Bottom Dweller

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You make your way towards the snails in the other corner of the tank. [[Hello! I am new to the tank- | bv1]]

Shelly: Whatever, whatever! The Goldies let us know! Please just leave us alone we have so much to do! [[I-| bv2]]

Snamy: I am so sorry about her. Her mouth moves a lot quicker than she does. Welcome to Bubble Village! We are so excited to meet you! Shelly: Pleaseee… Snamy! We have to get this baby shower in order! We don’t have time to talk to newcomers right now! Snamy: Quiet Shelly! Sorry, she has been a mess trying to get our affairs in order before the new snabies come in! [[ Snabies? | bv3]]

Shelly: SNAIL BABIES!!! Snamy: Yes… Snail babies. Ms. Fibonacci just laid a few clutches of eggs recently, so we are planning a baby shower! Unfortunately, since Mr. and Ms. Fibonacci retired, our village has gotten too dirty to celebrate anything just yet. Shelly has planned a baby shower, but there’s still so much cleaning up left to do. [[I can help! | bv4]]

Shelly: You can?! Oh whew! Now I can finally slow down a bit! Snamy: *chuckles* It isn’t like you were going very quickly to begin with… [[Yeah, I really don’t mind. I have my work cut out for me anyways, so I may as well help out where I can. |bv5]]

Snamy: Thank you so much! [[Help clean up for the baby shower. | babyshowerclean]] [[Meet the shrimp! |fernpark]] [[Head to palace. | palace]]

Here there will be an open plane of gravel but it looks kind of messy/covered in algae, etc. You click on the colored gravel until it is all clean. When you are finished there will be a screen that says: [[That is a lot of algae...|cleanup]]

You: Oh, it really wasn't that hard... Shelly: Wow! I haven't seen Bubble Village sparkle like this since we moved in! Thank you so much <<print $name>>. Here is a token of my gratitude. I have been holding onto this for a while. [[It's a green bean! | greenbean]]

<<set $greenbean to $greenbean+= 1>> This will be added to your inventory, you can snack on this now or later. Snamy: Be sure to come visit us again! [[Head to palace. | palace]] [[Visit the shrimp | fernpark]]

Shelly: The whole shrimp colony... What the tank is going on? You: We must act fast. The Goldfish have plans to eat anyone who wants to retire early. I just tried and he said he didn't have enough pellets to pay my retirement, but he is hoarding the stash of pellets! There is plenty to go around! Snamy: I knew it! We haven't been paid nearly enough recently! He kept saying the Boss wasn't dropping enough to feed us! You: It's not true! Shelly: We must band together against this evil. This isn't fair. Snamy: We are putting our lives at sake... Shelly: We weren't really living before this... Let's do it. You: Thank you snails... Let's go to the palace! [[Unite and confront the goldfish.|unite]]

You rush towards familiar faces. There is a small colony of shrimp hanging out in some plants in the corner of the tank. [[Hello! I am new here! Mind if I sit with y’all for a bit? | script1]]

Shrebecca: Hello <<print $name>>! I’m Shrebecca! Welcome to Fern Park! This is where most of the shrimp get together if they aren’t working. The Goldfish let us know you were coming. We are so excited to see new shrimp enter the tank! Shrimantha: Especially since… (starts sobbing) Shrebecca: Shh shh, Shrimantha… He is in a better place now… [[I’m sorry… Did you lose someone? | script2]]

Shrebecca: Yes… Unfortunately, last week we lost one of our longest living family members… and he was just about to retire. [[I am so sorry… If you don’t mind me asking, what happened? | script3]]

Kevin: It was those damn Goldies! I’m telling you! I saw it with my own two eyes! Shrebecca: Whatever Kevin! You know you have poor eyesight! Kevin: Fine! Don’t believe me! I know what I saw! Shrebecca: Don’t mind him. His mind has probably gone hazy since the event. Anyways, you have nothing to fear here. All of our tank mates are pretty harmless. The Goldies can be rude sometimes, but they feed us, so we try not to complain. [[Thank you for being so welcoming. I should probably go see them soon now anyways… | script4]]

Shrebecca: Understandable kiddo! Know you’re always welcome here in Fern Park. [[Head to palace. | palace]] <<if $greenbean lt 1>> [[Visit Snails | bubblevillage]]<</if>>

Briskly, you swim towards Fern Park... You will let the shrimp know first... [[This is not a drill... Prince Shiny Fins has plans to eat us if we want to retire early! He is out to get me right now as I speak! | ws1]]

Shrebecca: Wait a minute! How can we trust you! [[ I saw the food stash! He told me he couldn't pay me my wages, but it is because he is hoarding the food and threatening anyone who comes close to collecting their wages. | ws2]]

Kevin: I believe him. Shrebecca: Well... He can try to stop all of us... One shrimp versus a fish like that can only do so much, but when we work together... We may have a chance at change. [[Let's do it! | ws3]]

Shrebecca: Let's warn the snails as well! [[Warn snails!|warnsnails]]

<<set $algaecleaned to 0>> <<set $greenbean to 0>> <<set $neededbeans to 3>> [[Continue|meters2]]

From as early as you can remember, you’ve been in Frankie’s Fish and Feed. You have always been comfortable in your small tank because you were surrounded by some of my best shrimpy friends. There are a few snails in your tank as well, but they don’t speak much, so you usually leave them be. [[>>>| intro1]]

Today started out just like any other day, until a net splashed into your tank. You attempted to swim away, but it scooped you up. You are placed in a plastic bag with some of your tank water. You didn’t even get to say goodbye to your friends… [[>>>|intro2]]

The next few moments are a blur. You can only see the reflective plastic. You are shuffled around a bit, and suddenly, your bag is placed in an area with familiar walls. It is another tank, but it isn’t your home. [[>>>|intro3]]

As you peer through the plastic, you can't help but to notice a beautiful, bustling tank. There are many snails, fish, and even other shrimp. You finally relax a bit. You realize quickly this will be your new home. You try to get comfortable as the water temperature changes slowly… [[Time to catch some Zs... | intro4]]

-tap tap tap- You suddenly awaken to 3 goldfish staring at you from outside the plastic. Prince Shiny Fins: Welcome newcomer! Quite interesting, you are alone. Usually the shrimpies come with some friends… Orangey: At least we have a replacement… Since the incident… Prince Shiny Fins: Let’s not delve into that right now! We don’t want to scare him! I am sorry kiddo…. How rude of me I didn’t even ask for your name! <<textbox "$name" "" "continue1">>

Hmm… That’s interesting! I am Prince Shiny Fins, and I am the elected leader of this tank. Now <<print $name>>, let me explain some of the rules here! [[Rules? | psf1]]

Ah yes! We have a very advanced society here, and we know you will come to really love it here! As a shrimp, you have a selection of duties you must perform in order to keep up the scenery and ensure our tank is kept pristine! In exchange for doing tasks, you will be rewarded through our Pellet system. Once the big boss comes through with the Pellets, we will divide them out equally amongst our working residents. I will explain more after you finally enter the tank. Once the Boss finally lets you in, be sure to see me in the Palace. I will explain some of the benefits in more detail. Orangey: We are truly sooo excited to really get to know you! [[Okay! That is a lot to take in but I am sure I will get used to it!|psf2]]

Prince Shiny Fins: “Surely! See you soon shrimpy!” [[>>>|sometime]]

Some time passes, and suddenly, huge hands open the lid of the tank. The Boss cuts open the plastic bag and slips you into the tank. The water is nice and warm. It has a different flavor that what you are used to, but it isn’t that bad. Alrighty… Where should you go first… [[Meet the snails | bubblevillage]] [[Meet the shrimp | fernpark]] [[Head to the palace | palace]]

Prince Shiny Fins: Ahh! Welcome in <<print $name>>! We have been waiting for you to arrive! Orangey: *mumbles* It’s about time… my room is filthy… Prince Shiny Fins: Anyways! Let us get started, shall we? [[I’m ready! Let’s get to work! | p1]]

Prince Shiny Fins: Amazing! I have created a list of tasks for you… You will need to complete these tasks and report back to me to earn your pellets. Do a thorough job, as my men will check on your progress periodically. You are welcome to explore the tank as you feel, but make sure you are getting your tasks accomplished, or you will never retire! (Laughs) You laugh nervously... Prince Shiny Fins: Aha! Here are your list of tasks. Just report back when you are done, and we will grant you your Pellets. If you are doing a superb job, sometimes we will treat you with an extra Bonus. Sound good? [[Yup! | tasklist]]

[[Orangey's Room|orangey]] [[Pebble Perfection|ppentry]] [[Mr. Shiny Fin’s Office|SFO]] <<if $greenbean gte 3>> [[I am all done.|completed]]<</if>>

Prince Shiny Fins leads your way to Orangey's Room. Orangey: Nice! You're here! Sorry for the mess... Have fun cleaning it! *chuckles* [[Alright I guess I will get started! | cleanorangey]]

That was easy... I am too good at this. Orangey: Wow! That was fast! You are just too good at this! [[That is what I just said... |anyways]]

Orangey: Oh... Anyways... Do you want this greenbean? [[Sure! | yesgreenbean]]

<<set $greenbean +=1>> Nice... What next... [[Do another task. | tasklist]]

Prince Shiny Fins leads you to the front of the tank. Prince Shiny Fins: This is what everyone looking in will see first. Can you clean this up? [[Clean up the front of the tank. |ppclean]]

Wow,that was fast. [[Honestly I am too fast for my own good. | ppdone]]

Prince Shiny Fins rushes besides you. That was speedy... Fantastic! Here is a greenbean to mark your progress. [[Sweet! Bean...! | greenbean2]]

<<set $greenbean to $greenbean+=1>> What next? [[Another task?|tasklist]]

Inside the palace, there is a room with the words "Prince Shiny Fins Office". You take a peek inside. Prince Shiny Fins: Ah nice! Welcome to my office. I haven't cleaned up in ages and my whole room is covered in algae. Can you get started on that? [[No problem!|cleansfo]]

Looks like there is some algae over [[here|algh]]

Nice... All clean! Prince Shiny Fins: You have magnificent speed... I have never seen anything like this before. Here is another greenbean. [[Sweet! That was easy! |easybean]]

<<set $greenbean +=1>> What now...? <<if $greenbean <= $neededbeans>> [[Another task! | tasklist]] <</if>> <<if $greenbean >= $neededbeans>> [[I am all done! | completed]]<</if>>

Prince Shiny Fins: Ah... It appears as though you have completed all your tasks! [[ Yep! Finally got them done! Can I earn my wages now so I can retire? |retire1]]

Prince Shiny Fins: You see, there has been an issue with our financials... I will not be able to pay you your wages... We have a really bad pellet shortage at the moment... [[I thought the Boss supplied the pellets to us?|retire2]]

Prince Shiny Fins: Yes... But there hasn't been any dropouts in a while. In order to keep things fair I think you'll just have to keep working until supply comes back. [[... But I was told I could retire after I finished all my tasks...| retire3]]

Prince Shiny Fins: *laughs* It is funny to me you think it is going to be that easy... [[ hm...? |retire4]]

Prince Shiny Fins: You have left me with a difficult decision to make now... No one has ever retired here... You see, there is far too much work to do. I can't do it myself! If you retire then who is going to do the dirty work? [[ You told me I could retire after I finish my tasks...| retire5]]

Prince Shiny Fins: It usually takes a little shrimp their whole life to finish the tasks I set out for them... You worked pretty fast! Too fast... [[ Too fast?!| retire6]]

Prince Shiny Fins: *chuckles* It would be a lot easier to just treat you like the rest. You're so replaceable... [[What do you mean? |retire7]]

Prince Shiny Fins: Oh you are so naive... He looks at me menacingly... I think it's time I [[get out of here | get out]]

Quick! He is right behind you! [[LEFT | left1]] [[RIGHT | right1]]

It is a deadend! [[Go back | right1]]

[[LEFT | left2]] [[RIGHT | right2]]

There is a door this way. It says 'Prince Quarters'. There is a crack small enough for you to go through. You feel compelled to enter. [[Squeeze through the cracks. | psf room]]

There is just a garbage can... How can you accumulate trash underwater...? [[Go back. | left2]]

Within, there is a pile of extra pellets. Proof the prince has actually lied. There is plenty of food to go around. What does he need all this for? There is another door in this room... Maybe it is an exit? [[Leave the room. | leavepsf]]

[[LEFT | left3]] [[RIGHT | right3]]

You hear Orangey and Mr. Carnival coming... You need to go the other way... ASAP. [[Go back. | right3]]

Whew... you see the light... It is an exit! [[Finally!|exit]]

[[I need to warn the others...|warn]] [[I should find a place to hide...|hide]]

You swiftly exit the Palace out of the back entrance. There is a rock structure closeby. You squeeze in between two of the stones. Surely he can't see you here. [[>>> |controck]]

You finally catch your breath for a moment. That is... until... Prince Shiny Fins: Hey! Shrimpy! You thought you could hide from me huh... It is honestly a little pathetic... Right next to the exit? Really? Whatever... I am starving. And in an instant... Your short shrimp life flashes before your eyes. It is all over... [[What went wrong...?|Start]]

You, the shrimp colony, and the snails head up to the palace steps. The snails form a line in front of the shrimp. [[Come out Prince Shiny Fins! It is time to take accountability for your wrongdoing!|un1]]

Prince Shiny Fins comes out of the palace doorway. Prince Shiny Fins: Me...? I am sorry... What exactly have I done wrong? I have done nothing but good for this tank! [[More like no good! The shrimp colony is starving due to your greediness. I know about your food stash. Why keep it so secret? | un2]]

Suddenly, he looks a bit more nervous. Prince Shiny Fins: Pellet stash? What are you talking about...? [[You can't play dumb anymore Prince, the whole tank knows your dirty secret. What are you going to do? Eat us? | un3]]

Prince Shiny Fins: Why... It is starting to look like a good idea... [[Wouldn't it just be easier to come clean and redistribute your food stash as it should have been? | un4]]

Prince Shiny Fins: You think I am going to take orders from a shrimp?! Hilarious! Suddenly... Orangey and Mr. Carnival appear from behind the palace... Orangey: So what's this about your food stash Prince...? You told us the Boss stopped sending out enough rations for everybody... Mr. Carnival: Yeah... You're telling me you have just been hoarding it all? What a rotten scumbag... PSF: How dare you speak of me like that! I am your Prince! Orangey: Not too good of one... A good prince wouldn't hoard food from his tankmates... Orangey and Mr. Carnival join the line with the snails and shrimp. [[So you could probably eat me... But can you really stop all of us? | un5]]

Prince Shiny Fins: ... I... I.... *starts crying*... [[Are you really crying right now?|un6]]

Prince Shiny Fins: I have been so evil... I have treated you all so poorly and exploited your bodies for labor so that MY life could be easier. But at the end of the day, no matter how rich I am, I will always be a greedy scumbag... [[Well I am not disagree with that... |un7]]

Prince Shiny Fins: Okay... I am formally apologizing. I will redistribute the stash immediately. I am sorry for not seeing the error in my ways. I hope you all can find the space in your heart to forgive me. Orangey: They may be able to forgive you, but I don't think that I will. How can we trust having you in power again? Mr. Carnival: I don't think we can... There must be another option. Shelly: If anyone has had the power to truly unite this tank... I would say it is <<print $name>>. Maybe they should be our leader. Snamy: I don't think that is a bad idea... Shrimp... Goldies... Do you agree? The goldfish and shrimp colony all mumble in satisfaction. Prince Shiny Fins: Okay... <<print $name>>, I relinquish my crown to you. Thank you. [[Return crown, but accept leadership. |leadership]]

You take the crown in your hands, and realize it is not right to wear this symbol of power. [[Prince Shiny Fins, I do not want this crown. It implies I rule this tank. The tank should be ruled by the tankmates. If you need someone to help lead, I will accept that offer. Prince, you can hold onto this crown. | returncrown]]

The tankmates cheer you on as you mark your first step as a designated leader. Finally... you will have a chance to rest. [[>>>| storycont]]

The next few months went smoothly. As time passed, the tankmates found that the Boss was always destributing just enough rations for everyone. Everyone had a part in keeping the tank clean and safe. About a year has passed since your first days in the tank. You are constantly thankful that you no longer have to work to survive. You just work to do your part for the tank. Out of the blue, your tankmates start to fall ill... An infection has overwhelmed the tank. One by one, you have to say goodbye to your loved ones. Until... they start saying their goodbyes to you... You drift away peacefully... Shrimp heaven is quite nice. You won the game.

You swim over to a large pleco slurping on some algae on the glass. You: Hello! I thought I would introduce myself. I am <<print $name>>. I am new here. Pleco: Ahh.. I heard there would be a new shrimp in the tank since the incident. Nice to meet you kid. You: Are you the only Pleco here? Pleco: Yes… I had a lovely wife, but she unfortunately died to old age. I know I am at my wits end too, but I still have some work to do before I can fully retire. You: How much work do you still need to do? Pleco: Goldies said I still need to keep sucking on the glass so the Boss can see the Palace well… That I can do… because the glass is pretty tasty. However, they have also asked that I clean off some of the algae on their Palace as well… That is a bit harder since I am too big to fit in some the crevices… Sometimes I really wish I could catch a break… You: I can help! Pleco: You don’t mind? Wow kiddo, thank you so much. After that is done, all I have to do is keep sucking glass until I retire. Much love to you little buddy. You: No problem!