Question Of Trust

Question Of Trust is the first episode of Survivor: Africa.

Day 1
The sixteen survivors are seen inside a truck-like safari vehicle, having already been designated to one of the two tribes. The truck pulls up in the middle of the Kenyan desert, with a pile of supplies visible outside. The man driving the truck gets out, before frantically shouting "Down, down, down! Faster, faster! Hurry up! Down, down, down!", causing all sixteen contestants to get out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. After they all group together outside the bus, the man wishes them a "nice day", before driving off into the distance. The contestants share a group cheer, before moving over to their pile of supplies, reading aloud a message informing them that they can take whatever they want from the pile, but it will simply add more weight to the load they must carry across the desert to their new homes. For Samburu, Phoebe reads the note aloud, whilst Renato instructs the tribe what to carry, and what to leave behind. For Boran, Phillis reads the note aloud, whilst Abbas and Kris take over, proving to be the physical assets of the tribe. Both tribes depart the drop off point, heading towards their new homes.

Boran
The Boran tribe make their way through the desert, being led by Abbas and Kris, who seem to have become de facto leaders due to their athletic ability. The group seem to walk in pairs, with Soledad and Don behind the two boys, Phillis and Neville behind them, with Mary and Marsha bringing up the rear. Each individual talks to whoever is walking beside them, taking the opportunity to get to know a potential ally or enemy. "boran"

- I didn't want to be the leader coming out here, and I don't think I am. Not yet anyway. It was just that the tribe needed someone to step up in this early moments, and I felt confident enough to do so.

"boran"

- Don is just someone who deserves massive props... He's a sixty four year old man... He's not in tip top shape at all... Yet he's out here doing this! I've seen the past two seasons and I've seen people half his age go down quickly. It'll really be a test of whether Don deserves to stay for the achievement he's made by simply coming out here, or whether he will be a liability down the line.

"boran"

- I retired several years ago... and since then I felt I'd lost my purpose. I'm someone who loves being busy, I don't like freeloaders or lazy people... I saw the first season and there were some people over fifty and they seemed to have the ability which I knew I also had. There's concerns back home whether my health will keep up enough to allow me to last out here... Hopefully I wont be carried away on a stretcher. I'm going to show that age doesn't matter... You can win this game and be an oldie!

Mary and Marsha both begin to fall behind on the walk, calling ahead to the others, stating that they have too much to carry. The group come together, placing all their items down, trying to decide what to do in order to get moving.

"boran"

- I am not a weak person. In no way am I weak. But don't get me wrong, there was no way in hell I was carrying all that stuff for ... however long left in the journey there was. I didn't want to single myself and Mary out as the weak ones, because I don't think we are... But you know some people don't do hikes, and I'm one of those people. I take lifts and buses everywhere I go (laughs)

"boran"

- Oh Neville... he isn't the brightest spark.

"boran"

- It annoys me to know that I'm on a tribe of people who cant even make it through the first task. They cant carry necessary supplies to camp, so decided the 'rational' thing to do was dump the water. I don't know how many times they were dropped as babies... but I tell you what it was more then ten.

After a vote, a majority of the group decide to dump some of the water, meaning they can spread the rest of their weight out evenly, allowing the group to move quicker on the journey to their camp. Whilst Abbas and Kris pour out the water, Neville makes his disdain towards the idea clear, not hiding any disappointment from his tribe members. Abbas and Kris pass around some of their weight to Marsha and Mary, making sure everyone is carrying a somewhat even amount. The group head off again, with Abbas continuing to lead the group, using Don's map reading skills to get them on the right path. The dumping of the water appears to pay off for the tribe, as they are able to move much quicker, reaching camp in enough time to utilize the daylight remaining to make their shelter more habitable. "boran"

- When we reached camp we were all a little stunned to see that... well... camp was more of a prison. We have no shelter as such, rather a perimeter. There's very little out here to make shelter with, so all we have is this boma, which is entangled acacia branches. They're quite sharp and thorny, but they serve their purpose... to keep predators out. Once we saw that it became clear that this was real... the reality was there.

The tribe come together upon reaching their camp, with Phillis exclaiming "We made it!", before going off into a cheering frenzy. The group decide that they will not waste any energy building the shelter, as fire is their main priority. Marsha and Mary are chosen to go and search for the watering hole, which they willingly do. Abbas, Kris and Neville sit to work on their fire, leaving Soledad, Don and Phillis to sort through the tribes belongings. Whilst looking for the watering hole, Marsha and Mary appear to bond well, both appearing to hold the same sense of humor.

"boran"

- Myself and Marsha just clicked instantly. It wasn't a case of getting to know her... We both just knew we'd get on. So far I like my tribe, there's no one here who really stands out as the trouble maker... I think we'll do good as a group, and now that I've got an ally here I feel confident in my chances.

Mary and Marsha locate the water source, both shocked to find that it is a small dirty hole, with water that clearly isn't safe lurking inside. The two agree to leave the water be, unsure as to what the tribes reactions would be if they were to carry brown water back with them. "boran"

- With all the little nasties living inside that water, and without fire... We felt it was best to just leave it be... I don't think myself and Mary returning with mud would put smiles on anyone's faces.

Back at camp, the three boys continue to try and get fire, but to no avail. Soledad, Phillis and Don neatly lay out the tribes supplies, making sure that everything is easy to locate, with little chance of losing anything. Abbas and Kris both role their eyes at Neville, who is sitting back, doing very little to help get fire. Soledad shrugs to Abbas, mouthing to him to keep calm, hoping to avoid any conflict on the first day. "boran"

- Neville just kind of sat back and watched everyone else working. He isn't giving off the best first impressions out here, which isn't good... especially in a game where first impressions are critical. He's a nicely dressed guy, he looks good... but when he's put to work... he's quite useless. I don't want to be quick to judge, but I don't know if I'll perceive him any other way.

Marsha and Mary return to camp, seeing that no fire has been made, but remaining in high spirits, not wanting to dampen the tribes mood. Marsha informs the group that the water is in a bad state, and that they shouldn't risk drinking any until they have fire, which Soledad agrees with, citing it as the smartest option, not wanting anyone to pick up bad bacteria from the water. The tribe eventually give up on trying to get fire, agreeing to wait until the morning before attempting anything else. Soledad and Kris stay up whilst the others all attempt to sleep, keeping watch over the tribe, making sure nothing dangerous approaches during the night. "boran"

- We've yet to get fire, and yet to have any water. I can feel my lips cracking and splitting right now... My mouth is incredibly dry. Its tough because there's very little we can do right now... Then there's the worry of predators coming in the night, and without a fire the chances of that coming increase dramatically... Its a bit of a cr***y spot right now. But I think we'll pull through.

Samburu
The Samburu tribe make their way to camp, carrying a lot less then their rivals had taken. The decision to carry less was made by Renato, who already appears to be in the leadership position for the tribe. Despite appearing as an effective leader, Renato is challenged by David, the youngest member of the tribe, who wishes to prove his worth early on in the game.

Similarly to their competitors, the Samburu tribe get to know one another during the walk, all appearing to bond well, with only Roland sticking out as the tribe irritant. David, Adela and Phoebe appear to bond well, with their ages being similar, giving them a reason to group together.

The tribe continue, reaching their camp with a good amount of daylight left. All seven members thank Renato, who successfully guided them through the entire hike, proving himself to be a likely candidate for a leader. Renato gives the group instructions, realizing that his tribe members are waiting on him to tell them what to do. Renato decides that the tribe should get to know one another before working, as their shelter doesn't need too much work. The group sit down together, in a getting to know you session, with Renato and David trying to get a fire going during the session.

Roland eventually realizes his joke has been taken the wrong way, leading to him shutting himself down, sitting quietly whilst the others successfully bond. Renato and David fail to get a fire going, but are commended for their efforts. The tribe begin to pack it in for their first night, all beginning to feel the effects of dehydration, leaving Renato and Briallen awake to keep watch during the night. Renato and Briallen discuss their tribe dynamics, agreeing that it would be best to find close connections early on, making a somewhat alliance-like bond between the two of them. Briallen eventually goes to sleep, leaving Renato alone to gather his thoughts.

Boran
Abbas, Don and Soledad are the first three up for the tribe, getting to work on the fire immediately. Although Abbas isn't able to get a fire going, he perseveres, not wanting to let his tribe down. Soledad sits and talks with new found idol Don, whom she continues to admire for his bravery in coming on the show. Both Mary and Marsha arise from their beds, having barely slept throughout the night. Marsha collects some dry husk for Abbas, hoping to help him get a fire going, knowing that without water they will be weak going into the immunity challenge.

"boran"

- There is definitely a friendship forming between myself and Soledad. She is a tough young girl and someone I greatly admire, whilst she seems to have this profound respect for myself. Its nice because these days there are very few young people who have the same initiative and ability that she has.

"boran"

- I didn't want to come out here and cry this early on (laughs). I just find myself full of emotion right now... I think the lack of water has sent me loopy. I'm a tough person and I don't want to be viewed as soft, but I think you have to open yourself up to others out here, especially when you find a connection with someone like I have with Don. There's no official alliance there... but he and I both know where we stand, and will know where the other stands going into tribal councils.

The rest of the camp join the others in sitting round the currently useless fireplace, with the exception of Neville, who remains in bed despite being asked to join the group. Soledad decides to openly talk about Neville, hoping that he will overhear her, causing him to pull his act together. However, her efforts are proven to be in vain, as Neville continues to lay in his bed. The tribe become concerned for Kris, who is clearly suffering already, with the back of his neck severely burnt as a result of the hike on day one. Mary begins rubbing natural resources on the burn, claiming that it will help reduce the pain, and will cover it from burning any further.

"boran"

- It's only the second day out here and already I've come down with an issue... on the back of my neck. Yesterday I didn't wear a shirt whilst walking, and now I'm paying the price. Mary was kind enough to help me... Although I'm not sure if what she did really helped... My neck is cold, which I guess is the opposite of burning? Maybe it did work...

"boran"

- We get up this morning and find one of our young guys is already done. I've seen it last season with the red head girl... You come down with something bad out here and you just don't recover. Maybe I'm wrong and I hope I am... But if Kris loses his ability to perform... He's about as useful as Neville.

After another hour of failing to get fire, the tribe accept that getting water is unlikely until they receive a flint or matches. Soledad makes the decision that the tribe will open two of the canned fruits, which they can share as a tribe, giving them some nutrients going forward in the game. "boran"

- Soledad made the decision and we all went with it. It really does speak volumes about who is leading us right now.

"boran"

- Those cherries and sliced peaches were just... Mmmmmm... I would have ate the whole can if no one was lookin'! But you've got to play this game smart, and eating a whole can of food when we're all starving isn't smart.

"boran"

- Neville is the problem right now. He's continuing to be lazy despite our best efforts to snap him out of it. It just seems crazy to me that anyone would act this way in a game where you're playing to win... If we were stranded then maybe you'd be a lazy six year old in a fifty year olds body... But this is Survivor... We're all here to win! Apart from Neville apparently.

"boran"

- Mary has a good heart and she's clearly a lovely lady. But in a situation like this that will count against her when we reach the later stages of the game.

"boran"

- I hate confrontation with a passion! You can ask anyone that knows me... I'm the spiritual pacifist from an Irish Catholic background... I'm a walking contradiction, but I love it. I don't agree with what Neville did this morning, but starving him wont get us anywhere.

"boran"

- I'm out here to play a game, and I'll make sure to work my way to the end by any means necessary. I wont waste my energy working around camp... We've practically got our shelter built... We don't need water right now, we've got canned goods. I don't see the need to work our asses off when we can sit back and conserve our energy for the challenges... Maybe I'm looking at things from a better perspective then the others, and that's why they want to clash with me. That doesn't bother me... as I'll be the one at the end raking in another million dollar check.

Samburu
The Samburu tribe awaken, all suffering from the same dehydrated state as their rivals. Renato frantically tries to get a fire going, not stopping for a break, resulting in him sweating profusely. David walks over, offering to take over, claiming that Renato will overwork himself. Renato agrees, lying down in the shade in order to catch his breath. The rest of the tribe all look at their supplies, hoping that someone will recommend they use some of it up, doubting that David will be successful in getting fire.

David gives up on the fire, not wanting to overwork himself. He walks over, joining the others in the shade. After Roland continues to complain about the lack of water, the group decide to take a vote on whether they should or shouldn't consume one of the canned goods. The majority of Renato, Roland, Phoebe, Briallen and Adela vote to open one of the cans, leaving David, Luigino and Ingrid disappointed at the result. Renato opens a can of sliced pears, rationing it up for the tribe.

The group finish the can of pears, all having one and a half slices each. Before anyone can check if there are any left overs, Roland is spotted gulping down the remaining juice in the can, not considering his tribe members before doing so. Luigino stares down Roland, not making any comments, feeling that his silence is more effective. Roland puts his head down, placing the empty can on the ground before reluctantly walking over to Renato. David, who also spotted Roland's actions, decides that the group needs to get to work on maintaining their fencing. David invites Luigino and Adela to help him, both of whom happily accept the task. Renato, Briallen, Roland, Phoebe and Ingrid stay behind to work on the camp interior. Whilst walking outside the shelter, Luigino begins complaining about Roland's behavior, calling him a "greedy bastard", claiming that his behavior will cost the tribe if it continues. David and Adela both appear to agree with Luigino, feeling as though Roland is the tribes only weak link.

The three all put their hands in together, sealing their alliance together, agreeing to move forward in the game as one. David suggests that they recruit more to join their group, as working with three wont get them total control. Luigino questions who would be a suitable fourth, to which David and Adela reply "Phoebe", both clearly feeling as though they have bonded with her due to their similar ages. Luigino, David and Adela then get to work, speaking no more about their agreement, not wanting any of the others to catch on to their plans. Back in the shelter, Renato seizes the opportunity to turn the others on his first target; Luigino. Whilst the group are working, Renato tries to discretely bring up the issue of Luigino's attitude, which creates a series of negative comments from the others concerning Luigino, particularly Briallen and Roland, who feel as though he is likely to get worse as time goes on. Ingrid stands and listens to the others, oblivious to the strategy that is going on around her. Phoebe admits that she too feels Luigino needs to cool it off, which leads Renato to make a brave mood, stating that he feels the tribe needs "to deal with him (Luigino) quickly". Before the conversations can go any further, David, Adela and Luigino return to camp, causing all strategy to halt for the rest of the day. The tribe manages to work well, finishing all the minor tasks they intended to complete, with Renato, David, Luigino and Adela being praised for their work ethic, whilst Roland continues to get berated for doing minimal amounts to help the entire group.

As night falls, David and Phoebe remain awake to keep watch, giving David a chance to invite Phoebe into his alliance with Luigino and Adela. David tells Phoebe that Luigino is a good and loyal man, and that his moody antics aren't hurtful to the group, where as Roland's weakness definitely is. Phoebe nods along to what David is saying, informing him that Renato had attempted to bring the others together to turn them on Luigino. David takes this information as Phoebe proving her loyalty to him and his alliance, shaking her hand whilst giving her his word that he wont turn on her, before the two head off to bed, giving the 'night watch' over to Ingrid and Adela.

Day 3
Both tribes are informed that they will be facing their first immunity challenge, knowing that whoever loses will be forced to vote out the first person of the game. The tribes are also informed that whoever wins the challenge will be given waterproof matches, guaranteeing them an advantage when it comes to being able to get fire, and therefore drinking water. "boran"

- We've had a tough few days so far, and I think our main concern... or at least my main concern, is winning those waterproof matches. Fire is essential out here, and if we go another day without any water I think we're in serious trouble. Whoever wins the challenge today will win the following few... That's my opinion at least.

Challenge: Trail Blazer

Each team is given a chariot which contained four lit torches and a fire cauldron at the center. They must pull or push the cart through difficult terrain while lighting a series of fire towers along the way. The first tribe to successfully light their towers, cross the finish line, and ignite the final bonfire wins.

Reward: Tribal Immunity, matches and a cart for them to use to transport supplies to their camp.

Winner: Boran Information (Boran): Abbas, Don, Kris, Marsha, Mary, Neville and Phillis all perform well, leading the tribe to victory. Soledad performs poorly, but is not to blame for this, as the other tribes boulder collided with her mid-challenge, injuring her slightly, causing her to move slowly during the second part of the challenge. Information (Samburu): Adela, Briallen, Ingrid, Luigino and Phoebe all perform well, trying to keep up with Boran. David and Roland perform averagely, with David slowing down after his tribes own boulder rolled over him, twisting his ankle badly, whilst Roland proved his best was only average. Renato performs poorly, panting and struggling during the entire challenge, before collapsing at the very end, with his eyes rolling back, causing medical attention to rush over to him. Boran heads back to camp with their winnings, leaving a nervous Samburu tribe standing around their unconscious leader, hoping to see that he'll pull through. Renato soon regains consciousness, slowly being brought back to his feet. Renato mumbles "I cant leave", before being assured by the medical team that this wont have to happen, and that he'll be able to continue the game as long as he rests and doesn't overwork himself, as his low blood pressure could see him faint again if he continues to push himself too hard. The group head back to camp, knowing that one of them will soon be leaving the game. Upon returning back to camp, Renato is taken over to the shade by David and Adela, who give him some canned food, hoping to see his health go back up, worried what his departure could mean for tribe morale.

The tribe get strategizing, with no one wanting to leave at the first vote. Roland approaches a resting Renato, worried that he is on the chopping block, but Renato assures him that things will go smoothly, and that they should keep to their plan and to vote out Luigino. Roland nods, suggesting he talks to some of the others, but Renato tries to deter him from this, believing scrambling could backfire on them. At the same time, David, Phoebe and Adela talk, with David suggesting either Roland or Renato, hoping to pick their first target. Phoebe seems hesitant to make a decision, whilst Adela seems to be leaning towards Roland on a personal basis, but feels that it may be kinder to vote Renato from the game in order to prevent any further damage to his health.

Roland sits with Briallen, who is trying to get some sleep, having failed to get much since arriving in Africa. With no one to talk to, Roland goes over tribal outcomes in his head, making him nervous as he knows the possibility of him going is high. Roland decides to approach others, going against Renato's warning, feeling as though more reassurance may calm him down. Ingrid assures Roland that she is still going to vote for Luigino, stating that no one else has approached her in the game so far, giving Roland hope that things may go his way. Roland then approaches Phoebe and Adela, trying to work out who they will be voting, but is met coldly by the two, who clearly don't want to give away information freely. Adela asks Roland who he intends to vote, to which he replies "one of the oldies", leaning more towards Luigino, which Adela and Phoebe agree with, feeling as though he isolates himself from the main group.

David and Luigino stand outside the shelter, deliberating amongst themselves who to vote, leaving Adela and Phoebe alone for a substantial amount of time. The girls weigh up all their options, narrowing it down to Luigino, Renato or Roland. Before the girls can talk any further, they are joined by Ingrid, who is feeling somewhat left out by the entire group. During their conversation, Phoebe lets slip that Roland has been going round to everyone, which Ingrid admits she had noticed. Phoebe goes on to tell Ingrid that he had suggested they vote for "one of the oldies", which sends Ingrid into a panic, knowing full well that she is included in that group. The girls continue talking, before David and Luigino return, feeling as though they have come to a decision. The group gather their things for tribal, with the three main targets all packing bags, knowing they are on the chopping block. Ingrid also packs a bag, not wanting to ever feel too safe in the game, knowing that when one becomes too safe, they let their guard down.

At tribal council the tribe discuss their disdain at having to vote out the first member of the game, before moving onto the hot topic of Renato's blackout at the challenge. Renato assures Jeff and his tribe that he has recovered, and that once they get some water he'll be as good as new. The main topics brought up are the survival aspects of the game, with Phoebe and Roland both admitting they are particularly struggling with the lack of hydration. The tribe are questioned on their decision to eat canned food, which Ingrid, David and Luigino mention they opposed. Briallen becomes annoyed by this, stating that had they not opened any food "more people would have collapsed at the challenge". The tribe then discuss the rift that is forming, with one side opposing Luigino, and the other opposing Roland, which is no secret to anyone. Luigino states that he is disliked for "something petty, and something that isn't a liability", whilst Roland is disliked for "his general inability in the game of survivor". Roland becomes annoyed by this comment, fighting back, claiming that Luigino isolates himself and others with his attitude, and that this will continue to drive everyone apart. Luigino responds to this by claiming that Roland is more likely to do this, as he is the one "stealing supplies". Jeff questions Luigino as to what he means, leaving David to step in, explaining what Luigino is referring to. Roland states that he didn't steal supplies, but simply took more then his share, but that this was a "one off mistake". Jeff commends the tribe on bringing up their issues, stating that tribal is a place to let things come out into the open, and that if their problems are dealt with at tribal, they will return as a stronger and happier tribe. David commences the voting, whilst Ingrid closes it out, somewhat pausing before she casts her vote. As Jeff reads the votes, the split in the tribe is made clear, with 4 voting for Roland, and 3 voting for Luigino. Jeff pulls the last vote from the urn, revealing that it has been cast against Roland, sending the 19 year old student out of the game first. As Roland leaves he seems disappointed, but wishes his tribe luck. Before the seven remaining Samburu members return to camp, Jeff announces that because they have attended tribal council they will receive fire, before passing over a few matches. The entire tribe scream with joy, placing the events at tribal council to the back of their mind, finding a new positivity in knowing they will be able to make fire, and ultimately boil drinking water.