Readying Me For The Slaughter

Readying Me For The Slaughter is the fourth episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands.

Day 9 (Night)
The Drake tribe return to camp having just pulled off the biggest blindside of the game thus far, sending Luke home in an unexpected 6-2 vote, with only his friend Duncan voting alongside him. "drake"

- Well, there we have it. I think the facade that our tribe is one happy family... with the mild-mannered Chinese acrobat, the meek jumper wearing teacher ... it's all gone. Duncan and Luke thought there were these bad ass younger guys who would run rings around what they assumed were probably a happy-go-lucky bunch. Sending Luke home should be the nasty wake up call for anyone entering a game like Survivor and assuming that a million dollars on the line won't turn even the most harmless bunch into deceptive players.

"drake"

- Never in my life did I think the first vote would leave me looking like such an idiot. I know for a fact I'm smarter than half these idiots, and that as a player I could outperform any of them in challenges or whatever. Luke was my guy... the one person I felt was a friend. I'm just in complete shock. Michael and Grace actually had the nerve to do this... Holly and Danielle... like who even are they!? These people are sick in the head. Props to Judith man... she puts on the waterworks and gets them all eating out of her hand. If they want me gone next then whatever, I'm not going to go down without raising some hell. I'll burn them all into dust... Duncan retreats into the tribe shelter, deciding to no longer speak with the rest of the tribe, who stand around somewhat in silence, unsure what they can say to alleviate the situation. Judith ends up hesitantly once again thanking the tribe for keeping her safe, promising to make it up to them all in the future.

"drake"

- Luke was someone I liked hanging with. I think a few people thought we might have liked each other, but I don't want to enter a romance out here. Not when the game is bigger than that. The majority of our tribe said they wanted to vote for him, and I'm not going to side against them just because I like Luke more than Judith. I want to keep myself on the right side of every vote.

Drake
Danielle and Judith go off together to collect tree mail, leaving the others back at camp to get themselves prepared for the upcoming reward challenge. Duncan remains in the shelter, having taken a vow of silence ever since ending his argument with the tribe the previous evening. Michael, Grace and Holly discuss getting the tribe back to a winning streak. "drake"

- I don't know what kind of challenge awaits us today. A physical one or a mental one... endurance... whatever. I think after last night we've seen how dirty our tribe can be when we're forced to play the game. I was involved, so I can't you know... criticise it. But, I don't want to be on the receiving end of any big plays in the coming days. To leave before the merge or jury phase as a fan of this game would be painful. This next challenge won't determine whether or not we go back to tribal council to vote someone out, but it'll be a factor in where our tribe morale goes. If we lose again, there's a chance Morgan get more confident and keep winning... we lose our confidence and keep losing, putting all of us here in danger.

Judith and Danielle return to camp, reading the tree mail to the tribe. The group get ready to head to the challenge, hoping to prevent Morgan from beginning a winning streak. "drake"

- At first we probably got a bit too confident in our own ability to win these challenges. We lost one yesterday that we really shouldn't have, and now we're down a member, feeling pretty low and have an unshakeable tension in the group between Duncan and ... well... everyone. One loss shouldn't destroy a tribe. But two losses... three losses... that could be so destructive for a group like ours.

Morgan
The tribe are awoken in the early hours of the morning before the sun has risen, finding Juan coughing profusely over by the fire. Emma and Mina quickly rush to his side, eventually followed by the rest of the tribe. "morgan"

- We're all sleepin' and trying to get some rest. All of a sudden we hear Juan coughing like mad like he about to fall down dead. Luckily medical was called in to uh... take a look at him.

The medical team arrive, walking Juan over away from the fire, worried that the smoke from the flames may be exaggerating his breathing difficulties. They lay him down on a secluded area of the beach, leaving the rest of his tribe to stay by the shelter alone. "morgan"

- Seeing anyone in any situation struggling to breathe is scary. For us it was terrifying, and I can only imagine how frightened Juan must have been. He's been such a rock of stability and leadership for this tribe, and whilst we've all been aware that he's overworking himself, I don't think anyone expected it could get this bad. When the medics took him away, we were left in the dark... literally and figuratively. I didn't know if we'd be seeing him again, or if it was so serious that he'd be taken off the island.

After looking over Juan for twenty-minutes, the team are able to get him back to his feet and regulate his breathing, believing him to have gone into a state of panic due to exhaustion and dehydration. Juan responds well after receiving water, and is able to walk unassisted back to the shelter where he joins the rest of the tribe.

"morgan"

- After a few days living on this island in the conditions we've endured, I found myself struggling physically. I'm the oldest man in the game, and I think I need to sometimes remember I'm not a young man anymore (laughs). This is the second time I've gone down out here, and I don't want to risk a third because... the next time I might not have the luxury of re-joining my tribe mates. I'll take it as a sign I need to slow down, and I'll comply for the sake of being able to play the game.

Reward Challenge
Challenge: Float-It Notes Grab sixteen puzzle pieces buried in the sand and tied up underwater, then solve the puzzle. Reward: Sewing machine and material; loot one item from losing tribe; piece of treasure map. Winner: Morgan
 * Judith sits out for Drake.

Drake
The group return to camp having just lost their challenge, debating how they should approach having a member from Morgan coming to loot for the first time.

"drake"

- Each time we've won a reward challenge, we've been able to send somebody to Morgan's island where they essentially stole an item from their tribe. To us it never felt that big of a deal. We were aware that it was a tough position for Morgan to be in, hence why when I went that I just took basic stuff... but now that the tables have turned, I think we're all really sitting here with our tails between our legs. We can't expect them to go easy on us, because if they did they'd truly be idiotic. They've got a chance to take their recent victories up a notch by taking something valuable today.

The group see a boat approaching, with Mina stood towards the front waving over to the tribe. Michael and Lang help her off the boat once it reaches the shore, walking her up the beach to the rest of the tribe. Duncan remains inside the shelter, still not wanting to interact with anyone. "drake"

- Mina arrives and we're all doing our best to greet her and make her feel welcome. She's the oldest woman out here and I've got so much respect for her, especially as she's been kicking ass in these challenges. We don't want the other tribe getting any advantages over us through her visit... and Duncan laying around moping just shows the division in our group right now. I just want to tell him to grow the hell up and stop being such a child, because he's looking pathetic right now. He tried and failed to label Judith as someone who wants to be a victim... and now he's filling the role himself. Irony can be a beautiful thing, but in this instance it's just embarrassing.

"morgan"

- When we agreed to send me to Drake's camp, I thought that my mission should just focus on taking something that is of high value to them, and something that can bring a great change to the Morgan tribe. There was no other item for us that we as a tribe could get behind other than their fishing spear. If we get that back to our tribe, we'll be able to get a lot more protein in our diets, and we'll be able to take away how much this group is eating.

Michael brings the fishing spear over, handing it to Mina who once again thanks the tribe, wishing them all good rest (namely Duncan) as she departs down the beach to return to her camp.

Later that evening, the tribe sit around to eat the final remaining fish that they had caught prior to Mina looting the fishing spear. Duncan decides to eat with the tribe, but keeps conversing to a minimum. Judith seems in higher spirits than normal, clearly feeling much more secure in her position after being saved at the previous vote. "drake"

- After having so many situations where I'm just cast off to one side because of my hearing. It's so much easier for people to treat me that way... but to have this group really defend me and make sure I'm included, and then save me at the vote. It is just so refreshing. I can't stop smiling. I have a place in this game now, and nobody can take it away from me.

Morgan
The tribe return to camp victorious, having just won their second challenge in a row. The group spend the day putting to use their sewing kit, using the materials to make new comfortable clothing for themselves. Mina leaves the camp in order to loot from Drake, having been selected by the group as the most sensible choice to send at this point in time. "morgan"

- Our tribe started out bad, and I mean like we really sucked. We went like... nine days, before we managed to win anything. Now we've got two wins, we're feeling good. I feel bad saying it, but the reward kind of sucked. I mean I don't know how to make clothes, and neither does anyone. Juan said he's mended stuff in the past so he's giving it a try. The good part of our reward was that we got to send Mina over to their island, and steal some of their good s**t that they've been enjoying. They've robbed us so many damn times, and now its our turn. I hope she come back with their entire shelter.

Juan spends time trying to work out how to make clothes, asking each member of the tribe what sort of garments they'd want to wear. Marcus ends up helping him, with the tribe discovering that the pair have a flair for their creativity.

"morgan"

- Life at Morgan right now isn't bad. I've got to admit, I got some of these people wrong. We're a strong group when we wanna be. Drake thought they had us lookin' like fools when they stole from us and kept sending us back empty handed, and now we're winning two days in a row. Now I'm makin' clothes like it's a brand new talent... (laughs)... Survivor will teach us something new everyday.

Some time later, the tribe each try on some new items of clothing that have been created or modified by Juan and Marcus, allowing them to to feel more comfortable whilst moving around, having otherwise been left in clothes unsuitable since the surprise marooning. Mina returns to camp with the fishing spear in hand, prompting cheers from her tribe mates who are universally pleased with her decision. "morgan"

- Seeing the reaction from my tribe, I knew I had made the right choice. The spear is something that will get us eating more often, and it's a nice distraction. I think we're all tired picking crustacean off the rocks and hoping there'll be enough protein to sustain us. We have a new way out of our camp, and we know every fish we catch is one that Drake aren't enjoying. The water got a bit rough once I got back, so we weren't able to test it out this afternoon, but from tomorrow I'm confident the boys will all be rushing out trying to get themselves the first catch... to boost their egos and up their 'manliness'.

Drake
The entire tribe sit in the shelter as rain pours down over their camp, leaving them grateful that Mina looted the fishing spear rather than the tarp.

"drake"

- Today has been pretty hard so far with the rain. We can't do much but wait until it passes. I think if we lose again tomorrow then we need to just concentrate on voting out Duncan, because he's not interested in talking with us anymore. It's the best thing for all of us...

At first, Duncan appears hesitant to join the two men on their search, but eventually agrees after some convincing. The trio head down the beach, looking around the shallow waters and rocky shoreline for any sign of protein. Lang goes into the water first, leaving Michael and Duncan to search the shoreline. "drake"

- It's important that as a tribe we're able to find food and quickly, because if we don't there won't be any way we can get back to winning challenges. Even with our spear we were still eating well below the required daily intake adults are expected to consume. We can't allow someone taking a spear or the fact it's raining to prevent us from getting on with a necessary task. So myself, Lang and Duncan grabbed together our remaining equipment and headed into the water... and got to work.

"drake"

- I spent all of yesterday in my own mind, not speaking to these scumbags, and the conclusion I came to is that I can't bring myself to get on my knees and beg for my survival. Not in a group that showed me such contempt. They lied right to my face and now I'm meant to come back, beg to stay and just get voted out anyway. I'm not some bitch that'll get on my knees for anyone. Not to someone like Michael especially... he's just a sleazy creep sometimes. He thinks he's so smart and that he runs this place, and the only place he's running it is into tribal council. If we lose tomorrow I'm going home... and I'm voting Michael just as an F-U before I leave.

Back at the shelter, the four girls lay under the protection of the tarp to keep shielded from the rain. Danielle begins talking about the fact the women currently have a numbers advantage on the tribe, proposing that they use this to benefit their games. "drake"

- On Survivor it's so common to see the men calling the shots, and it's not been that much different on our season. Michael is seen as the leader of this tribe, and Judith was the person who was going to go first until Luke injured himself. On the other tribe... they've voted out two of the girls so far, and we know that anytime people talk about keeping strength, they're saying to vote out a woman. I think now that the four of us girls have this position of power, we need to utilise it to our advantage... and keep all four of us safe.

The women seem to agree to keep one another safe, although Grace and Judith share a concerned look, clearly unsure how they feel about the prospect of voting Michael and Lang out. "drake"

- Danielle's argument makes sense if we just want to survive until the merge, but I don't know who would be playing that game like that this early on. I mean, I know Danielle's playing that kind of game. At the merge she isn't a weak link anymore, and she's just a non-threat... who can slide her way to the end. She's not a horrible girl, and I think she's sweet... but I don't trust her. We all thought she was with the two boys before the last vote, and once she hears of the plan she's quick to turn on them. She's untrustworthy, and now she's trying to get these plans in motion to protect herself. I'm working closely with Michael right now, and to target Lang would be stupid considering how hard he works and how close he is to Judith. She's going from being the quiet weak link... into a weak link who's a lot more unpredictable than any of us expected. She's the person I'd most like to vote out at this point after Duncan...

Morgan
Despite the rain, Marcus goes out into the water where he puts the newly looted spear to use, having so far caught two medium sized fish. Jamal and Callum stand in the water nearby, placing his catches into a small net, whilst the other three members of the tribe stay back in the shelter. "morgan"

- On mornings with the rain, we're usually all sittin' round the fire or trying to keep ourselves as dry as possible, and got no motivation to go out and do anythin'. Today has been completely different for us. We've got this spear now, and for the first time we've got a chance to get us some fish. Ain't no bit of rain lettin' me or anyone pass up the opportunity to get out and provide for us.

Back at the shelter, Juan continues to hint that he'd like to go and help the boys with the fishing, wanting to continue to be the main provider for the tribe. However, Mina and Emma repeatedly tell him that he needs to conserve his energy, not wanting a repeat of his episode the previous night. "morgan"

- I hate this babysitter act that the tribe feels it needs to take over me. I know they're doing their best to make sure I'm okay, but they need to realise that I'm not dying. I'm not somehow crippled or ... you know, I'm not struggling as much as they think. I haven't been drinking as much water as I maybe should have been, and I went into shock with the conditions out here being rougher than I'd imagined. Up to this point my tribe have been supportive of my contribution and leadership, and I'm wondering if my decreasing activity will mean that they're readying me for the slaughter, or if I've done enough to be kept over some of my tribe members should we return to tribal council.

"morgan"

- Juan and I do have a slight connection being the two older members of the tribe. I love him being here, so the last thing I want is to think because of his health he'll need to leave the game. He's the sort of person you want to see get to the end, because he works so hard. I'd like to think both he and I are proving that age is just a number, and that you can't write somebody off just because their bones click more often than everyone else's (laughs). He and I also share a similar background in that we're both immigrants to this country. We stand out with our... perhaps exotic... accents. We're both grafters in life... and we were brought up with the mentality that you work for what you want, and you don't stop for anything. Unfortunately, that mentality on Survivor has backfired somewhat for Juan, because he doesn't acknowledge that out here when your body says stop... you stop! If he continues to ignore these signs his body is sending to his brain, then I don't think there's much more time left for him in the Pearl Islands.

Callum and Jamal continue talking to one another as they wait for Marcus to bring back the fish, using the opportunity to confirm their loyalty to one another in the game.

"morgan"

- My game so far seems to be going strong, and I'm in a position where everybody on my tribe trusts me to some degree. Jamal is by far my closest friend here, and the pair of us in my opinion are the ones who'll always have the final say on this tribe. That power will be put into question when we finally merge, and if at that point Drake have a majority over us... I'll be worried. Right now though, we need to enjoy this power. I haven't had power like this my whole life... it won't last forever, so we've got to make sure what we do in this time will keep us somewhat steady when the tribes merge into one.

Marcus returns with two more medium sized fish, returning to camp where the group begin preparing the food once the rain dies down. The remaining six members join together for their most enjoyable meal since arriving on the island, truly all believing that their fates in the game have reached a dramatic turning point thanks to their recent victories. "morgan"

- That fish was so damn good. I don't normally eat fish, I'm more of a chicken guy myself. Not in a stereotypical way or nothin'. Point is fish ain't something you find in my kitchen. But that was some tasty ass meal. Trying something other than beans or stringy crab meat is such an explosion of enjoyment at this stage. As a tribe we just had such a good night... talked, ate well... laughed. It didn't feel forced no more or that there was some underline animosity. I don't want us to go back to losing ever. This is a cool bunch of people. Callum is the only person I really gave my word to, but I want to see this game through with Emma, Juan, Mina... even crazy Marcus. They're all good people, and I know eventually we're going to slit each others throats... but I just pray to God that we don't have to do it until there's barely anyone left in the game.

Day 12
Both tribes receive tree mail informing them of their next challenge. At Drake, Duncan continues to believe that if the tribe is to lose, he'll be the easy vote-off, something which doesn't appear to bother him. On Morgan, the tribe is determined to continue their winning streak, feeling that their recent cohesion is something that should be maintained, and that going to tribal council could bring back the tension on the tribe. "drake"

- Win or lose today I don't really give a f**k. This group is painful to live with. I don't really like any of them on a personal level, and I couldn't care less what happens in this game if they're going to just shove me to the bottom and lie to my face. Maybe I'll purposely lose it for us today... give Morgan the chance to build up momentum and kick these guys asses.

"morgan"

- I think Drake now look at us a bit more equally in terms of competition. We've got a tribe who have played the game from the bottom, and now we're going to see if we can keep ourselves from returning there.

Challenge: Boarding Party Each tribe member would move one space at a time across a platform to try and get to the opposite tribes platform. If two contestants from different tribes block each other from moving they will have to engage in a physical showdown, with the first person to fall having to go back to the start. The first tribe to get all their members to the opposite platform wins immunity. Information: Both tribes perform relatively well during the challenge. For Morgan, Callum, Mina and Marcus quickly make their way to their boat, winning any match-ups on their way. For Drake, Grace, Holly, Judith, Michael and Lang do the same, knocking off Jamal, Juan and Emma in their respective match-ups. Danielle is the only member of Drake to lose multiple match-ups, but is able to make it to her boat before the Morgan tribe, giving Drake immunity. Winner: Drake
 * Duncan sits-out for Drake, as his tribe worry about his dedication to winning the challenge.

Morgan
The group return to camp disheartened that they will be returning to tribal council, where one of the six of them will become the fourth person voted out of the game. The two women head down to the water to clean themselves off, whilst Juan lays down in the shelter, leaving the other three men stood around the fire. "morgan"

- Losing today's challenge means we've got to go back to tribal council. The last two times we went I received votes, and two of them came from Emma and Mina. I know I can't trust the pair of them, and I think the smartest decision might be for me to vote to send one of them home. I believe the other guys would be down for it, and if we're to go off strength... which is what I've based most of my decisions on... then Emma should go tonight. Maybe Mina... we can't ignore the fact she's the oldest woman in the game.

"morgan"

- Losing this challenge for me is extremely concerning. I've yet to perform badly in anything, but I think the tribe can see I'm weaker than I was ten days ago. The fact that I was pushed down by the biker girl on Drake (laughs). I think there's a good chance that Mina and Emma could be voting for me, and no doubt they'll have ammunition by pointing out my recent exhaustion. I don't believe I'm finished in this game, and I hope the group can see I'm getting back on my feet and taking the advice of the medical team. Being here means so much, and helping this group means so much. None of the other men have said they'll be voting me at this stage, but I know that it has to be discussed, and I'm accepting of it. I just hope that maybe they deem everything I've done for the tribe worthy of keeping me safe, and send home one of the girls in the process.

Emma and Mina finish cleaning themselves off in the water, having discussed together the simplicity behind the vote, agreeing that Juan's condition makes him the only viable target.

"morgan"

- It is always a horrible feeling before tribal council. It's not so much believing that it could be your final moments in the game, but rather this feeling of guilt that you're going to be crushing someones dream. I know we all say it's everyone for themselves in Survivor, but I'm still human. I don't take any pleasure in upsetting others... even if there's a million dollars in the game. My emotions and my morality is something money cannot buy. Juan has been a great asset to the tribe and a great friend, and it is horrible knowing that tonight he'll be going home. Emma briefly mentioned that she'd like to vote for Marcus... but it just doesn't make any sense. If we vote Marcus, we lose someone who's improved ... rather than someone who's got worse in Juan. I'd have liked an alternate reality where all six of us got to the end of this game together. But, unfortunately that isn't going to be the case.

After Mina and Emma return to the shelter, the tribe stay together for most of the afternoon, in which time both girls openly admit they'll be voting for Juan, citing his recent physical difficulties as the reason why. Jamal and Callum listen to their reasoning, wondering if Juan has become too much of a liability, and whether keeping Mina or Emma over him will be the safer decision. "morgan"

- A lot of talk today has been around who is going to give the most to the tribe in the future. What people did over the past twelve days seem irrelevant now, because what someone did up until now ain't gonna win us no challenges over the next few days. Mina kicks ass for us almost every day, but she's someone we can see going down soon and not being able to carry on. Emma works hard... but feels like the most expendable person. Juan is just... a man of honour and integrity, and someone we know that'll provide for us if he has to. It's just can he get better soon. I've seen improvements. I really have. Heck, I think he weren't even the worst performer today. It's going to be a tough decision, and an even tougher tribal council for us all. Nobody wants to say goodbye to anyone. The only positive I can draw from all this is that I'm able to decide who goes. I know if I say lets vote for Juan... then he'll go. If I say lets vote Emma, then she'll go. I just hope that by the time we swap or merge that I'll still have a tribe left to work with.

At tribal council, the tribe talk about their improved conditions since their previous visit, citing their increase in food as well as better challenge performances. Jeff himself notes a change in attitude with the tribe, congratulating them on seemingly pulling themselves out of the hole in which they started. The tribe talks about Juan's condition, with Juan himself noting that medical have given him the all clear to continue, as well as pointing out that his health has undoubtedly improved over the past few days. Mina mentions that the tribal council can only be used to keep the tribe in its strongest possible state, implying that the only way to do this would be to vote Juan from the game. Jamal is asked about the difficulty of voting, which he explains as getting harder with each visit to tribal council, and that he'd be much happier being able to vote individuals out from the other tribe at this early stage. The group end tribal council on a positive note, all mentioning that they are proud with the progress of the tribe, and that they all remain optimistic for their future despite being down three members from their original eight. Jeff returns with the urn, ready to reveal who will be the fourth person to leave the game.

Juan nods, having been made aware that he was going home by the tribe prior to attending tribal council. The entire tribe stand to bid him farewell, each individually hugging their ex-leader as he departs the game, with his recent ill health proving to be too great of a burden to keep around. After his torch is snuffed, Juan wishes the tribe well, asking one of them to go forth and win the game "for all of us". Mina is seen wiping a tear from her eye as he departs the tribal council area, and is quickly comforted by Jamal, who is sat next to her. The remaining five members of Morgan head back to camp, knowing that if they are to merge at ten, they can no longer afford to attend tribal council, as it would only certainly place them in a minority against the rival Drake tribe.

Voting Confessionals
"morgan"

- (voting for Juan) Juan, I thought to myself how would I beat such huge competition in this game. I hate to say I managed to do it earlier than expected... especially because the circumstances don't seem fair. You deserved better than this, and I'm sorry it couldn't work out for you. Just gotta keep the group strong. See you on the other side.

"morgan"

- (voting for Juan) You're an amazing man, and anyone would be glad to work alongside you. I'm sorry it came to this.

"morgan"

- (voting for Juan) My man Juan. You're a complete boss. If you said jump, we'd all jump. If you said swim all the way to Drake and attack, my ass would probably get in the water. I hate to see you go.

"morgan"

- (voting for Mina) Not a personal vote, just a throwaway I suppose. The only chance I had to stay was to vote for you, but I don't expect anything to come of this. Good luck.

"morgan"

- (voting for Marcus) Wasn't my personal choice, but I'm sticking with the tribe. I trust you more than the girls... but... yeah. Sorry buddy.

"morgan"

- (voting for Juan) One of the people out here who I adore talking to. You're incredibly respectful... highly respected, and have been a friend to all of us. I hate voting for you, but your recent health scare has got us worried for you. I wish you well.

Final Words
"morgan"

- What an experience. Possibly the best twelve days of my recent years. I loved being on the Morgan tribe, and I loved being around such wonderful, beautiful individuals. This game is something that not many of us get to experience, and even though I only got a small taste of what I wanted, I will treasure it forever and be eternally grateful for being able to participate. I wish my tribe luck, and hope one of them can claim the money for themselves. Maybe I can help them handle it... (laughs).