Tom Riley and Jason Whittaker entered the clearing where their last Dern's Council was being held with lumps in their throats. One of them was going to be leaving that night with an extra million dollars in their pocket, and the other was going to go home with nothing more then lasting memories.

Thirteen of the fourteen castaways who had already been voted off the island were already seated around the fire. Regis Blackgaard was the only one not in attendance, and for good reason as he had not left on good terms with the rest of his fellow tribe members. Bryan Dern was standing at the left of the entrance to the clearing, and Dale Jacobs was on the right. They greeted Jason and Tom as they passed through the trees, and motioned them to their seats beside the fire.

"Good evening everyone!", Dern called out to the fifteen castaways, "Welcome to the final 'Dern's Council' where it will be decided who will go home the winner of Adventures in Odyssey Survivor. The only two contestants left on the island are the good natured farmer, Tom Riley, and the reckless adventure seeker, Jason Whittaker. In one moment, I will be revealing the results of our private ballot and naming the winner. But first, we would like to thank everyone who participated in the voting. It was all up to the fans who went and who stayed, and it could not have been such a huge success without all the fans support. This voting session was no exception, with our largest number of votes ever received. But what's the point in me babbling, let's get to the winner!"

Dale opened a large chest that was sitting off to the side and pulled out a small card which he handed to Dern. Dale then stepped back to let Dern read it to the rest of the castaways. Bryan Dern studied the card for a moment, and then looked over at Tom and Jason who were both looking very pale and white. He looked down at the card again, and then began to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen. The winner, of the first Adventures in Odyssey Survivor is none other then our own... Thomas Riley!"

The thirteen castaways stood up from their seats and went over to where Tom and Jason were hugging and crying into each other's arms. "Congratulations Tom!" Jack said as he patted him on the back, "You earned it."

"Yes Mr. Riley", Eugene said with a big smile on his face, "Kudos to you on your fine accomplishment."

Dale and Dern allowed time for all the castaways to express their happiness for Tom's good fortune. Even the Rathbones were able to find something they wanted to share with him. It had been seventy one days since they arrived on the island, and it was all coming to an end. Tom had won, beating out fifteen very worthy competitors... most of whom with good intentions on what to do with the money. But none of that mattered now. All that mattered was the farmer had won.