Confessional Series #4

[John "Swag" Cochran]

Lots of talks going on right now, especially with the tribal swap (which we totally called).

I actually expected us to go down to four tribes, though three tribes is a welcome change as well. Going through my new tribe mates:

Kourtney and me opened up to each other last night. Easily my new closest tribemate off the bat, though I'm not sure if being on her side is going to be the choice I make in the end. I -hope- it is though.

Elyse immediately messaged me and started talking game. I love when people do this. We talked about where we stood on the tribe, and determined that neither of us have picked sides (which is a complete lie, as I have Kourtney, and she most certainly has Candice), but I assume that she wants me for numbers sake. Which I don't mind being while we're still at tribe levels.

Seeds are planted, and now the main focus is getting to merge.

Boston Rob and Colby are definitely together, and from what I'm hearing Alex will join them if he jumps into our tribe. Which would be great for me and Kourtney I think, cause I don't have any problems being on their side.

Alexis apparently hates Kourtney, and we haven't really talked. I don't see myself getting much out of her.

Candice is with Elyse, that's all I know.

And Pete is my buddy from Poseidon. I just have to hope he'll stick with me, and not go to Alexis' side. They were pretty close in S5, so...we'll see.



THE BIG THING right now is that Kim is in complete control of this game. In a very scary way. She has allies everywhere. Coach is trying to concoct a way to take her out at the first TC, but he also heard from Ted that she's gunning for him. I'm nervous there, but if we can get Kim out of this game, things will change dramatically.

[John "Swag" Cochran]

Gonna drop off some IM's here.

Kourtney on what she thinks the tribal alliance should look like. I really don't care, as long as it's got a solid majority. Pete being there is an added bonus.

Kourtney Moon (9:53:45 PM): The alliance that sticks out to me is
Kourtney Moon (9:53:55 PM): You, Pete, Alexis, Shawna, and me
John "Swag" Cochran (9:54:48 PM): Think that'll work?
Kourtney Moon (9:55:08 PM): I think so.

Shortly after our Group 1 finish, Kourtney brings up the elephant in the room, which goes over pretty smoothly.

Kourtney Moon (4:11:29 AM): I wanna winnn
John "Swag" Cochran (4:11:43 AM): Hah
John "Swag" Cochran (4:11:48 AM): I do too
John "Swag" Cochran (4:11:54 AM): I don't really feel like going to Tribal
Kourtney Moon (4:12:36 AM): But if we do, I want us to stick together
Shawna Mitchell (4:12:58 AM): like the moon rocks?
Shawna Mitchell (4:13:13 AM): that blue one is like a moon rock
John "Swag" Cochran (4:13:23 AM): We're all Moon Rocks~
Shawna Mitchell (4:13:27 AM): lol
John "Swag" Cochran (4:13:59 AM): But seriously, I agree. We seem to make a pretty good team, right?
Shawna Mitchell (4:14:07 AM): i think so

My reaction to the challenge.

John "Swag" Cochran (4:03:01 AM): *throws molten rocks at you*
John "Swag" Cochran (4:03:02 AM): D<
Curtis (4:03:07 AM): ow!

And then a few backlogs with Coach. I cut a few things out of the first track, because I say very not nice things after Coach's info.

Coach Wade (3:37:11 PM): Things are apparently all go on my tribe
Coach Wade (3:37:17 PM): Kim is campaigning hard to get me booted first
John "Swag" Cochran (3:37:27 PM): Interesting
Coach Wade (3:37:38 PM): But I feel like Chase will be a useful ally. He's not going to go under a power alliance
Coach Wade (3:37:47 PM): if I can get Mary/Carter/Chase/Judd
Coach Wade (3:37:54 PM): I don't even need Ted to step up
John "Swag" Cochran (3:37:56 PM): Mary/Carter will be easy
Coach Wade (3:38:00 PM): I think so
John "Swag" Cochran (3:38:14 PM): Even in the worst case
John "Swag" Cochran (3:38:28 PM): all I have to do is to let them know that Coach is on our side
Coach Wade (3:42:20 PM): Apparently Judd is completely Pro-Kim
Coach Wade (3:42:31 PM): I wonder how he's going to wrap his emotional brain around having to pick
Coach Wade (3:42:42 PM): he's berating me for not making small talk well enough right now
John "Swag" Cochran (3:42:51 PM): ...
John "Swag" Cochran (3:42:51 PM): .
Coach Wade (3:43:00 PM): Judd Sergeant 8:39 pm
Sandra said when she spoke to you you seemed distant. Lighten up. =P
Coach Wade (3:43:09 PM): She spoke to me once on the first day for around 10 minutes
John "Swag" Cochran (3:43:11 PM): ......
Coach Wade (3:43:17 PM): The fuck do these idiots want
John "Swag" Cochran (3:43:35 PM): I just don't understand
John "Swag" Cochran (3:43:45 PM): I really don't care how half of these peoples day went
Coach Wade (3:43:56 PM): Nobody does
John "Swag" Cochran (3:43:58 PM): I wouldn't even be talking to most of them if I was playing this game.
Coach Wade (3:44:01 PM): and it's stupid to pretend they do
John "Swag" Cochran (3:44:09 PM): *wasn't
Coach Wade (4:00:16 PM): Apparently Judd is full on with Kim
Coach Wade (4:00:25 PM): and is trying to persuade me to join him in an alliance with her
Coach Wade (4:00:34 PM): want to see how his brain handles the prospect that he has to betray somebody
Coach Wade (4:00:38 PM): of course it's okay if he does it
John "Swag" Cochran (4:00:55 PM): Is he not aware that Kim wants you gone?
Coach Wade (4:00:59 PM): Apparently not
Coach Wade (4:01:10 PM): Because he doesn't play with his head
Coach Wade (4:01:23 PM): Because you know it's just friends hanging around and there are more chairs than people

A long conversation with Coach about the nature of the game right now, and where we stand.

John "Swag" Cochran (4:22:55 PM): Kourtney's opened up a lot to me
Coach Wade (4:23:39 PM): I'm telling her about tribal lines
Coach Wade (4:23:42 PM): she said she was nervous
John "Swag" Cochran (4:23:47 PM): tribal lines?
Coach Wade (4:23:52 PM): Like
Coach Wade (4:23:54 PM): who is with who
Coach Wade (4:24:00 PM): Not your name anywhere
Coach Wade (4:24:02 PM): obviously
Coach Wade (4:24:09 PM): I tell people limited scopes of information
Coach Wade (4:24:11 PM): just what they need to hear
Coach Wade (4:24:12 PM): best way
John "Swag" Cochran (4:24:18 PM): I mean, if you feel comfortable dropping my name, that's fine
Coach Wade (4:24:27 PM): I think it's too early to play that hand yet
John "Swag" Cochran (4:24:29 PM): Don't do it unless we get something out of it though
John "Swag" Cochran (4:24:30 PM): yeah
Coach Wade (4:24:38 PM): I just told her Colby/Brorob
Coach Wade (4:24:42 PM): Elyse/Candice
Coach Wade (4:24:57 PM): Chances are we're going to lose Ted on the inside
Coach Wade (4:25:05 PM): because he's going to have to jump off the Kim thing and vote her
Coach Wade (4:25:08 PM): she really is powerful
Coach Wade (4:25:13 PM): Need to keep him close
John "Swag" Cochran (4:25:24 PM): Is Ted willing to jump off?
Coach Wade (4:25:27 PM): He is
Coach Wade (4:25:42 PM): Ted thinks we're all in to the end so I trust him. He's given up a ton of intel
Coach Wade (4:25:47 PM): at no real massive gain to himself yet
Coach Wade (4:25:58 PM): But he doesn't know I'm working with you
Coach Wade (4:26:00 PM): and he's scared of you
John "Swag" Cochran (4:26:05 PM): I think if we can destroy Brandon/Kim
Coach Wade (4:26:07 PM): That's nothing to worry about yet
John "Swag" Cochran (4:26:08 PM): this game will change
John "Swag" Cochran (4:26:09 PM): alot
Coach Wade (4:26:14 PM): Kim has masses of allies
Coach Wade (4:26:18 PM): there's the power alliance on gwad
Coach Wade (4:26:24 PM): she also has Alex apparently
Coach Wade (4:26:29 PM): and she has Judd
Coach Wade (4:26:34 PM): and possibly Sandra/Eliza now
Coach Wade (4:26:36 PM): She needs to go
John "Swag" Cochran (4:26:42 PM): I agree
Coach Wade (4:26:45 PM): If I can get Chase on board
Coach Wade (4:26:47 PM): we'll have five
Coach Wade (4:26:51 PM): nice clean slaughter
John "Swag" Cochran (4:26:52 PM): I think what we need to do
John "Swag" Cochran (4:26:57 PM): Is set up two alliances
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:06 PM): And pit them against each other kinda
Coach Wade (4:27:14 PM): Easier said than done
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:19 PM): Indeed
Coach Wade (4:27:21 PM): I know what you mean though
Coach Wade (4:27:30 PM): I think the crucial step for now is taking out some of the power players
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:34 PM): But if we can take out the threats
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:36 PM): yeah
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:37 PM): exactly
Coach Wade (4:27:38 PM): Once the game is left with people who float around more
Coach Wade (4:27:40 PM): we're better
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:43 PM): I love how you know what I'm thinking
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:46 PM): as I'm typing it
Coach Wade (4:27:48 PM): haha
John "Swag" Cochran (4:27:50 PM): it makes this so much easier
Coach Wade (4:28:06 PM): That's why I want to keep what we have quiet
Coach Wade (4:28:12 PM): No reason it has to come out
Coach Wade (4:28:18 PM): no need to play your cards until the last possible second
John "Swag" Cochran (4:28:23 PM): yeah
John "Swag" Cochran (4:28:33 PM): I'm a bit antsy
Coach Wade (4:28:37 PM): Mary and Carter will be on board with me I think
Coach Wade (4:28:40 PM): without your pushing
John "Swag" Cochran (4:28:42 PM): But you're there to keep me calm
Coach Wade (4:28:43 PM): so we should be fine
John "Swag" Cochran (4:28:47 PM): so its good
Coach Wade (4:28:52 PM): Carter is all in
Coach Wade (4:28:56 PM): Mary is smart and will do the smart thing
Coach Wade (4:29:13 PM): and I can't see Chase being ruled over by a power alliance when it killed him in his game
John "Swag" Cochran (4:29:19 PM): So do you debate throwing the challenge to force Kim now?
Coach Wade (4:29:26 PM): Nah
Coach Wade (4:29:27 PM): Not yet
Coach Wade (4:29:34 PM): That's a good way to sour people
Coach Wade (4:29:37 PM): Nobody wants to go to TC
Coach Wade (4:29:43 PM): And Chase is on good terms with everybody
Coach Wade (4:29:47 PM): thinks we have a strong fighting chance
Coach Wade (4:29:53 PM): I think it's best to go for it as usual
Coach Wade (4:30:12 PM): It only takes Kim flipping one person and she basically has the game
Coach Wade (4:30:14 PM): at this point
Coach Wade (4:30:15 PM): it's scary
John "Swag" Cochran (4:30:20 PM): I think Gwad should go to TC first
Coach Wade (4:30:23 PM): She has a lot of power
Coach Wade (4:30:35 PM): Gwad is just gonna pick off the lower four
Coach Wade (4:30:37 PM): I think
Coach Wade (4:30:51 PM): Sydney/Vee/Miki/Wanda/Danielle
Coach Wade (4:30:52 PM): that's a thing
Coach Wade (4:30:53 PM): already
Coach Wade (4:31:01 PM): and Kim is on that
Coach Wade (4:31:04 PM): along with Judd
Coach Wade (4:31:06 PM): and Alex
John "Swag" Cochran (4:31:13 PM): and fucking everyone
John "Swag" Cochran (4:31:13 PM): ever
Coach Wade (4:31:16 PM): Yep
John "Swag" Cochran (4:31:16 PM): jesus
John "Swag" Cochran (4:31:22 PM): She's gotta go now
John "Swag" Cochran (4:31:39 PM): What about Sandra?
John "Swag" Cochran (4:31:41 PM): with Kim?
Coach Wade (4:31:56 PM): She's scrambling for Sandra and Eliza
Coach Wade (4:32:01 PM): I kind of feel like she'll get them
Coach Wade (4:32:14 PM): Apparently Sandra already has issues with my small talk so
John "Swag" Cochran (4:32:19 PM): Lol
John "Swag" Cochran (4:32:21 PM): Fuck
John "Swag" Cochran (4:32:25 PM): What does Kim do
John "Swag" Cochran (4:32:29 PM): that gains her so much power
Coach Wade (4:32:34 PM): She's very friendly
Coach Wade (4:32:42 PM): She's good at keeping a conversation going
Coach Wade (4:32:47 PM): She has a lot of out of game contacts
Coach Wade (4:33:00 PM): And she knows where to pit her strengths and knows how much to keep quiet
Coach Wade (4:33:07 PM): I only know all this because I have Ted
John "Swag" Cochran (4:33:23 PM): This is a really good move on Ted's part
Coach Wade (4:33:23 PM): A lot isn't hugely common knowledge but I know people will be making assumptions
John "Swag" Cochran (4:33:33 PM): This game would be done
John "Swag" Cochran (4:33:40 PM): if he wasn't spilling beans
Coach Wade (4:33:47 PM): We're trying to work out a way he can get out of not having to vote her
Coach Wade (4:33:51 PM): but I don't think it'll happen
Coach Wade (4:34:01 PM): Which means that insider source will go down
John "Swag" Cochran (4:34:32 PM): No, but once Kim is gone, other people will scramble for power
John "Swag" Cochran (4:34:40 PM): and it'll be more noticeable than before
Coach Wade (4:34:45 PM): Sydney or Danielle
Coach Wade (4:34:52 PM): Won't be much better
Coach Wade (4:35:07 PM): But not hurting that would be a mistake
Coach Wade (4:35:11 PM): particularly when Kim is gunning for me
Coach Wade (4:35:13 PM): as first boot
John "Swag" Cochran (4:35:16 PM): Yeah
Coach Wade (4:35:21 PM): She thinks I was behind the Brandon vote
John "Swag" Cochran (4:35:32 PM): (which you were...kinda)
Coach Wade (4:35:36 PM): I was involved
Coach Wade (4:35:42 PM): Not behind
John "Swag" Cochran (4:35:58 PM): true
Coach Wade (4:58:06 PM): This is going to be fucking messy
Coach Wade (4:58:22 PM): I'm trying to persuade Kim I'm not a threat and seeing if we can just for the records "work together"
Coach Wade (4:58:30 PM): taking the target off my back would be nice
John "Swag" Cochran (4:58:47 PM): lol
John "Swag" Cochran (4:58:50 PM): having fun?
Coach Wade (4:59:33 PM): Not really
Coach Wade (4:59:46 PM): One more round to take out Miki would've been perfect in hindsight
Coach Wade (4:59:49 PM): it could be worse though
Coach Wade (5:00:01 PM): As long as Ted is prepared to go all in and I can get Chase, we're good
Coach Wade (5:00:07 PM): I'm just concerned about the long game
Coach Wade (5:00:11 PM): way too many power playres
Coach Wade (5:00:12 PM): players
Coach Wade (5:00:25 PM): It felt like I was sitting in a tight spot this morning
Coach Wade (5:00:29 PM): really comfortable
Coach Wade (5:00:32 PM): that's a mistake
John "Swag" Cochran (5:00:47 PM): ha
John "Swag" Cochran (5:00:50 PM): Well
John "Swag" Cochran (5:00:58 PM): You can definitely tell this is All-Stars
Coach Wade (5:02:02 PM): Oh well
Coach Wade (5:02:05 PM): one step at a time
Coach Wade (5:02:22 PM): If it was easy, something would be wrong
John "Swag" Cochran (5:02:31 PM): yeah
John "Swag" Cochran (5:02:42 PM): I feel so outclassed by some of the players here
Coach Wade (5:03:21 PM): Danielle was always going to be a huge issue
Coach Wade (5:03:27 PM): which is why taking out Brandon was a good move
Coach Wade (5:03:34 PM): even if it wasn't the best
Coach Wade (5:03:40 PM): it's these pairs you have to watch out for
Coach Wade (5:04:04 PM): Kim, Danielle, Sydney
Coach Wade (5:04:09 PM): Elyse is two steps ahead as well
Coach Wade (5:04:23 PM): She's probably already working her way around the tribe
John "Swag" Cochran (5:04:25 PM): I'm really scared of Elyse too
Coach Wade (5:04:25 PM): figuring things out
John "Swag" Cochran (5:04:27 PM): Yeah
Coach Wade (5:04:28 PM): gaining power
John "Swag" Cochran (5:04:31 PM): she approached me
Coach Wade (5:04:33 PM): Not to put pressure on you
Coach Wade (5:04:35 PM): but it's happening

The reason neither me or Coach do small talk with people. Creates awkward situations.

Coach Wade (6:06:16 PM): Damn, I missed all of this
Coach Wade (6:06:38 PM): There's a tribal chat going on. Currently talking about Mary's breasts
Coach Wade (6:06:46 PM): and these people wonder why I don't small talk
John "Swag" Cochran (6:06:52 PM): lol
John "Swag" Cochran (6:07:04 PM): Do people realize
John "Swag" Cochran (6:07:08 PM): that Mary is Ari?
John "Swag" Cochran (6:07:10 PM): >_>
Coach Wade (6:07:47 PM): Most of this tribe don't know Ari
Coach Wade (6:07:48 PM): to be fair
Coach Wade (6:07:55 PM): If they did
Coach Wade (6:07:58 PM): they wouldn't wanna bring it up

Coach letting me know that Ted refuses to take his sights off me.

Coach Wade (12:06:57 AM): You're in Ted's crosshairs again
Coach Wade (12:06:57 AM): what did you do to him
Coach Wade (12:06:57 AM): haha
Coach Wade (12:06:57 AM): It's nothing worth worrying about
Coach Wade (12:06:57 AM): He just seems to think you're the devil incarnate
John "Swag" Cochran (12:07:11 AM): I didn't do anything
John "Swag" Cochran (12:07:12 AM): haha

[John "Swag" Cochran]

Threat List

Listing from Most to Least

1. Kim
2. Sydney
3. Danielle
4. Ted
5. Elyse
6. Judd
7. Miki
8. Wanda
9. Vecepia
10. Candice
11. Colby
12. Boston Rob
13. Shawna
14. Sean
15. Alex
16. Rob C
17. Chase
18. Sandra
19. Eliza
20. Kourtney
21. Coach
22. Alexis
23. Eliza
24. Ibrehem
25.Mary
26.Carter
27. Pete

[John "Swag" Cochran]

Long day. We did extremely well in the challenge, but it wasn't enough to overcome Gwad. At first there was a lot of scrambling around, but eventually, me and Shawna sat down and discussed things out, laying out the blueprint for what would become a very sound plan (as long as I'm not getting blindsided here). Basically, the gist is that we set up a 2+2+2 alliance style, that way no one feels like their on the outs, and everyone has a buddy. A very strong alliance. We started off with having Me+Pete | Kourtney+Shawna. This left us with basically two choices. BRob+Colby, and Elyse+Candice. With the realization that Elyse is far too strong of a power player, we opted for BRob+Colby.

Here's where things get interesting. Instead of taking out Elyse, who's too strong of a challenge player, we opted to go for her right hand, Candice. Of course, I'm chatting with Elyse the whole time. She seems extremely wanting to work with me, which I have no problem with; and after this conversation, I feel I might need to keep her around a bit longer.

Kaitlin Grier (12:48:47 AM): Well, perfect world, who would you want to send home?
Kaitlin Grier (12:49:03 AM): And I hope you don't say me, because I think I'll be kinda helpful in the days ahead.
John "Swag" Cochran (12:49:14 AM): YOU OBVIOUSLY
Kaitlin Grier (12:49:19 AM): *weeps*
John "Swag" Cochran (12:49:22 AM): Uh, in a perfect world?
John "Swag" Cochran (12:49:24 AM): Kim tbh
Kaitlin Grier (12:49:28 AM): lol
John "Swag" Cochran (12:49:29 AM): But she's not on my tribe
Kaitlin Grier (12:49:39 AM): Yeah, I'd take out Wanda, DD, and Syd if I could
John "Swag" Cochran (12:49:54 AM): Those are also high on my list
John "Swag" Cochran (12:49:56 AM): they scare me
Kaitlin Grier (12:49:59 AM): Yeah
John "Swag" Cochran (12:53:55 AM): I'm glad we agree on that
John "Swag" Cochran (12:53:56 AM): :-)
Kaitlin Grier (12:54:03 AM): Me too!



With this, I decided to go for a gamble. What if, I could convince her that we were on her side? That she wasn't on the outs, but really is?

John "Swag" Cochran (3:06:32 AM): Well, right now, who are you thnking needs to go?
Kaitlin Grier (3:07:36 AM): I'm pretty open at this point
John "Swag" Cochran (3:07:55 AM): I am as well
Kaitlin Grier (3:08:05 AM): Any particular inclinations?
John "Swag" Cochran (3:08:09 AM): Not at all
John "Swag" Cochran (3:08:15 AM): I just know that Pete's on my side
Kaitlin Grier (3:09:05 AM): Well, I'd prefer not to vote for Shawna or Kourtney. I think they're our stronger members, and I don't wanna cripple the team
John "Swag" Cochran (3:09:16 AM): I agree.
John "Swag" Cochran (3:09:38 AM): Leaving us with Rob, Colby, Alexis or Candice
John "Swag" Cochran (3:10:04 AM): Any preferences there?
John "Swag" Cochran (3:10:17 AM): I think Rob and Colby will pretty much be willing to work anywhere.
Kaitlin Grier (3:10:26 AM): Yeah, probably
Kaitlin Grier (3:12:20 AM): Is that a positive or a negative?
John "Swag" Cochran (3:13:41 AM): Either or really
John "Swag" Cochran (3:13:50 AM): If we can convince them to work with us, that could work
Kaitlin Grier (3:13:55 AM): Yeah
Kaitlin Grier (3:14:00 AM): I'll try and talk to them tomorrow
Kaitlin Grier (3:14:04 AM): They're usually on during the day
John "Swag" Cochran (3:14:42 AM): yah
John "Swag" Cochran (3:16:53 AM): What are your thoughts on Candice?
Kaitlin Grier (3:17:07 AM): She's alright
Kaitlin Grier (3:17:16 AM): I'm guessing you'd prefer her to go over Alexis?
John "Swag" Cochran (3:17:46 AM): I think keeping Alexis around could help keep Kourtney in line
John "Swag" Cochran (3:17:53 AM): But nothing other than that really
Kaitlin Grier (3:17:57 AM): This is true
Kaitlin Grier (3:18:06 AM): That rivalry could be nicely exploited
John "Swag" Cochran (3:18:57 AM): yeah
Kaitlin Grier (3:19:29 AM): Okay, I'll plan for that, then
Kaitlin Grier (3:19:40 AM): I'll try to get ahold of Jeff and Leos tomorrow
John "Swag" Cochran (3:19:47 AM): Yeah
John "Swag" Cochran (3:19:52 AM): I'll let Pete know whats up
John "Swag" Cochran (3:20:06 AM): And then who should tackle Kourt/Shawna about it?
John "Swag" Cochran (3:20:28 AM): You're probably better at talking to them than I would be. I'm always nervous about talking to people about game
Kaitlin Grier (3:20:42 AM): I'd say you go for it. I'm reasonably close with them, but if I start telling them how to vote, I could come off as bossy
Kaitlin Grier (3:20:48 AM): And that'd cause them to start looking elsewhere
John "Swag" Cochran (3:20:54 AM): Alright
John "Swag" Cochran (3:21:08 AM): I'll try and wiggle in our opinions
John "Swag" Cochran (3:21:12 AM): and see if that works
Kaitlin Grier (3:22:07 AM): kk



And so, abusing the fact that Elyse thinks somethings going down with Alexis and Kourtney still, I played it up, and now Elyse is going for Candice as well. Keeping her thinking we're her friends. Also, I totally wiggled my opinions into hers, instead of the other way around.

Next move is to talk to Coach, and see what he thinks about the situation with Elyse rattling off her biggest threats as the Pentagon members, especially after I said Kim. Something tells me she knows more about it than she's letting it on. Useful ally, or dangerous enemy? I'm really scared here, but I have to see whats going on here.