had heard about that, but I haven’t joined this alliance…which makes me a little mad. I’m worried about joining it! If other people know, they’ll vote us out!
Ashley: I know.
She didn’t wait for any further explanation before she turned to go, looking for her number one ally.
Ashley: I have a question.
Isaac turned quickly and led her away from those around.
Ashley: A few days ago Drew told me that you, Jake, Drew, and Ryan have an alliance, and he said he wanted me to join. Is this true?
His reaction was much the same as Jake’s. He had already heard his name lumped in there with the likes of Missie and Rami. Now it was happening again and he had most definitely denied the invitation.
Isaac: No. Drew asked me if I wanted to be in the alliance, and I told him no.
Ashley: I had a feeling he was lying.
Isaac: I don’t trust them, nor do I know them that well.
Ashley: Neither do I. I was weird of him to ask me to be in an alliance when he tried to get me voted off.
And that, Isaac agreed was odd. It made this new alliance that much shadier. Ashley smiled at Isaac’s innocence and game him a squeeze on the shoulder, grateful that she could trust in him. He and Jake had kept their secret alliance throughout the entire game of Halloween, something which Isaac attributed to his loss at the final two. He had sworn he wouldn’t play the game so dishonestly again. In face, he had sworn he would try his hardest and not lie a single time.
Ashley believed him. She remembered how much he had beat himself up over the previous game. She could see it in his eyes. That endeared him to her even more.
The alleged alliance with Drew and Ryan might have been a hoax, but the trust between Isaac and Ashley was real. Ashley nodded toward the main resort, took Isaac by the hand, and led him away. They spent the rest of the day together enjoying each other’s company. After all, the challenge wasn’t for another day and a half. For the most part, strategies slowed and tensions had loosened.
Even the foursome of Christopher, JoJo, Jenne, and Beth convened for the rest of the day discussing nothing more than life and friendship. And then they discussed their mutual concern for Tenzil and his reaction over Jamie’s elimination. He seemed to be taking it much harder than he had taken it in Valentine’s Day.
Later that evening, Tenzil still hadn’t been accounted for in the aisle of huts and Jenne grew worried. Without conferring with even Beth Sowles, she made her way around the resort looking for him. He wasn’t in the restaurant or the bar. He hadn’t made his way to the swimming pool or the hot tub. Jenne made her way to the pier on the edge of the ocean, but he wasn’t there either.
It was only by a gut notion that she made her way to the council area where she found him sitting on a stone bench in front of the smoldering fire pit, no flames burning.
When she walked in, her footsteps echoed off the surrounding stone walls.
Tenzil glanced up slowly, and their eyes met.
Tenzil: Jenne, I’m not really ready to chat with people yet.
Frowning, Jenne crossed her arms and huffed.
Jenne: Mikey, this is ridiculous. I don’t get you sometimes. I really wish you would snap out of this. The way you are taking this Jamie vote worries me.
Tenzil: It wasn’t the vote.
Jenne: Then what?
He glared at her for a moment before returning his gaze to the dead bonfire.
Tenzil: It’s my friends using me as a piñata of strategy.
Jenne clamped her jaw tightly and approached him quickly.
Jenne: That’s crap, Mikey! I cannot even believe you would say that! Jamie made her own bed, and I wish you had the sense to stay out of it! Womanly charms or not, I thought you were your own man! The way you are acting leads me to believe you were in bed with her, nice and snuggly!
Tenzil: I’m not happy with Jamie, either.
Jenne: So now you are blowing off everyone who cares about you? Over what? Survivor?
She leaned in and took his face in her hands gruffly.
Jenne: Like, reality check time, Mikey! Game, game, game! Silly game, silly game, silly game!
Tenzil jerked his head from her grasp and slid down a seat on the bench, all the wall frowning at her. But Jenne only followed to sit down next to him.
Jenne: Friends are friends. Game is game!
Tenzil: I don’t like the idea of my friends going against each other over me. All I wanted was to see my friends do well.
Jenne: Mikey, I want the same for my friends, too. But you can’t expect everyone to get along like that.
Looking away, Tenzil shook his head vigorously.
Tenzil: I’m indirectly responsible for what’s been going on, and I don’t like that. It makes me feel very, very bad!
Jenne: Mikey, I don’t want you to feel bad, and I’m not sure I understand why. I care about you, and that never changes.
Tenzil said nothing. Sighing, Jenne dropped her hands in her lap.
Jenne: That’s all I can say really.
Tenzil: I love my friends, you know! It’s hard to see what they’ve done to one another!
Jenne: We haven’t done anything, Mikey! You’re making this into some huge deal when it’s just a game! Seriously…a game.
Tenzil: We me in the center and not really doing anything to get there except “be” here!
Jenne: Gosh, Mikey, you are just talking around me in circles! I can’t follow you!
Tenzil: I’m sorry. It’s hard. I don’t know why, but the last day shook me up.
Jenne: I can understand that.
Tenzil: A lot of things are going on around me that I’m not a part of, and it makes me feel insignificant.
Jenne: Well, I’m just getting started to get clued in on what’s going on myself. I had no idea some of the stuff people were doing.
Tenzil: I feel like I’m being batted around, and my friends are the ones doing the batting. Happy clueslessness to information overload is where I went.
They paused, and Jenne giggled slightly in the silence. Tenzil looked at her, and when she tried to stifle the giggle, she laughed even more. Tenzil couldn’t help but let the slightest smile cross his lips.
Jenne: Sorry. Don’t mean to laugh when you’re upset, but that was funny.
Tenzil: It’s ok. I may not have explained it well, but that’s more or less why I’m upset.
Jenne paused, took his hands, and looked at him.
Jenne: Do you want to be here? Do you want to keep playing?
Tenzil: I do. I haven’t enjoyed it for a week now, which is odd.
Jenne: I want you to have fun! I hate seeing you upset.
Tenzil: I want to have fun. I’m not here to win. They can vote me off.
Jenne flinched and cocked her head.
Jenne: Mikey! You really did check Tenzil at the door. I’m happy about that, but sad too. It’s going to be really hard seeing you go then.
Tenzil: I’m not playing the game, and they can be happy worrying about someone who isn’t.
Jenne: If you won’t fight for you, then you won’t stand a shot.
Tenzil: I honestly don’t know where I’d begin. I’ve been left out of the loop for so long. A bunch of people gunned for me…I wanted them to be addressed—they weren’t. The people in peril will vote for me as well as the ones who were behind it. I really haven’t the foggiest where I would start. I’d like to think I’d have you, Beth, Jo, Chris, and Kyle.
Jenne: I would like to see Jon or Rami go personally.
Tenzil looked up at her hopefully.
Tenzil: Chris and the peeps will stick with us, right?
Jenne sighed, knowing full well the discussions that have gone on. She had tried her best to defend Tenzil against the very people he trusted the most, but all her reasons had fallen on deaf ears.
Jenne: I can only speak for myself.
Tenzil nodded and looked down thoughtfully.
Tenzil: Missie has said before that she will vote Jon and possibly would work it.
Jenne: I’d vote for Jon and have talked with Missie about voting him.
Tenzil: Then Jon it is! Mikey will get back into this game.
Jenne: Finally! I thought I was going to have to throw cold water on you.
Tenzil: I’m still depressed at what has happened this week, but I hate letting you down.
Jenne smiled at him, and for the first time that evening he smiled his signature smile that Jenne had come to love. There was hope for him yet. They hugged for a good while before accompanying each other back to the huts for the night.
Day 8
The day passed quickly. Many roused from their beds later that morning as nothing demanded their time. The afternoon was spent leisurely.
But when the afternoon turned into evening, anxiety soared. The remaining sixteen castaways gathered in a ballroom in the main resort and were stunned to find a seemingly authentic replica of the television’s The Family Feud, complete with team counters on either side, a face-off podium and a giant screen on the back wall. It was exciting, to say the least, and the enthusiasm showed.
Kyle Adams looked fondly on the scene before him as he remembered playing this very challenge in Valentine’s Day. He looked to his right as Elisabeth Marie entered, who had previously missed the challenge by one tribal council. She beamed as she took in the room.
Kyle: There she is…Miss America!
Elisabeth: Oh yes! Here I am, the one and only! Ready for immunity!
Kyle: Not if I get to it first!
Elisabeth: We’re on the same team…loser!
Kyle: Oh yeah….ha!
Elisabeth: I’m excited for this. I never played it, I don’t think. We should have our own pre-game cheer. Is there a strategy to this?
Kyle: I guess just know your stuff. But yes, I think a pre-game cheer is good.
They glanced around, reeling in those they knew were on their team. Rami joined them quickly, followed by Jon and Taylor. Jenne bounced in happily, perhaps the most excited for the game. All those from Valentine’s Day remembered how much fun it had been before. Beth walked over to Tenzil to invite him to the huddle but he declined. Throwing Jenne a concerned glance, Beth joined the group.
Looking over her shoulder, Jenne tried to garner his attention, but he looked straight ahead as they all awaited Karen. Jenne sighed heavily. He had fallen back into a funk throughout the day. Even Kyle took his turn at inviting him to the group, but Tenzil refused all and made his way to the team counter. Kyle bristled indignantly and returned to the group where they rallied together until Karen entered the room.
She made her way front and center, clasped her hands together, and addressed them all.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 12:58:00 GMT -5
Karen: As some of you have guessed, we are playing the Family Feud tonight. We played this in season four, and it was a big hit. One of my favorites as well.
JoJo Treadwell stepped up with a smile.
JoJo: Are you like the host that kissed everyone? Richard Dawson was his name…why I know that, I have no idea.
Others laughed, and Karen smiled. Kyle feigned disappointment.
Kyle: She never kissed me. I was sad.
At which point Jenne grinned slyly and gave him a resounding kiss on the cheek. He blushed immediately, and the others roared in laughter.
Karen: The teams are…Beth, Elisabeth, Jenne, Jon, Kyle, Rami, Taylor, Tenzil versus Ashley, Christopher, Drew, Isaac, Jake, JoJo, Missie, Ryan.
Missie reached out to high five JoJo as their team gathered behind the counter on the east side of the ballroom.
Missie: Yay, JoJo! Point for the elders !
Karen: I need each team to a leader now.
JoJo: Our leader is Ryan!
Jenne: Kyle! More chances to make out with the host!
Excitedly the teams gathered in order behind their counters and Karen took her place at the face-off podium where she went over the rules until everyone was savvy.
Karen: The first team to reach 500 points wins, and everyone on that team wins immunity.
Immediately, Ryan and Kyle made their way to the podium to face off. Kyle buzzed in first with an answer not on the board; Ryan, the number two answer. The play went to Ryan’s team and one by one they answered, failing to sweep the board, after which Kyle’s team lost the steal. For the firs round team Ryan pocketed 100 points.
Elisabeth and Ashley dueled for control of the second round, with Ashley rising to the win. Team Ryan proceeded to easily sweep the board for an additional 100 points.
Jenne and Christopher approached for the third round.
Karen: Jenne and Christopher…are you ready for your face-off?
They sneered at each other playfully, and Christopher gave her a wink.
Jenne: Ready as evah!
Then Taylor called out from side.
Taylor: Oh, yeah…Santa Cruz face off!
At once, Jenne and Christopher deadpanned and shot Taylor a look. Up to this point they had been confident that few people knew they had lived in the same town for years before Christopher had moved to San Francisco. The fewer that knew, the better for them. Taylor had just called them out. Jenne looked around quickly to see if anyone had noticed. Christopher only glowered.
Christopher: Ready.
The round commenced and Christopher took control with the number one answer. However, once again, Team Ryan failed to sweep the board. At the chance to steal, Kyle’s team received their first 100 points.
Jenne returned to the counter, showering disdain toward Taylor.
Jenne: Shut the hell up! Are you kidding me?
She looked around quickly, but others were more enthralled in the game around them.
Jenne: Don’t say that! Santa Cruz face off??
Taylor: I’m sorry. I’m such a dumbass.
Jenne: Think! Then speak! What a mess!
Taylor: It’s not like anyone doesn’t know!
Jenne: I don’t think they do, and they don’t need reminding! Of that or Survivor Central, or any of it!
Taylor glanced across the room at Christopher. Christopher looked at him sternly for a moment and then turned his attention to the next round.
In the fourth round, a face-off between Isaac and Jon, Jon nabbed control for the first time ever for Team Kyle. He marched proudly back to the counter, high-fiving his team mates along the way, and they played. In this round, their first control of the board, they failed to sweep, offering only one correct answer until Ryan’s team picked up the steal.
The score was then 100 to 300 in Ryan’s favor.
Rami and Jake were the next to face off on the fifth round, and Rami took control with the number one answer. Kyle’s team cheered loudly for the chance to tighten the scores. Quickly the question moved throughout the team, and before the third strike gave Team Ryan a chance to steal, they swept the board for a hundred more points.
But in the next round between JoJo and Taylor, JoJo took the lead to her teams play only to pass the chance to still off to Kyle’s team once again. For a tied up game, the stole another hundred points.
It was anyone’s game by that point but when Tenzil and Missie faced off, Missie rearing to go. With her hand on the buzzer ready to slap, she came out on top with the number one answer to boot. Control shifted to team Ryan and they swept the board without so much as one strike against them.
Team Kyle resorted to bouncing nervously and gnawing on their fingernails.
The eighth round, possibly the most nerve-wracking round yet, the team captains faced off once again. Kyle buzzed in first but only captured the number three answer. When Ryan belted out the number one answer, the power shifted once again to his team. Kyle slunk back to his side and watched them play hopefully. The question ambled down the line until they failed to sweep the board, and Kyle stood straight once again, hoping to steal the round for another tie.
Karen: Name something big and yellow.
Tenzil: A corn stalk? I have no idea.
Taylor: McDonald’s arches!
Rami: Lemon!
Jon: Yellow Pages!
Jenne: Caution tape!
Elisabeth : A dandelion ?
Karen: Kyle, you can keep the win from Ryan’s team if you can steal this. One of your team’s answers or on your own…what’s your answer?
Kyle thought for a moment.
Kyle: Tractor.
Karen: Show me…tractor!
All eyes turned to the giant screen. Hearts fluttered, fingers went to mouths, fists clinched. Christopher crossed his arms as he waited expectantly. The board seemed to pause for longer than necessary until a red “X” filled the screen an echoed a buzz throughout the ballroom.
Team Ryan erupted in a frenzy of celebration as they jumped and hugged one another.
Karen: That’s 500 points for Ryan’s team, and that wins immunity! Wonderful job everyone.
Jenne: Good answers!
Ryan: That was fun! Can we do it again?
Taylor sank down on the counter, defeated.
Taylor: I’m never gonna win immunity.
Karen: Ashley, Christopher, Drew, Isaac, Jake, JoJo, Missie, and Ryan are all immune from tomorrow night’s tribal council. The rest of you are vulnerable. Until then, rest up and decide who you will be sending home tomorrow.
Karen left at once, but the castaways mingled for a bit longer, celebrating, congratulating, laughing.
Kyle watched as Tenzil gathered a few things and left the room without so much as one word to anyone. In fact, many noticed and began to talk.
Taylor, who had suddenly doused himself with vulnerability after having called out Jenne and Christopher, felt safer shadowed by Tenzil’s actions.
Taylor: I’m really upset with Tenzil.
Jenne: Yeah, I do not like the way he acted.
Jenne glanced around. People were watching as Tenzil trudged away.
Jenne: Looks like he may be a possible boot at this point.
Taylor nodded and then turned toward Jon.
Taylor: Can you believe Tenzil not getting involved with any of us tonight?
Jon: That was disappointing considering he was the one that chose us. Did he have a reason?
Taylor: He didn’t want to. I think he’s still pissed over Jamie leaving.
Taylor shook his head, and he and Jon left the ballroom.
Jenne inched up to Kyle as he gathered his things. She smiled as she tapped his arm. He greeted her with a smile in return.
Jenne: I think it’s time a boy went home!
Kyle: Oh, yeah…three girls have gone, huh?
Jenne: And we didn’t start out even as is.
Kyle: Well, there are no male/female divisions as I see it anyway.
But Kyle was more than happy for a man to leave the game next. In fact, he was hoping for one in particular.
Jenne: Us girlies are dwindling, but you know I like having all the boys for myself.
Kyle: That’s my Jenne!
She smiled then followed Kyle’s gaze out into the lobby where Tenzil had finally disappeared into somewhere within the building. She knew exactly what Kyle was thinking and hoped to dissuade him.
Jenne: Mikey was totally mad at me last night. I hate when he gets like that.
Kyle: Did you vote for Jamie?
Jenne: Hell yes I did! She had aligned herself with nearly everyone, and I wasn’t one of ‘em. She didn’t even bother talking to me once!
Kyle: Really?
Jenne: Not once. Drew told me he thought she talked to everyone which sorta let me know where I stood with her real good.
Kyle: I decided not to be rivals with her, but I think we overplayed the mask. So, anyway, what’s the “Commander” going to do now that his main squeeze is gone?
Jenne: The Commander has been shelved thus far. He has been Mikey here, and I love Mikey. Who knows now…he may bust out Tenzil.
Kyle: What’s the difference?
Jenne: Tenzil is who you met in Valentine’s Day.
Kyle nodded. It was exactly what he was afraid would happen after Jamie was voted out—Tenzil on the warpath.
Kyle: I want Tenzil gone. I don’t have the strength to deal with him.
Jenne groaned.
Jenne: I cannot believe how he acted tonight.
Kyle: It’s a game!
Jenne: Seriously! It’s like he wants to be voted out now.
Kyle: So, let’s give him what he wants.
Jenne paused with a frown.
Jenne: There is still a Mikey under it all, though. I hate this part.
Kyle: There’s always “Mikey” underneath, and it’s the same thing every time!
Jenne: I know, you are right.
Kyle: He told me last night he was disappointed in his friends.
Jenne: Ugh, I know. No one voted for him…he’s not Jamie!
Shaking his head Kyle turned to go, and Jenne followed closely.
Jenne: If you get a Tenz boot together, I’m not gonna oppose it, Kyle.
Kyle: I’m getting it together. Will you vote that way or just not oppose it?
Jenne: I definitely won’t oppose it…not sure ‘bout the vote thing, yet. I just don’t know if I can. Even though he voted me out, I just don’t know if I can.
Kyle remembered vividly having almost the same discussion in Valentine’s Day right after the chopping challenge in which Ellie Broush had creamed everyone. Lucas had been slated to go. Jenne had said. But that’s not how it had gone down. Kyle remembered it as though it were yesterday…
Jenne: Ellie and Lucas are voting for you.
Kyle: Shocker. Eh…just as long as they are the only two votes I’m getting tonight.
Jenne had ducked her head shamefully. Kyle knew she had had it out with both of them the night before, even made her promise they would not break her. “I’m not breakable,” she had said. But why was she acting so guilty?
Kyle: Those are the only two votes I’m getting right?
Jenne: We need to talk.
Kyle: Jenne…what are you trying to tell me…
Jenne: That I have to make a very hard decision tonight…one I don’t want to make. I talked to Ellie for a long time, and Lucas, too, and…they broke me.
Kyle shifted on his feet and put his hands on his hips angrily.
Kyle: And you’re going to vote for me.
Jenne: I am, Kyle.
Kyle: Jenne, I can’t believe this. I cannot believe this! You broke our alliance…you broke it like you promised you wouldn’t!
Jenne: I needed you to know. You can do what you want with that, but I was planning on voting Lucas the whole time…but I just don’t feel I can do it.
Kyle: Why do you let him change you? I can’t believe you, Jenne. What has Lucas got that you have to keep him over me? Just how good with words was he?
Jenne: They had me in tears…both of them!
Kyle: They were playing a game, that you had already won! And you just let them beat you!
Yes, Kyle remembered all to well, and now that they were at the cusp of removing Tenzil from the game, Jenne was in the same place. The Only difference this time around was Kyle knew why Jenne wanted to keep Tenzil.
The bond had to be separated immediately.
Kyle: Here we go again.
Jenne: I know! I’m sorry.
Kyle shook his head and waved it off.
Kyle: It’s cool…I understand.
Jenne: You know how I am! He’s pissing me off, but I can’t stand to hurt him.
At that Kyle whirled around and faced her.
Kyle: It’s a game! I thought he of all people was able to separate that from real life!
Jenne paused, not knowing what to think of this Kyle she had yet to see.
Jenne: If it looks like Tenzil is a done deal, he won’t fight it. I hope you won’t mind if I vote with him. I just can’t vote against him.
Kyle nodded. He did understand. Game or not, sometimes it was hard, but he had played loyal and soft before to lead him nowhere far. He had vowed to play differently this time and differently he was playing.
Kyle: I completely understand. I went against the grain both times at the last tribal council.
Jenne: Jenne stands by her friends…even mopey, annoying ones. Even ones that cost her the game last time. It’s the principle.
Kyle: You know what’s ironic? I wanted to work with both him and Jamie this time around.
Jenne: So why are you trying to dump him all of a sudden? This is killing me, Kyle.
Kyle: Because I know how he is, and he will ruin it for me and anyone standing around.
Jenne: He said he’d like to think he has me, Jo, Beth, Chris, and you to back him. He specifically asked if we would back him.
Kyle: When did he say that?
Jenne: Last night.
Kyle rubbed his head in frustration.
Kyle: I just don’t get it.
Jenne: Get what?
Kyle: Tenzil! I adore him outside of the game…he was a blast in Jamie’s game!
Jenne: He’s complicated, I told you this. I love Mikey. I loathe Tenzil. We are voting Jon just so you know.
Kyle nodded. It was fine. He just knew he had to go his own route. Jenne and Tenzil together was just not a comforting presence for him.
Jenne watched him go sadly. With Christopher on the same page, she knew it didn’t look good for Tenzil. There had to be something she could do. She would figure it out.
Kyle headed toward the aisle of huts where the majority of the cast had already returned. The following tribal council was going to be no less tense or stressful than they all had been thus far.
The longer Jenne Lotz sat their pondering, the more she knew it would do nothing good for the present situation or her demeanor, then by default her game. She needed a release. Tenzil had fallen back into his lethargy and Kyle was now on a rampage. She was still a bit irked by Taylor, so her only sources left were those she had deemed the Bitch Four.
She headed down to the lobby of the hotel and poked her head into the bar. Surely enough Christopher and JoJo were already there, and she joined them with ease.
JoJo perked up at once.
JoJo: Hi cute head!
Jenne: Kyle is on a rampage to vote Mikey out, but I don’t wanna. So yeah, there will be Tenz votes I’m sure.
Christopher and JoJo exchanged glances. She was going to be problematic when it came time to voting for him, this was certain.
Jenne: Anyway, I’m using all this crap to wind Drew in a bit.
Christopher: Naughty girl. Being mean to poor widdle Drew.
Jenne: What’d I do? I wasn’t mean!
She grinned toothily at both of them.
Jenne: I saved him! Now he has to love me.
Christopher: I love it! Yes, keep him close.
Jenne: Well, check it, yo. I warned him the other day about Jamie, ‘bout how she plays, and he defended her. What did she do? Tried to have him voted out. So I was able to be like, ‘I tried to tell you…’
Christopher: But do you know why Jamie tried to get him out?
Jenne: You.
Christopher: Me! She begged me to vote with her and asked me who I’d vote for. I said him so she turned around and told everyone to vote for him. I wanted to make sure we split the Ashley vote. If I told her Ashley, Ashley might have gone, then we’d have one pissed off Jamie.
Jenne: Yeah, well I wasn’t going to tell Drew that. Also, Tenzil came down hard on Drew, wouldn’t believe him that he didn’t vote for Jamie. I claimed a Jamie vote as mine and defended Drew, so Tenz wants to apologize to him. Reason two he will be most thankful to me.
Christopher: You can play it as you saved him from both the vote and Tenzil’s wrath. We are too good.
Christopher looked around at his ladies proudly.
Christopher: We’ve eliminated three, if not four major players. Congrats to us for being the better players!
Jenne leaned over to JoJo proudly. JoJo put an arm over her shoulder.
JoJo: When the challenge results were revealed for the Pyramids, Chris and I looked over who was vulnerable and said, “Jamie!” By that night…it was a done deal! Still, no one has any clue that the four of us are behind all this. We are subtle, fade back, let others stand out, no need to claim the glory…
Jenne took a breather and ordered a drink from the bar.
Jenne: Jamie had her, Tenz, Drew, Angie, Ryan, Kyle…she was getting’ to be a force! Bigger threat than Missie ever was!
JoJo nodded and Christopher agreed.
Christopher: She really was.
JoJo: I loved her, though.
Jenne: She wasn’t a bitch, she just played hard. So who next? Shaun…check. Lisa…check. Jamie…check. Angie…check.
Christopher : Somehow I feel complacent. I guess whoever pisses us off.
The drink came quickly and Jenne downed a few sips.
Jenne: Step right up, folks, to the pissy booth! You are your own worst enemy!
Christopher: Suddenly our field of problems have lessened. Does this mean that we are going to end up with Tenzil and Taylor around the whole time? And Beth is not really digging Drew, I know that.
Jenne: Drew just doesn’t matter. Beth can suck it up.
Christopher: Kyle is seeming shady to JoJo and Beth.
Jenne: Kyle is the biggest threat hands down. Personally I love him. Strategically he ain’t there. He should at least be on the jury.
Christopher: Kyle is problematic. I like him, but he was really a pill about the Jamie and Angie boots.
Jenne: Beth told me he wants to hold control. We could let him for a while…keep him happy and our hands clean.
Christopher looked at JoJo quickly.
Christopher: I don’t know…he is going to try and gather power. Maybe we let him call the next boot to keep him happy. But the longer he is around, the more trouble he is. I feel bad for Kyle. He told me earlier that he doesn’t want to be at the whim of some group of friends again. He is wary of it. The way he is acting, I see Jake and Lizzie doing much better to fit in and stick around than him.
Jenne: Kyle wants to be the big man, prove himself. He coulda been a part of our group if he wasn’t busy aligning with everyone in the game.
Christopher: Kyle, I think, is a bit scarred. He felt powerless in his first game, and it’s what he fights against.
He indicated Jenne with his hand.
Christopher: Whereas you fear a blindside more. I always feel I have a target for being bitchy. Anyway, that is Kyle’s handicap. He will always feel like he needs power even if it would be smarter for him to backseat it.
Jenne: It’s hard for me with Kyle. Heart don’t want to let him go, head says get rid of him fast.
Christopher: Well this is a game…this isn’t friends. Friends is outside.
JoJo nodded in agreement and found her place to step in. She put a comforting hand over Jenne’s.
JoJo: Who are you thinking for tribal council tomorrow, hun?
Jenne: You two and Beth can do whoever, but I’m voting for Jon. I’m not gonna go crazy campaigning for this, but I won’t vote my friends out.
JoJo: Ok, honey, I gotcha. Your amigos are my amigos.
Jenne smiled then glanced over at Christopher.
Jenne: But I’m sure Chris is going to go with a Tenz vote. ‘Cause it lets Kyle think he’s in power?
Christopher shrugged noncommittally.
Jenne: I don’t play that game. I honestly don’t care if you vote Tenzil out of here. I don’t care if he goes, but I just can’t vote for him, and I told Kyle that.
JoJo: I can so appreciate that about you. Kyle did say he didn’t want a repeat of season four.
Jenne frowned.
Jenne: He never once talked game to me till after this challenge, then it was “I want Tenzil and Missie gone.”
JoJo: He should’ve understood your position since that’s the stand he took with Jamie and Angie.
Jenne: No, he did. He was cool with it.
JoJo sat back with a smile. Christopher reached over and patted her leg, and they both watched Jenne as she sipped her drink quietly. All this talk about Kyle had JoJo wondering as well. If Tenzil remained in the game, just what did that mean for her? Beth had gone against voting him out the first time, now Jenne was bucking it. JoJo had seen perfectly well what had happened in Valentine’s Day.
JoJo: Can I ask you this?
Jenne: Shoot.
JoJo: Before the game started, Beth was telling me she wanted Tenzil gone first. Did you ever feel that way? I assume she has changed her mind.
Jenne sighed heavily.
Jenne: We love Mikey. We don’t like Tenzil, and they are different. We don’t want to play this game again with Tenzil.
JoJo cocked her brow and rubbed her chin. This whole separation between Tenzil and Mikey, what was it about? Was he a male Sybil? It was confusing at best.
JoJo: So who exactly is playing?
Jenne: Mikey. Tenzil definitely hasn’t shown up, so my heart got all soft.
JoJo smiled weakly, charmed at the bond these folks had, but threatened all the same.
JoJo: I’m afraid I’ll be the one left out of the Survivor Central crowd, if it comes down to it.
Jenne: Oh gosh, JoJo, don’t be silly! I just assume we have this thing with the four of us going.
JoJo: I assume too. At least I’d love it, but I’m not naïve either. I have mass respect for friendships—but you guys hardly know me.
Jenne: Oh stop! You are loved. It’s not an S-C thing…it’s just who I’m friends with, and that includes you and Kyle for that matter. You know…I know Kyle wants to hold power, but there is a part of me that thinks it be real funny if he thinks this Tenz crap is sold, and then we manage to turn it around…once again remind Kyle of his place.
Jenne smiled sweetly. Christopher and JoJo merely laughed.
JoJo: He would be scared. He keeps asking if, in fact, he is in “the camp”…or some such words.
Jenne: Is there a camp? Who’s in it?
JoJo: If you figure it out, tell me.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 12:58:45 GMT -5
They all laughed at that, but then finished their drinks with idle chatter about menial things. But each other their minds were heavily weighed. The more Jenne thought about it, the more she wanted to put in an action to save Tenzil. The more JoJo thought about it, the more inclined she was to vote him out. It was clear that Jenne would never vote him out, just as Beth wouldn’t. That would be a roadblock to her. The more Christopher thought about it, the more he thought it was a good idea to let Kyle have his way. Kyle could take the blame and it could easily be turned on him for future references.
But as they talked and laughed and contemplated, Kyle was already making the rounds. Jon had been one of his first victims. He had been an easy sway thus far, but Kyle and Jon had rather created quite a bond together. It wasn’t difficult for them to trust each other on this particular level of game play. Jon needed allies, Jon was also in danger. Kyle wad looking for more allies. The clincher was that the very person Kyle wanted out was most likely to start pushing hard for Jon.
Kyle: Any particular person you want to see gone?
Jon: I actually think I might be gone. I’m willing to do whatever keeps me.
Kyle: I think Tenzil is where the votes are headed. You cool with that?
Jon: I hope it turns out though.
Kyle: I think there are more than enough.
Jon: Thanks for filling me in. I’m actually with no one…that’s why I was worried I’d be next.
Kyle: Well, then you and I should stick together. I like not hanging out so much with the season four crew.
Jon: Feels good to actually have someone that I know is telling the truth and to have someone that I can tell something to without worry.
Kyle: You don’t have to worry with me. Well, anyways, it was fun tonight. High five for the team!
Jon smiled and slapped his hand quickly.
Kyle: I’ll see ya tomorrow.
Jon: Thanks for the offer…means a lot.
Kyle: No problem.
Jon: If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.
And Kyle appreciated that more. At the moment he was feeling a bit naked and defenseless without Jamie and Angie.
Kyle: Thanks, I really need that. There’s no telling what’s going on behind our backs.
Jon agreed before they parted ways. But Kyle wasn’t finished yet. He came across Ashley and Isaac down by the beach and discussed it quickly with them. He had seen Rami for a bit, and on his way back to the huts, he found Jake milling around.
Jake was one Kyle knew he could trust. Jake was one remaining in the game who, besides Beth, had uttered the word alliance before him. They had been slow in strategizing together, and Kyle had never been clear on where Jake actually stood. Jake was so quiet and content to be.
The clincher had been the first tribal council with the votes for Tenzil. The walls had come down quickly so they could protect each other.
Still, Jake was quiet…too quiet.
Kyle: Will you vote Tenzil again?
Jake: Well, yes. Unless something else really compelling comes up—I’ll go along with you.
He had known all along through Christopher that Kyle would approach, so the answer was forthcoming.
Kyle: I don’t think I’m backing down from this one. He’s mad, first of all, that he got votes. Now he’s mad ‘cause his lover got the axe. I’ve dealt with this before.
Jake: I’m good with it. I will try to convince others. But if I don’t…I’m immune anyways. I do think we could get him voted out.
Kyle: Me too, and I will push for it.
Jake: Me too. I don’t see anyone else on the list I want gone at all.
Though Tenzil’s name had already been at the forefront since the first tribal council, word traveled quickly that he was surfacing once again, particularly among the younger guys who were vulnerable or simply felt safer without him around.
Before the end of the evening, Drew Herlitz found Jake as well—one of his alliance hopefuls. In his mind, if they could get together on this one tribal council, it would permanently open the barriers between them. They would be as good as alliance bound.
Drew: As far as tribal council goes…
Jake: You have a thought?
Drew: No. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.
Jake: I assume you’re not exactly buds with Tenzil?
Drew shrugged.
Drew: I’m not exactly buds with Taylor. Taylor, Rami, and Tenzil would be my top three.
Jake: I agree. I have nothing against Rami, but he is sort of a floater.
Drew: Tenzil seems to be the consensus, though.
Jake: Already? That’s cool with me. Stuff could change tomorrow, but I’m cool with that.
Ever since Ashley had approached Jake earlier about some supposed Drew and Ryan alliance, the question had been burning within him. Just what had Drew or Ryan been spreading around? He glanced at Drew momentarily and began carefully.
Jake: Er…Ashey says I have joined this alliance.
Drew: Really?
Drew balked for a moment before he finally spit words out.
Drew: I never gave her that impression. Ryan must have told her that he wants you, Isaac, me, her, and him.
Jake: Ugh, Ryan must think we’re sheep…the teenagers! I don’t even know the guy!
Drew: Yeah, I know, but he’s a nice guy and all. I feel he wants to use us as pawns.
Jake: He figures we’ll just follow along…I’m not keen on it.
Drew: I’m not either.
Jake: But, anyways, it looks like Tenzil for tomorrow. Did you know Jamie was gunning for ya the other night?
Drew: Oh yeah, and am I happy about it? Heck no.
Jake: She was trying to save herself…whatever, and I guess she got a few people to go along with it.
Drew: Yeah, Angie and Ashley
They really hadn’t much to say to one another before heading to their respective huts for the night. Jake Erickson was perfectly satisfied with the boot that was lined up. It would make him so much more comfortable.
Jake Erickson wasn’t the only person to be excited about the upcoming tribal council. Christopher Collis was ecstatic that he was going to be able to lose Tenzil without having to lift a finger and riling up Jenne Lotz as little as possible.
He marched right up to Beth Sowles hut and let himself in. Beth was there reading and she smiled when he came in. He looked so happy, Beth had to know what was up.
Quickly he pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed.
Christopher: I need this to stay between us.
Putting the book down, Beth propped herself up on one arm.
Christopher: I had thought it would be Jon tomorrow, but with Kyle so gung-ho, this is the perfect time for us to lose Tenzil. Otherwise the vote will be on us. If we vote Tenz out later, you guys voted him out, but now…if we let Kyle drive a majority…you couldn’t “save” him.
He held his hands out before him as if he had just demonstrated some fabulous product, but Beth wasn’t as responsive as he had hoped. She merely cocked her head while her insides were sinking.
Christopher: Jenne will probably work hard to save him because doesn’t want to hurt him, but if she just let it take care of itself she wouldn’t have to! Whereas later, she will have to because she will be in the majority. She isn’t thinking strategically. If she wants to “not” boot him, now is the time to let him go. Although it cropped up sooner than expected. Later it will be squarely on us. This is my take anyway.
Christopher had rattled off the words so quickly that Beth literally had to catch up in her mind. She didn’t like it one bit.
Beth: It makes sense. I have to be honest…I’m torn. I know he needs to go, and I don’t mind him being voted out.
Christopher sat back and sighed.
Christopher: I know you are. I know she is. Jenne herself told me that we needed to let Kyle run the next vote so he would calm down! But then it was Mikey, and she has changed her mind. If we undermine Kyle again we will have to cut him next because he will realize that none of us are working with him. It will be the fourth vote he had no say in.
Beth: You know us too well. Kyle will need to go soon anyway, I’m afraid. He thinks you are taking away his powerbase with Jamie and Angie.
Beth put the book up to her face and chuckled.
Beth: It took everything I had to not laugh. I was like…Kyle has a powerbase?
Christopher: Well, anyway, Jenne is worrying me. She is playing with her heart, not her head. We have plenty of time when it gets to people like you, me, JoJo, her—even Jake or Lizzie—where it will be hard on us. We don’t need to be doing this right now.
Beth: Would you be upset if I randomly voted instead of Tenzil?
Christopher: You can do whatever you want to do. That is what I’m saying…you two do not have to vote for him for us to let him go. That is the perfect out for you guys.
Beth nodded slowly and stared at the sheets before her for a moment.
Beth: Ok. I can live with that. I won’t work a vote for anyone. What you’re saying makes sense.
Christopher: I support you. I support Jenne as well. I also am trying to be strategic and get us all ahead without difficulty later. I think we need to placate Kyle. He has Missie who has Isaac, and apparently Ryan is also trying to get Isaac. Funny thing is, Isaac wants Rami out, so you can throw a vote that way if you want.
Beth: I’m glad you’re talking that through with me ‘cause it makes sense. Sounds like Jenne is upset with Kyle. He has “too big for his britches” syndrome.
Christopher: He does have the syndrome, but he is actually a powerful nemesis. Missie, Isaac, the whole crew would side with him if Kyle wanted to take one of us out. We need to keep him placated.
Beth nodded emphatically.
Beth: I can hold to a random vote. You’re ok if I do that?
Christopher: Of course. I won’t always want to vote how you or Jenne vote…or JoJo, so yeah. I may have to do the same later.
Beth: Taylor has been pushing me to vote Tenzil too.
Christopher rolled his eyes.
Christopher: Well, no surprise there.
They chatted for a bit longer, but even in that evening, Jenne had already begun her campaign to save Tenzil. It didn’t matter how strategic it was to let him go at that point in the game, she wanted her friends. Besides, he was protection for her.
Jenne had previously had an iron fist in determining who should go and who should stay. Why shouldn’t she have the same luxury now?
If anyone would listen to her, Taylor would. But he wasn’t being so cooperative.
Jenne: I’m not making excuses for him! Seriously, all these teens need to go! Mikey isn’t causing any harm!
Pausing, Jenne softened and ran a finger along his arm. Taylor shifted but engaged her directly.
Taylor: He’s voted for me twice now.
Jenne frowned and removed her hand.
Taylor: Jenne, I’ve given Mike all of the chances I can in this game.
Jenne: Ok, I understand. I didn’t expect to sway you anyways.
Taylor: I will think about it.
She grinned up at him once again and ruffled his hair.
Jenne: Even if I am super cute? And adorable…and sweet…and cuddly…
All the while, Jenne was backing Taylor into a corner and twirling his hair with her finger.
Jenne: …with ridiculously sized breasts.
Taylor finally grabbed her arms and held her at bay.
Taylor: Jenne, I understand. I will do what is best for me in the long run. I need to decide that.
Sighing, disappointed, Jenne dropped her hands to her sides and nodded.
Jenne: I expect nothing less.
Taylor: Had Tenzil been more of a team player tonight, I wouldn’t have thought about voting him.
Jenne: His behavior was inexcusable. I was quite pissed myself. But he isn’t a threat to anyone. He’s harmless! Like a sweet li’l puppy!
Taylor: Ha! A yappy little piss-ant dog as my grandmother called them, maybe. You know I would do anything for you, but honestly…Kyle is the one pushing this. He probably already has the votes.
Jenne bristled.
Jenne: Not necessarily. It’s close…very! People don’t like how this vote is being forced on them so much, and honestly, Kyle pushing this makes me sad because Mikey trusts him…
Taylor: Jenne, you are dragging him again!
Jenne: Last night he asked if he could at least count on me, Beth, Jo, Chris, and Kyle…and it broke my heart! I couldn’t tell him that Kyle was behind this crap!
Taylor: You are dragging him along again!
Jenne: I’m not dragging him! I swear! I just don’t think this is right!
Taylor: Yes, you are.
Jenne huffed and paced away from Taylor momentarily. Taylor merely crossed his arms and waited for the tyrade.
Jenne: I know he has to go, I just don’t want it to be his friend taking him out. It’s wretched!
Taylor gaped at that.
Taylor: Really, it is? So when he targets me, you tell him the same thing?
Jenne: I’m defending Tenz from Kyle, and I’d defend you from Tenz! This is me! I stand by my friends! But not when they are attacking my other friends!
Taylor groaned and massaged his temples as he paced away.
Taylor: I know, I know! I guess you just don’t see it the way I do.
Jenne: I know you want him gone and are totally justified in feeling that. If he goes, I’m not gonna be mad. I just have to follow my heart, or it wouldn’t feel right. That’s all.
An awkward silence fell on them. Jenne could see the stubborn set to Taylor’s jaw and the gleam in his eye. His mind was made up.
Then something struck her. Kyle had been questioning her a lot as of late, whether or not she and Taylor had made up. This was the first time she and Taylor had been alone in days.
Jenne: Hey, Tay, can I ask you a question? Did you talk to Kyle about you and me?
Taylor: No, why?
Jenne: ‘Cause he was asking me ‘bout us the other day, and I felt like he knew or something. He even asked if you had sent me the “I heart Jenne” picture.
Taylor: That’s because he knew about it from before I sent it to you. He knew we had been fighting but not that we had made up.
She eyed him skeptically.
Jenne: Ok, just wanted to check. I told him we did talk before the game, and that I will always care about you, but that things were still the same between us.
Taylor: We have to be careful with him. He wants power.
Jenne: I know this.
Taylor: He says after last tribal council he feels like he’s in the same spot as Valentine’s Day.
Jenne: He will not talk game with me. I’ve tried a few times to probe. He talks to everyone else, but not me. It’s weird. He’s just upset ‘cause he was aligned with Jamie and Angie, so he’s lost some footing.
Jenne left Taylor’s hut that night disappointed that she wasn’t able to sway him, but she wasn’t finished yet. Before tribal council on the next day, the vote would be swayed to Jon. She’d have it done if she had to march on the resort with a picket sign. It would be done.
Beth Sowles was finally about to settle for the night when someone knocked on her door again. She groaned within herself before kicking the covers off her and stumbling for the door. It had gotten rather late, and she couldn’t imagine who would be coming to visit.
She found JoJo smiling on the other side of the door. Beth couldn’t help but gladly welcome her in. It was Mama JoJo. Mama JoJo was welcomed everywhere.
JoJo: In bed, I see…
Beth: Come in!
JoJo hurried in past her.
JoJo: I was talking to Jenne, and seriously, girl, I want you to answer as honestly as you can. Would it help you and Jenne if Tenzil were at some point voted out without you knowing about it or needing to be involved?
Beth: Yes.
JoJo: I love that you answered me.
Beth: Why wouldn’t I answer you?
JoJo: I wish I’d asked Jenne. It didn’t hit me till later.
Beth: Honestly, I don’t mind him voted out. I just can’t do it, and I don’t want people mad at me. I’ll cry again.
JoJo: Well, I’m not mad at you at all. My biggest concern was having you and Jenne upset with me.
Beth: No! Seriously…we’re a foursome working together, but it doesn’t mean we’re glued to each other. You may want to vote different than me, too. Doesn’t mean you can’t. I’m glad we can discuss it.
She slapped JoJo playfully on the arm.
Beth: Beffy hate on JoJo…never!
They hugged and laughed together before JoJo finally excused herself for the evening. JoJo had already made up her mind what she needed to do as well. The game was all about strategy and with strategy was how she was going to play.
And strategy was rampant that night. Kyle Adams had paid a visit to many of those he thought would listen to him or be swayed. There were still a few stops he needed to make, but there was still tomorrow and several hours before tribal council. Too much too soon could prove counterproductive. However, the key in this project needed to be addressed immediately, and that key was Missie Bird, who was every day looking like a stronger ally.
She had kept her word on everything she had done thus far. Kyle liked that. He also liked that she seemed a lot less trusting of the S-C group than most.
She answered her door promptly when he knocked.
Missie: Hey, you.
He tipped his head, looked around stealthy, and entered the hut.
Missie: You ok with the vote the other night? I know you didn’t really want it that way, and I’m sorry. I felt kinda trapped but in the end I think maybe it was the smart thing to do.
Kyle: It comes with survivor territory, ya know? I’m pretty flexible.
Missie: Ok, good. And I just wanted you to know, Jenne and I adore you.
Kyle: Well, thank you. I adore you guys, too! Just wish I could talk to Jenne more.
Missie: I know, it’s nice when you catch her…she’s great!
Kyle: Any particular direction you want us to head?
Missie: Up to you guys. I’m all ears and ready to do whatever you guys think is in our best interest.
Kyle hesitated before he made his suggestion. He knew that Tenzil and Missie had already connected on some level, so Missie could very well be a hard sway. In fact, she could even thwart the plans.
Kyle: You cool with Tenzil?
Missie hesitated as well.
Missie: At this point, yes, I would be. He’s apparently being quite a whiney willy, hey?
Kyle: Uh huh, and I know what misery that brings about in a game. I put my foot down to it happening again.
Missie: Rami told me earlier that he wants to vote Tenzil.
She sighed.
Kyle: Are you not totally comfortable with it?
Missie: Totally. I’m with you, Kyle. Just so you know, I really am sincere. If there comes a time you have to axe me, I’d really like a heads up, but I mean it when I say I am one hundred percent with you. I have a comfort level with you, and Taylor pissed me off, but I feel good about him for the time being, so…ya know?
Kyle: Yeah, I’m a little wary of him, but he works for now. And I’m with you, too. I hope you know that.
Missie: I actually believe you a lot. You and Isaac have both been up front and honest even if you had doubts, and I appreciate that a lot.
Kyle: I just love that kid.
Missie: Aww, I’m glad. Taylor has a problem with him, I think, but hey…Isaac’s the same age as my son, and he’s so mature. That makes me amazed.
Kyle: Well, Taylor can get glad in the same britches.
Missie chuckled out loud.
Missie: See, I love ya! And another question…what about Jenne? The more I talk to her, the more I do like her.
Kyle: I’m sure it’s not a secret that I love Jenne…but we have honestly talked zero game.
Missie: I know. When I did finally talk game to her, she said that no one talks game to her…she was excited.
So she had said to Kyle. But Kyle wasn’t buying it. Jenne was playing the game as hard or harder than anyone out there. Or else she wouldn’t have voted with the majority at the first two tribal councils. Or else she wouldn’t speak commonly suggested names for her personal target choices.
Or else she wouldn’t have kept her and Taylor’s making up a secret.
These reasons and these reasons alone were why Kyle was sure he needed to step up to the plate with allies and strength and plans. There was already talk against him, this he knew.
This…wouldn’t likely have changed since the conclusion of Valentine’s Day.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 13:00:01 GMT -5
Day 9
The first thing on everyone’s mind the next morning was…Tenzil or Jon? The two days following the second tribal council had been slow and uneventful, but as soon as that immunity idol had been picked up by Team Ryan, the claws came out. The scramble picked up immediately where it had left off, and no one was out of the loop this time.
Rami Ghoener had awakened that morning with his stomach in knots. In Valentine’s Day, Lucas had been up on the block several times, each time the plan had changed. Ironically, the time Rami had actually followed through with his vote and wrote down Lucas’ name, the tables had been turned on him.
Kyle had even cast that vote.
So with good reason, Rami wasn’t sure the vote for Tenzil was such a great idea. The burning question was whether or not he was being set up to fall once again, and he wouldn’t put it past Kyle to pull that stunt a second time.
No one slept late that morning as nerves were bitterly on edge, and Rami sought Kyle out as soon as possible, the questions on his lips. Was this for real? Was he being fooled? Was he safe?
After all, the idol was not presently in his camp, so to speak.
Kyle: I’m not backing down this time.
But Kyle noticed the uncertainty in Rami’s face. This was what he had feared from Rami from the start.
Kyle: You still with me?
Rami bit his lip thoughtfully.
Rami: So…if I look at you tonight during tribal council and say, ‘Tenzil is gone,’…I won’t get booted?
Kyle shifted guiltily as that was exactly how Rami had been blindsided in season four. However, he had to prove it was different.
Kyle: No, you won’t. I promise you that.
Rami: Revenge is sweet. He was probably upset last night because Jamie got booted. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be a team player.
Kyle: Big whoop. You deal and move on.
So Rami left Kyle in confidence early that morning. Something he had wanted to do for a long time was about to be pulled off. It looked beautiful in his eyes and tasted sweet on his lips.
That is until he crossed paths with Beth Sowles.
Beth: Hey, Rami!
Beth was all smiles—just as chipper as she ever was around the beach. There was a reason everyone felt so close and confident to share with Beth Sowles. She was just so darn loveable that one couldn’t help but side with her. She and JoJo Treadwell had that kindred spirit about them.
Rami was no exception to the matter as she approached him cheerfully.
Rami: How’s it going, Beth?
Beth: Pretty ok! I’m sorry I wasn’t much help last night!
Rami: No problem. It was Tenz that was the problem. He didn’t join us for a team rally, so he was basically playing on his own.
Beth: He’s really mad, it sounds.
Rami: Because of the Jamie boot.
Beth looked at him for a moment.
Beth: I take it your voting Tenzil tonight? Or no?
Rami: Yeah, but not because of Valentine’s Day. Because of his lack of team work.
Beth: Is there a lot of people voting that way?
Rami: It’s pretty much going to be unanimous.
Beth: You are the only person I’ve talked to about voting. Is his the only name being mentioned?
Rami: The only name I’ve heard. For whatever reason he already had a few people after him. Now because of the challenge last night, more people want him gone.
That was what Beth was afraid to hear. She sighed within herself but stayed conscious of what she was revealing on the outside. She had promised not to, but she couldn’t help herself for plugging something for Tenzil’s sake.
She looked around quickly.
Beth: Here’s something to think about. As long as he’s in the game…he’s a target. That will always take the target from us.
She paused to let it sink in. Rami crinkled his brow in consideration, so Beth knew the wheels were turning.
Beth: I’m tempted to let him stay a wee bit longer, especially until we get closer to jury. He will always be a target.
Rami: I’ve been thinking about that, too, but I don’t think there’s even a slight chance he won’t be booted tomorrow.
Beth: Is there anyone else you would consider? There’s one person I’d sorta like to vote out, but I have no idea if there is support for that.
Rami: Who’s that?
Beth: Promise to keep this strictly between us?
Rami: Of course, I promise.
Beth looked around once again, before turning and leaning in to whisper.
Beth: Jon.
Rami: I’ve been wanting to vote him, too, but I’m not sure if we could get the votes. It’s going to be really hard to get people to not vote for Tenzil. We could flirt with the fact that keeping Tenzil keeps him a target. People have been voting for Drew. Don’t know who but we might could get some votes for him.
Beth: I’d sorta rather do that, but will go along with people.
Rami: We might be able to pull this off. We got twelve hours.
Beth grinned at him.
Beth: I love working with you! Where were you in Valentine’s Day!
Rami: I was in the loser’s lodge because of the very person I’m trying to save tonight.
Beth: Won’t happen! Rami no go!
Rami: So, to pull this off, we need six more votes to guarantee it. Who would be willing?
Beth: Everyone who doesn’t want a target on them?
Rami chuckled.
Rami: Everyone, ha!
Beth: Tenzil will vote Jon.
Rami: We could use the “we were saving you” thing on Drew. With all the votes he has he might be thinking we are doing him a favor.
Beth: Good thinking.
Rami: I might be able to talk Missie into it. Not sure though.
Beth: Ok, you talk to Missie and Drew, and I’ll check out Jenne and Chris.
As easily as that, Beth had Rami thinking, and now Rami was hopeful that he might even be able to pull something sneaky off. All of his plans had been foiled from the very beginning of Valentine’s Day—even during the Mitch scandal in the first leg. His heart pumped as he thought of success.
Just as he said he would, he sought out Missie Bird ignoring the early hour of the morning. This was just too important to wait and their time was limited. Throughout all the rumors of him and Missie being in an alliance, they had actually drawn closer together. Now that the talk had faded, and alliance might not be too far from the truth.
Rami: How set are you at wanting to get rid of Tenzil?
Missie: Last I heard it was most likely Tenzil.
Rami: Well, I was thinking that since Tenzil is a big target right now, if he stays he will stay a target. People will focus on him.
Missie: I thought the same thing a bit last night. Since Jamie is gone, he really has no one.
Rami: If I said that we might be able to keep Tenzil, would you be willing to help out?
Missie: I’m up for anything, I’ve always said that. What is on your mind?
Rami: A couple of people have mentioned getting ridding rid of Jon. It’s a long shot, but I think the numbers are there.
Missie: Jon was on the list I heard early on.
Rami: I think he is in that power group that tried to get rid of Tenzil the first time.
Missie: I’m so out of the loop, but I do know of several people that have wanted Jon out.
Rami: Well, talk to them. We can pull this off.
Missie: Let’s see what people say, ok? One person says they were not so worried about Jon because he doesn’t seem to play hard.
Rami: Beth told me she wanted Jon gone.
Missie: Then let’s try and work this angle. I’m for it.
Then Rami wasted no time in barging his way with urgency into his number one ally’s hut that morning. Ryan Appel had barely stirred, but Rami had piqued his interest. It seemed that Rami was at the summit of something productive.
Ryan: What’s up with this vote?
Rami: Well, you said yourself that keeping Tenzil around, people would be more focused on trying to get rid of him than us.
Ryan: Yup.
Rami: Well, keeping him around now might benefit us. I think we might be able to pull this off.
Ryan: How?
Rami: Well, I was talking to Beth, and she said Tenzil would go with it and that Jenne has been wanting to get rid of Jon. And I talked to Missie, and she said she would rather go with Jon so Tenzil can take the heat.
Ryan crossed his arms and scrunched his face in thought. It didn’t sound so plausible to him.
Ryan: Jon just isn’t that strong. I would rather tackle someone with some links. Even Chris has told me Tenzil is who he heard.
Rami: Jon is in that block that has been voting power players.
Ryan shook his head vigorously. From what he’d observed, he knew Rami was way off base, possibly by other people’s influence.
Ryan: No way. The power block includes Chris, so why would he be voting out his alliance mate?
Rami: Ahh, didn’t know that. I just say Jon because there are some people interested in voting him off. Thought it would be easy to sway them.
Scratching his chin, Ryan turned to pace thoughtfully.
Ryan: One second, let me crunch some numbers.
Rami crossed his arms while Ryan paced, all the while talking himself through some personal strategy. He turned quickly.
Ryan: So you say Beth will go for Jon…which would include Jenne, Tenzil, and Missie. Chris, Taylor, JoJo, and Liz are the power block that will go for Tenzil…if Jon is on the block, the eight other votes could go for someone else, like Lis. We would just need to make sure Isaac, Ash, Jake, and Jon don’t vote with the others. Kyle and Drew have both said they want to work with me…
He paused and shook his head.
Ryan: Maybe it would be smarter to stay with the Jon thing.
Rami: Of course there are people willing to get rid of Lis, but I think Jon first, then get rid of Lis. Tenzil stays a target the whole time. As long as no one is going for us.
Ryan: See what others do. If nobody else tells me, I’m gonna vote Tenzil. It may be a test to see if we are still working together.
Rami hadn’t thought that before. He looked down silently and thought about his conversation with Beth. It was a very real possibility.
Rami: I think Drew would be an easy sway—
Ryan: I have an alliance with him, so no worries there. There are no terms to it, so don’t you worry.
Rami: Yeah, I have an “alliance” with Beth and Missie.
Ryan: Good stuff. We are covering a lot of ground. I think we have a good block going with us, and Kyle said he wanted to work with me.
Rami: As long as we take down Chris’ block we are good. As far as I know, people don’t know about us.
Ryan: I think we’ve managed to keep our distance. So at this point go along with your alliance for this vote, and I’ll go along with mine. I think it will solve a lot of alliance questions…and keep us undercover.
Little by little the cast began to stir for the day, the dreaded tribal council day, the ninth day of the great All Star game.
Christopher Collins awakened a bit more concerned than he had been since landing on that seemingly peaceful island. Things had been going his way and Kyle Adams was just about to further his plan, but Christopher for once had a concern of the heart.
Eliminating Tenzil Goodman would loosen up those ties that would pave the way for himself and those that he wanted in the end of the game.
But there would be problems then, too.
Regardless of how Christopher played the game, he really had taken a liking to many of the people around him. It tugged at his heart.
Still these sentiments were not going to sway him from the goal. There was a one million dollar prize waiting with Christopher’s name on it. Friends or no friends, he was going to get there.
Christopher primped for the day, resting easy that Kyle would doing most of the footwork. He sighed in the knowledge that he might not have to do anything before tribal council that day. Maybe he would go lay out at the beach or browse the many interesting sights and stores in the main resort. Today would be a vacation.
To many others, a vacation it wasn’t.
Missie was now considering options besides Tenzil. Rami had her thinking, and when she found a seemingly innocent and harmless Tenzil in the restaurant eating breakfast, she broke even more.
Tenzil had looked up to her hopefully with sad eyes. She had not even seen him smile since before the first tribal council of the game.
Tenzil: Am I dead tonight?
Missie: I thought Jon was, to be honest. People are kinda pissed that you didn’t rally with you team last night.
Tenzil: I was having a very, very bad day. I needed a day off. I do feel something of a rapport with you and, honestly, if you know I’m going, I’d rather know and be ready.
Missie: I’ve heard you or Jon.
Tenzil: How will you vote?
Missie bit her lip before she plunged into the honesty that Tenzil had requested of her.
Missie: It was definitely Jon. Then tonight people thought you had just given up since Jamie got the boot. I will be totally honest with you…if you really want to stay and aren’t giving up, I’ll vote Jon. I will try to push it back to Jon. I mean it.
Tenzil: I supported you before, and I will again. I’ll vote Jon.
Missie: Jenne really likes you, you know. She hoped that with Jamie gone you could play your own game and have fun.
Tenzil: If it’s not happening, will you please let me know so I can vote in the best way for those who will survive me?
Missie: I will. I will talk to people and tell you before TC. If there’s anything I can do to help ya otherwise…let me know. If if it’s a shoulder to cry or beat on.
Tenzil smiled for the first time in a while, and it warmed Missie through and through.
Tenzil: Well, I don’t know you well enough for that, although it does occur to me that I know you well enough to buy you tops! I will keep it in mind.
Grinning, Missie patted his hand. Now she knew that Jon was a viable option for the evening. So viable that she went straight to Isaac who had previously wanted Rami, then saw the benefit of removing Tenzil. Now she was going to approach him with another change of plans?
On the way to the aisle of huts, she thought about it deeply. Trusting Isaac in this game was a leap as bad blood between them had been a very real potential coming into the game. Missie remembered blindsiding him back during Independence Day, if for no other reason but because he had played so shadily. Still and blindside was a blindside, and she remembered clearly what she had promised him back then…
Isaac: We are still tight, right? Everything I’ve done in this game has been to help us both.
Missie: We can do this.
Isaac: I can manipulate Sebastian’s, Shaun’s, and Amy's vote, and I'm sure you can manipulate Glenn's, Colin's, and Jeff's and Andy's—especially now since you saved Colin and Glenn. So, just let me confirm, of course…I'm gonna have paranoia but you aren’t going to screw me over, right? This is the last time I'll ask you that.
Missie: No, I’m not.
She remembered turning around and going right back to Shaun Hampton the schemes Isaac had been trying to pull. In her mind, if Isaac would dump Shaun so easily, he would dump her as well.
Then in the same breath she had turned around and conspired against Isaac with someone else.
Glenn: Isaac is a huge threat, but he may win this challenge. I don’t know…I’m just throwing out some good and bad here.
Missie: No, I agree. I’d axe Isaac.
Glenn: Yeah, so we’ll see. If he loses we could do it.
Remember all that, Missie wondered how Isaac could ever trust her again—especially now with the plans changing every few minutes. Missie even hesitated before knocking on the door. But they were playing completely different games than they played in Independence Day. They both had changed. Besides, she had to trust him. This vote was too big and Isaac had to be with her whichever way it went.
He answered promptly.
Missie: I’ve heard Tenzil is the vote, and I was cool. Bu t know I spoke with him, and he warmed me.
Isaac: So it’s not Tenzil?
Missie: Well, here is my thought, and tell me if I’m out of line. We had said Jon anyhow. Jon is not immune. Tenzil still wants to play. Would it kill us to vote out Jon now?
Isaac: I think it’s a good move, but I think it would be better to vote out Rami versus Jon.
Missie gaped.
Missie: Wow, really? Never thought of that.
Isaac: I know how Jon plays these games. He is not a hard competitor. Rami we have no clue what he does.
Missie: True. And didn’t people say he and Drew were close?
Isaac: I’m not really sure of that, but whatever suspicions were of the Rami, Missie, Isaac, Taylor alliance would hopefully go away.
Missie: I think Tenzil will vote with us just to save himself, and I don’t think Jenne really wants to vote Tenzil, anyhow.
Isaac: Kyle will vote with us, and maybe I can manipulate Ryan and his followers. I know Ash would vote with us. Any other thoughts?
Missie: Kyle and I talked last night.
Isaac: Kyle asked me for an alliance.
Missie: We promised each other that we were totally committed to the other. We both talked about how much we liked you and wanted to work with you.
Isaac: Great! It sounds good to me! I think the three of us could pretty much be unstoppable if we remain behind the scenes. This is looking real good.
Missie: I’m not so worried about Tenzil right now. Angie is gone, Jamie is gone.
Isaac: We will have to eliminate Ryan soon. He will catch on that I’m not with them and will go after me.
So once again, it seemed as though the tide was shifting. Missie left Isaac that morning feeling so much better about their connection. Independence Day was indeed a buried game. She trusted Isaac with her life, and now Kyle. With the various people under each of their influences, Missie felt they could write their own tickets.
Jenne Lotz headed for the day with a vengeance. She was going to put her foot down about Tenzil leaving if it was the last thing she did. She didn’t care what Christopher or JoJo or Taylor had to say about it, Tenzil was going to stay in that game and protect her. She had the charms, she had the power…she would do it.
And she would do it starting with the one she knew would love her to the end of his game. He had to. He was bound to her now.
Drew Herlitz was now property of Jenne.
Drew: Any ideas about tribal council?
She sighed deeply and spread distress across her face.
Jenne: I so don’t want to do this all over again.
Drew: I know, but it has to be done. As far as I’ve heard, you have nothing to worry about.
Jenne: That’s a relief! I can’t believe word gets around so fast!
Drew: I’m hearing Taylor, Rami, and Tenzil.
Jenne: Well, I’m not happy with Tay or Tenz at this juncture, but I’d still hate to see them go this early. Rami never talks to me. But I guess a lot of people don’t talk to me.
Drew grinned at her, the poor helpless soul that she was.
Drew: I talk to ya!
Smiling, Jenne squeezed his arm gently.
Jenne: What’s going on with Jon?
Drew: I don’t know what’s going on with Jon.
Jenne looked at him thoughtfully. This is where she needed to bait him, so she jumped right in.
Jenne: Well, I know there was a big push for Tenz last night, but I’m not biting. I think it’s coming from a shady place. Just so you know, I’m voting for Jon.
Drew: That’s fine with me. I’ll vote Jon as well.
Jenne: I don’t like the way this Tenz thing was being forced down my throat. Left me queasy.
Drew: It was kinda forced on me too. But, even though I’m immune, I’ve heard people are still plotting against me. I have a feeling if no one sticks up for me, the next time I’m not immune, I’m gone.
Jenne: Hell no! I think there is a big push for Missie and Rami at this point. Hopefully you and I can slip by.
Drew: I’m not ready to get voted off yet.
Jenne: I’m just riding the coaster till it ends. Wherever it stops I’m cool with it. I look out for my peeps.
Drew: I just hope I can get people to trust me. There’s a few who I don’t think like me much.
Jenne: Then we shall pee on their faces!
Drew was greatly appreciative of her support, even blushed when she reached out and hugged him tightly.
That was one vote Jenne snagged easily with her little finger. There were still others that she could get—that she knew she would get. She was Jenne Lotz, after all. She did not single handedly dictate Valentine’s Day only to come into the All Star game and falter at the beginning. Christopher or no Christopher she would pull out that fist once again.
But little did she know that Missie Bird had already made a few rounds on Tenzil’s behalf—even around the aisle to Beth Sowles.
Beth found Jenne on her mission and tugged her quickly to obscure place in the main resort, briefly scanned around her and beamed.
Beth: Sounds like votes are lined up on Jon!
Jenne brightened immediately.
Jenne: Who’s on board?
Beth: Rami, me, Missie, you, Mikey, Drew…what about Chris and JoJo?
Jenne: I talked to JoJo last night and explained how I felt. Not sure how she’ll go. I think she’ll vote Jon. Not sure about Chris. I know he wants Tenzil gone so I’m not gonna push. JoJo is getable. Kyle is so shady, though!
Beth rolled her eyes.
Beth: I know.
Jenne: He asked me my feelings on Missie earlier, and I told him she wanted me out. I was trying to give him the opportunity to be honest with me about it…all he told me was that she liked me. Played dumb about her wanting me out, which sorta irked me.
Beth looked down thoughtfully.
Beth: Well, she told me that she had changed her mind about you, too. But maybe Kyle warned her not to say anything about about you around me.
Jenne grinned slyly.
Jenne: Well, after I heard she had targeted me, I applied focused Missie charm…turned her around. Kyle wants her gone so bad!
Beth: Kyle is going to have to go sooner than I thought.
Jenne: I agree. He is getting out of hand. Sadly for him, he has no footing and don’t have the numbers to change it up after tonight. Eight is a majority. Us four, Lizzie and Jake, Tenzil and Tay. That’s eight. We don’t need Kyle, and he can’t pull those eight.
Beth nodded thoughfully.
Jenne: Plus…Ashley, Isaac, and Drew we can pull more than him.
Jenne beamed a toothy grin up at Beth, so proud of the job they had done turning the tables back around from Tenzil.
Jenne: Kyle’s screwed. And I say that lovingly.
Beth: Poor Kyle. I don’t know why he thought he should be calling the shots.
Jenne smirked and paced away.
Jenne: Well, he shouldn’t have screwed our friend. There was no need. Mikey woulda fought for Kyle. I wanted to tell Mikey so bad, ‘Kyle is behind this!’
Beth: I will tell him more than likely.
Jenne: Well anyways, I’m off to send messages to Lizzie, Ash, and Isaac just to let them know I was voting for Jon. And Drew is my buddy now. So, we’ll see how it goes.
Beth grinned back at her and squeezed her shoulder. Why she loved being aligned with Jenne so much was because she was just so good.
At that moment, in the early afternoon of the ninth day, Jenne was on top of the world.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 13:00:41 GMT -5
But a small world it was, and in that tiny close-knit world, word traveled fast. It didn’t take long before Christopher Collins caught wind that his Santa Cruz girl had put up a fight like she said she wouldn’t. Beth had promised the same and he wondered just how much she had to do with the undermining.
His girls were nowhere to be found at the moment, but that wouldn’t stop him from making his voice known. The plan had been set, and there was no reason it should have been changing.
Christopher: I’m just trying to find out who is applying the pressure. Jenne talked to me about not voting him and that kind of raised alarms for me.
Missie had been surprised by his sudden upheaval but she stopped to hear him out nonetheless. If anything he looked rather shaken by the whole change of plans, vulnerable even.
Christopher: Jenne and Tenzil were heavily aligned in season four.
Missie: Jenne kept saying to me she wanted Jamie gone so Tenzil could play his own game.
Just as he’d expected. Jenne had been applying the pressure.
Christopher: Interesting. I just find it intriguing that she is so invested in his game if they aren’t aligned. I’d rather not get stuck in a repeat of Valentine’s Day.
Missie: I’m so agreed with that!
Christopher: That is all I’m wondering. If they aren’t aligned, why are she and Beth waning to save him? Especially if Kyle wants him out.
He turned away quickly and rubbed his head. So much for his vacation day. These people would just continue to muck things up so that he would have to step in and keep everything in line.
Christopher: I feel like I’m rambling. I’m probably over-thinking it.
Missie: Beth never said she wanted to save Tenzil. She’s just been wanting Jon out forever.
Christopher: Right, but it all seems mighty convenient to me. I asked Jenne straight out, if not now, does Tenzil leave? If so, when? Didn’t get a clear answer. I guess I’m just not inclined to trust it.
He shrugged and threw his hands up in mock defeat, though he knew he was selling her. He could see it on her face.
Christopher: I guess I’ll just vote with the group. So whatever happens, happens. I just hope it doesn’t eff us up.
Missie: Ok. I will go with you and Kyle because you both feel strongly about this.
Christopher: Seriously, you should go with your own gut. I never try to get people to vote with me if they don’t feel it. I just want you to know why I might not vote with the Jenne/Tenzil crowd. Since you and I worked together on the Jamie vote, I just want to tell you where my head is at. However you vote is totally up to you.
Missie: I will be totally honest, I’m committed to you and Kyle. I have a better feeling with you both.
Christopher: I hear you. I think Kyle is pretty straightforward. He has a sweetness about him.
Missie: So, if we take out Tenzil tonight, who else do you think we are disabling?
Christopher: Whether they admit it or not, there is a connection between him, Jenne, and Beth. Beyond that I am not totally sure.
Once again, Missie’s mind was reeling. Her first concern was having to tell Isaac the plans had changed again. She was certain he wouldn’t be trusting her by the end of the night. Her stomach turned when she approached him.
Missie: Isaac, it’s Tenzil. You don’t have to vote, but the numbers are there for him.
Isaac: Ok, I will vote Tenzil.
Though he looked at her oddly. She quickly laughed it off.
Missie: You are like me…we are in this “place.” I can’t feel comfy making a move.
Isaac: We’re ok. This vote is not crucial. Tenzil is probably better anyway.
Missie: He has a hold on Ryan and Jake I think.
Isaac: Are you sure the votes are there? If this doesn’t work, this will be trouble.
Missie: It’s me, you, Chris, Taylor, Kyle, JoJo, Jon, Rami
Isaac: Ok, then good.
Isaac remembered clearly getting stabbed in the back by Missie a whole year back, but she was different now. They needed each other from these barriers of friends and previous seasons. Besides, Kyle hadn’t said anything of the switch to Jon, and he trusted Kyle as well.
Once again, Isaac was fine with the change.
Taylor Napier had lain a bit low key throughout the day. Others had taken the charge to voting off Tenzil, and he wanted to rile up Jenne as little as possible. Tenzil leaving the game would do the job already but he didn’t want her after him squarely. Not since he had taken so many pains to make amends with her through the year before the game had started.
One thing that had concerned Taylor was Kyle’s spirit for this vote. It was considerably more aggressive than Taylor had known of Kyle when they had first met in Valentine’s Day and it concerned him. After all, Jenne had told him that Kyle had become too pushy. If Jenne said it, Taylor believed.
Taylor: I have to warn you…stop forcing too hard.
Kyle: I’m not. I haven’t done jack. People have come to me, too.
Taylor: Well, Jenne told me that people were worried you were pushing too hard.
Kyle laughed aloud. Even he knew he had done nothing but go to the people he knew had voted him before. Even then others had approached him and he had relayed what he had heard.
Kyle: That’s a bunch of bull. I haven’t pushed anyone.
Taylor: Don’t shoot the messenger.
Kyle: So who says I’ve been pushing people…the big bully that I am?
Taylor: No clue.
Kyle: Well, you didn’t just come up with it on your own. It came from somewhere.
Taylor: I know. Jenne said that people are saying. That’s all I know.
Kyle: I don’t want you to be mad at me.
Taylor: I’m not.
Kyle: I don’t want you to think I’m becoming a power hungry vote dictator. I’m just wary of the “group.”
Taylor chuckled aloud.
Taylor: Kyle equals Stalin of Holidays.
That garnered a laugh from Kyle as well. That is until Christopher approached them.
Christopher: What do you two want to do?
Kyle: Tenzil of course…even though it’s getting spread that I’m pushing people too hard.
Christophre: Well, I support you.
Kyle: So who all is rallying for Tenzil? It’s new to me that I’ve been pushing him too hard.
Christopher: That just means someone doesn’t want to vote him out.
Taylor dropped his head when Kyle looked at him sternly. That said it all.
Christopher: Let me just update you. Missie wanted to flip back to Jon today. I told her that she should really stick with you because you don’t have that built-in alliance that Jenne and Tenzil would. After going back and forth she told me she would vote with us. She may need some firming up if you see her before tribal council.
Kyle was suddenly a bit nervous. If the vote for Tenzil didn’t go through and now with the rumors that he was in ogre, thinks could start looking bad.
Kyle: Who else would she vote for besides Tenzil?
Christopher: Jon. With Jenne, Tenzil, Lizzie, Beth and whoever else. It seems like things are hazier than they looked.
Kyle: Why oh why would she want to go with a built in alliance?
Christopher: I didn’t get a real good answer, to be honest.
Kyle: Jenne doesn’t even like Missie! Wants her out pretty badly. So have you heard that I’m the big bully, shoving people into their lockers and forcing their hands against Tenzil?
Christopher grinned at that.
Christopher: Nope. But if I had I’d get a big ol’ crush on you. I like the tough guys.
Kyle blushed instantly.
Kyle: I think I’m hardly the tough guy!
Christopher left Kyle with his support, but that in no way left him confident that he had made the right decision in pushing for the vote. Missie was the key, and Kyle knew that. It also worried him that she had switched so easily by letting some tickle her ear.
Kyle looked over at Taylor, but Taylor merely shrugged.
Christopher headed out to his ladies at once. Things were happening and he needed to get to the bottom of it. Both of them had sworn they wouldn’t oppose the vote; Beth have even sworn to vote randomly. But someone was opposing the vote or Missie wouldn’t have waffled so easily.
Christopher quickly found Beth and Jenne coming out of the main resort, and he whisked Jenne off somewhere privately. Beth eyed curiously though she had an idea of the urgency. Jon had risen on the charts as next boot.
She sighed as she watched them disappear off by the pool. As she turned to go she saw Elisabeth approaching her. It was the first time she’d seen her out all day.
Tribal council was quickly approaching
Elisabeth offered Beth her signature smile
Elisabeth: Life goes on, straight to tribal council!
They hugged briefly.
Beth: Evidently there’s a movement to vote out Tenzil tonight, and I refuse to do it.
Elisabeth: I heard Tenzil versus Jon. I like Tenzil, and I really don’t want to vote him out.
Beth crossed her arms indignantly.
Beth: I just said I wouldn’t do it. Everyone else can vote how they want, but I’m not voting him out.
Elisabeth: Me either, and neither is Jenne. I like Tenzil far too much to vote him over Jon.
Beth: He’s a friend, and gosh-darnit, I’m not voting out my friends here!
Elisabeth: We’ll just have to make sure Tenzil stays. Do we have the votes?
Beth: I have no idea.
Elisabeth: I sure hope Tenzil stays. I like him. But I’ll talk to you later, I’m going to browse the gift shop.
Beth smiled after her. Elisabeth’s name had already come up as a possible target. She wondered to herself when she would have to be defending her from the very same fate.
Although, at the other side of the resort, Jenne wasn’t receiving the same support.
Christopher: What happened last night? Where is everyone at?
Jenne sighed, fully expecting this. She was tired and already warn out from making her rounds throughout the day.
Jenne: I know you want him gone, but I want you to know where I stand. Tenzil is not playing this game…it’s Mikey! I don’t want Mikey to go!
Christopher: You mean you want him around for jury?
Jenne: I’m not saying jury—
Christopher: Yeah, I’m still not good with that. But anything can happen.
Jenne: Just not now. Not like this. He was so dejected and not about Jamie going. He’s pissed at her. He just feels used by his friends.
Christopher: Well my vote is a vote alone. I haven’t even talked to anyone. I don’t even know what anyone is doing.
Jenne: It’s close. But it seems silly to vote him out now. He is powerless and he would vote with us, and seriously all the interesting people keep going…and he’s my friend! So, yeah…I just couldn’t let him be taken out like this….
Jenne stopped and they looked at each other for a moment, Christopher’s jaw firmly set. He could see what anyone that had witnessed Valentine’s Day could see. Jenne stared at him hopefully.
Jenne: Especially not by Kyle, who Mikey trusts. It’s shameful. I’m a li’l disgusted with Kyle’s behavior and attitude with this.
Christopher crossed his arms, not biting the guilt.
Christopher: He took you out.
Jenne paused and looked down. Taylor had used that too. It was beginning to frustrate her.
Jenne: I know he did…and he’ll go in this game, too. I ain’t dragging him along again. I just don’t feel right ‘bout how this is goin’ down.
Christopher: I’m not sure what to think. I need to talk to more people. You know I love you, but I can’t commit one way or the other yet.
Jenne: I’m not asking you to. You can vote however you want. I’m not telling you how to vote.
Christopher: I’m just talking to you, and I’m sharing that I don’t know where I am yet. Either one leaving works for me, so I won’t cry if it is Jon or Mikey. My big concern is Kyle.
Jenne: Kyle is buggin’.
Christopher: If we, for like the third time in a row, don’t vote his way, he is a lost cause and will either try to get something together—which he could—or we will need to boot him asap.
Jenne: So we play into his need for power?
Christopher: You knew that game. You suggested we play into it.
Jenne paused and sighed.
Jenne: I know.
Christopher: You just didn’t know playing into it would mean Mikey. Going with Kyle is better strategically at this point, but I will meditate on it. I want everyone happy. I want to feel Kyle out, see where he is, if he is flexible or not.
Jenne: He’s goin’ maniacal! He’s got dem crazy eyes!
Christopher smirked.
Christopher: Well, he did get played big time last season, and I think the fact that three votes have happened without him is bringing back some major déjà vu.
Jenne: I bet.
Christopher: He is rightfully freaking out. Maybe not handling it well, but rightfully freaking out.
Jenne: I still play by heart. I’d do the same to protect him, you Mikey…my friends. I love…it’s what I do.
Christopher tilted his head back and rolled his eyes with a drawn out sigh of exasperation.
Christopher: Oh jeeeez that was perhaps the cheesiest thing I have ever heard.
Jenne: I love cheese.
Christopher: ‘I love, it’s what I do…’
He feigned dry heaving, and Jenne chuckled, giving him a playful slap on the arm.
Jenne: I’m sweet like candy. Deal wit it punk!
Christopher: Um, not always. You can be a real biznatch.
Jenne: Well, yes. I was fine letting Kyle feel big and powerful and strong, but not if he’s going after a friend. It was like screeching breaks. At first I was like passive resistance, then I sorta got defensive and a li’l angry. Anyway, Jon votes for sure are me, Beth, Tenz, Rmai, Missie, and I’m hoping Ash and Isaac will go that way too. Two more seals it. I just have to try or I would feel like a crappy friend.
Christopher: I totally understand even though he voted you out. It’s, ummm…interesting that you are worried about being a crappy friend. Didn’t bother him. You do the math.
Jenne: He had to choose between Beth and I. We were both his friends.
Christopher: Jenne, he has known you a hell of a lot longer, and you guys were a hell of a lot closer. Don’t try to pretend the dilemma wasn’t clear cut. He made a strategic decision.
Jenne: He did. We all play this game our own way.
Christopher: Don’t try to rewrite it.
Jenne bristled at that.
Jenne: I’m not judging him for the way he plays!
Christopher: If you want to tell me whatever—that’s cool. But you know the drill. He sold you up the river so he could win.
Jenne: Look I know it was crappy—
Christopher: It wasn’t because Beth was as good a friend as you were.
Jenne: I didn’t talk to him for a month or two after!
Christopher: I’m just pointing it out. If we’re friends, I’m going to make you keep it real.
They looked at each other for a long moment, both feeling the heat. They could easily get worked up with each other’s strong wills but they never could stay mad at each other for long.
Jenne: It’s why I love you darling.
Christopher: And why I love you….’love, it is what you do!’
Jenne shoved him playfully again.
Jenne: One last patch. After tonight eight is a majority. We are four solid two with Jake and Lizzie, plus Tay and Tenz would vote with us. Kyle couldn’t pull anything off—especially if Ashley, Isaac, and Drew are pulled to our side already. He simply don’t have the clout. So yeah, no risk in keeping Tenz. He’d be loyal to our side. Kyle would be pissed but don’t have the numbers to do nothing.
Of course, Jenne wasn’t going to give up until all the stops were pulled. Christopher knew this about her. She was one girl with stamina. But his mind was made up and had been since the first tribal council. If he was to get anywhere in the game…Tenzil needed to be gone.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 13:01:29 GMT -5
So Christopher went his way to make sure that target stayed.
Christopher: Full on Tenzil tonight
Jake: Awesome.
Christopher: I hoped that would happen. The votes are there according to Kyle.
Jake: Kyle seemed really focused on voting for Tenzil.
Christopher: He is.
Jake: I guess it’s not a bad thing.
And Kyle went his way to make sure that target stayed. However his first task was to his premier ally to find out why she had rallied when she promised she wouldn’t. He knew Beth wasn’t going to end up voting for Tenzil, but he hoped that she hadn’t worked to counter him.
A few others stopped him along the way.
Isaac: So what are you doing for tribal council?
Kyle: Tenzil, you?
Isaac: Tenzil, too.
Kyle: If this doesn’t go through, I may be in trouble.
Isaac: You got Missie and I to back you up. Us three are pretty much working together it looks like now. What do you think?
Kyle: I think it would be pretty tight. Apparently people are spreading that I’m trying to push people to vote how I want them to vote.
Isaac: I have not heard that.
Kyle: Maybe it was just one person trying to get my goat.
Isaac: Probably. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Kyle: I refuse to be painted a villain just because I don’t play how it’s expected from a certain group.
Isaac: By the way, I have a lot of information on possible alliances.
Kyle was in a hurry as they walked, but he stopped mid stride and looked at Isaac.
Kyle: Oh, do tell!
Isaac: Ryan is trying to form an alliance with all the young guys it looks like.
Kyle: I hadn’t heard of that group.
Isaac: Ryan and Jake are high priorities to get rid of next.
Kyle: Jake? Really?
Isaac: I am very nervous about Jake in this game. I have no idea how he is playing, and I know he will target me soon. He will pull anything. He may look like he’s not playing, but I guarantee that he is.
Kyle: I don’t doubt that for a second.
Isaac: I feel nervous knowing about this alliance and not joining it.
Kyle: I’ve got your back.
So his quest continued, only his head was filled with a bit more information. He knew Ryan would start an alliance somewhere in the game, so he knew he’d have to snoop around at some point. Isaac and Missie were definitely seeming like solid allies thus far, but he’d have to think about Ryan and Jake becoming targets soon.
Speaking of Ryan, as he hurried toward Beth’s hut, Ryan approached him as well.
Ryan: Hey, what’s the plan? Still Tenzil?
Kyle eyed him for a moment, wondering if Ryan would ask him or at least let him in on the little alliance he was cooking up. Still, at the moment, he didn’t have time to investigate
Kyle: Tenzil, yep.
Ryan: Good.
Kyle: Although, I’m the bad guy.
Ryan smiled and patted his shoulder.
Kyle: It’s about time you came over to the dark side.
Nodding, Kyle headed off and found Beth just where he thought he would, in her hut preparing to head out for the council.
He didn’t even bother to greet her.
Kyle: Are you not voting with me tonight?
Beth was taken aback. She stammered for a moment.
Beth: For Tenzil?
Kyle: Yep.
She paused with a frown. Seeing the determination on his face she knew they were going to bump heads pretty soon.
Beth: I can’t.
Kyle sighed in frustration and turned from her.
Kyle: Here we go again…
Beth: No! This is the same reason you couldn’t vote Jamie. I can’t vote Mikey.
Kyle: This is a bit different!
Beth: How?
Kyle: There’s a foursome that will never be broken up. I fell for it last time, and you and I are supposed to be partners.
Beth: What foursome? You’re wrong. I’m sorry you don’t see that.
Kyle: At this point, if Tenzil doesn’t go tonight, he will make our lives hell…me in particular. Anyways, I didn’t rally to save Jamie like I’m hearing is happening with Tenzil.
Beth: I’m not rallying anything. I said I wouldn’t, and I’m not. I’ll say the same thing to you as I said to Taylor…if they wanted me to vote you out, would you want me to just do it? Part of the reason you like me is because of who I am.
Kyle: The only thing I’m standing on is I have been promised that Tenzil will go when we want him to go. I wouldn’t even want him to be gone if I didn’t know how he plays, and that he will make our lives hell because of Jamie.
Beth: No one asked me how I felt. Just told me I was to vote him out.
Kyle: You’ve all but told me you wanted him out first! How many times have you discussed that with me?
Beth crossed her arms and sighed. Just like she knew, it was going to turn into a fight.
Beth: I’m not picking Tenzil over you.
Kyle: Then, will you vote some way other than how Tenzil is voting, please?
Beth: That’s what I’ve agreed to do. To throw my vote randomly—which is what you were supposed to have done with Jamie.
Kyle: I knew the votes were there for Jamie.
Beth: Do you have the votes for tonight?
Kyle: Not certain.
Beth: So you weren’t counting on my vote anyway?
Kyle: No.
Beth: Then why are you making me feel like crap?
Kyle: Because I hear people are saying I’m pushing people like as if I was Jamie, and others are rallying for Tenzil.
Beth: Who is saying you’re pushing people? I haven’t heard that. I don’t like you being angry with me.
Kyle: I’m not angry with you at all. I’m a little wary that I may fall prey to the same crap again. Jon told me Tenzil and “whoever” have been rallying.
Beth: I haven’t even talked to Jon about the vote.
Kyle: Taylor ordered me not to push people.
Beth: Since when do you listen to Taylor?
Kyle: Since he says people are saying I’m trying to push.
Beth knew exactly who was saying that, but to mention would open a whole new can of worms. That, she knew for certain.
Beth: I wonder who. No one has said it to me.
Kyle: I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I just had to find out today that I’m the enemy.
Beth: By me?
Kyle: No, just in general.
Beth: I’m not your enemy.
Kyle: I know you’re not. I trust you.
Beth: I respect how people feel and how you want to vote. Honest, I do.
Kyle: Well, Jenne told me last night she did too, but she obviously doesn’t. She’s the one behind this “Kyle is the bully” thing.
Beth: Jenne is? Our Jenne?
Kyle: Taylor said that Jenne said people thought I was pushing too hard. I was fine with Tenzil until last night. I tried to talk to him. He ignored me and denied our group rally. I knew then he was gonna be pissy for the rest of his time in the game. I was just offended last night and got my defenses up.
Beth: Which is totally understandable.
Kyle: I don’t want you mad at me, too. But you’ve got to understand where I’m coming from.
Beth: I’m so not mad at you. I adore you. And I do understand where you’re at, and I’m totally not trying to change your mind.
Kyle: And I’m not trying to change yours. I don’t want you to think I’m being insensitive toward you.
Beth smiled and looked at him for a moment.
Beth: No. It sounds more like scared a little, I think?
Kyle: Yeah. I know what problems this will cause now if the vote doesn’t go through.
Nodding, Beth understood. She did thoroughly understand everyone’s plight in the game. But her plight was that she had so many loved ones, she wanted to keep everyone happy. At the moment, she saw how really impossible it was going to be.
Beth: I’ll tell you what Tenzil said to me last night, and you can believe it or not. He said that no matter who votes him, he will not vote for or go after Taylor, Chris, JoJo, Kyle, Beth, Jenne, and Lizzie. Honestly…I believe him.
Kyle sighed and sank down in a chair.
Kyle: Now I’m the one that feels like crap.
Beth: No, don’t. If anyone knows this is a game, it’s Tenzil. Hell, I’ve voted him out in three games.
Kyle: I’m sorry I blew up. Just premier jitters when I was told things were getting this complicated.
Beth: It’s ok, Kyle.
Kyle: Must’ve been blown out of proportion.
Beth: Seriously, I’d rather us fight it out and work it out, ya know?
Kyle: Me, too. Keeps us honest.
Beth: Friends fight. This is fact.
They hugged each other for longer than normal. It was shaping up to be a tense night, and with both of the on opposite sides of the proverbial fence it made it that much more difficult to feel connected.
Kyle left her hut second-guessing himself, go through the files of his mind, wondering who all he had “pushed” to vote Tenzil. As far as he could remember he had gone to the ones he knew had voted for him the first time, and others he thought might be up for the job. Maybe he had been too forceful. However, if no one had heard he was such a bully, the Jenne was probably trying to turn the tables on him.
Whatever the case, Kyle wanted to be quiet going into the tribal council just a short hour away. If Tenzil didn’t, in fact, leave the game that night. Kyle would be a sitting duck.
Beth had no sooner rehabilitated herself from the tiff with Kyle before Missie Bird was at the door wondering why she couldn’t vote for Tenzil. Beth could only take a deep breath and hope herself through yet another confrontation.
Missie: Why can’t you? I don’t get it.
Beth: It’s hard to explain. I know he’s difficult and a pain, but he’s always been there for me. I hope that doesn’t come between you and I. I’ll understand if it does.
Missie cocked her head and looked at her skeptically.
Missie: Well, if you have this “I won’t vote him” thing, that does kinda complicate things.
Beth: It’s not that I won’t vote him forever and ever. Like I told Kyle earlier, I’ve voted Tenzil out of three games before.
Missie: Well, I’ve voted Jamie out of three now.
Beth put a hand on her arm soothingly. She was getting tired of having to comfort everybody. She was sure that it would soon blow up in her face.
Beth: Vote how you feel, Missie. Really. I won’t tell you how to vote. Taylor and Kyle both know I’m not voting Tenzil, and they weren’t real happy. But they did sorta get it.
It was a very difficult position to explain. Few people could understand it. But Beth was going to stick with her guns.
Christopher Collins’ last effort for the cause was to go straight to the alternate target himself. If his girls weren’t going to cooperate and Missie was going to flip, they needed to secure their numbers elsewhere. Jon Kennedy was the prime direction.
He approached Jon smoothly as he came out of his hut, dressed, bags slung over one shoulder, ready for another tribal council. Jon was genuinely surprised to see Christopher standing there with a smile, arms akimbo.
Christopher: Hey Jon.
Jon: Hey there, Chris.
Christopher moved graciously and slithered his arm over Jon’s shoulder, and the two of them headed down toward the beach.
Christopher: Jon…..Jon, Jon, Jon….how’s life?
Jon looked up at him oddly.
Jon: Life is going good. Should I be looking forward that if I’m voted out tonight?
Christopher: What have you heard?
Jon: I’ve heard Tenzil, but I’m worried that it could be me.
Christopher: Well, I’m walking with you for that reason. Tenzil’s….group…is targeting you. They tried to get me today.
Jon looked down at his feet as they walked and frowned.
Christopher: I don’t know how many votes they have. It will be close, I think. I know Kyle wants Tenzil out. Taylor, too. Are you close to anyone?
Jon: I talk to Beth often.
Christopher: Well, I already spoke to her. She isn’t willing to vote Tenzil, but I asked her to throw a random. She agreed. So she is one less for you. I am going to vote Tenzil with Kyle and Taylor. Sounds like Missie is on board, too. We just need three more, if Beth holds through. Her throwaway would guarantee that the eight trumps Tenzil’s group.
Jon looked up to him gratefully.
Jon: I really appreciate the help you’re giving me.
Christopher only smiled and squeezed him more tightly.
Christopher: Well, I like you a heck of a lot more than I like him. Naaa, I don’t dislike him…I’m just not aligned with him. Nor do I connect with him. That sounds less mean.
Jon: I’ll accept it.
He handed Jon a sidelong glance.
Christopher: I’m going to try and talk to JoJo. She is a “player.” She votes strategically so she might see him more as a threat.
Jon: No idea who Tenzil might be with?
Christopher: I have some ideas. I just know I was assured there are some numbers there.
Jon: Were they responsible for Angie and Jamie’s boot? I’ve been hearing a rumor about me from the first vote. According to some, I was the one who arranged all those votes for Tenzil.
Christopher: I don’t know about that, to be honest. I just know he or they are pushing for you and tried to recruit me.
Jon: What reasons?
Christopher shrugged noncommittally.
Christopher: I was just told that they weren’t ready for him to leave yet, and that they were voting you. I apologize for not telling you who. I just don’t want to get into too much hot water. I am already being sort of bad, I imagine, by not voting with them.
Jon: What you’re doing now is more than I can as for so it’s alright f keeping their names you yourself is what you want.
Christopher smiled sweetly.
Christopher: It just makes me feel like I am not stirring too much crap. Kyle seems to think you should make it. He has quite a list, so I think you might be ok. Just thought I’d let you know what is up.
Jon: Big thanks to you.
Christopher waved him off modestly.
Christopher: Bah!
Jon: No, really! Thank you!
Christopher: Not a problem. Just return the favor, please. If the time comes.
Jon: Definitely! I don’t want you going anywhere.
Christopher: Why, thank you, sir!
With that, Christopher bid him good bye and good luck. Jon watched him hurry ahead of him toward the council area. Jon was still nervous but extremely grateful. Was Christopher real?
What if there still were more votes in Tenzil’s group. Jon really had no way of knowing what was going to happen until the votes were read.
As tribal council loomed closer and closer, the spirit over camp grew strange and brooding. Everyone knew what they must do, but there was an air of sadness hanging low about them. No one particularly wanted Tenzil out of the game, but as per dynamics of who was standing by whom and the long lists floating about of who would never vote for whom for whatever reason, his exit was necessary.
There were only a select few excited about his leaving.
Whether everyone liked it or not, tribal council was coming. Sides had been chosen, stances had been argued, and picketers had marched. The race was close.
Christopher: I am voting with Kyle. He needs to think he is in charge; he is wigging.
JoJo: The girls have told me not to, but I hear ya.
Christopher: Well, the girls had an alliance with Tenzil before, and they told us they didn’t this time. I cry bull and want to eliminate him. They aren’t being strategic.
JoJo: I told Jenne that..
Christopher: Me too.
JoJo: Like how is this gonna be different from Valentine’s Day? It will end with me getting left out.
Christophe: That is why I’m doing this. You will not be replaced by him. I just want him gone so we can move forward, so he is leaving.
JoJo: I’m beginning to think that maybe Jenne and Beth just don’t want to be involved; they want him gone without their hands getting dirty.
Christopher: Beth has promised me she is throwing a random vote, not at Jon so that Tenz will leave. She’d best not lie to me ‘cause I will sever ties, and you and I will hook up with Kyle and Missie.
JoJo nodded.
JoJo: Which would be easy to do.
Also enroute to the council area via the beach was Jenne and Beth, lamenting over their beloved friend becoming the target so early. They knew the race was close, but Jenne was certain she had the better skills of charming people to her side than Kyle. There was no way he’d beat her.
Beth: Jenne, Tenzil was so sweet to me earlier.
Jenne: Tenz is always able to pull at our heartstrings before he’s gonna be voted out—or should’ve been. Tay and Chris both brought up the fact that he voted me out, and I’m like, that’s between him and I! They seem to like to remind me.
Beth: Good for you.
Jenne: We all play this game in our own way. I follow my heart and look out for my friends. Others do it differently. I’m not gonna think I’m on some high horse and can judge those below. We do what we do. Mikey is my friend even if he votes me out 100 times!
Beth: Exactly.
Jenne: I’m still gonna defend him ‘cause it’s who I am, and Survivor don’t change me. This is why the love me, but when it goes for others then they don’t get it.
Beth: This is why we play so well together.
Kyle caught up with Missie Bird just feet from entering the council area. Christopher had advised him the key in Missie would need to be firmed up before the vote, and that’s what Kyle intended to do.
She greeted him with a warm smile.
Missie: Kyle, my love.
Kyle: How are you, my dear?
Missie: Not bad and your sweet self?
Kyle: I’m good. Little nervous but good.
She patted him on the arm, knowing exactly where he was coming from.
Missie: Well, don’t be nervous about me. If you want Tenz then it’s him. I just was entertaining other ideas, but you and Chris are so very sure about it, and I trust you guys a lot.
Kyle: No, it’s just that…I’ve heard that I’ve become this bully, forcing people’s hand.
Missie: No way…who said that? I don’t feel that way.
Kyle: Apparently someone was trying to rattle me, and it worked. I hate when I feel like the villain.
Missie: You are so not the villain. Not at all.
So that set Kyle at great ease before they entered the council area. The bonfire blazed gloriously, as always when they entered the stone rotunda. This would be the third fateful night for another unfortunate soul.
All of the filtered in and sat quietly on the stone benches. The air was thick with tension.
JoJo caught Tenzil before she went to take her seat next to Beth.
JoJo: I’m really sorry, Tenzil. I told you last night that I wouldn’t vote for you, and today I changed my mind. I hope like you said we can talk again after this. It’s not personal, but it is. You scare the heck out of me from a game perspective. That is a compliment, I assure you. Nonetheless, I do apologize for waffling.
Tenzil bit his lip and looked down momentarily. He honestly couldn’t decide whether to be upset or excited to get back home to his regular life. He’d be able to see Jamie at any rate.
He glanced into the council area where Jenne and Beth were already sitting in gloom. Kyle and Missie had just sat down, and Jenne glared over at Kyle with contempt.
Tenzil: I knew I was dead. Chris dithered.
JoJo: Well, last night when I said I wouldn’t vote for you, I did mean it at the time.
Tenzil: I’m not sorry to be going. I was their piñata of strategy, and they are more than welcome to find a new one. Although, I do wish you’d change your mind because you know I have no intention of going against people I like. The scariness is pretty much other people projecting unto me. But really…no skin off my teeth. Just be nice when you do it.
JoJo smiled sadly and put a hand on his arm. Tenzil patted it, and then led her into the council area where they sat amidst the doom.
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 13:02:21 GMT -5
Tribal Council 3
Karen resided over the council as normal, standing austerely on the other side of the fire from the remaining sixteen. She briefly glanced over their faces before beginning.
Karen: Welcome Tribe Snickalick to Tribal Council number three. Unfortunately one of you will be leaving the game tonight. Tenzil, a number of castaways attributed your lack of participation in the immunity challenge to Jamie’s being voted out. Is this the case, or were you avoiding your team for another reason?
Tenzil looked around briefly and then shrugged.
Tenzil: Jamie got what she deserved. I know that now. Obviously I still had to deal with it after she was gone…not fun. It was some other things—and that was one of them—but more the facts around it than the act itself. Unfortunately you don’t get more time in the game unless you take it.
He looked around once again.
Tenzil: Whoot…there it is!
Karen: Missie, were you surprised by the Angie vote at the last tribal council?
Missie: I was surprised for a nanosecond when it was discussed prior to tribal council but it seemed the right thing, at least in my head. I was surprised enough others felt the same things I did.
Karen: Taylor, the fifth person is about to leave the game, and you have yet to win immunity in All Stars. Do you think people view you as a threat?
Taylor glowered for a moment, then swallowed.
Taylor: I feel like Stephenie of Survivor: Holidays. I’ve won four out of twenty-four challenges, so challenge-wise, I’m certainly not a threat. But I do worry that people view me as a threat because I don’t go. Honestly, I have no control over whether or not I go in the end. It’s everyone else that votes. If they want to view me that way, so be it. I don’t think I’m a threat at all.
Karen: Jon, what is your strategy this season?
Jon perked up quickly. He hadn’t been addressed at tribal council yet, and all eyes on him made him extremely nervous.
Jon: The past two tribal councils were double eliminations, and this tribal council, I feel I might be the one that’s leaving. So far, I’ve been doing what will advance me further.
Karen: Ryan, Do you see any alliances this season?
Of course he had seen alliances. Ryan Appel always saw alliances. He glanced over to Jenne and Beth her were watching him intently.
Ryan: It’s still pretty early in the season. My psychic powers must be a bit rusty. Seriously, though, whenever you see tribal councils being split decisions, you have to wonder who is and isn’t working together.
Karen: Jake, as a returning winner, do you think people view you as a bigger threat than other players?
Jake: Well, at the beginning I definitely thought so. But now, surviving two councils without immunity, I’m not quite as sure. I think we’re all on the same level to a degree. This is a new game.
Karen: Ashley, do you think you are making the necessary connections in the game?
Ashley: At this moment I think so, but you never can tell.
Karen waited for more, but Ashley said nothing further. She only looked over at Isaac and winked.
Karen: Group discussion…Does anyone have anything they’d like to say or bring up for discussion?
No one said anything. Most even looked down to the ground. Karen could tell the spirit was definitely down that evening, which meant that something drastic was about to take place.
Karen: Ashley, Christopher, Drew, Isaac, Jake, JoJo, Missie, and Ryan have immunity tonight. Beth, Elisabeth, Jenne, Jon, Kyle, Rami, Taylor, and Tenzil are vulnerable. With that said, it’s time to vote!
And like that, they all made their ways individually to the voting booth. Jenne kept a hand on Tenzil’s shoulder and periodically looked around her, trying to read the faces.
Jon kept his head down and his hands clasped tightly. This was perhaps the most nervous he had ever been.
Kyle glanced over at Tenzil. Tenzil somehow appeared peaceful, and Kyle wondered what that could mean.
When Karen returned, she placed the ceramic urn on the podium before her.
Karen: Once the votes are read, the decision is final, and the person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. I’ll read the votes. First vote…Jon. Second vote…Jon.
The two votes had come so quickly that scarcely anyone had a chance to react. Jon merely shook his head, and his heart thumped almost out of his chest.
Kyle rubbed his face apprehensively.
Karen: Third vote…Tenzil. Fourth vote…Jon.
Tenzil nodded, and when three more votes came up with his name on them, he smiled and looked around him. Jenne squeezed his shoulder more tightly and glanced over at Kyle. Kyle caught her gaze.
Karen: Eighth vote…Jon. Ninth vote…Tenzil.
Kyle wondered why Jenne was glaring so. She had told him she wouldn’t oppose him if he did what he needed to do.
Karen: Tenth vote…Jon. Eleventh vote…Jon.
The sixth vote to Jon caught both Kyle and Christopher’s attention. The race was much closer than suited Kyle’s comfort and much closer than suited Christopher’s knowledge. He glanced over at Beth realizing that she hadn’t thrown a random vote as promised. She merely stared at the fire.
Karen: That’s six votes Jon and six votes Tenzil.
The rest of the votes revealed displayed Tenzil’s name, and he nodded and arose to get his torch.
Karen: Tenzil, you’ll need to bring me your torch.
Tenzil snatched his torch from behind the benches and hurried over to Karen.
Tenzil: There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home!
Karen: Tenzil, your tribe has spoken.
Karen extinguished his torch before him, and he watched the smoke rise into the air. His game was over. Tenzil turned around and saluted the remaining fifteen.
Tenzil: Bye cowboys and girls!
Others nodded and waved after him as he disappeared over the bridge into the night, more giddy than any of them would’ve imagined.
Jenne glanced back at Kyle once again, and their eyes met. Kyle looked at her curiously. This wasn’t the same Jenne Lotz he had known for the past year. She looked back, thinking the same of him.
Something was amiss between them…
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 13:03:36 GMT -5
Tenzil's Final Words "I said I would always support my friends no matter what and I see no reason to stop now. I wish all the luck in the world to Beth, Chris, Jenne, Kyle, and Elizabeth. In addition I hope Jo and Missie do well also as I find them to be great people and hope to continue our blossoming friendships afterwards. That's all I've got to say. And I'm happy with that." |
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Post by Host Kyle on Jan 30, 2006 13:11:15 GMT -5
Tribal Council 3 Voting History |
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