AIO Mole Results Week Eight - Who is the Mole?

Dice Challenge Part 1
Tuesday, October 8, 2002

Only the men remained. Following the departure of Connie Kendall; Jack, Richard, Eugene, Mitch and Jason were the only players left in the game. So far, the team had earned a grand total of $205,000, only a fraction of what they could have earned had the mole not been so successful in sabotaging all of the challenges up until this point. However, one thing was clear: the
mole had to be a guy. Monica, Margaret, Connie, and Mary were the only women who were competing in the challenges and all of them had been eliminated. When it came right down to it, the mole had clearly deceived each and every person in the game and the numbers would continue to dwindle as the game rolled on.

"Hey guys!" Jason called out as he walked down the steep path from the ranch they were staying in, "It sure is a beautiful day!"

Mitch shook his head. "I still can't believe Connie got voted out! I thought for sure she had figured out who the mole was. I guess I was wrong."

Jack sat on a tree stump, reading his Bible. He put down his glasses and turned to Mitch. "She had a one in five chance of picking correctly. She just picked wrong, that's all."

Jason joined Mitch on the bench and put his arm around him. "Ah, don't worry yourself Mitch. She wouldn't have wanted you to get sad 'cause she was voted out. Trust me."

Mitch chuckled. "I can't trust you Jason. I couldn't trust anyone but her. And now, my ally is out of the game. Where do I go from here?"

Jason stared at the ground for a moment and then looked over at Mitch. "Well, I was in an alliance with Monica myself. We thought we had it all figured out and had picked Connie as the mole. When Monica got kicked out, I knew Connie couldn't be so I changed my voting. Now I'm safe, and she's gone."

Mitch grew curious. "Whom did you change your vote to?"

"Not telling," Jason said with a smile.

"Heya boys!" Richard shouted from off in the distance. "Dern's rounding all of us up. Wants us to meet him in the ranch house."

Jack, Jason, Mitch and Eugene, who had been sitting by himself, stood up and followed Richard up into the ranch house where Dern was already waiting by the fire place.

"Top 'o the morning to ya!" Dern cackled, "Hope you're all over the loss of that Kendall girl. She woulda made a great mole, ya know."

"Yeah, yeah, we know." Richard said, "Do us a favor and just get to the challenge, will you?"

Dern nodded. "Alright men, we've got a game of chance upon us. Each of you are going to roll a dice and every number you land on corresponds to a particular challenge. Each challenge completed is going to net you $10,000 for the team. How's that sound?"

The team look relieved. Finally a chance to earn money based on individual accomplishments, and not on a team success.

"Good", Dern replied noting that the team looked happy, "Who wants to go first?"

Eugene, who had been uncharacteristically quiet that morning, raised his hand. "I will Mr. Dern."

"Alright, Eugenie. Take the dice and give 'er your best roll."

Eugene grabbed the dice from the table in front of him and shook it in his closed hand. "This is for Miss Kendall!" he exclaimed, and threw the dice onto the ground. It bumped the couch and skidded towards Dern's feet.

"Four", Dern announced as he looked at the dice. He then grabbed a card from a deck beside him with a large number four on the back. "Alright Eugene. Your choice: A or B?"

"Don't I get to see what my choices are?" Eugene asked.

"Nope," Dern said, "That wouldn't make this any fun. On this card you have two choices. You still get to choose which one you do. You just don't know what they are."

"Alright," Eugene said, "I choose B."

"Ok," Dern said as he read off the card, "Choice B. There is a woman in this ranch who will put a cast on both your legs. You will be required to wear these casts for twenty-four hours. If you decide to complete this challenge, you will earn $10,000 for the pot. Whadda ya say?"

Eugene hesitated. "Both my legs?"

Dern smiled, "That's what the card says!"

Eugene shook his head. "Very well. I accept."

Dern chuckled and pointed toward a woman who was standing near the doorway to the lodge. "See her over there? She's the one you need to see. Go with her and she'll take you to the casting place. You can, of course, at any point in time decide you do not want to complete the challenge. Just inform her, and she'll send you back."

Eugene nodded in understanding and stood up. He wished his fellow contestants well, followed the woman and heard the remaining players decide that Jason would go next.

Dern passed the dice to Jason. Jason blew on the dice and threw it into the air. "Come on!" He called out.

The dice landed and Dern announced it landed on the number one. "Alright Jason, I'll give you the same deal. Choice A or B. What'll it be?"

Jason thought for a second. "I'll do B as well."

"Ok," Dern replied as he looked over the card, "Well, well, well. For the next twenty-four hours, you will not be allowed to speak. Obviously you can give up at any point in time."

Jason nodded.

Dern smiled. "Well Jason, looks like you've already got the hang of it. Good luck! Now then, who wants to get next?"

Richard, Mitch and Jack looked at each other. Jack shook his head, and Mitch looked away. Richard reluctantly put out his hand and received the die from Dern.

Richard paused for a second and then threw it vertically into the air. It hit a spinning fan in the center of the room and ricocheted towards the corner. Mitch stood up and ran over to where it had landed. "He got a three!" Mitch called out, picked up the dice, and hurried back to join them.

"Alrighty", Dern said pulling the card with the large number 3 on the back, "A or B, Rich?"

Richard, always the one to buck a trend, immediately responded with the letter "A".

Dern chuckled to himself. "Well Richard, here's your task. Outside is a vineyard. You, and you alone, will be responsible for filling four bottles of wine before lunch tomorrow night. It gives you a little under twenty four hours to complete the challenge."

Richard's brow furrowed. "Ah, you mean I have to pick the grapes, crush the grapes and get them into bottles all by myself?"

"Exactamundo, Richard", Dern smiled, "Of course if you don't, you won't be adding the $10,000 to the pot."

"I'll do it Dern", Richard stated, "It doesn't sound that bad."

Once Richard had walked out of the ranch, Dern turned to Jason, Mitch and Jack. Jason had already begun his challenge, but didn't need to be relocated to complete it, so he sat in silence as Jack and Mitch argued about who should go next. Mitch eventually won the argument, and Jack was forced to take the die. He rolled it across the table and saw as the dice
rolled a four. Dern picked it up and passed it back to Jack. "Roll again Jack, four's already been spoken for."

Jack once again rolled the dice and ended up rolling a two. After telling Dern he was going to go with choice 'B,' Dern read out his challenge.

"Jack, you've selected the option that requires you to shave your head. If you decide to shave your head, you will add $10,000 to the team pot. If you decide not to, you will not earn money for your team. The choice is yours."

Jack thought for a few moments then looked back at Dern. "Can I think about it?"

"I don't see why not!" Dern chuckled, "Just make your decision sometime tonight. That guy sitting in that chair over there will happily shave your hair by the end of the evening. Now Mitch, it's your turn."

Mitch smiled and put out his hand to take the dice from Dern. He rolled it out and noted it had landed on a six. He waited for Dern to pull out the "six" card, but Dern hesitated.

"That won't be necessary", Dern said. "I already know your task. Jason and Jack, I would like to ask you to leave the room."

Jason and Jack looked confused, but got up off the couch and walked up the stairs to their rooms. Mitch and Dern were left alone in the ranch's main room.

"Well Robert", Dern began, "You've got an easy job. You must pick the contestant whom you feel is least likely to complete their challenge. If you are correct, $20,000 will be added to the group pot. However, if you are incorrect, you will lose $10,000, which will cancel out anything they win. So be careful in your choosing."

Mitch rubbed his chin. "Ok, but what about me saying no? What happens if I refuse to pick someone?"

Dern smiled. "You don't get that luxury."

Mitch sighed. "Figures. Fine. I'm going to guess that Jack Allen does not complete his challenge."

Dice Challenge Part 2
Wednesday, October 9, 2002

Eugene, Jack, Jason, Richard and Mitch gathered around the banquet table in the ranch they were staying at. Jack was wearing a hat while Eugene was sitting in a wheel chair, and four bottles of wine rested in the center of the dinner table. Jason sat in silence at the end of the table, while Mitch sat at the opposite end with a smug look on his face.

"Good afternoon!" Bryan Dern cried as he entered the Banquet room, "Lovely looking group we've got here… isn't it?"

Mitch looked over at Dern. "Alright Dern, how much did we earn."

Dern pulled up a chair and sat facing the contestants. "Well, well, well. You wanna get right to the punch dontcha?"

"Mr. Dern", Eugene began, "Please hurry up and reveal the results. I cannot feel my legs."

"Very well Eugenie", Dern taunted, "All but one of you completed the challenge. Jack, please remove your hat."

Jack looked sheepishly at the others and then pulled the hat off his head. There, was Jack's full head of hair.

"However", Dern continued, "There was a catch. Mitch was given a different challenge then each of you. It was his responsibility to pick the person whom he felt was least likely to complete the challenge. He correctly selected Jack."

Jack looked surprised. "You didn't think I'd do it Mitch?"

Mitch smiled. "Not a chance Mr. Allen."

Jack chuckled to himself, while Dern rambled on. "So therefore $20,000 was added to the pot in Mitch's honor. Not only canceling out the money Jack did not receive, but doubling it."

Jack was surprised and turned to the others. "Guess it doesn't matter then, does it? I'm sorry I wasn't able to complete the challenge."

Jason waved his hands wildly in front of the others. Dern looked at him and nodded. Jason began to speak but Dern immediately cut him off.

"Yes Mr. Whittaker. You may speak, but let me finish first. Eugene was the first to complete his challenge, successfully casting both of his legs with medical casts. Richard was the second to complete his challenge by crushing all of the grapes into the wine you see before you. It's not really gonna taste like wine or anything… trust me on that, but Richard was required to shower before he stomped all over your beverages. Thirdly Jason did not peep one word. An amazing accomplishment that I really didn't think he would be able to complete successfully. Congratulations Jason. And finally Mitch earned the money for both himself and Jack. Therefore, you five earned a total of $50,000 today. Considering that's nearly one quarter of what you've earned so far, that's quite a feat. Guess those girls were holding you back, 'eh?"

Jason laughed. "I suppose so Dern."

"Anyway, congrats everyone and have a great day!"

"Ah, Dern?" Richard asked, "I've gotta question for ya."

"I'm all ears", Dern replied.

"Well", Richard began, "What was the whole point of us rolling a dice and all? It's not like it really had much of a bearing on anything."

"Oh that", Dern spat, "Well it was pretty obvious wasn't it? You guys rolled the dice, and I selected the corresponding card that gave you your challenge. But there was one other thing. I'm glad you reminded me."

"And what exactly was that final thing Mr. Dern?" Eugene asked from his wheelchair.

"Does everyone remember their number?" Dern responded, apparently ignoring Eugene.

The gang all looked around at each other and nodded their heads.

"Good", answered Dern, "Follow me."

The confused team looked at each and stood up, Mitch approached Eugene's wheelchair and pushed it from behind. They followed Cryin' Bryan Dern down the corridor to a small square room that was darkly lit. Dern clapped his hands, a hum was heard, and the lights brightened. Inside was a long rectangular table with five metal crates sitting on top. Dern motioned to the crates.

"These, my friends, are our gifts to you! Based on the number you rolled, you will be approaching the table and choosing a crate. Whatever is in the crate is yours to keep. However, there is a catch. If you refuse to take your prize, you will not receive the money you earned in the most recent challenge. The choice is yours."

Jason rubbed his hands together. "Well Dern, I believe I rolled the number one. I think it's my turn to go first."

"Well then!" Dern cackled, "By all means make your decision. You have five crates to choose from."
Jason paced back and forth in front of the table, eyeing each and every crate with careful scrutiny. He tapped one crate on the left, and then smelt the crate beside it. He looked around down the table and then nodded his head. "I choose this one." He said, pointing to the crate second to the left of the table. Dern walked over and opened the lid of the crate. Jason looked inside and smiled widely. "I don't think I'll have any problem taking this!" He said, pulling a piece of cake out of the crate.

"Bon appetite!" Dern chuckled, "Who's next?"

Jack raised his hand.

"Well you can't really expect us to give you a gift based on your dismal performance in the most recent challenge, do you?"

Jack laughed. "No, I suppose not Dern."

"Well", Dern continued, "Never let it be said that we here at AIO Mole are mean people. Here's your grace period. You may choose any one of the contestants here and put the money they made on the line. If you refuse the crate's contents, then you will lose the money they earned. Choose carefully."

Jack looked around the room, carefully looking everyone over. "I choose Richard." He said, turning back to Dern.

Dern smiled. "Well, what surprise. Please explain your selection."

Jack hesitated and then scratched his head. "Of the guys here, I think he had the easiest task of all. And we didn't even have to drink his wine."

"Very well", Dern nodded, "Now pick a crate."

Jack walked back and forth in front of the table and paused in front of each and every box. Much like Jason, he was very in his decision and then pointed to the crate on the far right. Dern walked over to the table, opened the crate and revealed the contents to Jack.

"I needed this", Jack chuckled, "There's no way I'm going to turn it down."

"What exactly is it?" Eugene asked, straining in his wheelchair to see.

Jack leaned forward and pulled the slip of paper out of the crate. He turned to his teammates and revealed the single word scrawled across it. "Exemption" was all it said.

Eugene visibly grew uncomfortable in his chair, Mitch shook his head and Richard had a sly grin on his face. Meanwhile, Jason was busily eating his cake and not really paying attention to what Jack was doing. Jack then slipped the paper into his pocket and walked over to join Jason on the side.

Two crates down, three to go. Richard stepped forward and told Dern that he was the next to go since he had drawn the number three. Dern stepped aside to give Richard ample opportunity to look and examine each and every crate on the table. Richard wasted no time and selected the one in the center.

"Ok", Dern said approaching the table, "Take a look at what you've won!"

Richard peered into the box and shook his head. He closed his eyes and banged his fist on the table. "There ain't no way I'm gonna take that!" Dern looked at him.

"Are you sure?" He asked, "That's $10,000 you're gonna give up, not to mention a day wasted pulling grapes and squashing them with your feet."

"I'm positive Dern", Richard stated.

"I'll admit", Bryan Dern began, "I'm surprised. But it's your choice of course."

"What's in the crate?" Mitch asked, looking concerned.

Richard shook his head and returned the lid to the top. "Nevermind, you guys wouldn't wanna know."

Dern motioned for Richard to join Jason and Jack and then looked at Eugene and Mitch. Eugene rolled forward.

Only two more crates remained. Eugene approached the one at the far left. "I'd like to select this one Mr. Dern."

The host walked over and took the lid off the crate. Eugene peered inside and then looked back at Dern. "I bound myself to a wheelchair, restricting my ability to walk and I didn't even receive anything for my troubles! Surely you jest!"

"I'm afraid not" Dern grinned, "Your crate is empty."

It was now Mitch's turned. He approached the final crate and motioned for Dern to come and remove the lid. He did so, and Mitch stepped back in disgust. Inside the crate was several live cockroaches, a sign in the middle read "Eat Me".

"You're kidding me Dern!" Mitch shouted, "I'm not doing that!"

"You sure?" Dern asked, "There's a bit of a problem with you though. Since you actually earned $20,000 for the team, that also means you're gonna lose a lot more than anyone else. This is your choice though."

"Wait a minute", Mitch said thinking hard, "I'll do it."

Dern smiled and removed one cockroach from the crate. "Enjoy!" He chuckled handing the cockroach to Mitch and then stepping back.

Mitch looked down at his hand and trembled. A moment passed, and then another. The team watched on from the side in silence. Mitch stretched his neck and shook his head to get himself mentally prepared. He then waited… and threw the cockroach back into the crate.

"Forget it!" He muttered, "That's too much to ask for some money I might not even get my hands on."

"Very well" replied Dern, "You just cost your team $20,000. So including Richard's $10,000, Eugene and Jason were the only two successful in earning any money for the team. So after today, $225,000 has been earned that will go to the winner of the game. Get yourselves cleaned up… the test is coming up faster then you think."

Speculation Week 8
Friday, October 11, 2002

Jack: "I'm very glad I earned the exemption in that last challenge since I'm still afraid I'm not sure who to vote for! Jason and Eugene were the only two who actually completed the last challenge, but that doesn't mean anyone, myself included, should cross them off the suspect list just yet. Both of them have done various things that have messed up our chances in challenges, and both shouldn't think they've gotten off the hook simply because they tried to complete a challenge for once. They haven't got me fooled... let me tell you."

Richard: "I can't believe the old man! He said my challenge wasn't as hard as the others, so he feels it's his opportunity to place my hard earned money on the line? Why not Mitch's money? I mean Jack was part of the reason Mitch was able to earn the $20,000, why not pick him? I just can't believe I did all that stuff for nothing, and got insulted in the process. What do I have to do around here to prove to everyone that I'm not the mole!"

Mitch: "I've revealed Connie isn't the mole, but now I'm trying to figure out who else it could be. Jack, Rich, Eugene and Jason are all very good candidates. That last challenge I messed up... but not because I didn't want to earn the money, come on! $20,000 is a lot of cash and would have been very nice to add to the pot. But eating bugs? Get real. The mole has gotta be Jack, but other then theories, I can't prove it."

Eugene: "Well none of the individuals can assert that I did not do my best to complete the most recent challenge. I did, after all, earn $10,000 to the group pot which I certainly hope to claim at the end of the game and help Katrina and I start a new life together. As for the rodent... I would fell most inclined after this challenge to believe Mitch is the mole. He refused to digest those insects when $20,000 was on the line! In the first place he earned that money by chance, and then he threw it all away. Mitch also has been very quiet these past few days. I believe it's because he feels bad he didn't tell Connie the truth, and now she's departed while he's present and accounted for."

Jason: "Well I no longer think Jack is the mole. If he's as clever as I think he is, then he wouldn't have lost the dice challenge. He's been drawing a lot of attention to himself and the mole just wouldn't do that! The mole is incredibly smart, obviously, otherwise we wouldn't have made it so far and lost so much money. Eugene could be the mole, he's smart enough to pull it off, but then we also have Mitch who is trained in the art of deception. I know who I'm gonna vote for... I just hope I'm right."

Elimination Week Eight
Sunday, October 13, 2002

Tick, Tick, Tick. The large grandfather clock was approaching the eleventh hour while Eugene starred at it in silence. He, along with his four other team mates, had been required to take a test on the identity of the mole and would be saying their good-byes to the person who scored the lowest on the exam. Eugene felt he had done well on the test, but he still had a lingering feeling inside as he thought about Connie Kendall... the contestant who had been eliminated in the previous round.

"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Richard Maxwell asked as he approached Eugene's chair.

Eugene paused for a moment and then turned to Richard. "Mr. Maxwell", Eugene began and then cleared his throat, "I mean Richard. I feel it is my time to go."

"You sure about that?" Richard inquired.

"Well as sure as I can be about anything", Eugene responded. "I was certain I was going to go last week and then Miss Kendall was given the crimson card, so to speak. This week I've devoted so much of my time to earning more money for the team that I didn't really pay much attention to the others and feel I missed an opportunity to learn more about our mole."

Richard nodded. "That may be Eugene, but it's only a game after all. Though I want to warn you. When, and if, you get voted out... take care of yourself."

Eugene looked puzzled. "I don't quite get your meaning."

Richard frowned a bit and then leaned closer to Eugene. "You were in hiding till this game began Eugene. I think whoever's after you, well, they are going to find you. You've painted a big red target on your back by being here. And I can only do so much to help you before they close in."

Eugene smiled. "I appreciate your sentiments Richard. And will certainly attempt to avoid any confrontations when I leave here. I feel it would be in my best interest to find a nice quiet place to settle down until the smoke blows over."

Richard smiled and patted Eugene on the shoulder. "I'm glad to here it Eugene. Now let's get to the great room, I'm guessing it's just about time for the results to be revealed."

Inside the great room, Jack, Mitch and Bryan Dern were already waiting in front of the computer screen. Richard and Eugene came to join them. "Let us begin!" Dern said as he turned to see Richard and Eugene enter. "We are gathered here today -"

"Wait a second Bryan", Jack called out, "We're missing Jason."

"Blasted!" Dern muttered, "Very well. We'll give him a few minutes. What part of 'Eleven O'Clock' did he not understand?"

A minute passed and still no sign of Jason. Mitch turned to Jack. "Any idea where he might be?"

Jack shook his head. "Jason's got a mind of his own. He'll come and go as he pleases." Dern spun around in his chair at the front of the room, starring at the ceiling and muttering to himself. Five minutes passed, and Jason finally walked into the room. The contestant all looked at him and forced a smile. Dern stood up from his chair. "Sit down Mr. Whittaker!" He yelled, "You have just lost your team $10,000 for your tardiness. If I recall, this isn't the first time you were late for an important AIO Mole meeting."

Jason looked shocked. "$10,000? Isn't that kind of a lot?"

Dern shook his head. "$2,000 for the first offense. It increases exponentially as you move along."

Eugene interjected. "Mr. Dern, are you making these rules up as you go along?"

Bryan Dern glared at Eugene and didn't say anything. He waited a few moments and then composed himself. "Let us continue. I will begin entering your names into the computer. If a green thumbprint appears, you are in the final four. If a red thumbprint appears, you are the mole's eighth victim. Any volunteers to go first?" Mitch raised his hand. "Very well", Dern said. "R-O-B-E-R-T" was typed into the keyboard. Three seconds passed. Green. Mitch smiled widely and looked at the others. Then realized he was going to be looking at one of them for the last time and shied away.

"Jason, you're next." Dern announced.

"What?" Jason asked, "You mean I've been eliminated? Could you at least enter my name into the computer so I know for sure?"

Dern shook his head. "Be quiet. I mean you're name is the next one I'm going to enter." Jason was relieved. He looked up at the screen as his own name appeared in flashing letters. Suddenly the screen flashed... green! Dern flinched and looked disgusted. "I could only hope!" He muttered and turned to Richard and Eugene. They both nervously put up their hands. "Alright", Dern said, "Richard."

"R-I-C-H-A-R-D" was entered into the computer. The five contestants all starred at the screen, holding their collective breaths when suddenly the room fell silent as Red spilled from the screen and filled the room. Richard was eliminated from the game. He stood up from his chair and shook his teammates hands. "Good game guys. I look forward to seeing you all again." He then leaned close to Eugene's ear and whispered something into it. When he pulled back, Eugene looked shocked.

"Trust me", Richard mouthed, and then turned back to the others. "See you soon!"

Reactions Week 8
Monday, October 14, 2002

Jack: "Poor Richard. I think he's a bright individual and was probably on the right track. It's likely he just slipped up in his thinking, or he changed his mind about the mole. You don't get this far in the game without knowing a thing or two about which one of us is the traitor, and Richard was very particular about his notes. The exemption may have even saved me this round, but it's unfortunate Richard is the one who had to take my fall."

Eugene: "Richard Maxwell and I have had several encounters over the years, and it's safe to say we didn't always see eye to eye. But he has always been of valuable assistance to me and has since earned my respect. It surprises me he didn't pass the exam, though not as shocking as what he revealed to me after he was told he was the next to go. I will certainly be able to use the information he provided me on the next exam and solidify my position in the final three."

Mitch: "Ah poor Rich. The guy was smart, but he never really struck me as successful. If you ask me, it seems he messed up more challenges on his own than anyone else in this game. He may not have been the mole, but he was a poor competitor anyway. All this really does is bring the four of us one step closer to the cash, and not have to worry about someone not carrying their own weight."

Jason: "The mole strikes again! Wow this guy is great. If you ask me, this mole is NSA material! Richard seemed to have things totally figured out and whadda ya know? He's gone. I think I figured out who he is, and I'm going to stick with the voting as I've been doing the past two weeks. Jack, Mitch or Eugene? Well it's one of those three... I'm just not gonna share which one it is."

Below are the results of Week Eight's "Who is the Mole?" Poll:

Who is the Mole?

Jack Allen	33%
Robert Mitchell	24%
Eugene Meltsner	21%
Jason Whittaker	12%
Richard Maxwell	9%