Now Or Never

**Now Or Never** is the sixth episode of *Sequester Canada 2*.

## Story

Fembot introduces the pre-jury battle back competition named "Circle." The mechanics involve contestants standing in a circle, engaging in conversation, and, at the end of each round, pointing at the person they wish to eliminate. The competition spans eight rounds, and in the final round, the eliminated player has the power to choose who to drag out with them. The first round commences, and Melina, strategizing for her survival, acknowledges the need to form an alliance with her rival, Karalease, to avoid elimination. Meanwhile, Lewis anticipates the formation of a female alliance, recognizing the threat it poses to him. Lewis aims to exploit the rivalry between Melina and Karalease to ensure his safety. As the contestants engage in discussions, Melina discreetly communicates with Kalina, emphasizing the pettiness of her rivalry with Karalease and advocating for collaboration. Despite initial hesitations, Kalina agrees to work together. When it comes to voting, a debate ensues about whether to eliminate Karalease or Lewis. The majority decides to oust Lewis, pointing to his perceived lack of value and controversial statements. Lewis attempts to defend himself but is ultimately eliminated, with the circle pointing fingers at him. In the second round, Kaito Tashima makes a plea for his survival, asking the others not to vote for him. However, the majority of the contestants are resolute in their decision, pointing fingers at Kaito and sealing his elimination. Despite Kaito pointing at Karalease, the collective vote sends him out of the competition, intensifying the gameplay and narrowing down the field. In the subsequent round, with the easier targets eliminated, the intensity of the game escalates. Karalease Martinez expresses her intention to align with Melina's side now that what she refers to as "idiots" are out of the game. Kayla Marsh outlines her strategy of keeping the big talkers in the game so that they eliminate each other, providing her with an opportunity to get back into the competition easily. Tyler and Henry, realizing they are in a pivotal position, start whispering and discuss the need to keep both Karalease and Melina in the game for their safety. Maria Gomez, despite having flipped on Tyler in a previous round, whispers to him, suggesting they vote out Amber, whom she deems the least deserving. This sparks a heated exchange between Maria and Amber, with accusations of undeserving gameplay. The confrontation further divides the group, leading to a split vote in which Maria is ultimately eliminated. In the subsequent round, Kalina Petrov reveals her awareness of Tyler's attempts to play both sides and expresses her intent to eliminate him. She explains that Tyler's strategy involves pitting the contestants against each other until only he remains. Amber, despite having been voted in the previous round, suggests voting Tyler out to prevent his manipulations. Meanwhile, Melina Scott criticizes Kalina's decision, believing that she is jeopardizing the trust of Tyler and Henry, who could be potential allies. Melina shares her perspective with Amber, acknowledging the potential threat posed by duos in the game. She sees Tyler as a key player in breaking up these duos and expresses a willingness to keep Kalina for the time being as an easier target. The group collectively points at Tyler for elimination, with the exception of Tyler himself and Henry, who vote for Kalina, resulting in Tyler's elimination from the circle. In this round, Melina initiates the next phase of her strategic plan. She approaches Henry, who is perceived as being on the bottom, and proposes an alliance against Kalina. Melina assures Henry that if he votes with them to eliminate Kalina, they will then target Karalease in the subsequent round, giving Henry a chance to advance further. Karalease recognizes Melina's strategy and expresses her understanding. She believes Melina's plan is flawed, emphasizing that the trio of Melina, Amber, and Kayla would inevitably vote Henry out, considering them a united front. As the contestants cast their votes, Melina, Amber, Kayla, and Henry point at Kalina, resulting in her elimination. Conversely, Karalease and Kalina vote for Melina. In this part of the game, Melina and Karalease engage in whispered strategizing. Melina reveals to Karalease that she favored keeping her over Kalina for a reason. She proposes a plan to target either Amber or Kayla and gain Henry's allegiance, emphasizing the need to eliminate duos in the game. Karalease agrees to the plan and proceeds to whisper the same strategy to Henry. The contestants, Kayla and Amber, anticipate voting against Karalease, but they are surprised when both Karalease and Melina point at Amber during the elimination process. Henry, after careful consideration, also points at Amber, resulting in her elimination from the circle. Kayla contemplates whether to target Melina, who seems to be strategically manipulating the other contestants. However, she also considers the dynamics of a potential final between Melina and Karalease, recognizing that they might drag each other out, providing an opportunity for Kayla to re-enter the game. During a whispered conversation with Karalease, Kayla expresses frustration with Melina but acknowledges the need to vote out Henry to prevent him from returning to the competition easily. Karalease agrees with Kayla's reasoning, realizing that voting out Henry aligns with their interests, even though Kayla's plan may seem suboptimal. In the subsequent elimination round, Melina, Karalease, and Kayla vote for Henry, while Henry votes for Melina, resulting in Henry's elimination from the circle. In the final round, with only Melina, Karalease, and Kayla remaining, tension rises as Melina and Karalease point at each other, leaving Kayla in a pivotal position. Kayla, recognizing the importance of her decision, contemplates who is less likely to drag her out. Melina warns Kayla that if she votes for her, she will be dragged out, emphasizing the potential consequences. Karalease also chimes in, urging Kayla to make a wise choice and cautioning her about the repercussions of her decision.

The scene transitions back to the main house as the remaining contestants eagerly await the return of the pre-juror outside. Misty Chen expresses her hope for Melina's return, considering her a valuable ally in the game. Liam Kinsley reveals his desire for Tyler's return, anticipating strong support from him in the ongoing game. Azalyn Waters, on the other hand, is indifferent about the returnee as long as it's not Maria, who she perceives as a threat. As the suspense builds, Melina is revealed as the returning contestant. The house erupts in applause, and Misty and Melissa warmly greet her. A flashback is shown, capturing the moment when Kayla pointed at Karalease during the "Circle" competition. Karalease seizes the opportunity to taunt Kayla, expressing satisfaction at her elimination. Kayla, disappointed in her near miss, reflects on the outcome. Meanwhile, Melina, triumphant in her successful manipulation of the "Circle" game, vows to wreak havoc in the house. Fembot then introduces the next round, titled "Now or Later." The unique twist involves two rounds of voting, making it a double round. Contestants must decide whether to vote in the first round and forfeit their vote in the second or save their vote for the second round. Melina, being immune and recently returned, attains the ability to vote in both rounds. The contestants are urged to strategize wisely for the challenging double-round scenario.

The strategic discussions intensify as Marcel reflects on the challenge Melina's return poses to his game. He and Ethan plan to navigate the round carefully, potentially forming an alliance with Azalyn despite her recent exposure. Meanwhile, Misty, Melina, Melissa, and Mackenzie gather to discuss their next move. They consider targeting Liam, who seems to be a divisive figure. Melissa notes Liam's mistreatment of Marcel and Ethan, suggesting him as a potential house target. Mackenzie questions the alliance's decision to target Liam, proposing a shift toward someone more strategically threatening, like Azalyn. Melina recognizes the importance of ensuring votes in the first round to gain power in the second. The focus shifts to Liam, Dominick, Tanishq, and Marco, who deliberate on their target for the round. Liam suggests voting out Misty to weaken the girls and take advantage of Ethan and Marcel's potential animosity towards her. Marco and Dominick acknowledge their reservations about Liam but see value in keeping him as a house target. Tanishq highlights the challenge of balancing the votes to prevent becoming vulnerable to Melina's influence. Tanishq reveals he is undecided on the target and expresses concerns about the consequences of eliminating either a girl or Liam. Dominick discloses his possession of a LOS, emphasizing his readiness to use it if needed.

The strategic discussions continue as Azalyn, Ethan, and Marcel assess Tanishq's plan and its potential implications. Tanishq's revelation about Dominick's LOS adds a new layer of complexity to the decision-making process, prompting the group to consider the best course of action. Marcel expresses concerns about Tanishq's motives, suggesting that Tanishq might be prioritizing his own safety. Azalyn emphasizes the importance of strategic voting to mitigate the risk of being at Melina's mercy during the second round. The group deliberates on whether to vote out Misty or Liam in the first round and how this decision might impact the subsequent dynamics. Tanishq's proposal to abstain from voting in the first round to balance out Melina's influence in the second round is met with varying degrees of skepticism. Marcel considers an alternative plan, contemplating the idea of voting out Liam and convincing Melina to cast her sole vote on Dominick. However, concerns about potential exposure and targeting arise. Azalyn engages Ethan and Marcel in a discussion, pointing out the potential consequences of each decision and highlighting the importance of preserving their own positions in the game.

The double-round challenge unfolds with Misty being eliminated in the first round, choosing Liam as her opponent for the battle match. The contestants then face the second round, where Melina's single vote power is nullified by Ethan and Marcel's strategic abstention. The group collectively decides to vote out Dominick in this round, perceiving him as a strategic threat and close ally to Liam. As Dominick is eliminated, Dominick, in turn, selects Marcel as his opponent, expressing his belief that Marcel has something to prove.

In this unique challenge called "LOS Heist" where the contestants aim to make shots and move the LOS towards them, speed, accuracy, and strategic maneuvering become crucial factors. Misty's perseverance and strategic gameplay allowed her to secure a victory over Liam in a challenge that required stamina and accurate shots. In the subsequent match between Dominick and Marcel, Marcel's proficiency in making shots and efficient movement enabled him to outpace Dominick, securing a swift win.

## Battle Back

 RETURNED TO GAME:Melina Scott

## Votes (Round 1)

 Liam (4 votes)
 VOTED OUT:Misty Chen