The Deciding Factor

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## *Last One Standing*

**Season**
*Last One Standing*

**Episode**
6/15 (006)

**"The Deciding Factor"** is the sixth episode of *Last One Standing*.

## Plot

==CAMP FANG, Night 10==

The team walks back from camp, mostly unfazed by Nathaniel's departure. The sole exception is Agatha.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Agatha: "So, Nathaniel went home tonight. Not my most ideal situation. Now, I'm not too sure where I stand in this team."

Paula: "I wanted to vote out Veronica, but Nathaniel literally asked us to vote him out, so I obliged. Now, though, I have to work with what I have, which isn't a lot, to defeat Veronica."

--

Paula goes to Agatha once the latter's alone. Paula: "Hey, let me tell you something. We need to vote Veronica. Surely, you notice that?"

Agatha: "You know, I'd love to believe you, but I don't think I can trust you. The first chance you got, you voted out the only other member of my team here."

Paula: "Because he asked us to."

Agatha: "Yes, but you said you would vote for Veronica, and you didn't."

Paula: "Neither did you." She shrugs and leaves. "Suit yourself, though."

--CONFESSIONAL--

Agatha: "This team is in the midst of a civil war. And I am the deciding factor. I don't like that. Right now, my best play would be to lay low so they don't target me next."

--

==CAMP CLAW, Day 11==

The camp is up and preparing for the day. Alex walks out into the forest by himself.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Alex: "I am not in a good spot right now. Elliott's alliance wants me out, and I'm not sure where Emma and Justin stand. So, I have to do my best to survive. Right now, the only viable option is to win every challenge until we eventually merge. And I'm not sure when that will be or if I'll be there, so I'm literally praying to stay in."

--

Matt and Justin are sharpening a pair of sticks with the machete. Emma: "What you guys up to?"

Justin: "Making some spears, and seeing if we can catch some fish out there."

Matt: "We haven't really had luck with food out here."

Justin: "Well, back at Fang, Tom left our rice pot open and the thing was infested with maggots."

Matt: "Really?"

Justin: "Yeah, that's why we voted him out. We wanted Veronica out, but Tom was worse in challenges, and the rice was the last straw."

Matt: "What's the problem with Veronica?"

Justin: "She's a total twit. She has this attitude that rubs most people wrong, and she thinks she has control of this game."

Matt: "Maybe she got voted out last?"

Justin: "That would be sweet. I could not last another day out here with her."

Matt: "Well, here's to not seeing her again, I guess."

Emma: "What about Nathaniel?"

Matt: "What about him?"

Emma: "Well, I heard that everyone here hated him."

Matt: "Where'd you hear that?"

Emma: "Elliott told me."

Matt: "Well, he was wrong. It's really Alex that's been on the outside the whole time. I don't mind him, but Elliott seems bent on voting him out if it's the last thing he does."

Justin: "Strange." He looks at the finished spears. "Alright, let's head out."

Audrey and Lamar are in the water, talking. Audrey: "You know, It'll come time to split from the alliance eventually."

Lamar: "Yeah, I know that, but I want to wait as long as I can. I don't want to get screwed over."

Audrey: "I'll be honest, I feel like Justin and Emma are more trustworthy than Elliott."

Lamar: "They'd be a good fallback plan, I'll admit."

Audrey: "With all the talk they've been giving, it sounds like Veronica's got the bull by its horns on the other team. They probably don't have many allies on Fang, so we can take advantage of that."

Lamar: "Yeah, I'd say we could ally with them and Matt."

Audrey: "Matt? He's a little weird. Good at challenges, but weird."

Lamar: "Tsk. I just think he likes you."

Audrey: "Is that so?"

Lamar: "Yeah. He talks a lot about you."

Audrey: "Sounds creepy."

Lamar: "All the same, it'd be good to have a fifth member on our side, so we have the majority, guaranteed. The teams won't last forever."

Audrey: "That's true. Okay, we could talk with him. But for now, stick with Elliott and vote out Alex when we lose."

Lamar nods. "Agreed."

==CAMP FANG, Day 11==

Veronica talks to Ben and Audrey. Veronica: "Listen, we're down in numbers. So, we'll probably lose. If we do, we need to be sure to vote for Paula."

Agatha: "Yeah. About that, the best we can do is force a tie, though."

Veronica: "I'll think of something if we lose."

Ben: "Okay, so what if we win?"

Veronica: "Then we don't do anything, duh."

Ben: "Yes, ma'am." he salutes.

Veronica: "Cut it out. You're on the fence as it is after voting for Nathaniel last night. Don't give me another reason to vote you out next."

--CONFESSIONAL--

Veronica: "The only reason I *don't* is because I need numbers. But if it comes down to it, Ben's dead meat."

Ben: "I only voted Nathaniel cause I felt bad for the guy. He hurt his leg on my account. I didn't want to force him to stay when he didn't want to."

Agatha: "Yeah... Veronica's very controlling and mean. I'm not sure she's a very good long-term option. She'll probably have my head at some point. But, for now, I don't want to make a big splash, so I'll stick with her."

--

Peter, Violet and Paula are having an alliance meeting of their own. Paula: "Listen, this probably goes without saying, but Veronica is our next target. It'd be stupid to throw the votes any other way. Let's get the tie, then when we revote, stick to our votes. Then, I can beat her in any challenge, easy."

Peter: "If the need arises, I can take their votes. I can do the challenge."

Paula: "No, you have a better relationship with Justin and Emma. If I do somehow lose, it won't be long until the merge, so stick in there, and you can team up with them."

Violet: "But, why are we already planning this? We haven't even gone to the challenge yet."

Paula: "Because, if we lose, it'll be hell. We need to be ready for anything."

Peter: "I just don't like that our hard work in this game would come down to a challenge."

Paula: "I don't like it either, but as long as we're planning ahead, we can beat Veronica if that scenario plays out."

--CONFESSIONAL--

Violet: "I'm not sure how much I like this planning ahead of time. But, I have to be loyal to Paula and Peter. So, I'll do anything to help them out."

--

==CAMP CLAW, Day 11==

Matt and Justin are standing knee-deep in the ocean, searching for fish. Matt: "Hey, dude, can I ask you a question?"

Justin: "Shoot. What you got?"

Matt: "How do you get the courage to tell a girl you like her?"

Justin: "Well, it's not really hard for me, honestly. Usually, they line up themselves to ask *me*. Why?"

Matt: "It's Audrey. I like her, but I'm not sure she likes me back. I don't want to tell her I like her and make a fool of myself."

Justin: "I think you can do it. She seems understanding. And, hey, just remember: if you strike out, there are so many other girls out there. I'm sure you'll find the one."

Matt: "I hope I can."

Justin: "You're a cool dude. I'd give it a shot with her. At least, she'll know you're not a chicken."

Matt: "Alright, I'll give it a go, I guess."

--CONFESSIONAL--

Matt: "I'm kind of afraid. I mean, I'm gonna look like a total fool. Right? Nah, man, I can do it." He inhales deeply. "Just gotta stay cool."

--

A little while later, they return to the camp with five fish. Justin: "Dinner's here!"

Emma: "Oh! Look at all those!"

Elliott: "A lucky day for the fishermen, huh? Congrats. Say... I have a proposal."

Justin: "Oh yeah?"

Elliott: "While we're here, I thought, why not offer you a spot in our alliance? We've already lost our bruiser, Agatha. You'd make a fine replacement."

Justin: "I... accept. It sounds like a plan. And Emma?"

Elliott: "Eh..." he waves his hand dismissively. "She looks nice, sure, but I don't need that."

Justin: "Oh. Well, I can't wait to join forced with you anyway."

Elliott: "Welcome to the club, kid." they shake hands.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Justin: "I'm not sure how to feel about Elliott not including Emma in the alliance. I'm a little worried, to be honest. But, I think I can string her along awhile until the merge, then I'll rejoin Peter and Paula."

--

Lamar wraps the fish in a t-shirt and the team head out for the challenge.

Alex brings up the rear.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Alex: "This challenge is an absolute must-win, or I'm a goner, no question. I

*will* give it my all this challenge."

--

==CHALLENGE, Day 11==

Charles: “Alright, Claw Team! Come on in!”

Claw Team walks in and stands on their team mat.

Charles: “And Team Fang!” The team walks in. “Nathaniel was voted out on Night 10 and placed 14th.”

Alex frowns. Agatha gives a sad smile at Claw from across the way.

Charles: “I'll explain today's challenge. Each team must choose one member to be rolled across this field in a barrel by two teammates. There are three stations, and, at each, the barrel will stop being rolled and the person inside will untie a key. Once you get all three keys, the remaining team members will unlock the boxes of puzzle pieces and assemble this puzzle shaped like my silhouette. The first team to do so, wins Immunity. Sound good?”

Veronica: “No. No, it doesn't.”

Charles: “Fascinating. Let's get the roles chosen and the challenge started.”

==A FEW MOMENTS LATER==

Charles: “Alright. Sitting out for Claw Team is... Lamar.”

Veronica: “Ha! You that sick of Justin already that you wanna throw a challenge?”

Charles: “In the barrel is Emma, and rolling the barrel is Justin and Matt. Alex, Elliott and Audrey are working on the puzzle.”

Charles: “In the barrel for Team Fang is Veronica. Rolling her is Agatha and Peter. Paula, Ben and Violet are working on the puzzle. You ready?”

Veronica: “As I'll ever be. And, you two. You'd better not go fast or roll me over every stick in the field, or I can personally guarantee it'll be the last thing you do. Got it?”

Agatha: “Yeah, I got it.”

Peter: “Just cross your fingers it isn't *you* who goes home, darling.”

Charles: “Alright. When I say go, you go. Ready?”

Veronica: “Ugh. How many times are you going to ask?”

Charles: “GO!”

Veronica and Emma scramble into their teams' barrels. Matt and Justin start rolling very quickly, while Agatha and Peter quickly lose ground. Veronica: “We are losing ground. Mind picking it up?”

Peter: “You didn't want us to go fast.”

Justin and Matt are flying down the field, with Emma hollering from the barrel. The barrel collides with the first post with a thud. Emma slowly gets out, tottering dizzily. Justin: “Go untie the key!”

Emma: “Where is it...?”Matt: “Up there!” He points. It's just over her head. She begins to untie it. Emma: “This is hard. I'm still so dizzy...” She finishes untying the key, right as Team Fang reaches the first post. Veronica gets out. “UGH! You idiots are costing us the game!”

Peter: “It'll be you who's costing us if you don't get untying.”

Veronica rolls her eyes, but gets up and unties the key as Claw Team rolls away across the next stretch of the field.

Charles: “There are mud wallows on this portion of the field. That should make things a bit harder.” He sips a lemonade.

Justin and Matt push the barrel into the mud, where it gets stuck. Matt: “Aw! How deep is this?”

Justin: “This is really unpleasant.” They both push, but aren't moving very quickly. Meanwhile, Team Fang gets to the mud pit. Peter: “Come on, Agatha, we can catch them!” They push and the barrel almost tips all the way to the right.

Justin gives Team Claw's barrel another push. “Bye, guys!” The barrel gets out of the mud and rolls into the second post. Emma, slightly muddy, gets out. Emma: “Guys, I'm muddy.”

Matt: “No time for that, untie the key!” Emma looks up and starts untying it. Justin: “They're getting close...” They are not. Veronica is struggling inside the barrel, making it nearly impossible for Peter and Agatha to push it through the mud.

Peter: “Stop squirming!”

Veronica: “You idiots are getting me filthy!”

Agatha: “It would be a whole lot easier if you would stop moving.” But they finally push the barrel to the second post, just moments after Claw rolls away. Veronica steps out of the barrel and looks at her wrist. She shrieks. “MY DESIGNER WATCH! Peter, you're so DEAD!”

Agatha: “Focus on the challenge!”

Veronica: “I swear to God...” she goes to the key and starts untying.

Charles: “Team Claw is on the final stretch! This one is rigged with swinging rocks. How will they approach it?”

Justin: “We can't run under those things. The gap is too small.” He puts his hands on his hips. Matt: “Y'know, dude, we could just roll it quickly there. Just push it and let it do its own thing.”

Justin: “What if she gets hurt?”

Matt: “That thing is padded like crazy on the inside. She'll be fine.”

Justin: “Alright, fine..” They give it a big push and it rolls across the grass and under the swinging obstacles. One hits it and jostles it off course, making it spin out of control. Justin: “EMMA!”

Veronica has finally finished untying the second key for Fang. “You had better not let me get hit.”

Agatha: “We're gonna try what they did. We're just gonna give you a push.”

Veronica: “Oh, *that* seems responsible.”

Peter: “Duck in! Here goes...” He and Agatha give it a push. It rolls a short way before getting wedged to a stop under a swinging rock. Veronica pokes her head out. “Am I there?”

Peter: “Well, not really...”

Veronica looks over the side of the barrel and sees the problem. “GET ME UNSTUCK. NOW.”

Agatha and Peter walk over, dodging the swinging obstacles with minor difficulty. In the meantime, Emma has rolled her way to a stop somewhere near the post. She gets out and starts untying. Emma: “Guys! I've got the last one...” she hands it to Elliott, who starts unlocking the boxes of puzzle pieces.

Alex looks at the puzzle pieces. “This is supposed to be his silhouette? How?”

Audrey: “Let's figure it out. We've got ages on them. Let's not squander it.”

Alex: “You don't have to tell me twice.” The three examine the pieces and start to put them together in what seems to be a reasonable way.

Veronica: “GUYS! They're *WINNING*!” She's still stuck under the rock.

Peter: “What else is new?” He and Agatha give the barrel a shove, and it rolls out from under the rock and towards the final post. It hits it with a jostle. Veronica: “OW! Watch it!” She gets out and starts on the final key.

Paula: “Veronica, hurry! We can still catch them!”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Paula: “I don't like encouraging Veronica... or working with her at all... but I want to *win*.”

--

Veronica hands the key to Ben and slumps to the ground. Ben: “We can do this guys!” He throws open the boxes and puts the puzzle pieces on the worktable.

Alex looks over at Team Fang. “Guys... they've caught up.”

Elliott: “Well, then we'd better hurry.” He puts two pieces together to form Charles' chin.

Audrey builds the ear and some hair. Audrey: “How big is Charles' head?”

Charles: “Hey! My head is not big.” He looks at his face studiously in a hand mirror. “Yeah. It's not big.”

Alex: “Why is that relevant?”

Audrey: “So we know how many of these black pieces go in the middle.”

Elliott: “Let's work on the edges first, then we can fill it in.”

Paula, Ben and Violet continue to build, catching up quickly to the Claw Team. Paula: “I think I got his hair. If you guys start working on the rest.”

Ben: “Sounds like a plan, dude.” He and Violet scour over the pieces and continue to build.

Charles: “This just in! Team Fang has the lead!”

Justin: “Come on, CLAW! You can Do This!”

Elliott: “We're trying. This is harder than you'd expect.” He puts some more pieces, finishing the edge pieces. “Alright, guys, let's fit in the middle.”

Alex: “This will probably be even harder.” He holds up a piece. He tries to piece a couple together, but they don't fit.”

Violet and Ben, meanwhile, are making good progress on the insides while Paula continues to finish the hair. Violet: “We've got this guys. Just three more pieces.”

Ben: “Haha! No elimination for us!” He puts one of the pieces.

Violet: “Wait a minute...”

Ben puts another one on, then the final piece. Except... there's a problem. Violet: “Why is there a piece missing? Did we drop one?”

Paula and Violet check under the worktable.

Alex looks over at Team Fang's puzzle. “Guys, they're missing a piece. We can still pull this off.”

He and Audrey put a few more pieces on.

Charles: “It's a close one! It'll be down to whoever can put that last piece in!” Alex and Audrey shift pieces around in the middle to try and fit the final piece. Paula comes up with the final piece and the Fang squad also tries to jam it.

Charles: “This won't fit in easily! Who will get it first?”

It's a mad scramble for the last piece. Charles: “And, the winner isssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss..... TEAM CLAW!” Alex and Audrey sigh. Elliott screams with joy.

Elliott: “TAKE THAT! YOU CAN'T KEEP *US* DOWN! YEEAHH!”

Justin shakes his head. Veronica: “Yeah. We get it, you beat us. No need to rub it in.”

Elliott stops.

Charles: “Claw Team. You've won Immunity. Congratulations. Fang Team. I hate to say it, but you face your third vote in a row. Go home and I'll see you tomorrow night for the Elimination Meet.”

== CAMP CLAW, Night 11==

Matt: “Let's go, team! We've done it again!”

Justin: “Let's stay undefeated, alright?”

Elliott: “About that, Justin... can I have a word?”

Justin: “Sure. What's up?”

Elliott takes Justin aside and lowers his voice. Elliott: “Listen. I know winning is great fun and all, but we have to get rid of Alex before we merge and he can jump to the other team.”

Justin: “Yeah, but right now, let's ride the momentum. When we lose, we'll handle him.”

Elliott: “It's not just Alex, Justin. Emma, too. She's not all that trustworthy. Suspiciously quiet. I feel like she's gathering info for the other team so she can turn on us. We have to lose from here on out.”

Justin: “But Emma's with me...”

Elliott: “I understand that. But, *this*, this is for the better of the team.”

Justin: “Alright.”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Justin: “Well, Elliott wants rid of Emma and Alex. Personally, I never saw a problem with Alex, but if he goes, it's a non-factor for me. Emma, on the other hand, is not my ideal elimination. I have to try and change Elliott's mind about her.”

--

==CAMP FANG, Night 11==

Veronica walks back into camp first. She takes Ben and Agatha aside temporarily. “Listen, it's Paula tomorrow. Got it? No chance we vote anyone else.”

Ben: “Alright.”

Agatha: “What did Paula do?”

Veronica: “She tricked me. She's against me, and she wants me out. What other reason should I have?”

Agatha: “Alright then...”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Veronica: “I don't really trust Agatha too much, but I need to at least through this ceremony. In the meantime, Charles mentioned an Idol at the last ceremony, which means there's one out there. I must find it.”

Agatha: “Veronica wants Paula out... but I like Paula. And I saw the way Veronica acted in the challenge, it makes me wonder if I should flip my vote.”

--

Veronica sneaks out of the camp and heads into the forest, checking to make sure she's alone. Veronica: “Somewhere in here is the idol. Where could it be?” She looks in tree hollows, under bushes, and in between rocks. Nothing.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Veronica: “Well, no luck today. I guess I'll have to check tomorrow.”

--

==CAMP CLAW, Day 12==

Alex wakes up early. Justin and Emma are setting up for a fishing trip. Alex approaches them. Alex: “Hey, guys... can we talk real quick, before Elliott's up?”

Justin: “Sure, what's up?”

Alex: “Well, you know... Elliott wants me out, so I'm doing my scrambling. Can't help it. I want to stay in.”

Justin: “You've got to commend the perseverance.”

Alex: “Well, you probably know where I'm going with this... an alliance wouldn't be too amiss, would it?”

Emma: “We'd love to!”

Justin: “Yeah. Only thing is, Elliott's already asked us. Well, me.”

Alex: “I figured.”

Justin: “Sorry to disappoint, man.”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Alex: “Well, that seals it. No Idol, no alliance. I am officially a dead man walking. The only thing I can hope for is to keep winning and wait until the teams merge into one and see what kind of hand I'm dealt.”

--

Later, Elliott, Matt and Lamar are by the campfire, cooking some beans and rice. Lamar: “What's on your mind?”

Matt: “Aw, nothing. Just something Justin said.”

Elliott: “What did he say?” he looks suspiciously at Matt. Matt looks up at him. “Oh, nothing. Something about Audrey is all.”

Elliott: “What about Audrey? Is she scheming?”

Matt: “No, no. He encouraged me to tell her that I like her, but I'm not so sure.”

Lamar: “You can do it, dude. Besides, if she says no, I'm sure you can find someone else outside of this show.”

Elliott: “What? You wanna hook up with Audrey? Save that crap for after the show.”

Matt: “Why?”

Elliott: “No room for romance out here. It'll cost you.”

Lamar: “True, but if we keep on winning, there will be nobody to want him out, right?”

Elliott: “Of course, but we don't know that we will keep on winning. And what happens if Fang sees you two being a couple as a threat? Then you're gone.”

Matt: “Alright, then. You make me feel so much better about the situation.”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Matt: “Elliott is the least-helpful wingman in history. Seriously. The guy only cares about strategy. Only strategy, all day, everyday.”

Elliott: “Glad that I shook some sense into him. Truth is, if he and Audrey were to get together, I'd be at a numbers disadvantage and I'd have to vote one of them out. I can't afford that, so I have to keep peddling lies.”

--

==CAMP FANG, Day 12==

Veronica takes Ben and Agatha aside once again. “Listen up here. Paula. That's who we're voting. She'll try to sway your votes, but don't buy into it. It's just a trap.”

Agatha: “Got it.”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Agatha: “All Veronica has told me since I got on this team is who to vote for. I'm really getting worried that I made the wrong decision teaming up with her instead of Paula.”

--

Veronica leaves Ben and Agatha alone and heads into the forest. She looks above her in the tree branches.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Veronica: “I needed to get my hands on the Idol so if Paula's dumb enough to try and force a tie, I can guarantee my safety. So, I started looking in the good hiding spots.”

--

She shakes some branches with a stick, going from tree to tree down the forest path. On the fourth tree, lo and behold, something falls out of the branches. She picks it up. It's the Immunity Idol.

Veronica: “Bingo.”

--CONFESSIONAL--

Veronica: “Look what I found.” She cracks a mischievous smile. “Now, Paula stands no chance. But, I'm not gonna want to use this thing right away, so I can use to leverage a vote off of Violet.”

--

She walks out of the forest with a pep to her step. She walks to where Violet is moseying through the tall weeds with a stick. Veronica: “Whatchya doing?”

Violet: “Nothing much. You?”

Veronica: “Oh, just looking at the scenery.”

Violet: “Is that so?”

Veronica: “Yes. And I just happened upon this little gem.” She pulls out the Immunity Idol. Violet's eyes go wide with disbelief. Violet: “No...”

Veronica: “Yes. And here's the best part: if you vote for Paula with me, we can use this later in the game to our own advantage.”

Violet: “Okay... why would we vote Paula?”

Veronica rolls her eyes as if the answer is obvious. “She voted for you, remember?”

Violet: “Yeah, but that was a misunderstanding...”

Veronica: “Misunderstanding or no, she voted you. Who's to say she won't again?”

Violet: “I guess that makes sense.”

Veronica: “Remember. Paula.” Violet nods in response.

--CONFESSIONAL--

Veronica: “I'm not sure how trustworthy Violet is. So, I'm going to use this little baby tonight.” she kisses the idol.

Violet: “I want to make it up to Paula for the misunderstanding we had before... So I'll tell her about Veronica's idol. But what worries me is what will happen then.”

--

Violet finds Paula and Peter in the ocean. Violet: “Guys. Urgent news.”

Paula looks up to her. “What's up?”

Violet: “Veronica has an Idol.”

Peter: “That's ridiculous. Paula already used it.”

Violet shrugs. “I just know what I saw. And it looked an awful lot like the one Paula had.”

Paula: “It's possible that Agatha had it and gave it to Veronica in exchange for her trust.”

Peter: “Bad move, if you ask me.”

Violet: “So, what do we do? She's talking about voting for you.”

Paula: “This complicates things... I guess we'd have to change our vote. Ben?”

Peter: “It would seem to be our best option.”

Violet: “But I kind of like Ben.”

Paula: “We have no choice. We could take out Agatha, but we need her number for potential merge.”

Peter: “Damn. Well, tonight will be interesting for sure.”

A few moments later, the team leaves for the elimination meet.

==ELIMINATION 6, NIGHT 12==

Team Fang walks into the Elimination Circle.

Charles: “Welcome, Team Fang. Three times in a row. Doesn't bode well.”

Veronica: “Yeah, well, good thing we've got an interesting elimination tonight.”

Charles: “Bold prediction.”

Veronica: “Not really. They think they're gonna vote me, but I have protection.” She pulls out the Immunity Idol on a string and puts it around her neck like a necklace. “I'm using this tonight. For sure.”

Paula looks at Peter and Violet.

Veronica goes on. “If I was them, I'd consider not wasting their votes on me tonight.”

Charles: “Well, that was a twist.” Veronica beams. “Alright, then. I guess that makes your jobs harder tonight. Agatha. How do you consider who to vote for after a twist like that?”

Agatha: “I have been wooed by both sides, in a metaphorical sense. Paula wants me to vote out Veronica to help form a strong four, but Veronica over here wants me to force the tie and dominate the rest of the team phase. It was a difficult decision, but I feel Veronica's just made it a bit easier.”

Charles: “Ben. How much longer do you think this 'team phase' will go on?”

Ben shrugs: “It beats me, Charles. I'd say my best guess is a couple eliminations after tonight, and we merge teams at ten or nine.”

Peter nods. “I think we all kind of expect that.”

Charles: “Violet. When the merger comes, and it will, how do you see it going down? Does Fang stick together and try to outlast Claw, or what?”

Violet: “Definitely not. There's too much division on this team. I don't think we'll all stick together as one big happy team in a merger situation, because we're not. We have two clear-cut alliances, then there's Agatha.”

Charles: “Agatha. Sounds like you're in the middle. The Swing Vote, if you will.”

Agatha: “Yep. I was last time and I am now. I just hope that whatever I choose doesn't wind up becoming my downfall.”

Charles: “With that, it is time to vote. Ben, you're first.”

One by one, the contestants enter the voting booth.

->VOTING BOOTH<-

Veronica: “Bye, Paula. You thought this would be the epic showdown, but...” she waves her Idol at the screen. “I've brought a bazooka to a fistfight.”

--

Peter arrives from voting. Charles: “Alright, I'll get the votes.”

He returns shortly with the jar of votes. “If anyone has an Immunity Idol, Veronica, and you'd like to play it, Veronica, now would be the time to do so. Veronica?”

Veronica smirks, stands up and strides across the Elimination Circle. Veronica: “I'm using this on myself tonight. No way I'm going down.”

Charles examines it a moment. “Alright. This *is* an Immunity Idol. Any votes against Veronica do not count. I'll read the votes.” Veronica goes back to her seat and sits down.

Charles: “First vote... Paula.”

“Second vote... Paula. That's two votes for Paula.”

“Third vote... Paula. Three votes for Paula.” Paula glares at Agatha as Charles continues to read the votes.

Charles: “Fourth vote... Agatha. One vote for Agatha.” Agatha and Veronica look shocked.

Charles: “Fifth vote... Agatha. Two votes for Agatha, Three votes for Paula. One vote left.” He pulls out the next vote.

“The sixth person voted out of Last One Standing....” Paula shakes her head and grabs her things. “Will be decided with a revote. Sixth vote is for Agatha, we have a tie.”

Paula heaves a sigh of relief. Charles: “Here's how things will go. Agatha and Paula may not revote. Everyone else may only vote for Agatha or Paula. Ben, start us off.”

Ben takes the jar of votes and heads to the voting booth.

->VOTING BOOTH<-

Peter: “Agatha... it's time to go. Shouldn't have hesitated on our alliance invitation.”

--

Peter heads back last again and Charles retrieves the votes. Charles: “Alright. If this is a tie again, we will move to a tiebreaker challenge. I'll read the votes. First vote... Agatha.”

“Second vote.... Paula. One vote Agatha, one vote Paula.”

“Third vote... Agatha.”

He looks at the final vote. “The sixth person voted out of Last One Standing..................”

Agatha and Paula look at each other worriedly.

Charles: “Agatha. Three votes is enough, it's time for you to go.”

Agatha grabs her bags and heads off under the “BYE!” sign. She says nothing. Veronica looks astonished.

Charles: “Well, Six down, twelve to go. You'd better hope you don't wind up here again next week, or it could cost you. Head out. I'll see you for tomorrow's challenge.”

The team heads out, Paula talking excitedly to Peter and Violet.