The sun sets over the ocean and turns into the smallest sliver of moon.

*ding – ding*

All Pirates to Mid-Ships
Marked Pirates, you know where to stand.
Welcome once again to Pirates Court.
This is the place where all get to have their say.
Looking at laurel and Ben, the Host says one of you will be cut adrift.
The Black Crew won the expedition which put Captain Christa back in power.
You’ve marked these two with a black spot.
Laurel and Ben, You will have your say when you defend yourselves.
Your fellow crew members will have their say when they cast their ballots.
Will you choose to cut one of these adrift, or will you rise up together and mutiny against the captain.
Christa is seen grinning.
If you are tied tonight, Christa will make the decision on who to cut adrift.
Pirates Court is now in session.
Captain, kindly tell the court why you marked these two pirates with a black spot?
Laurel is very hard to read. She doesn’t discuss her strategy for the game.
We see laurel shrug her shoulders.
She doesn’t discuss her allegiance in the game.
I wonder what she thinks about me, because she doesn’t anything about anything.

The Host asks why Christa black spotted Ben.

I wanted to get to the bottom of who was suggesting they didn’t want to go against me in the end.
It was Ben or Jay. They were fighting back and forth.
Laurel confirmed that Ben said it. So at that moment I changed from giving Jay the black spot to Ben.

Jay is seen smiling.

The host asks what offended you.

Christa states; why would I want someone here who doesn’t feel comfortable with me in the end.
That would give them reason to send me home.
In the end I want to go against the best competitors on the ship not the weakest.
I would rather be second best to the best, than best of the worst.

The Host says OK!

Time to defend yourselves.

Laurel defend yourself.

I feel I deserve to be here. I play fair. You know where I stand.
I am not making the same promises to you and you, at the different times.
I’m not rolling like that. I don’t put my self out there because I don’t want the stress.
I’m not hiding anything.
I’m here to play my way.
How do you know you can trust Ben? He’s been part of many groups.
I don’t feel you can trust him personally.
That’s all I got.

The Host asks Louie: how do you feel to see Laurel up there.
It’s hard to see her up there. She’s a free spirit.
She will not be controlled.
It’s tough to see her up there.

It’s tough to see Ben up there.
He’s a great man.
He can run like the wind.
He’s a great competitor, but
I’ve got a bond with Laurel.
She smiles.

The Host asks Jay if it’s smart to keep around a weaker competitor.

Jay answers, At this point in the game you do have to weigh who you could beat in the end with who you’re tight with.
We are human beings, and bad stuff runs through your mind when you start thinking about the money.

Alright, Ben Defend yourself.

I care too much about being here and too much about this experience, that maybe I get a little ahead of myself sometimes.
I do say stupid things like not wanting to go against you in the end.
But the truth of the matter is I care about you.
And this goes for everybody.
Jay, you and I have been like brothers on this thing.
We’ve done a lot damage together,
Had a lot of fun, and it feels good to share it with people.
You can’t make it to the end by yourself.
I’m not embarrassed or ashamed to humble myself to say I think we can help each other.
I’ll do what I need, I’ll cut my food in half, I’ll do what you guys feel is necessary for me to stay here.
I just want one more day; I’m not ready to go.
When you cut me adrift, you’re cutting my dreams and my hopes.
It’s not just treasure; it’s my whole life and existence here on the ship and adventure.
I want this with every tiny piece of my body and soul.
I’ll do what ever it takes for you guys to trust me.

Ben looks up at Christa and smiles.

Jay looks down and the Host asks:

Jay, you and Ben were part of the original Triad. How do you feel about him now?
I’m really struggling with that.
I know for a fact that he was down there doing everything he could to discredit me.
I got to ask myself how do I trust someone who was ready to cut me adrift with out even blinking.
Do I have it in my heart to give him another chance, and if I do, is he going to come up behind me and bury one in my back.

The Host says, let’s get to it then. The business end of Pirates court.

You both have three cards in your wallets, one for each pirate, and a mutiny card.
Pirates it’s time to cast your ballots.
Louie walks up, takes the sheaf off, and plunges his card onto the knife.
Jay walks up, turns around to look at the captain, then plunges his card onto the knife.

The host says, two pirates, two ballots, Lets see what you’ve done.

He retrieves the cards and walks back to his spot.

Let’s get the ballots for mutiny out of the way.
Captain, there are no ballots for mutiny, you are safe...

Christa smiles and says thanks.

The Host continues: But you are not off the hook.
There is a tie.
He lays down a card for Ben and Laurel.

In the case of a tie the captain will decide who to cut adrift.

Christ grabs her hat and hangs her head and releases a big sigh.

Jay gives a nod to Ben who nods back.

15 seconds later the Host says Captain the time has come.

5 more seconds pass before Christa gives her answer.

I base my decisions on feeling and relationships.

I feel Ben and I had a close relationship up until today...
It makes me sad, because I considered Ben a friend, and our friendship was stronger than the fear of losing.

Laurel I feel I’ve gotten to know you better.
I think you’re funny and ...wonderful.

But I did say I wanted to be here with the strongest competitors.
I feel Ben is the stronger competitor.
So I’m sorry, I’m going to have to cut Laurel adrift.

Laurel looks shocked. Ben gives a nod and a smile to Christa.

Laurel your journey is over. Captain cut this pirate adrift.

Ben walks over and gives Louie and Jay a hug.

Laurel climbs over board, and Christa cuts the rope setting her adrift.

Ben puts his arm around Jay and says Thank you bro, thank you.

Laurels last words:
I got cut adrift, but I’m happy I don’t have to play against Ben, Jay, and Christa. It’s not fun to play against them.
I got to experience the Pirate life at sea for a minute.
But I’m going to be happy to go back to my van. *giggle*