Five days had gone by since the two tribes merged, and a lot of things had already changed. A bright green "Talnuska" flag stood blowing against the wind, where the "Tala Neki" flag had formerly called home. A small clearing where the castaways slept was cramped and uncomfortable at night, and food was going very fast. But certain aspects of the new tribe were welcome to everyone.

Joanne was grateful to have two more female helpers by her side. Connie and Katrina gladly pitched in during the cooking, and Jack, Eugene, and Bernard accompanied Tom, Whit, and Jason on the fishing duties. Dr. Blackgaard had agreed to the task of getting water, which was located in a water hole that had been dug by the producers. He hiked two kilometers there and back each day alone, carrying jugs of water. When people offered to help him, he insisted he could handle things on his own. Whit assumed that this was Blackgaard's way of dealing with the rest of the people on the island. He had not been on very good terms with them before and these walks probably gave him some time to collect his thoughts.

However evil Blackgaard's schemes had been in the past, the castaways had definitely noticed a change in the man. He offered help when he saw people having trouble, he helped clean the fish before supper, he even took a smaller portion of food then the rest of the castaways, so that he could feed his cat Sasha who he had brought along. Sure there was an occasional temper that flared up once in a while, but it was obvious he was trying hard to keep it under control.

During the afternoon of day thirty-seven, Dale Jacobs approached them as they were finishing lunch. "Hey there!" he said, and sat down beside them. "I guess you're all wondering why I'm here. Well, it's time for a challenge. We're going under water for this one, so if you wanna get changed into something more comfortable, be my guest."

A few minutes later, the ten remaining castaways followed Dale to a small dock that had been set up earlier in the day. "Here we are guys", he said, while the rest of the castaways sat around the dock with their feet dangling in the water. "It's an old fashioned contest this time around, and the winner will be going back to camp with Immunity from the vote. The object of the game is to try and hold your breath the longest, while staying underwater. The last person to emerge will receive this necklace right here that we call 'The Immunity Necklace'." He passed around a small necklace that was decorated in shells and beads.

"Now, if you look closely below the water, you can see a metal bar down there. That bar is what will keep you below the surface while you're holding your breath. Whenever your ready, jump into the water and we'll begin the contest."

The contestants slid of the dock and into the water, splashing water around the dock. "One big breath", Dale called out, and got ready to blow his whistle. "On the count of three then. One, two three!" He blew his whistle and the castaways lowered themselves into the water. All of them grabbed hold of the metal bar that was firmly rooted into the ground below, and held their breath.

The castaways looked around at each other, anxious to see who would be the first to go. Forty-five seconds went by before anyone gave up. Joanne Allen was the first to go, she knew she wouldn't outlast the rest of the competitors and decided it was in her best interest to quit. Not too long afterwards, both Jack and Tom floated up to the surface. When the time reached the one minute mark, Whit let go of the bar and ascended to the dock. Blackgaard's face was beginning to turn blue, but he wasn't going to give up. He knew he was still at risk of being voted off, and needed this victory.

Ten more seconds went by, Connie looked over at Katrina and gave a little smile. She rose through the waters, and Katrina followed close by. It was now down to the final four. Eugene, Bernard, Jason and Blackgaard, all hoping they would stay on the bar long enough to win. But for Blackgaard, he just couldn't take it anymore. His lungs were dying for oxygen, and even though he was in a vulnerable position, he let go of the bar.

A minute and a half went by, and then Eugene gave a wave to the other two castaways. He propelled himself towards the surface, where the seven other castaways congratulated him on his efforts. Below the water, Bernard and Jason were still holding onto the bar. Two minutes went by, and they were both holding on tightly. Jason looked up and saw the other contestants cheering them on. He was getting lightheaded, and wanted to let go. He made up his mind, he was going to quit. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Bernard floating upwards. Bernard had given up, and Jason had won the contest.


Ten castaways remained of the original sixteen. George, Doris, Bart, Walter, Rodney and Harlow had already been sent home. One more person would be joining that ever growing list tonight, and the contestants were already on their way towards "Jacob's Ladder" where they would find out the new inductee.

Dale Jacobs was already waiting for the castaways when they arrived in the clearing. "Hey again" he said, as they took their seats around the fire. "Welcome to the first 'Jacob's Ladder'. As you already know, I will be hosting the show until Dern gets out of hospital."

"How is he Dale?" Regis asked, "I do hope he's all right."

"He'll be fine Doctor, but he's in no condition to host. At least not yet, anyway."

"Very well", Regis replied with a slight grin on his face.

"Well then, I suppose we should get right to the votes. I'll be back in moment." Dale walked out of the clearing and away from view, obviously gone to count the number of votes each castaway was receiving.

The castaways looked around at each other. Whit had lost thirty pounds since arriving on the island, and looked much like he had when he was younger. Eugene and Tom had also become very thin due to lack of food, and looked very sick. They had just barely reached the halfway point of their time on the island, and they were already hoping they could be back in their nice warm beds. The challenge of surviving the island had become increasingly more difficult every day, and some were now viewing the prospect of being voted off a blessing.

Dale Jacobs finally returned. "I have the results, and let me be the first to tell you... it was a very close race. I'm afraid though, that was a clear winner in the end as Joanne Allen took the lead. Sorry Joanne, but the fans have spoken."

Joanne stood up and embraced Jack. "I'll miss you", she whispered into his ear and then kissed his cheek. "I'll miss all of you!" she said as she backed away from Jack. "I can't wait to see you all back in Odyssey! I'll send everyone your love, including your mom Connie. I know how much you miss her." She waved good-bye to her friends, and kissed Jack once more. "Good-bye everybody", she cried and then walked out of the clearing.


Joanne Allen was the first person to be voted off the island since the two tribes merged. Below are some comments from her fellow castaways:

"Oh, Joanne. I'm going to miss her. It was nice to be reunited with her when the merger occurred, but it was short lived. I think a lot of the castaways are going to miss her, not only for her cooking, but for her friendly, outgoing personality. I'll pray for her, and perhaps I can join her soon. This island is really getting to me."
- Jack Allen, Talnuska

"Oh, Joanne was a very sweet lady. I've talked with her only on a few occasions, but I got the impression she was genuinely hoping to go home. I assume many of the castaways are beginning to feel that way. Seventy days is a very long time to spend on the island, and we are only half way through. I'm praying I have the strength to last."
- Katrina Shanks, Talnuska

The second Individual Challenge will be held tomorrow! Be sure to come by, and see the next candidates for "Jacob's Ladder" to be held on Day 45!


The Talnuska tribe was hungry... very hungry. They had been on the island for a total of forty two days, and still had one month ahead of them. Connie was pale, and had been feeling very sick. The producers had called in a doctor to examine her, but found the only way to treat her illness was with some medicine that she insisted made her feel no better. However, she was still up for the challenge that awaited the tribe that day, and tagged along with the crew towards 'Beleze Beach' where their challenge awaited.

They had been to this part of the island only once before, where at that time it had been challenge that saw Tala Neki out run Yumnuska in a relay race. But as they approached the beach, it became apparent they weren't going to be on land for this one. About twenty-five meters from the shore, nine green buoys sat floating in the water.

Dale Jacobs was standing in the sand, waving to the castaways as they arrived. "Welcome!" he said, when they reached the shoreline, "I guess you've already got a pretty good idea where this contest is headed. But, in case your still not sure, I'll fill you in on the details." He turned and gestured at the buoys that were still floating in place, obviously attached to chains that were rooted into the ocean floors below. "See those? Well that's where you're all going to be headed. You're going to start here on the beach, and swim your way towards them. Once you reach the buoy, touch it with your hand, turn around, and then swim back to the shore. After all that, run towards that pillar that is standing over to my left and pick up the necklace that is on it. The first person to grab the necklace will immunity. Are you guys all ready?"

Everyone nodded their heads and Dale gave them each a starting position. He then walked back to where the necklace was standing, and put the whistle to his lips. "Ready? Set... Go!", he shouted and blew the whistle. All nine castaways dived into the water, swimming as hard as they could. Jason developed an early lead, and was pushing himself to the limit. On his right he could see both Jack and Whit closing in behind him. Connie was at the back of the pack, coughing up water, and Katrina was barley ahead of her. Eugene was trying hard to keep up with the rest of his tribe, but was having trouble seeing his buoy since he had taken off his glasses. Jason reached his buoy and was rotating himself towards land when he saw Regis Blackgaard a few feet ahead of him. Blackgaard was pushing himself harder then anyone, he knew what was at stake if he lost the challenge and would be voted off. It was clear fans had not taken to his recent change of heart, and he needed the victory.

Jason began pumping his feet faster, in hopes of catching up, and by the time they were half way back to the shore, they were neck and neck. Blood pressure rising, Blackgaard continued to swim as fast as he could. He was losing breath, but he wanted the victory so badly, he was willing to give it everything. The two approached the shoreline, and climbed out of the water. Both broke into a sprint towards the necklace, which was standing just twenty feet away. Jason was out running Blackgaard, and the odds seemed in his favor. But before Jason knew what had happened, Regis dived for the necklace and tore it from the pillar. He collapsed to the floor and raised his hands above his head, he had won. Jason stood there in disbelief, "Why didn't I dive for it? I could have won!" but it was too late, Regis had gained what he wanted: Immunity.

The rest of the castaways gradually pulled themselves out of the water and walked towards the castaways. Connie, who was shivering violently from the cold, congratulated Regis on his win. The others did the same, and shook hands with Jason who had come in second. One of them would not be there to participate in the next challenge, but who would it be?