NIGHT OF DAY 3

The seven Keko members returned to camp in silence, bodies limp from their actions at Tribal Council. Before heading to bed, Alicia squeezed their shoulders, reminding everyone that it was just a game, that Teresa had known the rules of that game and had left with a smile on her face. Colby and Richard nodded in agreement as they told her goodnight. After having a brief conversation about the possibilities of the next reward challenge, they joined Alicia in the shelter. The rest of the group stared into the fire for a few moments, their shadows cast in flickering glimpses as they departed for the flimsy shelter one by one. Gretchen and Ethan stayed behind, feeding the fire, warming themselves in the impersonal flames.

Teresa's departure haunted Gretchen. Gretchen had always taught her children to play hard and fair, and even though there was nothing unfair about how Teresa was voted out, Gretchen questioned whether leaving certain players in the game based only on physical capabilities was a smart idea. Richard was charming, but nearly every word from Richard's mouth was insincere, and the precision with which he analyzed and dissected those around him was far more obvious than he suspected. Mike was intelligent, but incredibly patronizing. What would she do if Keko lost another immunity? Could she stomach more days and weeks with people who looked down on her, who would vote her out of the game as soon as she became a threat?

The ethical quandary drained her of any remaining energy, and she decided to turn in, telling Ethan a quick goodnight before she did. Ethan returned her words mutedly. He felt even more isolated than before, and had no idea how to change his loner status. These people were strong and determined, mentally and physically. They had him beat in every respect. This was not Boran.

Sighing, he joined Keko in the shelter. Tomorrow could only be an improvement.




DAY 4


The crisp late morning air at Ahi was punctured by giggles and splashing of water. Rob and Colleen chased each other through the waves. Colleen didn't trust him and Rob thought she was a birdbrain, but their similiarity in ages bonded them. Not only was the rest of the tribe 10 to 15 years older, they were also subdued, frequently bordering on humorless.

The exception was Lex. Lex was a controlling patriarch and the life of the party, a cross-breeding between The Osbournes and Father Knows Best. He always devoted a few hours in the day to tribe relaxation, happily embracing the morning show which Vecepia and Rob had resurrected from the Marquesan grave. Lex played air guitar with the best of them.

Rob splashed a final handful of water at Colleen before running back to the camp. Frank, John, Tina, Sue and Lex were discussing ways to improve their rain-vulnerable shelter. Sue and Lex were halfway to a shouting match when Tina stepped in, shushing them with her usual schoolmarm efficiency. Sue had to practically bite her own tongue in half before she finally gave in and stomped her way to the water hole. Sue hated his condescending tone and his bug eyes. He looked just like a chihahua, nipping at the heel until he got everyone's attention. Sue wanted to "kick his skinny ass outta here", and hoped that day would arrive very soon.

Vecepia ran onto the beach, her 6 tribemates tinted by her ever-present sunglasses.

"We got treemail! Should I wait for Sue?"

Frank moved his sunglasses onto his head, and answered her with one very gruff word:

"No."



^^


Ahi and Keko marched to the reward site. When they arrived at the cliff overlooking beautiful waters, Alicia, Mike, Colby and Tina briefly discussed the possibility of season 2's diving challenge being repeated. Lex greeted Ethan with a hug. Colleen giddily waved to Gretchen. Vecepia noted Kathy's presence with muted disappointment, and Kathy let herself smirk at Vee for a brief second. Frank kept his mask firmly in place, but inwardly reeled at Teresa being gone.

Jeff Probst arrived, and confirmed the Outback players' suspicions. One from each tribe would jump off the cliff. The next could jump only when the first tribe member had reached the crate in the middle of the rapids. When all members of the team had touched the crate, they could unhook the anchor and would then navigate the heavy box to shore. The prize?

"Fishing equipment. Hooks, scuba gear, the works."

Rich and Mike beamed in unison, Rich rubbing his hands together. Richard had seen the way too many on the team looked at him when they thought he wasn't paying attention. Fresh fish could only improve his chances of staying. Sue flashed her shark smile, both because she wanted to win and she wanted Rich to lose.

Rivalries and friendships were pushed to the background as each of the 15 steeled themselves for their first reward challenge. This was a big one.

"Survivors ready...go!"

Mike and Lex jumped first. Mike's bold, strong strokes gave him an early lead over Lex. By the time Lex pressed his hand against the box, Keko's Ethan had already navigated a third of the voyage. Colleen was next, catching up to Ethan with surprising speed. Ethan reached the target with Colleen fast on his heels. As each person dove into the water, Ahi opened up a small lead until Vee's decreased abilities in the water slowed them down. Keko wasted no time for high-fives at their reunion at the crate, as Gretchen and Mike dove underwater to free the anchor. By the time John arrived for Ahi, and began working with Frank on the anchor, Keko had untied their crate. Ahi trailed behind Keko, through the rapids and up the beach. As the driven Keko plowed to the finish line, Kathy cheered the 7 on with a singsong cry of their team name. Bear hugs and war whoops ruled the day, the stragglers at Ahi ignored in the midst of celebration. Keko had won their first challenge.

The jovial mood continued as dusk approached. The gear exuded a siren's call which seemed to hypnotize Mike and Richard, as they silently dared each other to be the better fisherman. Kathy also felt the urge to explore, to provide, but decided to let the alpha males battle it out. The key was to fit in but not to dominate. Kathy prepared dinner with Gretchen, the two mothers proudly discussing their children, the two warriors boasting over how badly they'd beaten the rival team that day.

Colby and Alicia discussed music with Ethan as the three searched for firewood. Ethan had made a real effort that day to fit in, and Alicia had to admit to herself that she felt far more comfortable with him now than she had a few days earlier.

The group chatted during and after dinner, Richard telling an absolutely filthy story which generated head shakes or laughs from those around him. As day 4 drew to a close for Keko, they slept in peace, confidence in their team restored.


^^


Life wasn't quite as harmonious at Ahi. Glum faces ruled the walk back to camp. Vecepia apologized for her slowness in the water, and Sue, remembering her own challenge failures, broke through her hard shell long enough to hug and comfort Vee. Tina, John, and Colleen joined in the chorus, and not wanting to endanger his alliance with her, Rob did as well. The other men neither condemned nor complimented, instead busying themselves on other tasks. Vee was stung by Lex's lack of comment, and filed the silence into her mental tally sheet.

Conversation turned to work on the shelter. Lex needed the machete, which had turned invisible.

"Where's the machete?"

"You had it last", Sue spit out, with the potency of a watermelon seed.

"No, I didn't."

"Well, I hate to say it Lex, but you did", Tina chirped.

Lex sighed raggedly.

"Maybe I did. But I remember putting it right here."

Eight sets of eyes darted to the makeshift tool table. No machete. Sue chuckled.

"Geez, I can't believe ya lost such an important item on frickin' day 4."

Lex bristled at her accusatory tone, and almost snapped back before he remembered the rubbernecking faces surrounding them. He ran a hand through his spiky, short black hair, agreeing with Frank and Tina when they suggested a search. 15 minutes later, Colleen squealed at the discovery of the machete, stuck in a tree several feet into the jungle. Everyone denied moving the machete, and more than one answer implied Lex was to blame. Lex fought to maintain control of himself, but Frank recognized the slight undercurrent of madness burning in Lex's hard stare and whispered half-threat.

"I'm going to find out who did this."

An uneasy silence settled over the tribe, no one sure of what to say or do. Most of them stared at their feet, or into space. Finally, Rob stepped forward, slinging an arm around Lex's bony shoulder.

"I'll take full responsibility, on one condition. You're not gonna slit my throat, are ya? Cause I like my throat, I really do."

Lex pivoted his neck to give Rob a close-up death glare. For a moment, Rob was truly frightened. Lex laughed for a little bit too long, in an off-kilter voice, and pulled Rob in for a tight hug. Lex then apologized to everyone, and they went to work on the shelter. Before joining them, Rob wondered if he had just made a move that would keep him to the end game, or that would throw him out the first time they lost immunity.

After home improvement came dinner. Frank ate at another part of the beach, away from Ahi. The team, whatever their personal feelings for him, knew he needed the time alone to deal with the loss of Teresa. She was strong, a peacemaker, honest, loyal - a true friend and asset. Even in the war zone of Samburu, when the brats had gloated and rubbed their success in his, T-Bird, and Linda's faces, Teresa had kept her cool. Frank knew she was at peace with the decision, but he hoped Keko would pay dearly for her departure, in team morale and challenges. Frank would put 110% into every challenge, to see Keko suffer for their decision, to give them payback for their stupidity. After settling his thoughts, Frank rejoined his comrades.

The group said their goodnights after a few hours of conversation, trickling away one by one, until only Frank remained. Frank knew he was painting a target on his camouflaged back, but just for tonight, he slept outside.




DAY 5



Morning. There were no alarm clocks to wake the sleeping castaways, but when you have a large foot playing target practice, an alarm clock doesn't seem such a necessity.

The blow landed against Kathy's side, and, wincing from the temporary pain, she focused her eyes enough to see Mike pulling on his shoes. He muttered an apology as he exited the cramped shelter. She went back to sleep, rising along with the rest of the tribe an hour later. Alicia did a few stretches, Richard conversed with Gretchen and Kathy about their caffeine deprivation, and Ethan bunched up in his grey sweatshirt, battling grogginess. All activity ceased when Mike strolled up to the fire pit, a half-dozen fish strung over his left shoulder. His sidesplitting grin never wavered as he awaited approval. Approval he received, but not without a price. As grateful as Alicia was, she had been through this nonsense before and didn't think she could take it again. Gretchen was equally tense as she cleaned and prepared a fish to fry up for breakfast. Mike was all over her, testing her endless reserves of patience. After hearing she wasn't holding the pan right, Gretchen threw her hands up in defeat and walked away. No amount of apologies would clear the air between these two.


^^


Aside from a lazy few hours spent on the raft by Tina and Colleen, the only fishing going on at Ahi involved information. While exploring the flora and fauna surrounding them, the topic of conversation for John and Lex was who had "framed" him. John repeatedly stressed his choice for the setup: Rob. Rob had spent his days in Marquesas in kamikaze fashion, destroying all around him, and finally, himself. What amazed John is how few at Ahi saw Rob for his true self. Including Lex. Lex went on and on about how Sue had to be to blame, how Rob wouldn't confess to his own plan, how Rob was a good kid who had fallen victim to the same editing which had struck them as well. Lex was listening to himself far more than he was listening to John, and as much respect as John had for the man, he began to question why he had ever joined an alliance with Lex in the first place.

Rob needed to conserve his energy, but Sue was the queen of the worker bees, and if he wanted to talk to her, he had to help. They were close only because they had no allies, and even though each had gone in different directions recently, Rob didn't want to break that strand between them...yet.

Handing him a large piece of firewood, Sue half-listened as Rob talked about some tribe members' growing doubt in Lex. That was exactly what she needed to hear to make day 5 even better for her. She and "that black holy roller with the funny name" (as she referred to Vee) had had a long discussion earlier about the other players, even if Vee did more asking than answering. Sue was going to start working on Colleen later, or maybe Tina.

Struggling with the heavy weight in his hands, Rob swallowed a lump building in his throat. "Did you take the machete?" He had to ask, even though he wasn't holding his breath to hear the truth. Her response was a very quick, "nah". Rob knew she was lying. He wouldn't have expected anything else.


^^


With most of the work done at Keko, the tribe let down their collective hair. While she and Gretchen worked on a fish Richard had just caught, Kathy went out of her way to thank Ethan for being one of the strongest members in the reward challenge the day before. She liked Ethan a lot, but a gnat in Kathy's head constantly buzzed that she was the next to go. Richard needed her as much as she needed him, for the time being. She had no clue where Ethan's loyalties were. He could easily form an alliance against her tomorrow, or as soon as Richard was voted out. So, if she had to set Ethan up as a target, so be it.

Shrugging off Kathy's praise with a polite thank you, Ethan watched the breathtaking sunset with Alicia and Colby, the three of them relaxing on the black sand. Ethan hadn't mentioned strategy all day, and as a result, found himself forming more of a bond with his fellow youngest teammates. He was about to doze through Colby and Alicia's discussion of Kucha until an irresistible impulse hit him.

"Alicia, do the finger wave."

Alicia shook her head vehemently.

"No, no, no, no, no. That's played out. You want a finger wave, go see the proctologist."

Even as Colby chuckled, Ethan pleaded with her, and, since she genuinely liked Ethan, Alicia gave in, giving a word of warning.

"You'll never see this again."

Jumping up, she placed her hand on her hip, her other hand in the air, finger flying through the air with the greatest of ease.

"I will ALWAYS wave my finger in your face!"

Colby and Ethan collapsed in peals of laughter. Mike saw them out of the corner of his eye, and saw an opportunity for damage control. He wandered over, applauding her effort.

"Not quite as good as the original. I didn't like the dismount. I'll give it a 6.5."

Alicia bowed, Mike plopped down on the sand, and for the first time, Mike had a real conversation with members of his team. Not a bad way to wrap up day 5, Mike thought to himself.



DAY 6



The rains came in the early hours of day 6. Keko's shelter remained sturdy, due to the precautions taken by Gretchen and Mike, but enough rain had leaked in to make for a very uncomfortable night. Ahi slept in relative comfort, but 30 minutes after everyone had gone outside, the roof collapsed. Gretchen and Frank took charge of repairs at their respective camps. Mike happened to agree with Gretchen's ideas, and the squabbling was kept to a minimum. Frank barked out orders, most of which were followed. Colleen was of little use and suddenly felt vulnerable. She had joked to Rob about Frank being "Ted Nugent Man, faster than Charlton Heston, able to kill a deer or liberal in a single shot." In the eyes of John, Lex, and Tina, Frank was a near-perfect alliance partner, someone to develop a bond and trust with. He would keep his word to the very end. In Colleen's eyes, Frank had no people skills, and if they lost the immunity challenge today, he would get her vote.

Colleen wasn't exactly safe herself. John had grown increasingly fond of her high spirits and sly humor, and Tina listed Colleen as one of her favorites from the first season, but the brutal truth was that she, in the minds of many, was the physical weak link of Ahi. She had proven more viable than Vecepia in the diving challenge, but Colleen had a way of exposing her vulnerabilties which Vee didn't.

Keko was reluctant to contemplate another loss, but they knew the possibility loomed. Everyone was on their best behavior.

A mood of unease and anticipation settled over the two camps as each read their treemail. "Fish or Cut Tribe" was the name of the game. Hearing the rhyming words suggest gross food, Rob and Tina immediately grimaced. But they would do their best. They had no intention of leaving the island on any day but day 39.

Keko, who had barely finished the supports on their roof, indulged a group hug, and, at Michael's instigation, a brief prayer.

As Ahi prepared to march to the challenge, Lex briefly pulled Sue aside. They'd kept their distance all day, but he felt cocky enough to issue a warning.

"I know what you did, and if we lose, you're going tonight."

He walked away before the string of profanity could assault his ears.


^^


The two tribes arrived at challenge beach, ready to do battle once again. Former allies nodded at one another, and the stronger players in each tribe eyed one another warily, like gunslingers ready to draw. They were greeted by host Jeff Probst, gleefully standing behind a bamboo podium, his cheesy cowboy hat perched upon his head.

"Hey, are you guys ready to have a little feast?" He grinned. The players had all been through this before. They hated that grin.

Jeff removed a sheet from atop a large glass container. It was an aquarium. Dozens of small colored fish swam inside, and a few of the players oohed and aahed the beautiful Hawaiian fish.

"Sushi," screamed Colleen, "We love sushi!" The players were excited. This wasn't going to be so bad, after all. Rob grinned confidently, enjoying the fact that this wasn't as bad as rotting fafaru. Even Tina looked less queasy than usual. She had always dreaded the gross food challenges, but fish she thought she could handle. Maybe.

"As you are well aware, fish is a major part of a traditional Hawaiian diet. Being on an island, you're surrounded by a multitude of fish, rays, sharks, just about anything you could want. So I thought we'd enjoy a little seafood today. I know you guys aren't starving yet, but I figured you'd enjoy a little change from the pineapple and sugar cane you've been snacking on."

Colby was wary. He had played this game before. "Hey Jeff, those things are gonna be alive when we eat them, aint they?"

Jeff paused. He grinned. He then pulled out two small wheels, each one engraved with the names of players on each team. "It's the first ever 'Wiggling Fish Buffet!' This here is a contest designed to test your endurance, your will, and most of all, your stomach. And it aint that much different from your average frat party stunt, so I know some of you have done this before. But the big rule here is no chewing. It's gotta go all the way down, alive and in one piece."

A few of the Survivors visibly paled. Tina held her hands to her mouth and turned away. John started laughing, nervously. Rob spoke for many of them when he expressed his sentiments.

"Jeff, you suck."

Jeff informed them of the rules. He would spin the wheel for each team. The two people chosen would come up to the tank, scoop a fish out with a glass, and drink it all, fish and water. The first one to keep it down would win a point for their team. Then they would repeat the process. It was best-of-seven, and the first team to acquire four points would win immunity.

Jeff spun the wheel for the initial encounter. It landed on Gretchen for Keko and John for Ahi. They both walked up nervously, and grabbed a glass. On the count of three, they scooped and chugged. But neither one could take the feeling of a fish flopping around in their mouth, and both spat it out. Jeff teased them.

"Hey, that's a perfectly good baby awa you spat out there, Gretchen. Those things are tasty."

On the second try, both managed to get down the fish, but it was Gretchen who did it first. She pumped her fist in triumph and was embraced by Keko.

The second matchup was Mike against Tina. Tina walked weakly to the podium, looked at the fish, and recoiled in horror. "I can't do it," she said, shaking, "I'm sorry guys." Mike wasted no time in chugging a small blue opelu. He then grinned and ate a second one, leering at Ahi all the while. Jeff stopped him from eating a third.

Richard and Colleen were the third pairing, and the determined pixie from Miami surprised everyone by swallowing her fish with ease. Ahi was on the board.

Gretchen was summoned to eat again, and square off against Frank. She approached confidently, but was not feeling particularly well. The feeling of a small fish swimming in one's stomach is one of the more disconcerting sensations experienced in nature, and Gretchen wanted no part of a second one. She tried to get #2 down, but it all came back up. She waved her hand in disgust as Frank easily finished his.

Tied 2-2, Ethan and Lex were picked to break the tie. The two former allies nodded to each other, a sign of mutual respect. On the count of three, they grabbed and chugged. Ethan actually got his down first, but it didn't stay there long. He doubled over and out it came. Lex finished his, with some difficulty, but Ahi had the point.

The Colbster saved the day for Keko, swallowing a baby kala just before Sue, to even the score at 3-3. And with the final tie, Jeff gave them one last option.

"Okay, for the final round, I'll give you a choice. You can each pick your strongest member, and have them face off for all the marbles, or you can spin the wheels and let fate decide it. It's your choice."

Ahi looked over at their opponents. They knew that Mike would be Keko's champion, and they wanted no part of going against him. Sure, they had Frank and Lex, but Mike was in a different category than the rest. Mike was a little crazy. "We'll go with the wheel," said John.

Keko also chose the wheel, but for different reasons. Colby pointed out that two members of Ahi, Rob and Tina, would never get a fish down. They had a 25% chance of getting one of them chosen, not to mention that John, Colleen and Vecepia all seemed a bit squeamish. There was a great chance one of them would be chosen, and that was better odds than a Mike vs. Frank showdown. Mike already had two fish in him, did they want to risk him getting a third down? Mike, of course, disagreed. He could eat fish all day. He was hungry.

The final wheel was spun, and both teams got their wish. It would be down to Kathy against Vecepia. The two former allies approached each other, a tight smile plastered on each face. Kathy raged fire inside, while Vecepia radiated a quiet calmness. This was bigger than eating one fish. Vee said a short prayer under her breath, with Tina doing the same behind her. And after a tense pause, Jeff shouted "Okay ladies, it's down the hatch for both of you. Survivors ready, go!"

Both women scooped a small fish out of the now murky tank. Kathy had a yellow moana, while Vee had a green opelu. They both raised the glasses to their lips, and in it all went. But it was iron will of Vecepia who won this day, as she swallowed it all in one gulp. Embarrassed by her showing in the swimming challenge earlier, she came through when it counted, and raised her fists in triumph. "Thank you, lord," she cried, and was engulfed by the Ahi tribe. Kathy was comforted by the Keko tribe, having eaten her fish flawlessly, but just a fraction of a second too late. She shot daggers at Vee as she heard only words of sympathy. This was not going to be the last encounter with Vee, not if she could help it.


^^


Ideally, Richard would have wanted Ethan as a member of his alliance. That possibility was crushed with the loss of another immunity challenge. Richard could turn against Kathy and give himself another 3 days, but that wouldn't do him much good long-term. Mike was a more dangeous opponent than Ethan, but Mike had a genuine charisma and was still a sentimental favorite, although that wouldn't last very much longer. Ethan was the only choice, too shy in social matters and too strong in kindness and physicality. He was a wonderful young man, a winner who had worn a halo to contrast Richard's horns, and that halo was working against him now. Colby and Alicia had been evasive, but he knew Kathy was a second Ethan vote. He could only hope they led the majority.

Kathy regretted voting out such a bright, generous young man, but knew she had few options. She had apologized for losing the final round, but even though everyone had sworn they had no hard feelings, she knew she could be the easy choice, the "safe" choice. If she could survive this vote, if Ethan went, Richard or Mike would probably go next, and she would hopefully last to the merge.

Everyone knew who Gretchen was voting for, but attempts were made to curry her favor. 3 days earlier she had voted for Ethan, and another vote for him, or a statement against egomaniacal Richard, would be completely understandable. However, she knew that Mike brought out the worst in her, Mike was everything she had never wanted to be as a leader. She knew that she had to vote for him.

Mike felt safe, but spoke to a few people about Gretchen, about the division in the camp contributing to their immunity losses. Only when he took the leadership reigns would Keko become a truly strong tribe.

Ethan planned to rally votes against Rich, and had more than enough evidence to back up his offer. Richard was boastful, condescending, shifty. Ethan was courteous, contributed to the camp without bragging, and it was far too early in the game to vote out a strong younger man. These were valid reasons for his survival. Kathy had already told him her plans, and he understood. Gretchen and Mike were circling each other. Left with Alicia and Colby, Ethan had done his best to sway their vote, and thought he may have swayed at least one of them.

Colby planned to vote out his biggest competition.

When Alicia said she hadn't decided, she was telling the truth. She could guess who Colby was going after, but she was under no obligation to vote along with him. She pondered her choices. Mike was predictable and easily contained, so she had no reason to get rid of him. Kathy and Gretchen were necessary antidotes to the testosterone overload. That left her with Richard and Ethan. Richard was a schemer, with an air of superiority which had become increasingly prevalent since they won the last reward. Alicia questioned whether he would have any place for someone like her if he took control of Keko. On the other hand, Ethan was sweet, but a little too sweet. He could easily charm Gretchen, Kathy, Mike, or even Colby with 3 more days on the island. She knew this might be her only opportunity to get rid of a huge threat down the line.

As they packed for the hike, none in Keko felt safe. They hugged, some longer than others, and wished each other good luck.

Tribal Council proceeded at an agonizing pace. Alicia admitted she was ashamed of losing two immunities in a row, but knew Keko would rally. Kathy said that she understood if she was banished for losing the challenge, but hoped the tribe would instead think of her many contributions in camp life and competition. Richard felt confident his food-gathering abilities would keep him safe, and along with Ethan, shot down Jeff's question of winners being unable to last in the reunion game. Mike and Gretchen laughed when Colby said they were the mother and father of the tribe, but were going through a "real ugly divorce." Finally, Jeff told them to vote. When he returned, the vote reading began.

"Gretchen."

Gretchen propped her chin on her wrist, pondering if she was being ambushed again.

"Ethan."

Ethan blinked, wild hair blowing in the breeze.

"Mike."

Mike sucked in his chest, darting his eyes toward Gretchen as his name echoed in his mind.

"Richard."

Rich laughed.

"Ethan."

"Rich."

Rich took the second vote more seriously, but stared back at Jeff confidently, refusing to show fear or weakness.

"2 for Richard, 2 for Ethan."

As Jeff began to open the final ballot, 6 eyes were glued to the paper. This could change the entire game.

"And the second person voted out of Keko is...Ethan."

Ethan nodded. He'd hoped, but inside, he had known all along.

Each of the seated 6 shook his hand, wishing him well. As his torch was doused, he smiled wistfully at his former tribemates, choosing not to say more than a quiet, "Bye." Reflecting on Ethan for a moment, more than one person felt like they'd tossed their puppy into the woods and then sped away. More than one person suppressed a smile at the departure of a potential foe.

"Teresa, and now Ethan. You cannot afford to lose again. See you tomorrow."

Keko walked back to camp, shaken, but ready for another day.