Timebomb

**Timebomb** is the fourth episode of *Sequester Canada 1*.

## Story

Sequester bot summarizes the previous episode as the camera switches to the main house where the contestants have woken up. As the contestants awaited the return of the battle match winner, the tension in the house remained palpable. As Kitana returned to the group, the contestants showed their support by applauding her success in the battle match. Michaela expressed her confidence in Kitana's abilities, while Amanda surprisingly revealed that she wanted Thomas to return, acknowledging his trustworthiness after he had taken a risk to work with their group. The next twist, called "pillowcase," was introduced by Sequester bot. In this challenge, contestants were instructed to cover their heads with a pillowcase and stay outside. They were not allowed to talk while the pillowcase was on, and removing it would eliminate them from the challenge. The goal was to keep the pillowcase on until the end of the round. If everyone managed to do so, they would win $1,000, but immunity for the round would be determined by spinning a wheel. The contestants faced a unique challenge, and the outcome of this twist would have a significant impact on the game, potentially offering immunity to one of the players and affecting their decisions in the upcoming round.

As the unique "pillowcase" challenge began, all contestants had their heads covered with pillowcases, and the horn marked the start of the round. Marina strategically decided to endure the challenge, knowing she was safe for the round, with the intention of making it more challenging for one of the male contestants to win immunity. The challenge began with Michaela removing her pillowcase first, realizing that conversing with no one for a mere chance at luck-based immunity wasn't worth it. She decided to drop from the challenge and took the opportunity to search for a Hidden LOS (Locus of Safety). Following Michaela, several other contestants, including Mateo, Kitana, Amanda, Jasmine, and Jin-gyu, also dropped from the challenge. Michaela, with her headstart, managed to spot and secure a Hidden LOS while no one was watching, celebrating her newfound treasure. After an hour, Kai and Alice both decided to drop from the challenge. Kai, being competitive, initially wanted to stay but recognized the importance of strategic conversations over waiting for a chance. Alice, who had been a target due to her showmance with Kai, also dropped to engage in conversations and secure her fate in the game. Alice and Kai seized the opportunity to share a moment and kissed, drawing some attention from their fellow contestants. Meanwhile, Mateo was actively searching for an LOS to ensure safety for both him and Jonas. However, he wasn't aware that Amanda had already found it. Amanda saw this as an opportunity to weaken Mateo and Jonas by potentially eliminating one of them and forcing the remaining player to become a free agent they could align with against Kitana. The "pillowcase" challenge brought a mix of strategic moves, searches for Hidden LOSes, and even a romantic moment, setting the stage for an intriguing turn of events in the game.

As several contestants, including Lyrsa, Toby, Kyler, Marina, Jonas, and Brayden, continued to endure the "pillowcase" challenge for two more hours, Kitana, Michaela, and Jin-gyu strategized about the upcoming round. Kitana and Michaela expressed suspicion about Lyrsa's extended participation in the challenge, sensing that she might be flip-flopping in the game. Jin-gyu voiced his concerns about the previous round, emphasizing the need to bring Alice and Kai to their side. They acknowledged that Jonas and Mateo would likely remain loyal to the opposing faction. Michaela suggested voting out one of the opposing alliance members in the current round to reduce their numbers, a strategy Kitana and Jin-gyu agreed with. In terms of Lyrsa, they recognized the importance of ensuring her loyalty and swaying her back to their side, whether or not she had flipped in the previous vote. Meanwhile, Amanda shared a crucial piece of information with Jasmine she had found a Locus of Safety (LOS), adding to their alliance's power. They discussed targeting either Jonas or Mateo in the upcoming vote, with the intention of having the other become a free agent they could align with. They decided on eliminating Mateo, believing that Jonas might be a more trustworthy ally. Both Amanda and Jasmine were cautious about Kitana discovering that Jasmine was the killer, but they prioritized securing numbers in case they needed to defend themselves against her future actions.

Mateo, after failing to find another Locus of Safety (LOS), decides to call a house meeting to address the situation. In the living room, Mateo expresses his concerns about Lyrsa's flip-flopping tendencies, highlighting that she voted for Kitana in the previous round. He questions whether it's wise to keep someone as unpredictable as Lyrsa in the game. Lyrsa enters the room and responds to Mateo's accusations, implying that he's desperate for attempting to throw her under the bus. However, Mateo counters by revealing two LOSes and announces his intention to use them on himself and Jonas. Lyrsa questions the authenticity of Mateo's LOS, pointing out discrepancies in its appearance compared to Kitana's. Mateo doesn't have a convincing response, and Lyrsa laughs off his attempt to manipulate the vote. After the confrontation, the contestants disperse, with Jasmine and Amanda discussing the situation. They agree that they should target Jonas, as Mateo might predict their move and use one of his LOSes on themselves. Jasmine emphasizes the need to secure the votes of Kitana, Michaela, and Jin-gyu, although Lyrsa's antics from the previous round may complicate their plans. Amanda concurs, expressing concerns about the potential dominance of Mateo and Jonas in the game and the importance of eliminating one of them to prevent them from building an opposing alliance.

Mateo gathers Kitana, Michaela, Jin-gyu, Alice, and Kai in a room to discuss the idea of voting out Lyrsa. He argues that Lyrsa's flip-flopping nature makes her an unreliable ally, and they should consider eliminating her from the game. Alice agrees with Mateo's point, and the group deliberates on whether it's wise to keep someone who constantly changes allegiances. Kitana acknowledges the validity of Mateo's argument but expresses her lingering frustration with Lyrsa's previous actions. After Mateo departs to campaign to other players, Michaela makes a case for keeping Lyrsa. She believes that Lyrsa may be more loyal and could be swayed back to their side now that she's been exposed. Kitana hesitates but agrees that Lyrsa might be useful as a free agent in the future. Jin-gyu suggests targeting Jasmine directly in the upcoming vote rather than preparing for future scenarios. However, Michaela believes they lack the numbers to take such a direct approach. Mateo approaches Jasmine and Amanda, expressing his concerns about Lyrsa's potential flip-flopping and proposing that they vote her out. He suggests that he and Jonas would work with Jasmine and Amanda to target the other group. Jasmine is taken aback by Mateo's revelation that there are rumors about her being the killer, which prompts her to reassess her position in the game. Amanda and Jasmine discuss their voting options, considering whether to target Mateo, Jonas, or Lyrsa. They ultimately lean toward voting for Jonas, as they perceive him and Mateo as more significant threats who could slip through the cracks.

Kai, Jin-gyu, and Alice decide to play the middle ground between the two competing groups in the game. They see an opportunity to avoid being targeted by allowing the two factions to clash while they stay relatively unnoticed. This strategic move provides them with the chance to avoid the spotlight and maneuver through the game with greater flexibility. Lyrsa, feeling upset about her exposed gameplay, decides to apologize to Kitana. She acknowledges her mistake and assures Kitana that she won't repeat it. Kitana, still frustrated with Lyrsa's actions, accepts her apology but emphasizes the need for Lyrsa to mend fences with their alliance to avoid becoming a target. Lyrsa agrees to reconcile with the alliance to rebuild trust and secure her position in the game. Kitana reaffirms her decision to vote out Jonas, as she believes Lyrsa will vote with them, while Mateo and Jonas have shown a history of opposing their alliance.

As the contestants gathered in the living room, the tension in the air was palpable. Brayden, the winner of the pillowcase challenge, received his well-earned reward of $1,000 and, more importantly, immunity from both the vote and the battle match. The vote was the next order of business, and it promised to be a crucial one. Mateo, feeling vulnerable and aware that his name had been thrown around as a potential target, decided to play his LOS. With a confident stride, he approached Sequester bot and presented his LOS to the room. All eyes were on him as the tension reached its peak. Unfortunately for Mateo, it was not enough to secure his safety, as he did not possess the majority of votes. Mateo's LOS play left him exposed and vulnerable, causing him to curse under his breath as he realized his miscalculation. His allies looked on with concern, worried about the repercussions of his failed move. Then came the moment of truth, as Junior bot announced the player who would be eliminated from the game. The room fell into a hushed silence as the fate of one contestant was sealed. "Jonas," declared Junior bot, delivering the verdict with mechanical precision. Jonas rose from his seat, his expression a mix of disappointment and defiance. He had been ousted from the game, and now it was his turn to make a pivotal decision. Jonas scanned the room, his gaze lingering on those who had voted against him. With a mischievous grin, he decided to take a bold and unconventional approach. He chose to create a lovers' quarrel, selecting Alice and Kai as the contenders for the battle match. Alice's reaction was immediate and emotional. She couldn't contain her tears, feeling the weight of the situation and the prospect of facing Kai in a battle match. Her voice quivered as she expressed her frustration and disbelief, questioning Jonas's choice. Kai, though visibly affected by the situation, remained composed. He wished Alice good luck, showing respect for her as they both prepared to enter the challenging battle match.

The battle match named the "Tower of Hanoi" was a test of strategy and patience. Alice and Kai were presented with the challenging task of moving five puzzle pieces from the leftmost side to the rightmost side, adhering to strict rules: they could only move one piece at a time, and a larger piece could not be placed on top of a smaller one. Additionally, all pieces, except the ones being moved, had to be on one of the three designated floor marks. Alice started with a slight lead, demonstrating her dexterity and problem-solving skills. However, Kai was not far behind, showing determination and focus in the face of adversity. Both contestants carefully maneuvered their puzzle pieces, making calculated moves to achieve their goal. As the battle match progressed, Alice managed to move three out of her five pieces into the correct order, while Kai had two pieces in the right place. The competition was intense, with both players inching closer to victory.
In a thrilling photo finish, both Alice and Kai simultaneously placed their final pieces in the correct order. The outcome was too close to call, prompting production to review the footage meticulously to determine the winner. After careful examination, the verdict was announced: Kai emerged as the winner of the Tower of Hanoi battle match. It was a bittersweet moment for both contestants, with Alice eliminated from the game. Before parting ways, they shared a passionate kiss, conveying their affection and support for each other.

As Jonas entered the battle back house, he was met with mixed reactions from the fellow eliminated contestants. Tyrie, who had been involved in a heated confrontation with Jonas earlier, didn't hide his displeasure at Jonas's return. Jonas acknowledged his role in his elimination, attributing it to a combination of Mateo's LOS misplay and his own decision to stay outside and compete for immunity, which ultimately went to Brayden. Blossom expressed her support for Brayden's victory, prompting a sarcastic remark from Sofia, who seemed less enthusiastic about the situation. Alice, who had just lost the battle match against Kai, joined the conversation in tears, and Sofia was quick to offer her comfort and sympathy. Jonas defended his decision to put Alice up against Kai, emphasizing that it was a strategic move in the game. Sofia, however, found it cruel, especially given the close bond between Alice and Kai. She pulled Alice aside to have a private conversation, expressing her disapproval of Jonas's choice and offering solace to her distraught friend.

## Votes

 Kitana (4 votes)
 Lyrsa (1 vote)
 Mateo(used LOS)
 VOTED OUT:Jonas Guevarra