=><=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/iqonf3f6od4jsdx/stink2.jpg">
<=
You’ve stepped on a stink bug. Bits of crunched exoskeleton and viscous goo stick to your bare feet. You get a whiff of good ‘ol stink bug odor.
[[Ew! Stop thinking about it!->Ew]]
[[This is so sad.. The poor creature probably has a family somewhere.->Sad]]
[[Meh. Another mundane occurrence in my tepid existence.->Mundane]]
(set: $bravery to 0, $like to 0, $solve to 0, $dreamer to 0, $nofucks to 0, $scholar to false, $curious to 0, $internet to false, $mental to 0, $random to 1, $threeways to false, $wiki to false, $frequency to false, $controlprog to false, $pennstate to false, $econ to false, $epa to false, $pheromone to false, $lifestyle to false, $washp to false, $daydream to false, $fridge to false, $mouthpart to "", $body to "", $ft to 0, $bait to "", $bait2 to "", $weap to "", $weap2 to "", $food to "", $strength to 0, $baitval to 0, $robin to false, $child to false, $wiki2 to false, $fridge2 to false, $fridge3 to false)
You think about seashells and fossils and other petrified body parts. You think about profits and market demands. You eye the stink bug remains.
[[An excellent opportunity! Preserve the remains and try to sell them for $$.->RobinHood]]
[[Ridiculous. Preserving stink bug remains? Who does that?->Reality]]
(set: $mental to it+1)(set:$dreamer to it+1)
<==>
<p>You preserve them carefully and place them in your bedside drawer. Decades later, at your deathbed, you shakily tell your tearful children to take the remains and pass it on to the next generation, who will pass it to the next, and so on and so forth, until stink bugs become extinct and the preserved remains can rake in big bucks.
<p> Your plan is an excellent one.
<p> 2 million years later, society lives in a fancy spaceship and the income gap is at its widest. Your progeny puts their inheritance of preserved stink bug remains on the market. Rich corporations desperately outbid each other for it. The remains sell for a shiton of money. Your progeny takes the cash, distribute a percentage for investments, and the rest for the lower class. The top wealthiest 1%’s wealth falls from 70% of the total spaceship’s total wealth to an all-time low of 30% of the spaceship’s total wealth. Your progeny is forever hailed in history as the Legal Robin Hood.
(set:$robin to true)
<p>[[End.]]
<p> You clean your foot and the carpet up like the responsible person you are. You //were// going to peer in the (probably empty) fridge forlornly, but you’re not sure if you’re hungry now.
[[Go to the kitchen.->Kitchen]]
[[Your appetite is ruined. Meander about aimlessly.->Meander]](set: $bravery to it+1)
(set:$like to it-1)Your thoughts, so poetically prosed, grind to a halt. Stink bugs are disgusting. No more prose.
[[She sells seashells by the sea shore.->Seashells]]
[[Clean up your foot and the stink bug remains.->Cleanfoot]]
[[Poke at the departed bug with the nearest object.->Poke]]
[[Hop on one foot - your clean foot - and scream.->Scream]]
You poke at it with a pen. The stink bug twitches.
[[You scream like a little child.->Scream]]
[[You quickly stab the stink bug with the pen.->Stab]]
<==>
<p> You scream pitifully, sounding like a deflating squeaky toy. You stretch your dirty foot as far away from your torso as possible while maintaining your center of gravity.
<p>Impressive - if you weren’t wrapped up in a moment of abject fear, you could probably participate in a balance beam competition. As it is, you feel on the verge of crying.
[[Burst into tears.->Burst]]
[[Sniffle and take deep breaths, then clean up the incident.->Cleanfoot]](set: $bravery to it-2, $like to it-1)
<==>
<p> Just imagine: the stink bug wife, with her - how many children do stink bugs have, anyways? - probably a million stink bug children, waiting in some crack in your house. The wife checks the time with her [[clock genes->INFOInsectClock]].
<p> “Hubby isn’t home yet, and it’s evening,” she cries, [[vibrating her abdomen->INFOPennState]].
<p> Her 934th child receives the vibration and vibrates back, annoyed. “Mother, stop being a worrywart. God, I knew I should’ve eloped with Peter when I got the chance..”
[[Continue daydreaming about stink bug domesticity.->Dreamer2]]
[[You’re curious now. Find out how many children the average stink bug has.->ChildrenCount]]
[[Get back to reality.->Reality]]
{(set:$dreamer to it+1, $like to it+1)}
You nod to yourself and continue on your original path to the fridge, mindless of the dead body you just left.
[[Regret your lack of propriety and hold a funeral.->Funeral]]
[[Go to the kitchen.->Kitchen]](set:$nofucks to it+1,$like to it-1)
<==>
<p>“WHAT??!” The wife bursts into tears. “I forbid you to elope!”
<p> “Mom! You can’t do that! You’re one to talk; you had all of us before you and Father married anyways,” the 934th child protests. The 999,999 other children release nasty odors and move their abdomens in agreement.
<p> A stink bug from the other end of the house flies over and addresses the wife. “Bad news, Mrs Skunk. I saw it firsthand: your husband got crushed under the human’s clumsy appendages.”
<p> “NOOOOOOOOO!!!” The wife shrieks in despair. At her warcry, her million children transform from [[nymph to adult->INFOLifeCycle]] in rapid succession.
<p> The wife’s scream is of such high magnitude that it splits rocks and causes 10 earthquakes. Somewhere on reddit, angry discussions on [[fracking->INFOFracking]] regulations break out.
<p> The wife ascends into her Final Form, then cackles. “Human! Wait until you see my TRUE power! HYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” before morphing into her Final Final Form.</p>[[Your imagination has gone too far. You simply must return to reality.->ComplexThought]]
[[You’re worried you’ve imagined an inaccurate number of stink bug children. Find out how many children the average stink bug has.->ChildrenCount]]
(set:$dreamer to it+1)
<==>
<p> You Google //“stink bug children”// on your laptop and get a list of child-friendly websites. Hmm. Ok then. You type //“how many children stink bug”// and get more child-friendly websites. You type //“how many stink bug offspring”// and finally get your answer: [[//“as many as 486 eggs in a lifetime.”//->INFOEggs]] You find out their lifetime is [[6 to 8 months.->INFOLifetime]]
<p> How typical. Google is clearly stinkbugist for believing stinkbugs have “offspring” but not “children”.
[[Your metaphorical fur bristles - time for social justice!->Fame]](if: $solve<1)[
[[Enough antics. You should probably do something about your foot.->Reality]]](if: $solve>=1)[
[[Continue your internet search.->InternetOptions]]](set:$child to true)
What should you do?
[[She sells seashells by the sea shore.->Seashells]]
[[Clean up your foot and the stink bug remains.->Cleanfoot]]
[[Poke at the departed bug with the nearest object.->Poke]]
[[Hop on one foot - your clean foot - and scream.->Scream]]
You burst into tears for hours upon hours. Fat droplets endlessly roll down your face. Your red nose and mouth are covered in an indistinguishable mass of disgusting snotty goop.
[[Curl up in a ball and die.->Die]]
[[Stop crying and clean up your foot and the carpet.->Trombone]]
(set: $bravery to it-1)
<p> You curl up and soon feel the life passing you. Your spirit drifts out of your moribund body and you make your last sniffle. In the afterlife, you gain a reputation of being a sensitive person who can supply an endless water supply if jump-scared.
<p>[[End.]]</p>(set: $bravery to it-1)
=><=
##The End
#####Out of 12 endings, you got: (set:$history to (history:)'s last)
####(if: $history is "RobinHood")[A Rich Space Future](else-if: $history is "Horror")[Extremely Fragile Bodily Functions](else-if: $history is "Seppuku")[A Delirious Samurai Death](else-if: $history is "Fame")[Famous Stink Bug Activist](else-if: $history is "PowerOff1")[Quite Plausibly the Best Ending](else-if: $history is "Future3")[Lonely and Self-Destructive](else-if: $history is "Sleep1")[Success Tinged with Ignorance](else-if: $history is "Sleep2")[Success with a Moral Burden](else-if: $history is "Allow")[Stink Bug Protector](else-if: $history is "Rid")[A Kind Person](else-if: $history is "Die")[Death by Tears](else-if: $history is "Future2")[Lonely and Regretful]
---
(if: $solve > 50)[You spend the rest of your life (if: $history is "Future2" or it is "Future3")[having achieved a great feat yet feeling lonely and scared in a world mysteriously overrun by stink bugs.](else:)[feeling fulfilled and happy.]](else-if: $solve > 11)[You spend the rest of your life as a brilliant but reclusive hermit.](else:)[You spend the rest of your life as (if:$internet is true)[an internet overlord](else-if:$robin is true)[the cunning ancestor of Legal Robin Hood](else:)[an average person] in a world mysteriously overrun by stink bugs.]
---
''In the end, you:''
<==
{
* are (if: $bravery <= -2)[the exact opposite of](else-if:$bravery is -1)[not at all](else-if: $bravery is 0)[an eensy, //teensy// bit](else-if: $bravery is 1)[somewhat](else-if: $bravery is 2)[really](else-if: $bravery is 3)[//extremely//](else-if: $bravery >= 4)[insanely~~^^you need to be stopped^^~~] brave
* (if: $like < -2)[(text-style:"smear")[despise]](else-if: $like is -2)[(text-style:"shadow")[hate]](else-if:$like is -1)[dislike](else-if: $like is 0)[are neutral toward](else-if: $like is 1)[kind of like](else-if: $like is 2)[like](else-if: $like is 3)[love](else-if: $like >3)[''//love//''♡] stink bugs
* are (if: $mental <= 0)[perfectly sane](else-if:$mental is 1)[a bit mental](else-if:$mental is 2)[mental](else-if: $mental is 3)[(text-style:"shudder")[crazy]](else-if: $mental >= 4)[(text-style:"fade-in-out")[absolutely insane!]]
}{(if: $dreamer is 1)[* infrequently daydream](else-if:$dreamer is 2)[* are a tentative daydreamer](else-if: $dreamer is 3)[* are an experienced daydreamer](else-if: $dreamer is 4)[* can daydream anywhere, anytime (∩ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)⊃━☆゚](else-if: $dreamer >= 5)[* can probably actualize unicorns given your daydreaming experience (⊃。•́‿•̀。)⊃━☆゚.*・。゚]
(if: $robin is true or $history is "PowerOff1" or it is "Sleep1" or it is "Sleep2")[* are adroit with money]
(if: $nofucks is 1)[* put some thought into life decisions](else-if:$nofucks is 2)[* infrequently put thought into life decisions](else-if: $nofucks is 3)[* do not care much about life decisions](else-if: $nofucks >= 4)[* do not care ''at all'' about life decisions]
(if: $scholar is not false)[* are an excellent scholar who knows how to wade through academic databases]
(if: $curious is 0)[* are not curious //at all//](else-if:$curious is 1)[* had probably 1 mg of curiosity in you](else-if:$curious is 2)[* had probably 5 mg of curiosity in you](else-if: $curious is 3)[* are //kind of// curious, but not really](else-if: $curious is 4)[* are somewhat curious to learn!](else-if: $curious is 5)[* are often times curious to learn!](else-if: $curious is 6)[* are a curious, ^^(probably)^^ intrinsically motivated person!](else-if: $curious is 7)[* are a very eager to learn! ^^(From the author: good for you!)^^](else-if: $curious > 7)[* have reached an ultimate thirst to learn (•́⌄•́๑)૭✧]
(if: $internet is not false)[* are internet famousヽ( ▼∀▼)ノ]
}
---
(if: $solve > 50)[(if: $history is "PowerOff1" or it is "Sleep1" or it is "Sleep2")[You saved the world from a proliferation of mutant, (if: $like<0)[creepy, disgusting ]stink bugs. You feel (if: $dreamer>3)[like you’ve achieved your Final Form: the Bug God](else:)[//pretty// good]!](else:)[You were so close to defeating the stink bug infestation. So, so close! (if: $like>0)[You’d done so much research, constructed an adorable little creation, and yet. It wasn’t enough](else:)[Ah well. You feel kind of queasy at the idea of stink bug decimation anyways].]](else-if: $solve > 11)[You were so close to defeating the stink bug infestation. So, so close! (if: $like>0)[You’d done so much research, constructed an adorable little creation, and yet. It wasn’t enough](else:)[Ah well. You feel kind of queasy at the idea of stink bug decimation anyways].](else:)[You never managed to get rid of your stink bug infestation before dying.(if:$robin is false or $internet is false)[ You just hope someone finds your dead body before the stink bugs do.(if: $epa is false)[ ..Can stink bugs eat humans?]](else:)[ Well, at least you milked your time on earth for all its worth, right?]]
---
=><=
(link:"Try again.")[(reload:)]
(if: (saved-games:) contains "Slot A")[
(link: "Load last save.")[
(load-game: "Slot A")
]
]
<img id ="ex2" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/9iomlklfdsz3nnd/stink4.jpg">
=><=
####The Kitchen.
<==
You’re in the kitchen. Rather dull looking.(if:$solve<1)[ Something moves in the corner.]
[[Look at the calendar.->Calendar]](if:$solve<1)[[[
Try to spot what moved.->WhatMoved]]](if:$solve>0)[[[
Do an internet search on stink bugs.->InternetSearch]]](if:$solve>1)[[[
Check your notes.->Notes]]]
[[Open the fridge.->Fridge]]
Yep - that stink bug was a nasty creature; it even interrupted your [[hunger hormones->INFOHormones]]. You meander in an emotionally disturbed daze.
[[Drift aimlessly some more.->Lost]]
[[Go back to the kitchen.->Kitchen]](set:$like to it-1)
You’re lost. Goodness! You’re lost in your own house.
[[This is ridiculous. Cease to exist.->Seppuku]]
[[Look about wildly.->Nothing]]
[[Pray to the domestic gods.->Nothing]](set:$dreamer to $dreamer+1)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Hunger Hormones(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
Can negative feelings affect hunger hormones?
''Hunger hormones:'' //"Your body has a natural system which signals you to eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. This system is regulated by hormones. The hormones include ''ghrelin'', the hunger hormone, and ''leptin'', the fullness or satiety hormone.."//
The answer: //"When you are stressed, emotionally eating, or distracted, it is easy to become disconnected.."// from your hormones, leading to overeating.
A link between ''fear'' and ''hunger hormones'' is yet to be substantiated, however - interesting research idea.
=><=
(link: "Read more at Colorado State University")[(open-url: "http://source.colostate.edu/understanding-your-hunger-cues/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
You find a sword and commit seppuku. Huh. You thought the only swords in this house were in your lab. Guess not.
(set:$nofucks to it+1, $mental to it+1)
<p>[[End.]]</p>
Nothing happens.
[[Panic.->Panic]]
[[Calm.->Calm]]
Your heart pounds; the walls around you seem to be closing in; your breath comes in and out - shaky - rapid - scared. You feel lost, and scared, and your fear keeps escalating.(set:$mental to it+1)
[[Are you dying?->Attack]]
You find your way back to the kitchen. All that meandering has made you hungry again.
(live: 1s)[(display:"Kitchen")](stop:)
You wake up on the floor in your kitchen. Did you actually go anywhere? Was all your meandering a hallucination? You feel like you’re on the brink of panicking again.
[[Take a deep breath and shakily look around you.->Mystery]]
You make a mental note to get that checked out. You don’t want to die anytime soon, but that felt an awful lot like dying.
(display: "Kitchen")
It’s January 13th. (if: $lifestyle is true)[
You remember something from your research: in winter, stink bugs hide and go into a dormant state called [[diapause->INFODiapause]]. In spring, they become active again. Why in the world are you seeing them in the middle of winter, then?]
[[Your gaze drifts to the rest of the kitchen.->Kitchen]]
You peer to no avail. Dang nearsightedness. Can’t see a dang thing.
[[You don’t have glasses, but put on glasses anyways.->GlassesMotion]]
[[Move closer.->MoveCloser]]
(set:$solve to it+1)You whip out your handy-dandy laptop. What should you search?
(display:"InternetOptions")
You open your Notes app.
<div class="dia">
=><=
##Notes
<==
(if:$wiki is true or $econ is true or $controlprog is true)[✗ [[Stink bug news->News]]
](if:$epa is true)[✗ [[Stink bug food->Food]]
](if:$child is true or $pheromone is true or $lifestyle is true)[✗ [[Stink bug lifestyle->Lifestyle]]
](if:$threeways is true or $washp is true or $frequency is true)[✗ [[Stink bug control->Control]]
]
</div>
(link:"Stop checking your notes.")[(if: (history:) contains "FoodChoice")[(go-to:"FoodChoice")](else-if:(history:) contains "Lab")[(go-to:"Lab")](else-if:(history:) contains "Creation")[(go-to:"Creation")](else:)[(go-to:"Kitchen")]](if: (history:) contains "Creation" or $daydream is true)[](else:)[
[[Stop checking your notes and daydream.->Daydream]]]
(if:($philodone is true or $fridge2 is true) and $fridge is true and $fridge3 is true)[
A wave of cold air blasts you. Your eyes hone in on the petri dishes and lockboxes; you lick chapped lips in anticipation. The stink bugs won’t know what hit them.
(if:$controlprog is true)[[[Begin creating your insect prototype.->Creation]]](else:)[(color:"#C44200")[~~Begin creating your insect prototype.~~]]
[[You feel like you need to do more research. Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
](else-if: $fridge is true and $fridge3 is true)[
You open the fridge, hoping for something(if: $like <0)[, anything but stink bugs ^^//shiver//^^,](else:)[ edible] to pop up. Half the fridge is illuminated. The other half is dark.
[[Examine the illuminated half.->Illuminated]]
[[Examine the darkened half.->Darkened]]
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
](else:)[
You open the fridge. Your fingers, for some reason, are sweaty and shaking. The inside of the fridge looks ominous - you forgot to replace the lightbulb, so only one half is illuminated while the other is shrouded in darkness.
[[Examine the illuminated half.->Illuminated]]
[[Examine the darkened half.->Darkened]]
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
]
<p> A clean hit. Minus infinify HP. Muddy liquids spurt onto the carpet; a single leg of the stink bug twitches, then remains still.
(set:$bravery to it+1)(display:"Cleanfoot")
You take one last sniff, sounding like a badly tuned trombone.
(display:"Cleanfoot")
You remember that stink bugs [[aren’t capable of such complex thought->INFOComplexThought]]. Good - it would be terrifying if insects could transform into Final Final Forms.
(display:"Reality")
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Insects' Mental Capabilities(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/yc43xtapycr28yz/ComplexThought.png">
"Insects have the capacity for the most basic aspect of consciousness: subjective experience.”
"Insects also have a rudimentary sense of ego.."
However, “Insects may have subjective experience.. but not of a kind that has a lot of ethical consequences.”
=><=
(link: "Read more at Smithsonian Magazine")[(open-url: "http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/do-insects-have-consciousness-ego-180958824/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Stop BMSB
<==>
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6lafhsywtt9vgek/eggs.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "Link")[(open-url: "http://www.stopbmsb.org/stink-bug-basics/life-stages/")]
<=
^^*Note: source contains stink bug images^^
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Stink Bug Lifespan
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/9d8a60bchvsbi21/lifetime.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "Read more at Rutgers University")[(open-url: "https://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/faq.asp")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<==>
<p>(set:$internet to true) You hop on the computer and type angrily on all your social media outlets - Tumblr, Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook. Your witty puns and cogent arguments do a good job convincing prepubescents and jaded adults alike.
<p> In fact, they do more than a good job. #StinkBugist and #Insectist become the #1 trending hashtag, the subreddit r/insectist gets more than 50,000 subscribers within the first week, and your tumblr inbox constantly contains upwards of 5,000 messages. You are internet famous and constantly get showered in praise, hatred, and memes.
<p> It is fun to feel like a overlord. But, over time, you get tired of being asked to be other people’s daddies. You get an increasing urge to kill yourself. At an impulse, you delete all your social media accounts, pack up your essentials, sell your house, and settle down to work at an university's insect lab where you can have peace, quiet, and [[entomology->INFOEntomology]].
<p>[[End.]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Entomology(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
"''Entomology'' is the scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology."
"At some 1.3 million described species, insects account for more than two-thirds of all known organisms, date back some 400 million years, and have many kinds of interactions with humans and other forms of life on earth."
=><=
(link: "Read more at Wikipedia")[(open-url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entomology")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<p>You set up candles and lay some rose petals around the crime scene. You turn off the lights, kneel down reverently, and begin reciting an old shaman chant.
<p> “Hummunah… Hummunah… HOO!” At “hoo”, you stand up and do a little jig.
<p>You’re not really sure how funerals work, but you’ve heard the phrase “dance on your grave” before, so you’re assuming dancing is how people celebrate the dead.
<p>You dance vigorously and do a series of butt shakes that you think would make any self-respecting gyrator proud.
<p>You’ve heard of the term “eulogy”, too, so you deliver a heartfelt eulogy: “I have not known this honourable stink bug for long, but I’m sure he was a devastatingly handsome, benevolent creature who would never hurt a fly. In fact, he was probably incapable of hurting a fly. Amen.” You’ve seen “amen” written in books about dead people and thought it would be fitting.
<p>You should really socialize more and learn some social norms. Oh well.</p>
[[Clean up your foot and the carpet.->Cleanfoot]]
[[Poke at the deceased bug with the nearest object.->Poke]]
(link: "Scream for no apparent reason and do a sudden act of gymnastics.")[(set:$mental to it+1)(goto: "Scream")]
[[Head towards the kitchen.->Kitchen]]
(set:$nofucks to it+1,$mental to it+1)
(if: $child is not true)[[[You’re feeling whimsical. Find out how many children a stink bug can have.->ChildrenCount]]
](if:$wiki is true)[[[Check the brown marmorated stink bug’s Wikipedia page.->Wikipedia]]](else:)[[[Find the stink bug’s Wikipedia page.->Wikipedia]]]
[[Find out how to solve stink bug infestations.->SolveInfestationSearch]]
[[Check your notes.->Notes]]
[[Stop searching.->Tired]]
You’ve discovered something intensely interesting - and (if: $like>0)[kinda awesome. ](else:)[gross. ]Your house has a stink bug infestation. This is a new discovery; the first time you saw a stink bug in your house was only a few days ago. It’s (if: $like<=0)[upsetting](else:)[fascinating] how fast they seem to have reproduced.
[[Investigate stink bugs on the internet.->InternetSearch]]
[[Your stomach grumbles. Look around the kitchen. ->Kitchen]]
Like a loony, you go through the motions of putting on glasses without any actual glasses in hand. You still can’t tell what moved, but at least you’ve confirmed you’re a bit mental.(set: $mental to it+1)
[[Whelp. That failed. Move closer.->MoveCloser]]
[[On second thought, ignore whatever you saw.->Kitchen]]
You move closer. You still can’t see anything.
[[Move even closer!! Immerse yourself in the shadowy corner!->Immersion]]
[[Lose interest.->Kitchen]]
Your nose is a few inches from the wall. On second thought, maybe you’re a bit too close..
You spot the moving object - it’s another blasted stink bug! And it’s heading straight for your nose!
[[Oh shit! You knew this was a bad idea; flee from the corner like an intimidated pokemon.->Fled]]
[[Stand your ground like the solid rock you are.->SolidRock]]
<==>
<p>You ponder on this for awhile.
(if:$threeways is not true)[<p>What do “natural” and “unnatural” mean, anyways, in this technology-submerged world? And if you got rid of your infestation unnaturally, would there no longer be an ecological balance? And even if you disrupt the ecological balance, isn’t it morally wrong to murder another being?
<p>How do I even know that those stink bugs exist and everything around me isn’t some hallucination?
<p>How can I be certain that my free will isn’t a hallucination?
<p>Do I have free will?
<p>Hours later, you snap out of your [[philosophical->INFOPhilosophy]] stupor, enlightened but still in a house infested by stink bugs. Drat.](else:)[(set:$philodone to true)<p>You recall that the “3 Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Naturally” article had some decidedly unnatural methods: using insect electrocution systems, laying out damp towels, placing out sticky tape along windows. Isn’t sticky tape manmade? And electrocution is definitely not natural.
<p>Either that title was false advertisement, or unnatural ways would involve the extreme end of the manmade.
<p>You think about your underground lab. The wires, the screens, the petri dishes, the bioprinter. You think about the fridge.
<p>You could definitely get rid of stink bugs unnaturally.]
[[Go back to your search.->SolveInfestationSearch]]
<==>
<p>Hmm. Brown marmorated stink bug it is.(if:$like<0)[ Yuck.]
<p>You skim [[the page->INFOWiki]].
<p>Your eyebrows raise. Stink bugs were accidentally introduced to your country, United States, from China or Japan, through shipping crates apparently.
<p>//“The first documented specimen was collected in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in September 1998. ..Between 2001 and 2010 there were fifty-four reported sightings of BMSB at shipping ports in the United States. However, stink bugs are listed as non-reportable, meaning that they do not need to be reported or have any required action taken to remove the insect. This allowed the insect to enter the United States relatively easily..” //Dammit! Those sneaky, simple-brained insects!
<p>You become a bit relieved at realizing you’re not alone in this infestation. //“As of 2010, 17 states have been categorized as having established [brown marmorated stink bug] populations..” //
<p> What about as of 2017? You discover that [[44 states now have stink bugs->INFOWhereisBMSB]]. 9 of those states reported //“severe agricultural and nuisance problems”//. Stink bugs are clearly an [[invasive species->INFOInvasive]].
<p>..All those 9 states are in the Mid-Atlantic region. Uh oh. You live in the Mid-Atlantic region.(set: $wiki to true)
[[Continue reading.->Wiki2]]
[[Stop reading and return to your internet search.->InternetOptions]]
<==>
(if:$random % 3 is 2)[<p>It’s the [[//“3 Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Naturally”//->INFO3Ways]] article. Ooh lala. Herbal sprays, esoteric powders, electrocution! (set:$threeways to true)
Some things stand out:
* Stink bugs are attracted to diffused lights [[during spring->INFOLight]]
* Soap with less chemicals and non-treated diatomaceous earth dehydrate stink bugs by break downing the protective layers on their exoskeleton
* Neem oil causes stink bugs to starve themselves and not lay eggs
* Stink bugs are repelled by garlic, mint, and..
<p>..catnip. Apparently stink bugs don’t like the smell of catnip.
<p>You remember you once tried to grow catnip in your garden. One day, you went to tend the garden and found [[numerous cats sitting around->INFOCats]], looking stoned. [[Mouths frothed->INFOCats2]] furiously; cat chins receded in on themselves.
](else-if:$random % 3 is 1)[<p>It’s [[an article->INFOOrkin]] about a stink bug’s lifestyle. In the winter, they hide under weeds, rocks, or on the sides of houses, and go into a dormant state called [[diapause->INFODiapause]]. If they can get inside houses, they’ll spend the winter inside walls or in quiet places like the attic. In the spring, they become active again and seek a way outside the house.(set:$lifestyle to true)
<p>But.. it’s January, so why have you been seeing so many stink bugs out and about?](else:)[You find a [[Q&A article from the Washington Post->INFOWashP]].
(set:$washp to true)
[[<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/z0gz7ddlzbfilys/Q%26A.png">->INFOWashP]]
Hmm. Stink bug predators need help, do they?
]
[[Go back to your internet search.->SolveInfestationSearch]](set:$random to it+1)
A Google search of //“solve stink bug infestation”// brings up sites with headlines like //“How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs”// and //“3 Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Naturally”//.(set:$solve to it+1)
(if:$philodone is not true)[
[[What does “3 Ways to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Naturally” //mean//? Is there a way to get rid of stink bugs //unnaturally//?->PhilosophicalStupor]]](if:$threeways is not true or $washp is not true or $lifestyle is not true)[
[[Click on a random link.->ThreeWays]]](if:$econ is not true or $pheromone is not true)[
[[Those sites seem like they have little credibility. Limit your search to sites with .gov or .edu domains.->Scholar1]]](if:$frequency is not true or $controlprog is not true)[
[[Be a hardcore researcher and limit your search to scholarly literature.->Scholar2]]]
[[Check your notes.->Notes]]
[[Stop searching.->Tired]]
You type in //“solve stink bug infestations site:.edu OR site:.gov”//, using [[Google’s syntax->INFOGoogle]] to limit the search to certain domains. You get a list of sites that seem way more credible.
[[Why should you care about how credible a site is?->CredibleQ]]
[[Look at //”Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - Penn State University”//.->PennState]]
[[Look at //”Brown Marmorated Stink Bug - US Environmental Protection Agency”//.->EPA]]
[[Go back to your initial search.->SolveInfestationSearch]]
<==>
<p>You stroke your metaphorical beard and nod sagely.
<p> You first peruse Google Scholar, then ScienceDirect, then any other academic database you can get your hands on.
<p> You filter through a lot of interesting, but not immediately useful information.
<p>Did you know that if a cow eats food that is highly infested by stink bugs, their [[milk remains uncontaminated->INFOMilk]] by the stink bug’s odor chemicals? A good time to hit up the groceries.
<p> You sift through so much irrelevant information that you become a bit annoyed.
[[Narrow down your search by keywords.->Keyword]]
[[Continue to filter through the results you’ve got.->Filter]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Google Search Syntax(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ztjb5puel5zrtkf/google.png">
=><=
(link: "Read more at Google Support")[(open-url: "https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2466433?hl=en")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
Because if it’s not credible, the information might not be accurate.
<div class="dix"><p> ''credible |ˈkredəbəl|''
adjective
• able to be believed; convincing: //few people found his story credible | a credible witness.//
• capable of persuading people that something will happen or be successful: //a credible threat.//</div>
You don’t want to get inaccurate information, do you?
[[Eh. I don’t get it.->IDK]]
[[Ok, but why .edu and .gov domains?->Why]]
[[Ok, got it!->Scholar1]]
<==>
<p>[[The article->INFOPennState]] is packed with info. You skim it and notice something interesting. (set:$pennstate to true)
<p>The stink bug’s odor - or pheromone - comes from scent glands in their abdomen. It’s made of chemical compounds and acts as a communication device.
<p>Your mind starts to daydream.
<p>“Yo! Stink bug homies! Come here!” A stink bug in your house releases chemicals to attract the other stink bugs’ attention. “The clumsy human has stomped on our fellow bug! Time for revenge!”
<p>Could you use this pheromone to bait your stink bug infestation into a trap?
[[Find out the chemicals in the pheromone.->Pheromone]]
[[Return to your search.->Scholar1]]
<==>
<p>[[The article->INFOEPA]] discusses a bit about the stink bug’s diet: they eat certain kinds of fruit and vegetables.
Your eyes catch something interesting.(set:$epa to true)
<p> //“[Brown marmorated stink bugs] cause major economic damage to fruit, vegetable, and field crops in the mid-Atlantic region..”// Mid-Atlantic region - that’s your region!
[[Find out more about this damage.->Econ]]
[[Go back to your search.->Scholar1]]
<==>
<p>According to the National Agricultural Library,//“Mid-Atlantic apple growers [[lost $37 million->INFOEcon]] [in 2010] from damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug..”//
All that money. If you made something that could effectively control the stink bug population, you could sell it for big bucks. You see cash symbols in the distance and drool a bit.(set:$econ to true)
(if:(history:) contains "Econ")[
[[Return to your search.->Scholar1]]](else:)[
Your phone's ringing.
[[Take the call.->Phone]]
[[Reject it.->WUT]]]
You are //tired//! You deserve a break.
^^A nice, devoid-of-food break.. your eye twitches towards the fridge.^^
(live: 1s)[(display:"Kitchen")](stop:)
<div class="dia">
''Stink bug news''
(if:$wiki is true)[
✗ [[Invasive species->INFOInvasive]] to US
✗ [[44 states->INFOWhereisBMSB]] w/ stink bug populations
✗ Stink bug populations [[concentrated + cause problems->INFOWhereisBMSB]] around Mid-Atlantic region](if:$econ is true)[
✗ Causes about [[$37 million annually->INFOEcon]] in agricultural damage in Mid-Atlantic](if:$controlprog is true)[
✗ US Dept of Agriculture is developing [[biological control program->INFOControlProg]]: introducing Asian wasp through [[classical biological control->INFOBioControl]]
✗ USDA worried about Asian wasp becoming an [[invasive species->INFOInvasive]]]
[[↩ ->Notes]]
</div>
<div class="dia">
''Stink bug food''
(if:$epa is true)[
✗ [[Fruits->INFOEPA]]: apples, apricots, peaches, grapes, pears, cherries
✗ [[Vegetables->INFOEPA]]: corn, lima beans, pepper, tomatoes]
[[↩ ->Notes]]
</div>
<div class="dia">
''Stink bug lifestyle''
(if:$child is true)[
✗ Lifespan: [[6 - 8 months->INFOLifetime]]
✗ Can lay up to [[486 eggs->INFOEggs]] in a lifetime](if:$pheromone is true)[
✗ Stink bug pheromone is made of chemical compounds - [[trans-2-decenal and trans-2-octenal->INFOLibraryofMedicine]] - and is used to [[communicate->INFOPennState]] with stink bugs](if:$lifestyle is true)[
✗ [[During winter->INFOOrkin]], hides under weeds, rocks, or the walls or attics of houses and go into a dormant state called [[diapause->INFODiapause]]
✗ [[During spring->INFOOrkin]], becomes active and seeks a way outside house]
[[↩ ->Notes]]
</div>
<div class="dia">
''Stink bug control''
(if:$wiki2 is true)[
✗ Attracted to [[certain pheromone->INFOUSDAPheromone]]](if:$threeways is true)[
✗ Attracted to diffused lights [[during spring->INFOLight]]
✗ [[Soap->INFO3Ways]] with few chemicals (like dish detergent) dehydrates stink bugs
✗ Non-heat treated diatomaceous earth dehydrates stink bugs
✗ Neem oil cause stink bugs to starve themselves and not lay eggs
✗ Stink bugs do not like garlic, mint, catnip](if:$washp is true or $wiki2 is true)[
✗ Predators are [[not currently effective->INFOWashP]] enough](if:$frequency is true)[
✗ Insect eggs are [[difficult to kill->INFOEggKill]]
✗ Most frequent method of egg eating: [[complete chewing->INFOCChewing]]
✗ Most [[efficient predator native to US->INFOFrequency]]: bush crickets, ground beetles
✗ Most [[efficient predator->INFOControlProg]] in the world: Asian wasp]
[[↩ ->Notes]]
</div>
<==>
<p>You daydream about an insect that has a [[limbic brain->INFOLimbicBrain]], is faster than a cheetah, and is equipped with mini explosives and missile guidance.
It could probably help with this stink bug infestation.
<p> You wonder why all the stink bug articles contain huge images of stink bugs doing unimaginable things //(clusters of little stink bug babies, adult stink bugs crawling on top of each other, zoomed_in_stinkbug_on_leaf.jpg)//. (set:$daydream to true, $dreamer to it+1)
(link:"Those stink bug images are so cute!")[(set:$like to $like+1)(go-to:"Indeed")]
(link:"Those stink bug images send my heart into palpitations and I always quickly scroll past.")[(set:$like to $like-1)(go-to:"Indeed")]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Brain Evolution
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/nbfx7tz9qc3yrtw/INFOLimbicBrain.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
There are theorized to be three different brains that appeared successively during evolution:
* The ''reptilian brain'', the oldest of the three, which controls the body's vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, body temperature and balance.
* The ''limbic brain'' emerged in the first mammals. It can record memories of behaviours that produced agreeable and disagreeable experiences.
* The ''neocortex'' first assumed importance in primates; these hemispheres have been responsible for the development of human language, abstract thought, imagination, and consciousness.
=><=
(link: "Learn more at McGill University")[(open-url: "http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/d/d_05/d_05_cr/d_05_cr_her/d_05_cr_her.html")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
Indeed.
(live: 1s)[(display:"Kitchen")](stop:)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Diapause
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/at2d7bqvd61b9c1/diapausebyVictoriaRoberts.jpg">(set:$curious to it+1) ^^by Victoria Roberts^^
''Diapause'' is a period of slowed insect metabolism during cold or other unfavorable conditions.
Like a mini hibernation, an insect relies on energy reserves stored away before entering dormancy. Unlike hibernation, however, diapause can occur during times other than the winter.
//"If a stink bug uses up too much of its reserves in waking up for winter activity, its long-term survival would presumably be affected."//
=><=
(link: "Learn more at NY Times")[(open-url: "http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/science/how-do-stink-bugs-survive-winter-indoors.html")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
You flee so fast that a masterball couldn’t catch you. Why are there are so many (if:$like<0)[of those infernal things](else:)[stink bugs] in your house?(set: $bravery to it-1)
(live: 1s)[(display:"Kitchen")](stop:)
You stare that (if:$like<=0)[nasty ]stink bug in the eyes. Or, the general vicinity of where its eyes should should be - can’t tell in this darkness.
You notice something (if: $like<=0)[horrifying](else:)[surprising] - behind the bug follows numerous more bugs!
[[Flee!->Fled]]
[[Stand your ground like a true soldier, dammit!->Soldier]]
You can’t help but inch away microscopically, but overall do a good job facing off these insects. They crawl creepily over the wall with seemingly no destination until they disappear under a previously unnoticed split in the wallpaper.(set:$bravery to it+1)
[[Gulp and approach the wallpaper split.->Wallpaper]]
[[Yeah, no; that's enough adventure for today.->Enough]]
<==>
<p>You pull back the wallpaper to reveal the decrepit infrastructure of your house. A pungent, rotten aroma emanates. What you see shocks and disgusts you. (set:$bravery to it+1, $solve to it+1)
<p>Countless - probably hundreds - of stink bugs at different stages of development crawl the walls. On spindly legs, carrying crunchy exoskeletons.
<p>They crawl over each other.
<p>They crawl on the wallpaper.
<p>They’re - ew! You feel tingling sensations - they’re getting on your arms!
[[Die from horror.->Horror]]
[[Stand still in shock.->Shock]]
[[Stand still in apathy.->Apathy]]
[[Flail in desperation.->RunAway]]
You take a deep breath and back away.(if: $like<=0)[ You're going to have nightmares tonight: stink bugs, crawling all over you, like you're your wallpaper..]
(live: 2s)[(display:"Kitchen")](stop:)
(set:$bravery to it-1, $like to it-1)You faint. You faint so hard that you actually die. As your soul departs from your body, you wonder if you’ll ever solve this strange stink bug infestation. Also, you wonder if there’s food in the afterlife - you’re awfully hungry.
[[End.]]
You are so (if:$like<=0)[deeply repulsed ](else:)[surprised ]that you are rendered immovable. The stink bugs continue their journey along your body.
[[Strategically flick them off one by one.->Strategic]]
[[Blow on them with carefully aimed breaths.->Huff]]
[[Smash them with your bare hands.->Hulk]]
You gaze into the distance, bored. The tingling sensations get closer to your shoulders. You pick your nose casually, examine the booger on your finger, then flick it off.(set:$nofucks to it+1, $like to it+1, $bravery to it+1)
[[Continue staring into the distance.->WTF]]
[[Flick off the stink bugs.->Flick]]
You run away, flailing your arms wildly. You have no destination, really; you just want those blasted things off. Unfortunately, your aerobics fail to dislodge them.(set:$like to it-1)
[[Strategically flick them off one by one.->Strategic]]
[[Blow on them with carefully aimed breaths.->Huff]]
[[Smash them with your bare hands.->Hulk]]
Aha! Slow and steady wins the race. Your arm is untarnished once again.
[[Think.->BLOCK]]
HUFF! PUFF!
This only serves to still them for a moment. You imagine they are momentarily befuddled. Soon, though, their insect brain moves on, [[incapable of building theories->INFOComplexThought]] on what just happened, and they continue their path along your body.
[[Strategically flick them off one by one.->Strategic]]
[[Smash them with your bare hands.->Hulk]]
Your inner Hulk manifests as you smash each creature with powerful blows. You can imagine each one whining “please, spare me, I have kids at home” before meeting their demise. You cackle maliciously. Your glee fades as you realize your arm is throbbing. Woops.
[[Think.->BLOCK]]
(set:$mental to it+1, $nofucks to it+1)You continue to emit powerful waves of sheer boredom, quickly incinerating the stink bugs.
You're not sure if that was a product of your imagination or not - you //do// feel a bit loony.
[[Think.->BLOCK]]
You gracefully flick off the stink bugs like they are also mere boogers.
[[Think.->BLOCK]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Philosophy
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vvds3dgq80io26g/philosopy.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
"''Philosophy'' is the systematic and critical study of fundamental questions" that arise in life.
Some example questions:
* Is there an external world?
* Does God exist?
* Do we act freely?
* What is it to know something rather than merely believe it?
The aim in Philosophy is to think clearly and sharply through any set of facts.
=><=
(link: "Learn more at Brown University")[(open-url: "https://www.brown.edu/academics/philosophy/undergraduate/philosophy-what-and-why")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Wikipedia: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
(set:$curious to it+1)(link: "Link")[(open-url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_marmorated_stink_bug")]
<=
^^Using Wikipedia, a tertiary source; tsk tsk. What would your primary teachers think?^^
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Stop BMSB
<==>
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ffqhr8lu6786vaz/mapUpdated6-21-16.png">(set:$curious to it+1)^^Map updated 6-21-2016^^
=><=
(link: "Link")[(open-url: "http://www.stopbmsb.org/where-is-bmsb/state-by-state/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Invasive Species
<==>
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/n70kbmd0wcqw1bn/INFOInvasiveCenter.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
An ''invasive species'' is a species that is non-native to an ecosystem and is causing harm to said ecosystem.
They can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g. microbes).
Humans are usually the ones at fault for introducing invasive species. ^^Tsk, tsk, homo sapiens.^^
=><=
(link: "Read more at National Invasive Species Information Center")[(open-url: "https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/whatis.shtml")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###USDA Pheromone
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/dguawefql5xturr/USDAPheromone.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
"As part of the study, [Agricultural Research Service] researchers collected airborne extracts released by the BMSB to search for the pheromones the bug uses to attract its fellow stink bugs.. ''They found two attractant chemicals''.. Results showed the compounds were effective throughout the summer at capturing males, females and nymphs, and were three times more effective when combined in one trap than when used individually."
=><=
(link: "Read more at the US Department of Agriculture")[(open-url: "https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2014/usda-researchers-identify-stink-bug-attractant/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
A woman bites into her sandwich, eagerly anticipating rich herbal flavors, when she smells something atrocious, and chews something crunchier than turkey or wheat bread. A half-chewed stink bug lays twitching in the sandwich and she stares in horror..
[[Ew! That’s enough for today. Go back to your search.->InternetSearch]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Seasonal Habits
<=
=><=
(link: "Learn more at Orkin")[(open-url: "http://www.orkin.com/other/stink-bugs/where-do-stink-bugs-live/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###WikiHow
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/qszy7nx1osv681d/WikiHow.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "Link")[(open-url: "www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Stink-Bugs-Naturally")]
<=
^^*You may ask: is WikiHow credible? The answer: it depends on the authors and supporting data.^^
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Lights & Spring
<=
//"the bugs are attracted to light in spring only, when the lengthening days signal the time for mating. And entomologists know the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug prefers to do that with the lights on."//(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "Learn more at WVTF Radio")[(open-url: "http://wvtf.org/post/perfect-stink-bug-trap-all-natural#stream/0")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/vg6slda3u1suwx9/catnip.png">
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<iframe align="center" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/J5Xrcp6k8VE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
=><=
(link:"^^Video: How catnip gets cats high^^")[(open-url:"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5Xrcp6k8VE")]
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
###Credible site = Accurate info =
can-be-used-and-have-expected-results info.
[[Ok; cool story bro.->Scholar1]]
<==>
<p>.com, .org, .net, .io can be bought by anyone; however, .edu sites are college and university sites, while .gov sites are government sites. (set:$curious to it+1)
<p>You can usually trust universities because their objective is to educate, not persuade. And, both universities and government collect their information through rigorous scientific methods conducted by professionals in the field.
[[Ok; cool story bro.->Scholar1]]
<==>
(set:$pheromone to true)<p>At the National Library of Medicine’s site, you find your answer: [[trans-2-octenal and trans-2-decenal->INFOLibraryofMedicine]]. These chemicals not only smell bad, but are antifungal, antipredatory, and antibacterial. You’re almost jealous of stink bugs now.
<p>Trans-2-decenal is also [[found in cilantro->INFOCilantro]]. You’ll never look at cilantro the same way again.
[[Return to your search.->Scholar1]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Odor Compounds of the Stink Bug
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/5vi4zb3eg2utz67/odorcompounds.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "Learn more at the National Library of Medicine")[(open-url: "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5027987/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Chemicals in Cilantro
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/bckxobvdfawpa4n/cilantro.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
This study investigates //"..the major compounds in the essential oil of five genotypes of Coriandrum sativum.."// also known as cilantro or coriander.
You can tell trans-2-decenal is in cilantro from this quote:// "On average the yield of aliphatic aldehydes in the essential oil followed the order: trans-2-dodecenal> decanal> trans-2-decenal.."//
=><=
(link: "Read more at the US Department of Agriculture")[(open-url: "https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=283227")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Environmental Protection Agency
(set:$curious to it+1)(link: "Link")[(open-url: "https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/brown-marmorated-stink-bug")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Communication and Pheromones
<=
Brown marmorated stink bugs communicate via two ways:
* vibrations generated by abdominal movements.
* pheromones made up of chemical compounds.
Vibrational communication is important for mating, and pheromone communication is good for gathering large parties of stink bugs. (if:$like<0)[//Shudder.//]
=><=
(link: "Learn more at Pennsylvania State University")[(open-url: "http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/stinkbug.html")]
<=
^^*Note: contains stink bug images^^
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Economic Issues
<=
<img width="70%" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/x0lsh02ih6wsjzh/econ.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "Read more at National Invasive Species Information Center")[(open-url: "https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/economic.shtml")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<==>
<p>You wipe the drool off your face inconspicuously and take the call.
<p>“Err, hello?” You say hoarsely. It’s been awhile since you’ve interacted with the outside world.
<p>“Ay, good friend of mine; it’s been awhile! Look, you’ve gotta help me!” A male voice yells. You wince. You can’t tell who it is - probably an old classmate. “Yo, you’re the one obsessed with bugs; what is going on here!?”
<p>“Uh, come again? What’s happening?”
<p>“You - ok, look - there are brown, nasty bugs in my room! I’ve never seen anything like it! They stink //so// bad, too. Yo, what should I do?”
<p> “Er, those //might// be brown marmorated stink bugs. Wikipedia them. Bye.” You promptly hang up, exhausted of socializing already.
....
<p>This is definitely unusual. You both live in the Mid-Atlantic region, and are experiencing stink bug activity in winter. Stink bugs should only be active in spring. What is going on?
[[Go back to your search.->Scholar1]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Uncontaminated Milk
<==>
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/zumw6ut34o83t7n/INFOMilk.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
This study attempted to find out whether feeding cows fodder infested with stink bugs was adverse to their milk or not.
Many samples of milk and urine were collected; many stink bug "stink odor compounds" were analyzed. The researchers have your condolences.
Results: little to no (less than 0.00125 μg/mL) stink bug odor compounds were found in the cows' milk and urine samples.
Yay!
=><=
(link: "Read more at ScienceDirect")[(open-url: "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030214001337")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
[[Narrow with the keyword //“infestation”//.->NarrowInfest]]
[[Narrow with the keyword //“control”//.->NarrowControl]]
It’s useless. After another hour of fruitless browsing, you start to develop a headache.
[[ARGH! Throw your laptop across the room in a bout of justified frustration!->What]]
[[Narrow down your search by keywords.->Keyword]]
(transition:"shudder")[###CRACK!]
(set:$mental to it+1, $nofucks to it+1)The satisfying crack releases some tension.
But, as you look at your damaged laptop, you feel like an idiot.
//You are an idiot.. you are an idiot..// your conscience chants.
At least your laptop seems to still be operating. You always knew Mac was better than Windows.
[[Narrow down your search by keywords.->Keyword]]
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ytyyiv784atz726/narrowbyinfestation.png">
You get articles about the agricultural effects of stink bug infestations. Not really helpful.
[[Narrow instead with the keyword //“control”//.->NarrowControl]]
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/0i3t46khhe4bkef/narrowbycontrol.png">
Closer.. A lot of the articles are outdated and about the southern green stink bug, not the brown marmorated stink bug, though.
[[Narrow down your search by date.->Dated]]
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/u9rpw2tgsre2y50/narrowbydate.png">
You narrow your search to articles from 2012 to present. Eureka!(set:$scholar to true)
[[Look at //“Frequency, efficiency, and physical characteristics of predation by generalist predators of brown marmorated stink bug (Hemiptera Pentatomidae) eggs”//.->Frequency]]
[[Look at //“Biological control program is being developed for brown marmorated stink bug”//.->ControlProg]]
[[<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/r0jls786b4ufu8p/INFOFrequency.png">->INFOFrequency]]
<==>
<p>You find out a [[lot of useful info->INFOFrequency]].
<p> Insect eggs are [[very difficult to kill->INFOEggKill]] yet an effective way to get rid of said insects, so knowing about the predators who can eat stink bug eggs might come in handy.
<p> The //“most frequent and efficient predators”// of stink bug eggs are bush crickets and ground beetles. Other - less efficient - predators include earwigs, jumping spiders, and other crickets.
<p> The predators use 4 different methods to eat the stink bug eggs: [[complete chewing->INFOCChewing]], [[incomplete chewing->INFOICChewing]], [[stylet sucking->INFOSSuck]], and [[puncture sucking->INFOPSuck]]. Complete chewing is the most frequent method. If it’s so frequent, complete chewing may be the most effective eating method.
<p> You think about the petri dishes in your fridge. The chewing, sucking, piercing mouthparts immersed in preservation fluid. You probably have a bush cricket specimen somewhere..(set:$frequency to true)
[[Look at //“Biological control program is being developed for brown marmorated stink bug”//.->ControlProg]]
[[Do a different internet search.->InternetSearch]]
[[<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/222grd0do6qrrhu/title.png">->INFOControlProg]]
<==>
(if: $like <0)[ <p>Oh my. This article has a shit ton of photos of stink bugs. Stink bugs everywhere, at every life stage, in every setting. You feel a bit faint.
]<p>You examine [[the article->INFOControlProg]]'s abstract (if:$like<0)[(the only photo-free section) ]and skim over the rest.
<p>You get a lot of interesting news.
<p>Apparently, the US Department of Agriculture is trying to develop a biological control program for the stink bug invasion in US by bringing in a species from China. They’re thinking about introducing the Asian wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) through [[classical biological control->INFOBioControl]], or in other words, through bringing the Asian wasp from its native area to a non-native area. This wasp is a [[parasitoid->INFOParasitoid]] that currently is the most successful species at parasitizing stink bug eggs. In fact, they parasitize 20 - 80% of a stink bug egg mass while other parasitoids cannot parasitize more than 10%.
<p>They’re worried about the potential harmful side effects of introducing a new species to US. Specifically, that this species, with no native predators, will also become an [[invasive species->INFOInvasive]].
<p>You could probably implement a power on/off button in insects if you tried. Shouldn’t take too much time - a week, tops.
<p>See? No population control problem.(set:$controlprog to true)
[[Look at //“Frequency, efficiency, and physical characteristics of predation by generalist predators of brown marmorated stink bug (Hemiptera Pentatomidae) eggs”//.->Frequency]]
[[Do a different internet search.->InternetSearch]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###//California Agriculture// Journal
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/222grd0do6qrrhu/title.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "California Agriculture Link")[(open-url: "http://calag.ucanr.edu/Archive/?article=ca.v070n01p15")]
<=
^^*Note: source contains stink bug images^^
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Biological Pest Control(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
"''Biological control'' is a method of controlling pests such as insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases by using other organisms."
''Classical biological control'' is a biological pest control strategy "in which a natural enemy of a pest is introduced in the hope of achieving control.."
=><=
(link: "Read more at Wikipedia")[(open-url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_pest_control")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Parasitoid
<==>
"A ''parasitoid'' is an organism that spends a significant portion of its life history attached to or within a single host organism in a parasitic relationship; unlike a true parasite, however, it ultimately sterilises or kills and sometimes eats the host."
Imagine if humans did that.
"Thanks for hosting me; oh yeah, by the way - I'm going to eat you alive soon. K bye!"
=><=
(link: "Read more at Wikipedia")[(open-url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitoid")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Insect Eggs(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
"Insect eggs are especially difficult to kill, and the eggs of many insects (such as beetles) are microscopic in size."
=><=
(link: "Read more at Harry Ransom Center")[(open-url: "http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/conservation/resources/insects/")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Complete Chewing(set:$curious to it+1)
<==>
<p>In complete chewing, the insect has its 5 different chewing mouth structures that make up a chewing mouthpart. They basically have these huge pincers that act like teeth (mandible), more teeth (maxilla), and a tongue-like structure (labium), and then some other smaller structures.
<p>The difference between complete chewing and incomplete chewing is that complete chewing does not leave any of the prey behind while incomplete chewing leaves some debris.
<p>It's like that one person you know who //needs// to finish their plate clean vs that other person you know who always never finishes their meal.
=><=
(link: "Read more at ScienceDirect")[(open-url: "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049964416300366")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Incomplete Chewing(set:$curious to it+1)
<==>
<p>In incomplete chewing, the insect has its 5 different chewing mouth structures that make up a chewing mouthpart. They basically have these huge pincers that act like teeth (mandible), more teeth (maxilla), and a tongue-like structure (labium), and then some other smaller structures.
<p>The difference between incomplete chewing and complete chewing is that incomplete chewing leaves behind some debris while complete chewing leaves nothing behind.
<p>It's like that one person you know who always never finishes their meal vs. that other person you know who //needs// to finish their plate clean.
=><=
(link: "Read more at ScienceDirect")[(open-url: "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049964416300366")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Stylet Sucking(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
Mandibles and maxillae form the stylet, a sort of elongated sharp tube, which is used to pierce an animal's skin. During piercing, saliva is injected into the food through another tube and internal fluids are sucked up through yet another tube. So many tubes!
The difference between stylet sucking and piercing sucking is that stylet sucking uses a "stylet" and leaves behind some saliva.
=><=
(link: "Read more at Wikipedia")[(open-url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect_mouthparts#Stylet")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Piercing Sucking(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
Piercing sucking is defined by an insect's sharp mouth which can pierce its prey. After the insect pierces its prey, it proceeds to gulp up its prey's internal fluids.
The difference between piercing sucking and stylet sucking is that piercing sucking does not need a "stylet", aka a long mouthpart. Their mouthpart can be any length.
=><=
(link: "Read more at Wikipedia")[(open-url: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect_mouthparts#Piercing_and_sucking_insects")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
(if: $fridge is true)[
There are several shelves.
Some of them are packed with your various, probably illegal, [[entomology->INFOEntomology]] experiments.
[[Examine your experiments.->Exp]]
[[Examine the darkened half of the fridge.->Darkened]]
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
](else:)[
There are several shelves. There’s nothing to eat, obviously. What did you expect? You hate going to the groceries.
Your stomach grumbles. You feel like a dog, obsessed with the door, hoping to see their owner despite knowing they won’t be back until 5. Ugh.
Something glassy gleams in the corner.
[[Examine again!->Examine2]]
[[Examine the darkened half. ->Darkened]]
[[This is useless! Close the fridge. ->Kitchen]]
]
(if: $fridge is true and $fridge3 is true)[
It's eerily still.
[[Examine the illuminated half.->Illuminated]]
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
](else:)[
The dark half gives you the heeby jeebies. You know, rationally, that nothing will be there; it’s just… - hey, did something move there?!
[[Peer into the darkness.->Dark1]]
[[Pretend that never happened and examine the illuminated half. ->Illuminated]]
[[Shut the fridge. ->Whew]]
]
(if: $mouthpart is "" or $body is "")[(if: (history:) contains "Creation")[](else:)[You crack your knuckles and look over the various insect parts in petri dishes. ]You currently have some chemically-enhanced insect mouthparts and bodies lying around for use.
Which ones should you choose to build your insect?
(if: $mouthpart is "")[[[Mouthpart ->Mouthparts]]]
(if: $body is "")[[[Body ->body]]]
[[Check your notes. ->Notes]] ](else:)[
[[You’re finished here. Go down to your underground lab.->Lab]]]
<==>
<p>There’s your disembodied spider legs, sentient insect mouthparts, beetles and crickets and [[parasitoids->INFOParasitoid]].. you could go on and on.
<p>You check the digital monitors next to the petri dishes and lockboxes, adjusting the temperature, nutrition, and light wavelength settings.
[[Think about your experiments.->Think]]
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
You could try pitting these little guys against your stink bug infestation, or even design a new insect for battle. You need to do more research first.(set:$fridge2 to true)
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
Well. There //are// a shit ton of petri dishes and clear boxes containing your various, probably illegal, biology experiments. But that’s not edible, so what’s the point?
[[Examine the experiments anyways.->Examine3]]
[[Examine the darkened half. ->Darkened]]
[[Close the fridge. ->Kitchen]]
<==>
<p>The dishes and boxes are surrounded by gel packs and small digital monitors. There’s a conglomeration of unusual things: disembodied spider legs, sentient insect mouthparts, various kinds of beetles and crickets and [[parasitoids->INFOParasitoid]], and your favorite - a bioprinted dung beetle armed with mini machine guns. You’re proud of that one.(set:$fridge to true)
<p>What can you say? [[Entomology ->INFOEntomology]] fascinates you.
[[Examine the darkened half. ->Darkened]]
[[Close the fridge. ->Kitchen]]
(set:$solve to it+1, $fridge3 to true)Ew.. you see something. Many things, actually. At least 10 stink bugs are trying to head out of the fridge, intolerant of the cold. You don’t even want to think about how they got there in the first place.
[[Be benevolent. Keep the door open and let the stink bugs come out. ->Benevolence]]
[[Quickly shut the door. ->Whew2]]
Whew. Yeah. //Not// going to think about that, thank you very much.
(live:1s)[(display:"Kitchen")](stop:)
They sluggishly crawl out, not even thanking you for your generosity. How rude. (if:$solve<2)[You feel multiple tingling sensations along your arm and look down - what the..! At least 3 have gotten on your arm!(set:$like to it+1, $bravery to it+1)
[[Die from horror.->Horror]]
[[Stand still in shock.->Shock]]
[[Stand still in apathy.->Apathy]]
[[Flail in desperation.->RunAway]]](else:)[At least you didn't get any on you this time.
[[Close the fridge.->Kitchen]]
]
(transition:"shudder")[####SLAM!]
Keep them there to die; that’ll show those creepy buggers.
(if:$solve<2)[
You hear a strange buzzing noise.. - something brown blurs near you -
Shit! A stink bug managed to get out and it's now landed on your face!
[[Die from horror.->Horror]]
[[Stand still in shock.->Shock]]
[[Stand still in apathy.->Apathy]]
[[Flail in desperation.->RunAway]]](else:)[(live:1s)[(display:"BLOCK")](stop:)
]
You take a..
(link:"Chewing mouthpart")[(set:$mouthpart to "chewing mouthpart")(go-to: "mouthpart2")]
(link:"Piercing/sucking mouthpart")[(set:$mouthpart to "piercing/sucking mouthpart")(go-to: "mouthpart2")]
(link:"Sponging mouthpart")[(set:$mouthpart to "sponging mouthpart")(go-to: "mouthpart2")]
[[Look over all the options again. ->Creation]]
You take a..
(link:"Dung beetle")[(set:$body to "dung beetle")(go-to: "body2")]
(link:"Praying mantis")[(set:$body to "praying mantis")(go-to: "body2")]
(link:"Bush cricket")[(set:$body to "bush cricket", $strength to it+4)(go-to: "body2")]
(link:"Monarch butterfly")[(set:$body to "monarch butterfly")(go-to: "body2")]
(link:"Asian wasp")[(set:$body to "Asian wasp", $strength to it+7)(go-to: "body2")]
[[Look over all the options again. ->Creation]]
(if: $mouthpart is "chewing mouthpart")[(set:$strength to it+5)
The [[chewing mouthpart->INFOCChewing]] is made up of 5 complex parts, one of which are mandibles - pincer-like structures that chew and crush. You take its petri dish. ](else-if:$mouthpart is "piercing/sucking mouthpart")[
The [[piercing/sucking mouthpart->INFOPSuck]] looks like a small, sharp tube: it pierces the prey to sucks up its internal fluids. You take its petri dish. (set:$strength to it+2)](else:)[
The sponging mouthpart soaks up food like a.. sponge. You take its petri dish. ]
---
(display: "Creation")
(if: (history:) contains "Lab")[](else:)[You pad down into your basement, attentively gripping your $mouthpart petri dish and $body lockbox.
---
]
<img id = "ex" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/xjwyrkuihtx61bl/stink3.jpg">
=><=
####The Underground Lab.
<==
<==>
(if:$ft<2)[
<p>Your underground lab is a mess - different kinds of lights and wires lay about; multiple monitor screens flash overhead; sharp tools lay about on countertops.(if: (history:) contains "Lab")[](else:)[ <p>You trip on a plastic flask and give it a resentful look.
<p>“Watch it,” you mutter to the flask.
<p>You start fanatically designing blueprints for your $body.] <p>After 3 days of designing blueprints and consuming stale ramen and tap water, you realize you have room for 2 more features.
[[Add weapon->Weapon]]
[[Add bait->Bait]]
[[Check your notes. ->Notes]] ](else:)[<p>You (if:$weap is not "")[assemble a $weap ](if:$weap2 is not "")[and $weap2 ](if:$bait is not "")[(if:$weap is not "")[and ]set aside the $bait ](if:$bait2 is not "")[and $bait2 ]for augmentation.
<p>Done.
<p>You recall that the US Department of Agriculture is worried about their species for the biological control program becoming an invasive species. Just in case, you’ll wire in a microchip in the $body so you can turn it on and off via a computer program.
<p>You finalize your blueprint.
[[Construct your creation.->Creation2]]
]
You take the lockbox containing the $body.(if: $body is "dung beetle")[ It kind of smells like poop.]
---
(display: "Creation")
As cool as a $body with a $mouthpart is, it could use a little more power.
From what is lying around in your lab, you could add:
(if:$weap is not "")[(link:"Neem oil pistol")[(set:$weap2 to "neem oil pistol", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+5)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"Hand sanitizer rifle")[(set:$weap2 to "hand sanitizer rifle", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+3)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"Saltwater sprayer")[(set:$weap2 to "saltwater sprayer", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"A small piece of tungsten")[(set:$weap2 to "small piece of tungsten", $ft to it+1, $strength to it-3)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"Catnip blaster")[(set:$weap2 to "catnip blaster")(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"High density plastic katana")[(set:$weap2 to "high density plastic katana", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+1)(go-to: "weapon2")]](else:)[
(link:"Neem oil pistol")[(set:$weap to "neem oil pistol", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+5)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"Hand sanitizer rifle")[(set:$weap to "hand sanitizer rifle", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+3)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"Saltwater sprayer")[(set:$weap to "saltwater sprayer", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"A small piece of tungsten")[(set:$weap to "small piece of tungsten", $ft to it+1, $strength to it-3)(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"Catnip blaster")[(set:$weap to "catnip blaster")(go-to: "weapon2")]
(link:"High density plastic katana")[(set:$weap to "high density plastic katana", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+1)(go-to: "weapon2")]]
[[Check your notes. ->Notes]]
[[Go back. ->Lab]]
(if: (history:) contains "Bait")[](else:)[Good choice. If your $body can attract stink bugs, it can kill more of them. (if: $like<0)[
^^Imagine: the stink bugs, captivated by your $body, scurry closer to their demise.. seconds later, pummeled to death! Mwahaha!^^]
]From what is lying around in your lab, you could add:
[[Chemicals->chemicals]]
[[Lights->lights]]
[[Music->music]]
[[Herbs->herbs]]
[[Check your notes. ->Notes]]
[[Go back. ->Lab]]
(if:$weap2 is not "")[
(if: $weap2 is "small piece of tungsten")[It’s basically a brittle, heavy piece of rock. Not really sure how this will help, but you add it to the blueprint.](else-if:$weap2 is "catnip blaster")[(if: $threeways is not false)[(go-to: "unsure")](else:)[(set:$ft to it+1)You add the catnip blaster to the blueprint. [[Traumatic memories about catnip->INFOCats]] threaten to emerge; you quickly suppress them.]](else-if: $weap2 is "high density plastic katana")[Maybe your $body could whack stink bugs with samurai moves while simultaneously eating stink bug eggs. You add the katana to the blueprint.](else:)[You add the $weap2 to your $body’s back in the blueprint.
]](else:)[(if: $weap is "small piece of tungsten")[It’s basically a brittle, heavy piece of rock. Not really sure how this will help, but you add it to the blueprint.](else-if:$weap is "catnip blaster")[(if: $threeways is not false)[(go-to: "unsure")](else:)[(set:$ft to it+1)You add the catnip blaster to the blueprint. [[Traumatic memories about catnip->INFOCats]] threaten to emerge; you quickly suppress them.]](else-if: $weap is "high density plastic katana")[Maybe your $body could whack stink bugs with samurai moves while simultaneously eating stink bug eggs. You add the katana to the blueprint.](else:)[You add the $weap to your $body’s back in the blueprint.]]
---
(live:1s)[(display:"Lab")](stop:)
(if:$bait is "")[(link:"trans-2-decenal")[(set:$bait to "trans-2-decenal", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+5)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-2-dodecenal")[(set:$bait to "trans-2-dodecenal", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+3)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-2-hexenoate")[(set:$bait to "trans-2-hexenoate", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-3-phenylacryloyl chloride")[(set:$bait to "trans-3-phenylacryloyl chloride", $ft to it+1, $strength to it-3)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-2-octenal")[(set:$bait to "trans-2-octenal", $ft to it+1,$baitval to it+5)(go-to: "chemicals2")]](else:)[(link:"trans-2-decenal")[(set:$bait2 to "trans-2-decenal", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+5)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-2-dodecenal")[(set:$bait2 to "trans-2-dodecenal", $ft to it+1, $strength to it+3)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-2-hexenoate")[(set:$bait2 to "trans-2-hexenoate", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-3-phenylacryloyl chloride")[(set:$bait2 to "trans-3-phenylacryloyl chloride", $ft to it+1, $strength to it-3)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
(link:"trans-2-octenal")[(set:$bait2 to "trans-2-octenal", $ft to it+1,$baitval to it+5)(go-to: "chemicals2")]
]
[[Go back. ->Bait]]
(if:$bait is "")[(link:"LED unidirectional light")[(set:$bait to "LED unidirectional light", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+1)(go-to: "lights2")]
(link:"LED diffused light")[(set:$bait to "LED diffused light", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+5)(go-to: "lights2")]](else:)[(link:"LED unidirectional light")[(set:$bait2 to "LED unidirectional light", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+1)(go-to: "lights2")]
(link:"LED diffused light")[(set:$bait2 to "LED diffused light", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+5)(go-to: "lights2")]]
[[Go back. ->Bait]]
(if:$bait is "")[(link:"classical")[(set:$bait to "classical music", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "music2")]
(link:"’70s pop")[(set:$bait to "’70s pop music", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "music2")]
(link:"cricket mating dance")[(set:$bait to "cricket mating dance", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "music2")]
](else:)[(link:"classical")[(set:$bait2 to "classical music", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "music2")]
(link:"’70s pop")[(set:$bait2 to "’70s pop music", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "music2")]
(link:"cricket mating dance")[(set:$bait2 to "cricket mating dance", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "music2")]]
[[Go back. ->Bait]]
(if:$bait is "")[(link:"cilantro")[(set:$bait to "cilantro", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+2)(go-to: "herbs2")]
(link:"mint")[(set:$bait to "mint", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "herbs2")]
(link:"basil")[(set:$bait to "basil", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "herbs2")]](else:)[(link:"cilantro")[(set:$bait2 to "cilantro", $ft to it+1, $baitval to it+2)(go-to: "herbs2")]
(link:"mint")[(set:$bait2 to "mint", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "herbs2")]
(link:"basil")[(set:$bait2 to "basil", $ft to it+1)(go-to: "herbs2")]]
[[Go back. ->Bait]]
You add a bioprinted scent gland containing (if:$bait2 is not "")[$bait2](else:)[$bait] to the blueprint.
---
(live:1s)[(display:"Lab")](stop:)
Mmm, (if:$bait2 is not "")[$bait2](else:)[$bait]. You add a bioprinted scent gland containing pulverized (if:$bait2 is not "")[$bait2](else:)[$bait] to the blueprint.
---
(live:1s)[(display:"Lab")](stop:)
(if:$bait2 is not "")[
(if: $bait2 is "cricket mating dance")[You’re not sure why you have a mp3 of crickets mating. You shrug and add a mini radio that blasts //crickets_mating.mp3// to the inside of the $body’s thorax.](else:)[You add a mini radio that blasts $bait2 to the inside of the $body’s thorax.
The only music you have are either passed down from your parents or various animal recordings. It’s just never been in your priorities.]](else:)[(if: $bait is "cricket mating dance")[You’re not sure why you have a mp3 of crickets mating. You shrug and add a mini radio that blasts //crickets_mating.mp3// to the inside of the $body’s thorax.](else:)[You add a mini radio that blasts $bait to the inside of the $body’s thorax.
The only music you have are either passed down from your parents or various animal recordings. It’s just never been in your priorities.]]
---
(live:1s)[(display:"Lab")](stop:)
You add a (if:$bait2 is not "")[$bait2](else:)[$bait] to the top of the $body’s head in the blueprint.
---
(live:1s)[(display:"Lab")](stop:)
(set:$solve to it+10)
You replace the $body’s mouth with a $mouthpart. You attach the (if: $bait is not "")[$bait, ](if: $bait2 is not "")[$bait2, ](if: $weap is not "")[$weap, ](if: $weap2 is not "")[$weap2, ]and microchip.
A week later, your unique insect is ready.
=><=
####Creation Statistics:
''Strength: $strength''
''Attraction: $baitval''
<=
Bring it on, stink bugs.
[[Place your creation on the middle of the kitchen floor.->Massacre1]](if:$like>0)[
[[Hesitate. Do you really want to massacre innocent insects?->Innocence]]]
(if: $baitval>4)[
(display:"Mass")
](else:)[
….
You wait.
….
A stink bug scurries by, out of range. Your creation stares at you adoringly and obliviously.
….
….
Your creation climbs onto your fingers and nibbles them gently.
….
This clearly isn’t working. You need to find a way to attract those stink bugs to your murder machine.
[[Place some food on the floor.->FoodChoice]]
]
(set:$like to it+1)
Feelings of doubt plague your mind. Stink bugs are organisms, just like you. They can’t even harm humans.
[[They deserve to live.->decidedmind]]
[[They need to die.->decidedmind2]]
(set:$like to it+1)Your mind is decided.
[[You allow the stink bugs to live in your house.->Allow]]
[[You get rid of the stink bugs another way.->Rid]]
(if:$wiki is true or $epa is true)[
You recall how much agricultural damage and physiological horror stink bugs have caused humankind.
]Your mind is decided.
[[Place your creation on the middle of the kitchen floor.->Massacre1]]
<==>
(set:$like to it+1)<p>You disarm your $body and take care of it as an innocuous pet.
<p>The insects proliferate in your house without consequence. You know the simple-minded stink bugs are not capable of fathoming your hospitality, but you feel happy anyways.
<p>One day, while checking the fridge again, you spy your last apple being crawled on by 6 stink bugs. The surface is scarred and puckered. You go to bed hungry.
[[Your elbow crunches something, and you feel numerous prickles along your body.. ->End.]]
<==>
<p>You disarm your $body and take care of it as an innocuous pet.
<p>Afterwards, you caulk windows, patch up drafty doors, and try to capture and release as many stink bugs as possible. It’s menial work, but it’s worth not harming benign insects.
<p>One day, while checking the fridge again, you spy your last apple being crawled on by 6 stink bugs. The surface is scarred and puckered. You go to bed hungry.
[[You feel a prickle on your arm.. ->End.]]
<==>
<p>Your creation eagerly sits on the floor. Stink bugs, attracted by the (if: $food is not "")[$food](else-if: $bait is not "")[$bait(if: $bait2 is not "")[ and $bait2]], filter out through unnoticeable gaps in the wallpaper and floor tiles. They swarm over and under each other to get to your little $body. //Skt, skt, skt. //Thousands of tiny little skittering stink bug legs produce a cacophony of taps. You get a waft of a strange smell.
<p>(if: $bravery<0)[You quickly scamper into the hallway, scared, hiding from the black mass in the kitchen.](else:)[You stand tall in the kitchen despite the black mass heading towards you - you will support your creation bravely!]<p>(if:$wiki is true)[The mass is endless - the “home with more than 26,000 stinkbugs” that you read on Wikipedia could likely be yours. ]You shiver and feel phantom tingling sensations.
[[The black, writhing mass of stink bugs converges on your creation. ->Converge]]
<==>
(if:$strength+$baitval > 17)[(set:$solve to it+40)<p>
Suddenly, your creature lunges and snaps at the nearest stink bug with its $mouthpart. Headshot! The stink bug collapses pathetically.
<p>You quickly pull out your phone to record this revolutionary moment.(if: $weap is not"")[
<p>Your $body (if:$bait is not "")[lures in the guileless stink bugs with its $bait, and ]promptly (if: $weap is "high density plastic katana")[slashes down with its](else:)[fires its] $weap, wiping out 12 stink bugs!
](if: $weap2 is not"")[
<p>25 more fall down in the face of your $body’s $weap2. Oooh, critical hit!
](if: $bait2 is not "")[
<p>The (if: $like<0)[stupid ]clueless stink bugs, intoxicated by the $bait2, surge in on your $body. Your $body gracefully does a 360 jump with their $mouthpart out and disposes 30 more stink bugs. Hell yeah, critical hit(if: $like<0)[]!
]
<p>Despite the massacre going on, the stink bugs are so obsessed with the (if: $food is not "")[$food](else-if: $bait is not "")[$bait(if: $bait2 is not "")[ and $bait2]] that they doggedly continue to their demise. Your $body continues to slaughter the desperate stink bugs. (if: $like<0)[You laugh at their deaths](else:)[You feel kind of sad to see them die] and think of how you can profit from this video.
<p>[[Future.->Future1]]</p>
](else:)[The wriggling heap of stink bugs overwhelms your creation. You wait. Your $body fails to turn the tide.
Soon, it's clear your $body is not powerful enough and will perish soon. You start to panic.
(if:$bravery>0)[
[[Your creation is ineffective; try to save it anyways.->Savior]]](else:)[
[[You’re too scared. Frozen in fear. Stare at the disaster. ->Frozen]]]]
<==>
<p>20 years later, you’re living the life. You’ve slowly established a population of augmented (print:$body+"s"). The (print:$body+"s") went on to save not only your house, but the whole of US from stink bugs. Turned out that the stink bugs had mutated and become used to cold temperatures. If you hadn’t stepped in, the US might’ve been overrun by overpowered, mutant stink bugs that winter.
<p>Whenever the (print:$body+"s") started to cause problems, you simply powered them off for awhile.
<p>Millions now celebrate your genius and heroics.
<p>You’ve patented your creation, got millions in royalties for your creation from government agencies (including the US Department of Agriculture), and have been employed to work in top secret government labs. You’ve made numerous friends with the other biologists.
<p> You never knew how lonely you were until you experienced genuine companionship again.
<p>You get ready to go to sleep after another fulfilling day’s work.
[[Glance at your bedside drawer.->Bedside]]
[[Go to sleep.->Sleep1]]
<==>
<p>There are many of your $body creations moving about the bedroom. One lies on your bedside drawer.
<p>It is your first $body. These days it rests, motionless and tired. It’s been 20 years, after all - the average $body lifespan is (if: $body is "dung beetle")[3 years](else:)[less than a year]. You’ve done your best to extend its lifespan: replacement organs, exoskeleton reinforcements, chemicals. You are deeply thankful to your first $body, after all.
<p>As you stare into the $body’s reflective eyes, you wonder how it feels.
[[Power off your first $body permanently.->PowerOff1]]
[[Go to sleep.->Sleep2]]
<==>
<p>You power your first $body off for the last time.
<p>As its eyes rapidly lose life, it gently nudges your fingers. As if it knows what to expect. As if it’s saying goodbye.
<p> A burden - a worry - you had never noticed lifts off your chest. You breathe easy and go to sleep with a tear and a soft smile on your face.
[[End.]]
You go to sleep with a soft smile on your face.
[[End.]]
You go to sleep, restless, with the plaintive buzzes of your $body in the background.
[[End.]]
<==>
<p>You stomp into the black mass of stink bugs. Sensing a predator, many back off. Some climb up your bare legs in an idiotic attempt to get away from you.
<p>Stink bug pheromone, amplified by the death of hundreds of stomped-on stink bugs, makes you choke.
<p>You see your $body in the massacre and quickly pluck it up. You cradle it to your chest, feeling bittersweet.
[[Future.->Future2]]
The stink bugs trample all over your $body to reach the (if: $food is not "")[$food](else-if: $bait is not "")[$bait(if: $bait2 is not "")[ and $bait2]]. Your hands shake in anxiety. You desperately want to do something, but your body refuses to move.
When the stink bugs finally leave, your $body is irrefutably dead.
[[Future.->Future3]]
<==>
<p>After cleaning up the kitchen mess, you caulk windows, patch up drafty doors, and try to vacuum as many stink bugs as possible. It’s sad, this menial work; sometimes dreams are destined to stay dreams.
<p>You stare into the eyes of your creation one last time. Your distressed eyes reflect back at you. There’s no need for this thing anymore, so why does your chest ache?
[[Power your creation off.->End.]]
<==>
<p>After cleaning up the kitchen mess, you caulk windows, patch up drafty doors, and try to vacuum as many stink bugs as possible. It’s sad, this menial work; sometimes dreams are destined to stay dreams.
<p>One day, when caulking a window, you stare at your haggard reflection in the glass. It’s unrecognizable as the youthful, bright child you used to be.
[[Glance away. ->End.]]
What kind of food?
(link:"Garlic")[(set:$food to "garlic")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
(link:"Mint")[(set:$food to "mint")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
(link:"Apples")[(set:$food to "apples")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
(link:"Beans")[(set:$food to "beans")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
(link:"Eggs")[(set:$food to "eggs")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
(link:"Raw meat")[(set:$food to "raw meat")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
(link:"Cooked meat")[(set:$food to "cooked meat")(go-to:"FoodChosen")]
[[Check your notes. ->Notes]]
<==>
<p>You’re really annoyed that you have to go to the grocery to get $food. Trudging and mumbling, you walk to the grocer’s. People stare at your unicorn pajamas. Yeah, the grocer’s is 5 minutes away, but still, less exercise is the best exercise.
<p> Your creation buzzes in your ear sympathetically, sensing your distress.
<p> You grab some twinkies on your way out: you've heard they've [[become an endangered species->INFOTwinkies]].
[[Place the $food on the floor.->TestFood]]
(if:$food is "apples" or it is "beans")[
(display:"Mass")](else:)[
<==>
<p>After a few days, it becomes clear that using $food to attract stink bugs won’t work. You moan in despair. There’s no way you’re going to go back outside and walk to the grocer’s.
<p>Forget it. Clearly, your plan to rid the stink bug invasion with your creation (such an adorable one, at that) has failed.
[[Future. ->Future2]]
]
Never forget the Twinkie shutdown of November 2012. (link:"(Source)")[(open-url:"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twinkie#Hostess_bankruptcy")]
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/uugi2jq16srz96l/26157c9b653c362920d73719ef064bbc.jpg">
^^by Bryant Arnold^^
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
Are you sure? You recall that stink bugs do not like the smell of catnip, but catnip doesn’t actually harm them.
[[Yes. Add the catnip blaster!->Addit]]
(link:"No.")[(if:$weap2 is "catnip blaster")[(set:$weap2 to "")](else-if:$weap is "catnip blaster")[(set:$weap to "")](go-to:"Lab")]
(set:$ft to it+1)You add the catnip blaster to the blueprint. [[Traumatic memories about catnip->INFOCats]] threaten to emerge; you quickly suppress them.
---
(live:1s)[(display:"Lab")](stop:)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Clock Genes
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/hpi6nw53refz2nd/clockgenes.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
Insects have "clock genes" that allow them to keep track of the time. Hence, they can tell the difference between night and day.
However, it comes with the limitation that they can only tell apart 4 hour blocks of time.
=><=
(link: "Read more at ResearchGate")[(open-url: "https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23293495_Comparative_analysis_of_circadian_clock_genes_in_insects")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Insects' Life Cycles(set:$curious to it+1)
<=
In ''incomplete metamorphosis''^^that's a stink bug's cycle!^^, the life cycle shows only 3 stages:
//EGG - NYMPH - ADULT//
In ''complete metamorphosis'', the life cycle shows 4 stages:
//EGG - LARVA - PUPA - ADULT//
Egg: From birth to when it first molts.
Adult: The stage where an insect can develop no more.
=><=
(link: "Read more at University of Kentucky")[(open-url: "https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/ythfacts/4h/unit2/hoigr&cf.htm")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Info:
###Fracking
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ns5qlcfwc9csn4g/fracking.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
US Geological Survey wishes to put some myths to rest.
0. Fracking is NOT causing most of the induced earthquakes. Wastewater disposal is the primary cause of the recent increase in earthquakes in US.
0. Not all wastewater injection wells induce earthquakes.
0. Wastewater is produced at all oil wells, not just hydraulic fracturing sites.
etc. Will this quell all doubt? //No,// of course not!
=><=
(link: "Learn more at US Geological Survey")[(open-url: "https://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/induced/myths.php")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
=><=
#Stink Bug Plague
####by [[zephyo->INFOzephyo]]
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/6l5wqebvv92grbq/stink1.jpg">
[[''START''->Start]]
(if:(save-game:"Slot A"))[
=><=
^^Saved.^^](else:)[^^Save failed. Your internet storage may be inaccessible.^^]
<=
(if:(history:)'s last is not "Save")[(display:(history:)'s last)](else-if:(history:)'s 2ndlast is not "Save")[(display:(history:)'s 2ndlast)](else-if:(history:)'s 3rdlast is not "Save")[(display:(history:)'s 3rdlast)](else-if:(history:)'s 4thlast is not "Save")[(display:(history:)'s 4thlast)](else:)[(display:(history:)'s 5thlast)]
(reload:)
//Stink Bug Plague// is made by (link:"''zephyo''")[(open-url:"https://www.cargocollective.com/zephyo")].
I make games and art!
(link:"facebook")[(open-url:"https://www.facebook.com/zephybite/")]
(link:"twitter")[(open-url:"https://twitter.com/zephybite")]
(link:"tumblr")[(open-url:"https://zephyo.tumblr.com")]
(link:"youtube")[(open-url:"https://www.youtube.com/user/zephybite")]
(link:"instagram")[(open-url:"https://www.instagram.com/zephybite/")]
Like this game? Then my job here is done! ^_^
(link-goto:"Go back :D", (history:)'s last)
<==>
<p> You find some interesting stink bug population control techniques: pheromones and predators.
<p>The Department of Agriculture is developing some [[artificial pheromone->INFOUSDAPheromone]] to use as bait to trap stink bugs.
Because the stink bug population in United States is so recent, there aren’t many of its natural predators here. Some wasps and birds have been acclimating to the stink bug’s presence and using it as an additional food source, but this control method isn’t all that effective since these wasps and birds can eat other stuff.
<p>Ugh.. //“In one home more than 26,000 stinkbugs were found overwintering.”// You sure are glad you aren’t living in that house. Or are you? You glance around, paranoid. You spy movement and black dots but aren’t sure if it’s just your imagination.
[[You’re strangely eager to read more horror stories about stink bugs.->Horror1]](set:$wiki2 to true)
[[Go back to your internet search.->InternetOptions]]
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###Washington Post
<==>
Stink bug Q&A! How (if:$like<0)[..erm, interesting.](else:)[exciting!]
(set:$curious to it+1)
Learn the answers to questions like:
* Are stink bugs attracted to white?
* Are stink bugs gonna stay in US forever?
* Can cats eat stink bugs without harm?
And..
* If you're //not// a genius mad scientist, how can you eliminate them?
=><=
(link: "Link")[(open-url: "https://live.washingtonpost.com/stinkbugs.html")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
<div class="info">
=><=
####Source:
###//Biological Control// Journal
<=
<img src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/r0jls786b4ufu8p/INFOFrequency.png">(set:$curious to it+1)
=><=
(link: "ScienceDirect Link")[(open-url: "http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1049964416300366")]
</div>
(link-goto:"Go back.", (history:)'s last)
You reject the call. You feel bad, but your socializing skills are quite poor, so this decision probably benefited humanity. You return to your search.
(live:1s)[(display:"SolveInfestationSearch")(stop:)]