Rewarding the Weak

Rewarding the Weak is the fourth episode of Survivor: The Australian Outback.

Day 9 (Night)
Ogakor return to camp having just attended their first tribal council, where Johna became the first person voted out of the tribe in a 5-3 vote. Upon their return, members of the stronger alliance decide to gloat about the outcome. Both Curt and Clarity particularly seem pleased with themselves after successfully overcoming the potential danger the misfits caused. Victor sits in silence, not wanting to speak up out of fear for his own position in the game. Georgia sits and smirks at comments made by Clarity, clearly enjoying being apart of what she perceives to be the better team within the tribe. Laurencia stands and observes the group, feeling isolated and alone without Johna by her side. "ogakor"

- Tonight things didn't particularly go the way I was hoping. I lost a good friend and ally in Johna, and that was enough pain to feel. But to return to camp and have Curt and Clarity indirectly offend me by gloating is truly just disgusting behavior. Then you have Georgia sitting around and sniggering like the villains pet in a cartoon. I did look over at Farrell to let him know I wasn't happy with his decision, but that's all I can do. At the end of the day it's a game, and he's playing it as much as anyone.

Curt, Clarity and Georgia continue to talk loudly and laugh over Johna's departure, while the other four members of the tribe retire to the shelter. Laurencia lies awake looking at the fire while the sound of the others laughing is head in the background. "ogakor"

- I may be down one friend in this game... But I wont count myself out.... Not just yet.

Kucha
The Kucha tribe awaken to Neil searching the campsite with the assistance of Alia. As the tribe gather around, it becomes apparent that they have misplaced their fishhooks that connect to the end of their gear. The group search around the area hoping to find the hooks, but to no avail. Cindra later admits that she had taken the hook off the fishing rod, and had placed it in a small pouch with the two spares. Neil becomes angered by this, stating that it was a poor mistake for Cindra to make, and that it might just cost Kucha "the game". "kucha"

- I was the only person who had really been fishing out here since we won our gear. So I felt it was my responsibility to look after the gear. So what I did was, after I used it I took off the hooks so they didn't get damaged or didn't injure anyone who might be stepping around it at night. So I put the hook in uh... like a little pouch with our two spares. This morning we got up and when we went to get the gear it had all kind of... vanished. Now I don't remember exactly where I put the gear... God help my poor memory... so we're now facing the possibility that we have no simple way to catch fish... and its all my fault.

"kucha"

- I really felt bad for Cindra today. She's generally an innocent soul and I don't think she means much harm... But she just makes so many mistakes (laughs)

"kucha"

- I honestly have never met someone so incompetent in my whole life. If this was a company I'd have ripped up her contract by now... So that's what I'll do at the next tribal council. I'll let her know she's fired from this company... or tribe... whatever.

The group continue to look for the misplaced fish hooks, with Neil digging through the sand, while Cindra scans the entire area. Carlson and Alia search by the boat, while Reniero and Chelsie check around the shelter. "kucha"

- About two hours into our group search for these fish hooks it occurred to me that this basically summed up our tribe quite well. We have this goal that we all want to achieve, but at the end of the day we all waste our time trying to get to it the wrong way, and just end up appearing like idiots. It got to a point where Alia suggested that I put on my bathing gear and scanned the bottom of the river for it... I wanted to tell her what a crazy idea that was because if it was in the river it'd be going down waterfalls as we speak... But I didn't want to look like the whiney guy so ... off I went and put on my bathing suit, grabbed the snorkel and had a look around the surprisingly empty river for three hooks placed in an extremely small bag... I was honestly shocked I didn't find it... (shakes his head and gives off a nervous laugh)

Carlson pops his head out of the river and shakes it at Alia, letting her know that its not there.

"kucha"

- I mean... You think? When this occurred to her I don't know... When I went round for the third time, or when I actually told her myself its not in here.

"kucha"

- I know Carlson did get a bit angry at me because I was teasing him about the hooks in the river... But I did enjoy making him swim round while I got to watch and pretend I was participating in the hunt. That way I didn't get one of Neil's famous lectures telling me what a good worker would be doing in my position.

Carlson exits the water, with Alia and Chelsie laughing at his disapproving facial expressions. Upon hearing the laugher Reniero and Neil look up and see the three talking, causing Neil to become angered, believing them to be wasting valuable time. Reniero agrees with Neil, hoping to continue to stir the pot against the three who he now perceives to be a tight alliance. The tribe spend the day searching for the hooks, until finally giving up after a total of four hours. After the search the tribe separate to complete certain chores, getting the camp ready for the evening, accepting that their meals will continue to simply be plain rice, without the addition of protein.

Ogakor
Ned, Clarity, Curt and Georgia sit in the shelter, discussing the state of Ned's ankle, which is still swollen after injuring it during the immunity challenge on day 9. Ned insists that the injury isn't too severe, but admits it does hurt to place too much pressure on it. Clarity suggests that he continues resting, wanting him to be fit for the next challenges as she doesn't want to have to rely on Laurencia to take his place in competitions. Georgia and Curt laugh at this comment, although Ned replies with "she's not that bad...". "ogakor"

- I complained about Farrell being a bit of a wimp when it came to the necessary brutality in this game... It seems like Ned's just as bad in this department. Am I the only guy around here with any initiative?!

"ogakor"

- My ankle at the moment is pretty swollen... in the, uh... last challenge... I mucked it up pretty good. I've had injuries like this before and they pass without any lasting effect, but because out here we're competing almost on a daily basis it means that for a while I'm going to be a burden on the tribe. Its not something I enjoy because I like being able to help my tribe when it comes to these things... Hopefully they'll be understanding.

Victor, Farrell and Laurencia stand off on their own, as Laurencia wishes to question Farrell on his decision to vote out Johna over Georgia during their first tribal council.

"ogakor"

- I was hoping to tell Victor and Laurencia why I wrote Johna's name down last night... But I was met by their interrogations... I don't really feel I need to particularly explain myself to them. I'm free to make my own decisions in this game. And last night I decided to go with what my group was doing...

Several hours later, Curt, Clarity and Victor sit alone by the shelter. Victor seizes the opportunity to talk with the two, believing that it is up to him to stick around in the game. "ogakor"

- At one point today I found myself alone with Clarity and Curt, and I thought that it was a brilliant opportunity to get talking about a possible deal with them. I realize after the last vote that things aren't particularly going my way, and if we go to tribal again it's likely that Laurencia and myself are facing the chop. After ten days I'm starting to feel in danger out here... So it's time to get playing this game as tough as I can... I'll see it that I outlast all my tribe! (laughs)

Victor begins talking to Curt and Clarity, gradually leading them into the topic of strategy. Curt is quick to respond to Victor, while Clarity remains guarded, unsure as to why Victor wants to talk to them about strategic play. Eventually, Victor openly asks the two if he'll be voted out next, to which Curt replies "absolutely not", and that Laurencia would be the one to go first. Clarity agrees with this, as Victor has proved himself to be a valuable worker for the tribe. "ogakor"

- Well, I know I've got at least three more days come next tribal... I just hope that we don't revisit for some time as I intend to see this game through with Laurencia by my side.

"ogakor"

- After my chat with Victor today, I decided that things are always a possibility on the tribe. Clarity and Ned are so wrapped up in our alliance that they might not want change, which is fine because if they don't cooperate I'll simply vote them out. Farrell, Georgia and Laurencia are three people I want to see go before Victor in this game... Georgia is of no use and has no real loyalty to me, Farrell is the weakest person strategically around... and Laurencia is just misery on two legs. Victor seems to feel he's in danger which is fine... let him stay in that frame of mind... people who live in fear are easier to manipulate.

Day 11
Challenge: Master Mind

The tribes are given two identical giant-sized puzzles made up of several wooden squares that slide within a bigger square. The object is to slide the giant puzzle pieces around the game board to reveal a map leading to the reward. The first tribe to complete their puzzle wins.

Reward: Three egg laying chickens and a rooster.''' Winner:''' Ogakor

Kucha
The Kucha tribe return to camp having just suffered their third defeat, finally ending their winning streak against Ogakor. The tribe appear to be in bad spirits having lost the chickens, with Alia particularly taking the loss hard.

"kucha"

- I've been saying for the last few days how chicken is what I want so badly... And when it came to the chickens we just totally screwed up. So now we have no fish, and the other tribe are getting chicken...

Neil, who has been sitting across from Cindra by the fire decides to question her about the two decently sized fish she had caught several days previous, that mysteriously vanished after she argued with Carlson. Cindra states that she was unsure as to what happened to the fish, but Neil remains sceptical. Alia attempts to appease the situation, stating that its behind them and that they should move on. Carlson and Reniero both join in with the interrogation, quizzing Cindra as to what happened to the fish she had caught. "kucha"

- Cindra did something to those fish. We know she has these weird erratic moments, so my best guess is she threw them into the bushes after Reniero stirred up the situation between us. It doesn't bother me too much because as peace keeper Alia said, it's all behind us.

"kucha"

- I felt that they had busted me... I was about to come clean that I had dumped the fish... But thankfully things managed to defuse before I was able to speak up... I do normally feel honesty is the best way forward, but in this situation it definitely wasn't.

With the men of the tribe appearing tense and angered, Alia and Chelsie volunteer to give out massages in order to relieve their stress. Chelsie works on Carlson, while Alia works on Reniero. Neil sits hunched over by the fire while I silent Cindra watches the younger members of the tribe relaxing, feeling bad about her decision to throw the fish. "kucha"

- The situation was really getting out of hand so I felt that I needed to step in. Now I've shown myself deceitful lying isn't my strongpoint... So I thought what's the next best thing, but to use female charm. The guys were all tense after losing again... So we needed to relieve them... Not like, in THAT way... No... I wouldn't do that out here... Definitely not... But to relieve them through a back massage seems fine. I don't think my mother would disapprove of me doing this (laughs)

"kucha"

- When Chelsie came up with the back massage idea I was a literal drawn back, not sure if it was something I'd want to get involved in. But, then I saw Reniero was available and well... I couldn't control myself (laughs)... He's cute, I mean I like tall guys, nice dark skin... He's got a nice amount of hair too... He's not a gorilla, but he's not like a pre-pubescent boy... Which Carlson is... I tell him this daily and he gets very upset... But I just tell him he makes me upset knowing I probably have hairier legs than him (laughs)

Neil shakes his head and rolls his eyes, while everyone else (including Cindra) laugh at Alia's comment. The lighthearted attitude remains around the camp for the rest of the day, with any negative feelings over losing the reward vanishing throughout the afternoon.

Ogakor
The Ogakor tribe return to camp having returned to winning, this time receiving three egg laying hens as a reward. Victor and Farrell lay the chicken pen down by the shelter, while the others gather round to meet their three new inhabitants. Georgia immediately complains about the chickens, worried that they'll keep them up at night.

"ogakor"

- Curt isn't a good guy but I did smile at his comment to Georgia...

"ogakor"

- These chickens are great. They'll be giving us some sort of nutrition through eggs... And I guess it'll get to a point where we have to sadly... Send them to heaven for our own benefit.

Laurencia and Farrell end up alone whilst trying to catch some fish. Farrell wishes to talk with Laurencia about their discussion that went sour the previous day, trying to clear the air between the two of them. Laurencia seems reluctant to interact with Farrell at first, but eventually accepts his decision, stating that she had just been put in a bad mood by witnessing the others gloating after Johna's elimination, knowing that they will gloat when she too is voted out herself. Farrell assures Laurencia that this will not occur, as she will not be going home "anytime soon". Laurencia hugs Farrell, apologies for acting in a hostile manner towards him. He accepts her apology, and once again proclaims he is guilty for having to vote out Johna, but he feels it was the best decision for them both and the tribe. "ogakor"

- I was happy that Farrell and myself were able to clear the air, because... I do really warm to him as a person. I do feel I can trust him in this game... I suppose he wasn't as close to Johna so voting her out wasn't much of an issue... The proof will be our next tribal I suppose, and whether or not I'm still here after Jeff reveals that last vote.

"ogakor"

- Myself and Laurencia spoke about our issues we were having, and I think it was a wise move on my part. I told her that she wont go home anytime soon, and I hope I'm right...

Back at the shelter, the other five members of the tribe sit together and talk about the reward challenge. Curt and Clarity laugh at how slow Kucha were during the task, with Curt doing an impression of Cindra panicking during the puzzle, while Clarity mimics Neil's Boston accent. Victor states that he hopes Ogakor continue to win, getting their victory streak back, which would allow them to easily take control at the merge.

"ogakor"

- My tribe continue to irritate me... People being spineless, people unable to do simple mental challenges, others asking to sit out because they sprained their ankle. I actually hope we lose today, heck I might throw the damn challenge. If we keep winning all we're doing is rewarding the weak, and that's not something that I particularly want to see happening. I'm not letting Ogakor carry anyone to the merge.

Day 12
Both tribes are informed that they will be facing their next immunity challenge. Ogakor decide that they will be sitting out Ned after his request to be the one to step down. Kucha hope to even out the numbers by winning the challenge, while Ogakor want to widen the gap between the two tribes, sending Kucha down to five members. "kucha"

- Today is a critical challenge... If we don't win there will be five of us left, only five. If we continue to lose challenges we'll go to the merge with a minority which will see our demise... Not something any of us wish to happen.

"ogakor"

- I was shocked to hear that I wasn't being sat out today. Normally I'm the obvious weak link in my tribes eyes... Who knows maybe they're planning to lose today in order to get me out (laughs). I don't feel I'm the weakest... not while Georgia is still around...

Challenge: True or Falls The tribes meet at a large flat rock overlooking Herbert Falls, across from Tribal Council, where they play against each other in a quiz game testing their knowledge of the environment. The first tribe to answer the most questions correctly wins. Winner: Ogakor

Kucha
Kucha return to camp having just lost their third immunity challenge, meaning that they will now be down to five members after the next tribal council, two below the rival Ogakor tribe. Neil, Cindra and Alia apologize for failing to gain points, which ultimately cost the tribe the win. Carlson assures the three that they tried their best, although he admits it's disappointing to be losing a third tribe member so soon. "kucha"

- Carlson said to the three who didn't get points that it was fine and not to worry. I'm standing there thinking... You guys lost us the challenge! We tied it up three times and you could have kept us in it! Its particularly irritating to lose so often because its not something I'm use to in the real world...

"kucha"

- Screwing up in the challenge today is something that worries me because... it gives the group a reason to vote me out. However, I do feel that there's still hope that the votes could go someone else's way.

Chelsie, Alia and Carlson stand and watch as the two men walk off, while Cindra packs her bag for tribal council.

"kucha"

- There was this consensus in my group that Neil would be the vote tonight, for plenty of reasons. He's generally quite annoying, he has this stupid rule about no strategy, and other then bringing firewood he really doesn't do that much to help the tribe.

Alia calls for Cindra, who reluctantly walks over, keeping a stern look on her face.

"kucha"

- As soon as I saw Cindra's reaction I just knew we'd landed in some sort of s**t... I wanted to use an "I told you so" line... But the fear just spread over me like a rash... My mind was racing, like what do I do!?.. Of course I did the worst possible thing and made it too obvious that it was my idea to vote Neil to the crazy lady, who clearly... despite all his bullying towards her... is going to side with him over us.

"kucha"

- One second we were set on voting Neil, the next we're talking about how we turn the vote on Cindra. I have no idea what we should do tonight... But I have a feeling it's going to be a split one... Or maybe it'll be a tie... But I really hope not.

"kucha"

- Last time someone told me how to vote they lied right to my face afterwards and caused me to end up in a problematic position. So I've decided no more! Alia is not a trustworthy person, and for that reason she has to be the one to go tonight. Neil and Reniero are two who seem to be less guilty of discussing strategy, so I felt it was best to go right towards them and to let them know what had gone on back at camp, and how Carlson had led a strategic alliance against Neil.

Cindra explains to Reniero and Neil about Carlson's plan, and that he is breaking the rules the tribe had agreed on. Neil seems angered by this, stating that Carlson has once again broken the vital rule within the tribe, and therefore he must face the consequences. Cindra agrees to this, as does Reniero, who seems excited to finally see things turning against Carlson. "kucha"

- Once again people are throwing Carlson's name out before tribal, which is brilliant... I mean... I've made it clear that I'd like him out of this game to make myself feel safer... Cindra and Neil seem to both be in agreement that Carlson needs to go, so hopefully we can at least cause some sort of a tie. I know the tiebreaker would mean that Carlson goes home as he's received two past votes as opposed to Neil, who has only received one. I don't want to celebrate too early though, because last time the vote was meant to go one way, but turned out to go another...

"kucha"

- I was sure that tonight I'd be voting out Cindra. She's weak, annoying and lost our damn fishing gear! But, I've been told by Cindra that Carlson is coming after me, and that he's trying to play strategically in her opinion. The only problem with all of this is Cindra is a very un-credible source, so for all I know she heard Carlson cough and thought it was code for "vote Neil out"... For that reason alone I might stick to my gut and write her name down tonight.

At tribal council the Kucha tribe discuss how they can overcome the number disadvantage they find themselves in. The tribe all agree that the best way to tackle the issue would be to vote out their weakest member, however Alia then states that not one person sticks out as the obvious weakness within the tribe. Jeff praises the tribe after they admit to having several days of tranquility, with no drama really arising within camp. Cindra comes under fire from Neil for losing the fish hooks, which Cindra apologizes for. Neil then states that he was disappointed to see Carlson and Alia "messing around" while they were suppose to look for the hooks, which angers them both, causing Chelsie to back them up in stating that Neil brings a lot of negative energy into camp. Reniero then backs up Neil, stating that Carlson does slack off from a lot of the work. Jeff notes the clear divide within the tribe, with Carlson, Alia and Chelsie on one side, Reniero and Neil on the other, and Cindra sitting somewhere off to the side. When asked if they feel they're about to make the right decision, all six members answer "yes", leading Alia to commence the voting. As the votes are revealed, Reniero once again watches as his hopes of Carlson going are crushed, with only himself and Neil voting against him, while Cindra voted against "sneaky" Alia. The three younger members end up turning the vote on Cindra, whom they deemed to be a loose cannon, nervous that her erratic behavior could cause them problems come merge. Cindra's inability to vote with the group sees her leave the game in a 3-2-1 vote.

Voting Confessionals
"kucha"

- Ever since you misunderstood my idea to blindside Chelsie, you've have it out for me...

"kucha"

- You proved that you were too unstable to keep around come merge.

"kucha"

- I wish we were voting Neil tonight, but you dug your own grave.

"kucha"

- Alia, you're a sneaky sneaky girl!

"kucha"

- You fail to understand anything about this tribe and how it runs, and you generally bring very little to the group.

"kucha"

- This better be the final time I write your name down... If its not then I'm going to strangle Cindra and Neil

Final Words
"kucha"

- Twelve days of adventure. I had an absolute blast! I regret nothing and just want to thank you guys for bringing me out here. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if only I was able to last a bit longer. Goodluck to Kucha, I hope they can kick some Ogakor butt, even Alia... Who at the end of it all was just playing the game.