Post by Amanda Kimmel on Mar 23, 2012 23:36:47 GMT -5
Episode 2: Call of the Kalahari
Night fell. Amanda waited at Tribal Council for the eighteen Americans to show up. The structure, a firepit underneath a large canopy of brush, wasn’t exactly the most comfortable Tribal Council the team had built. Pondering the sweetness of the rock-laden All-Stars structure, or the one inside a Cappadocian cave dwelling, Amanda had hoped that despite the accommodations, this place would bring out the best and worst in people.
Considering that two people were to be voted out that evening, Amanda knew there would be drama. Amanda knew there would be trouble. Amanda only hoped that someone would lip off the same way Scout had done back in Namibia:
Scout: “If Matty didn’t do, then who did? Name a name!”
J.T.: “I’m not going to name names, you’ve done that already. That’s YOUR job, apparently!”
Scout: “You guys can’t name any names because I’m right! You two are working together!”
Matty: “Okay Scout, thanks for making sure the whole tribe knows that.”
J.T.: “Believe what you wish, I know what I know.”
Scout: “See, Matty and JT used fear tactics which is sad. “You don’t want me for an enemy,” “I run shit,” these are things they have said.”
J.T.: “Oh Scout, do share the names of those who said that to you.”
Scout: “JT, for your information, I am not the person that brought your name up to be voted out. Just so you get your facts straight.”
J.T.: “Awesome, Scout ~ Let's both name some names? Who brought me up? REVEAL them, lets see, I'm curious.”
Scout: “No, I'm not going to name them because I want them to know that I trust them and that I am loyal to them and even if I go out I can still leave knowing that I left loyal.”
Matty: “Well then, you're obviously lying. Because it's impossible for us to be trying to be loyal to our sources, right? But its okay if you are?”
Sigh… I miss Namibia, Amanda thought to herself, pulling the bill of her hat lower over her eyes. Such fun times. Fights, blindsides, Sierras…
Thoughts flashed into her head about the planning for Kalahari.
“We need another Namibia,” Amanda said.
“That we do,” Erik replied.
“Why don’t we go back to Africa, then?” DD suggested.
“Let me scout for locations,” Amanda said sarcastically.
Amanda pulled up Google Maps on her Android and looked around for areas in southern Africa. After a few minutes, she stumbled across this:
“Bingo.”
Hence, Deception Valley was going to be the location AND the twist. A twist to end all twists. An epic mess of villains and fear. And Amanda was going to love every second of it.
Eighteen Americans suddenly disrupted her thought process by the sound of footsteps in the distance. Amanda stood up, adjusted her hat, and relaxed her posture.
“Come on in, guys! Behind each of you is a torch, dip it in and get fire. In this game, fire represents your life. As long as your torch burns, you stay in the game; if your fire's gone, so are you.”
~~~
Two torches were snuffed that night. Two people left the game. Amanda felt bad for one of them. But it had to happen.
Sitting down in her cozy room back at the lodge, she was stressed. She couldn’t think of a Treemail to write. She pulled out her Android.
“Let’s see,” she mumbled to herself. “It’s eleven here. It’s 2 PM back home…”
Amanda was thankful that Erik had managed to set up a cell tower on top of the lodge. He was good with that stuff.
“Who should I call first?” Amanda thought out loud. “I know. Probably the one who taught me to write poetry!”
She dialed. Three rings later, Andy picked up.
“Hey honey!” Andy said enthusiastically. “What’s up?”
“Missing you, what else?” Amanda replied flirtatiously.
“I miss you so much.”
“I miss you even more so much.”
“I don’t know if that’s possible.”
“Then we miss each other equally?”
They both laughed.
“I love you,” Andy declared.
“I love you, too” Amanda replied.
“So, what else is up?”
“I really need help writing some Treemails. Writer’s block.” -_-
“Oh okay, what’s the challenge?”
Amanda looked around to be sure nobody was watching. She whispered a few sentences into the phone.
“Okay,” Andy replied. “Hmm.”
A minute later, he had something.
Of all the pain you must endure
The prize is worth it, that’s for sure
If you last long, safety is quick
Be careful when you hold the stick
“I like it, but I don’t love it,” Amanda replied. “Well, I do love you.”
Andy laughed. “I love you too, darling.”
The two shared a brief phone kiss.
“Am I going to get to come over there this season?” Andy asked.
“You bet your life on it!” Amanda was enthusiastic.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“I wish I could kiss you right now.”
“Only a kiss?”
“One thing leads to another.”
“Always.”
“Phone kiss?”
“Heck yeah.”
Smoochy smoochy.
“I gotta go,” Andy said. “Call me tomorrow?”
“Definitely. Love you lots!”
“I love you more!”
“No I love you more!”
Amanda blew him a kiss goodbye as he hung up. Happily, she turned around and saw Parvati standing there, and her smile quickly dissipated.
“Uh…” Amanda was nervous.
“You two are funny,” Parvati replied.
“It’s not what it looks like!”
“I know what it is. Totally.”
Amanda blushed embarrassedly. Parvati came over next to her.
“It’s okay. Like, I know you two do that stuff,” Parvati explained.
“I should have known you were watching, given that we share a room.”
There was a thud from the wall next door, followed by a rip. Amanda and Parvati looked at each other and decided not to say anything.
“Challenge tomorrow?” Parvati changed the subject.
“Heck yes,” Amanda replied.
“Treemail?”
“I’ll tinker what Andy gave me a little, I’m sure he won’t mind.” Amanda smiled.
For all the pain you must go through
The prize is worth it, just for you
Do well, your safety is granted
Be sure your step is not slanted
“I’m not sure if I like that last line,” Parvati replied.
“Andy’s was better,” Amanda groaned. “He’s the one with an English degree.”
“And he taught you everything he knows.”
For all the pain you will endure
A prize well worth it, that’s for sure!
Put your heart in and don’t give out
Those who climb high get more clout
“I like it,” Parvati reviewed.
“Andy would too, but he likes everything I write,” Amanda added.
“I’m sure it’s because it’s charming.” Parvati said cleverly.
Amanda smiled. “Okay, that one it is!”
This challenge is obviously some sort of endurance. It will be posted at 9 PM tomorrow (Saturday) and will last for either 24 or 48 hours, depending on how many people need more time. See you there!
