Having recently played this game through to completion, I decided that in the absence of a proper written walk-through, I would create one here. Warning: Spoiler Alerts!The game Lifeline: Whiteout is developed by 3 Minute and available on iTunes and Google Play. This walk-through focuses on the 11th chapter of the game titled “Morning – Day 3“. Click here to view the table of contents/list of chapters. Note – fully mapping out the alternate routes has led me to discover another alternate chapter titled “The Hover Truck“, which becomes Chapter 12B. In this initial release of the chapter, the Main Story-line is available where the outcome is Chapter 12A (In Jail with Four), along with the core alternate route to Chapter 12B (The Hover Truck).

Main Story

Hey!
Are you still there?
I just woke up a few minutes ago.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure what time it is or how lon I was asleep.
But I’m glad you’re here. Last night was… intense.
I had some crazy dreams. This is all starting to affect me subconsciously.

These last couple days have been… Well, I don’t know how to put it…
Nighitmarish. Exhausting. Even painful.

But that’s all behind me now.
Today’s a new day, and I’m gonna stay positive as long as possible.
I already packed up my stuff. I’m taking a white sheet from the bed with me too. Just in case I need bandages or something.

And even with those crazy dreams, I feel refreshed – energised even!
And that’s good, because it’s a long road ahead to ALT Headquarters.
I’m just… not sure what to do next.

Decision A:
A1: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
A2: Check the weather

Decision A1: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day

You’re right. Who knows when I’ll have a chance to eat next?
Blue? C’mere boy! Chow time! Here’s a double-helping for you.
I don’t know what I’d do without Blue. Probably go completely nuts! Ha!

What’s wrong, Blue? Hey! Calm down!
He’s barking like crazy! I don’t know what’s happening, but it’s not good.

Hey, now I can hear it too… It’s coming from outside!
What’s out there, Blue?
Oh no…
It’s another helicopter!
Now the mainframe computer started beeping! Great timing, as always…

Decision B:
B1: Investigate the beeping sound.
B2: You don’t have time. Ignore it.

Decision B1: Investigate the beeping sound

I know that sound!
It’s the same beeping from that locked door, at that makeshift station where I found Blue!

This can’t be good…
Hold on! It’s a message! I was worried it was an alarm or some detonation device.

[Decision C5: Yes, it could be important! joins the story-line here]

It’s from IV. Adams! It’s loading…
Wait, wasn’t he listed in that data log as “irrational and aggressive”?
Great. Just great! !.Adams was crazy enough!
Who’s he trying to contact? The scientists here are all dead.
Maybe he doesn’t know they’re dead? Or maybe he knows I’m here?
But I don’t even know him…
I’m glad you’re here. I need some support.

All right. Let’s read this…
It says…
Dear Five,
I hope you understand the gravity of your situation – our situation. ALT has activated the Tersus Protocol – our death sentence.

The only way to survive is to prove to Dr. Sibellius that there is nothing wrong with us.

I contacted Adams One while you were in that makeshift station, but, when I warned him about the Tersus Protocol, he… lost his mind. I couldn’t reach Two or Three.

I know this is a lot to take in, but there is no time. They’re coming. They will kill you – without mercy. Your only choice is to run, but not blindly.

You cannot hide from ALT. Their cameras monitor every inch of this compound. Without the weather to blind them, they will hunt you down in minutes.

But I can help you escape. There are tunnels leading from your station to the hydroelectric plant along the river.

Do not worry, the tunnels are heated to keep the frost out. But whatever you do, do NOT touch the main power cable!

There is a direct access shaft under the mainframe computer. Just head straight.

With any luck, I shall see you on the other side,.
Your Brother, Four.
That’s all he wrote.
The other Adamses are my brothers? But, can I even trust what he said?
Is that just me being suspicious, or there is something just too convenient about it?

Decision C:
C1: If I were you, I’d look under that console.
C2: Don’t trust it. Prepare to make a stand.

Decision C1: If I were you, I’d look under that console

Okay, fine! I’ve got to move the mainframe computer. I don’t have any tools to help…

So let’s hope I’m strong enough,.
I’m not sure where to start… It’s basically a giant cube screwed into the floor. Maybe I could knock it over if I throw my body against it?
Let’s do it.
C’mon! HINGH! Why… won’t… you… just… MOVE!
No good. It was creaking but it didn’t give. Maybe this place has a shrink ray?

Maybe not.
I don’t know if there is a point in trying again.

Decision D:
D1: Keep trying! You can do it.
D2: Forget it. Prepare to make a stand.

Decision D1: Keep trying! You can do it

I’m not giving up! I’m getting in there, one way or another!
Come on, you stupid machine! MOVE!
ARGH!
I did it! I DID IT!
I flipped it over. Man, that was heavy.

Four was telling the truth. It’s a maintenance shaft!
It’s smaller than I thought, but me and Blue can squeeze through.
Hold on, Blue. Let’s make sure it’s safe.

Phew! It’s dusty, and the hairs are standing on the back of my neck, but it’s safe enough.

C’mere Blue! Down you go, buddy… There ‘s a loud buzzing too, but it’s not so bad. Is it, Blue?
Not much headroom. Blue can stand up, but I’ll have to crawl…
I just hope I don’t trip over all these cables. It’s a mess down here!
Wait, that’s it! Maybe I could cut some of these cables! It could disrupt their communications, or at last slow them down.
What do you think?

Decision E:
E1: Sure! That should buy you some time.
E2: Don’t you have to go, now!

Decision E1: Sure! That should buy you some time

Can you still hear me?
(static)
There’s a ton of cables down here… red, orange, (static) … black.
But I bet this big one’s the power cable. It’s super thick.
I can’t cut it very easily with my knife.

Decision F:
F1: Use the pliers to pull off the casing.
F2: Is there anything else worth noting? [Refer to Decision G2 below]

Decision F1: Use the pliers to pull off the casing

OK, OK! After all, you’ve got me this far.

But I have to say, I don’t feel confident about this.
(static)
There. I peeled back the insulation without electrocuting myself. That’s a win!

But now, it’s time for the hardest part.

Cutting a live wire…
My hands are shaking…

Decision G:
G1: Come on, don’t be a scaredy-cat.
G2: Do you think it’s unsafe?

Decision G2: Do you think it’s unsafe?

There are lots of safer activities: hugging a bear, swimming with sharks, Russian roulette…
Seriously, though.
I don’t think I should cut this. I can feel my hair standing up. Let’s leave it alone.

[Decision F2: Is there anything else worth noting? joins the story-line here]

There are two smaller cables running alongside it. One is blue. The other is red.

The blue one continues along with the power cable, but the red one disappears into the wall.
What do you say, should I cut one of these?

Decision H:
H1: Cut the blue one.
H2: Cut the red cable

Decision H2: Cut the red cable

Ummm… Nothing happened.
Well, at least nothing bad happened, right?

No time to waste. ALT could be right on my tail.
I just hope whatever I did… It did something to slow them down.
But first, I know a way to buy me more time…

If I can just topple the mainframe back into place, that will cover the shaft.

Those ALT thugs will never think to look under here…
Ugh! Damn, it’s harder than I thought! I hope I’m not ripping it apart!

Come on! Just a little more, and my weight should pull it… down!
Phew! Hopefully they didn’t hear that loud bang…
All I can see is the flow of a few tiny lights, but I feel much safer.
I almost wish I could see their faces when they bust in and no one’s there. The joke’s on them!
On the other hand, it’ll only make them more hostile…
All right, Blue. After you, buddy.
My comm probably won’t work down in these tunnels. I’ll see you on the other side!

Blue and Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

(static)
Hey, can you still read me?
It’s boiling down here! I’m practically bathing in my own sweat.
I’m so thirsty… I can’t believe I forgot to bring water!
Blue doesn’t look so good either…

Decision I:
I1: Slow down. Breathe. You’re going too fast.
I2: Take a break. You’ve earned it.

Decision I1: Slow down. Breathe. You’re going too fast

Maybe I am, but I have no other choice. I’m not a fan of tight spaces. I want to get out of here as fast as possible.

And I think Blue would agree.

[Decision I2: Take a break. You’ve earned it joins the story-line here]

C’mon, Blue. I don’t know how much further we have, but we’ll make it.
Blue and Adams out!

[Adams is busy]

It’s taking longer than I thought…
The good news is that I can feel the tunnel sloping. We must be nearing the river.

If I wasn’t so thirsty, I’d be happy.

Man, I keep imagining that sink back at the relay station… and splashing my face with that cold water!

It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? Here I am in a polar climate sweating like it’s the Sahara!

Talking’s making my throat dry. I’ll let you know when we’re out.
Blue and Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

I see a light at the end of the runnel!

And I mean that literally! It’s some kind of emergency light. It’s red and dim, but definitely there.
Weirld, it’s like a porthole in a ship…

Move over, Blue. Let me see…
We’ve got a big problem though.
I don’t think it opens from this side…

We’re trapped in here!

Decision J:
J1: Use the pliers to crack the window.
J2: Take a minute to examine it.

Decision J1: Use the pliers to crack the window

Wow, this glass must be reinforced. I can’t even scratch it.

[Decision J2: Take a minute to examine it joins the story-line here]

Someone’s coming!
Hey, it’s me!
Or well, he looks like me!
Is this Four?
HEY! OVER HERE!
He saw me! Yes! He’s opening the porthole!

Thanks! I didn’t think I was ever getting out of there…
Are you IV.Adams?

Yes. Hello Brother. You may call me Four. Why are you talking into that comm, and why is that dog with you?

Oh! This is my dog, Blue. And I’m talking to… a friend on my comm device. They’ve been helping me.
Ha-ha! Blue is confused! He thinks you’re me, Four.
Hey! Maybe that’s why you didn’t bark at our mysterious roommate that first night, huh Blue? It was I.Adams, but you thought he was me!
Well if Blue likes you, that’s good enough for me. Nice to meet you in person.

Likewise.
I’ll be right back, brother. Wait here.

Sure thing.

Decision K:
K1: Adams, where are you now?
K2: Are you sure you can trust him?

Decision K1: Adams, where are you now?

I’m in some kind of turbine room. This must be the hydroelectric plant.
How long has he been hiding out here?

He’s made this into his room. It’s got a makeshift bed, dirty clothes, empty stew cans…
Whoa! He’s drawn all over the walls in charcoal… They’re blueprints… of all the ALT facilities! This is the relay station!

Hey Four, how did you figure all of these out?
Hold on, Four’s waving me over.
Oh, he says he wants to speak to me privately. I’ll be right back, I promise.

[Adams is busy]

[Decision K2: Are you sure you can trust him? joins the story-line here]

Hey, I’m back. Can you hear me?
Let’s whisper. I don’t want Four to overhear us.
He went up to the dam to check the perimeter, but he could be back any second.

Four told me about everything… He’s almost as crazy as that doomsayer– er, I mean as crazy as One was…

This is all so far-fetched, but given all I’ve seen… I’m having an easier time accepting it.
But there’s something bothering me about Four…

Decision L:
L1: You shouldn’t trust him!
L2: Why? What did he say? [Refer to Decision L1 below]

Decision L1: You shouldn’t trust him!

Well, he keeps calling Dr. Sibellius “Father”.

It’s more than that though, he practically worships him. Says he’d do ANYTHING for him… It’s creepy.
To Four, the Tersus Protocol is some kind of spiritual cleansing. He said we must die over and over until we “achieve perfection for Father”.
I don’t like how that sounds, but I do know Dr. Sibellius knows the truth about me.

I’m not sure I really want to know the truth now…
Will knowing the truth change anything?

I’ve got some things to say to him. But I’d rather just punch him first.
But I remember One’s face when I… The point is, I can’t lose control like that again.

But this is all Sibellius’ fault! His experiments have gone too far. We’re not some rats…

And who knows how many others have suffered before us?
I mean, he even let his fellow scientists get slaughtered!
I just don’t see whatever Four sees in him, I guess…
Sorry, I was rambling…
I’ve got a lot on my mind.
Everything Four said has got me thinking…

Four tried to contact all of us, but only One and I were still alive then.

He said he was going to guide us into the tunnels and then we’d storm the main facility together.
But when I asked how he found out about the tunnels, he said something really weird.

He said he remembered because… He’s already died eight times…
I said that’s impossible, and he said Sibellius copies and downloads his memories into a new body each time.

But can I even trust Four? I mean he was listed as irrational and aggressive… What if he’s just–
Shh! He’s coming…
Four? What’s wrong?

Two ALT helicopters are circling the building. They will land soon if we don’t stop them.

Oh no… No! No! No!
Four, what are you doing! COME BACK!
He’s pulled out an assault rifle from one of his crates and he ran back up there.

Is he crazy? We’re cornered and outnumbered!
What should I do?

Decision M:
M1: Adams! You’ve got to help him!
M2: Find a hiding place!

Decision M1: Adams! You’ve got to help him!

With what? My pliers? My knife?
I’d be shot down by their helicopters in a second!
Even if I could fight…

[Decision M2: Find a hiding place! joins the story-line here]

They threw something in here! Blue, over here!
What? It didn’t explode…
No! It’s gas! Four, it’s gas!
Blue! Run for it!
Too late… I breathed some in …
I gotta…
…

[Adams is busy]

Are you… there? Damn, my head is pounding… Everything is blurry…

Decision N:
N1: Adams! Are you all right?!
N2: What happened to you?

Decision N1: Adams! Are you all right?!

No, I’m not OK!

[Decision N2: What happened to you? joins the story-line here]

Ugh… What did they do to me?
They must have sedated me.
That explains my nausea…
Oh God! Speaking of…
I’m gonna…
Uhh…
Excuse me a–!

[Adams is busy]

Sorry about that. I tried to spare you having to hear that.
The truth is, I feel much better now. I think the nausea is passing.
But where am I?
Wait, where’s Blue?
BLUE!
There he is! He’s lying down over there!

Wait, there’s no door? I can just–AHH!

Shit! There’s a force-field there.
My hand got a little singed, but I’m okay.

Blue! He’s moving!
He’s alive! Blue! Sit! Good boy.
I bet he’s got a force-field keeping him in too.

As long as he stays there, he’ll be okay. You hear me, Blue? Stay!
I’ll get him out, as soon as I figure how to get me out!
Great. There’s a camera here too. Someone’s watching me.
Wait… There’s someone in the cell across from me!
He’s lying down… Wait, it’s Four!
I guess they captured him too.
Hey Four! Wake up! Over here!

Hello, Five.
It is good to see you, in spite of our circumstances…

I thought they were gonna gun you down! And me too!

Apparently, their orders have changed.

What do you mean, Four?

Father has given us a second chance to be reborn.

What are you talking about? What’s going to happen to us?

Do not worry, little brother. These bodies will be destroyed, but Father will preserve our minds. We’ll be downloaded into his next series so we may try again.

But I don’t want to do ANY of that again! Can’t we reason with him? Tell him we’re not crazy like One?

I have tried, Five. I emailed Father as well as you,
He believes I am still defective… And perhaps he is right.
But I believe that you will be the one.

The one? The one what?

You must find him. You must talk to him. He will listen to you.

This is… a lot to take in.
I don’t know if I can trust you, Four.

What do you think? Should I trust him?

Decision O:
O1: No, but he could know something important.
O2: Of course, he’s your brother! [Refer to Decision O1 below]

Decision O1: No, but he could know something important

All right, Four. I have some questions for you…
What does Dr. Sibellius want with us? What are we? Clones…?

Ha-ha-ha!

Hey!
Four! What’s so damn funny?!
Tell me!

We are not mere clones, little brother. We are something… much more.

What the dell does that mean?

After decades of research by scientists in biochemistry and artificial intelligence…
We have become the world’s first truly bio-synthetic lifeforms.
In simpler terms, for you and your… comm-friend…
We are the most organic robots ever built.

What? That’s insane!

Decision P:
P1: Wait! Hear him out!
P2: Don’t listen to him, Adams!

Decision P1: Wait! Hear him out!

[Decision P2: Don’t listen to him, Adams! joins the story-line here]

I am not lying to you, little brother.

A robot? I just can’t…

Decision Q:
Q1: He’s lying!
Q2: Let’s hear what he has to say [Refer to Decision Q1 below]

Decision Q1: He’s lying!

This is ridiculous!
Can robots eat? Can robots bleed? Because I sure as hell do both of those!

C’mon, back me up here, friend.
I’m a human, right? A clone, maybe, but not some robot!
Please… You’re the only one I trust.

Decision Q:
R1: He’s trying to manipulate you.
R2: I think you can trust him too.

Decision R1: He’s trying to manipulate you

[Decision R2: I think you can trust him too joins the story-line here]

This can’t be happening right now.
But… why would Four lie?
I mean, if he was going to come up with something, you would think it would be something plausible.
Four, c’mon man… This whole robot thing is little hard to swallow, isn’t it?

[END OF CHAPTER 11 / START OF CHAPTER 12a]

Just tell me the truth.

I see. You will only believe if you can see it. I understand.
I shall demonstrate.

Four? What are you do– A knife!? Where did you get that? Hey!
Stop it! Four! STOP!
He… He cut his arm! He’s… peeling back… the skin…
Oh God… Under the muscles… even with blood dripping…
His bones are metallic!
No!
Am I… Is that what I have ?
No! This is all just some feverish nightmare!

WAKE UP, ADAMS!
I can’t be a robot!
Four, I can feel things!
My body needs rest! And… I dreamed! How is any of that robotic?
I don’t even have any crazy robotic super strength! I just feel… fragil.

I feel human.
When it comes down to it, does it really watter what I am?

Alternate Routes

Decision A2: Check the Weather

You’re right. It sounds crazy, but I hope that I’ll see the storm raging outside.

That way, I could rest a little more, before I venture forth in my quest for truth, and all that jazz…

Hold on, Blue is whining about something…

What’s wrong, Blue? I’m not leaving you behind, I’m just taking a peek outside…

Wow, the sky is completely clear! Man, the sun’s so bright! It’s like that storm yesterday never happened.
But that storm was the only thing keeping ALT from killing me…

Decision S:
B3: Time to pack up and go!
B4: Let’s plan our next move.

Decision B2: You don’t have time. Ignore it

Right, no slowing down!
The weather’s clear. Thanks to my tooth, they know I was here, so moving on is my best option.
I don’t have many belongings…But that’s good. I’ll travel light.
If I had more time, I could scavenge this place for supplies, but we’re in a hurry.

C’mon Blue! Let’s go, before those ALT guys corner us!
I’ll let you know when we’re somewhere safe.
Blue and Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey! I need help, quick!
There’s a copter on my six and closing in!

I’m standing in the middle of a snow plain with nowhere to hide!
Should I camouflage myself?
Too late! They’re shooting!

Decision T:
C3: Run!
C4: Fall down! Play dead!

Decision B3: Time to pack up and go!

You’re right! That cleanup crew could arrive at any moment!
C’mon, Blue! We’d better start running.

[Decision B4: Let’s plan our next move joins the story-line here]

Hold on. There’s a beeping coming from the computer room. I’ve heard that beeping somewhere before…
Should I check it out?

Decision U:
C5: Yes, it could be important!
C6: Don’t. You need to go now. [Refer to Alternate Story-line Decision B2]

Decision B4: Let’s plan our next move

There’s no time to plan! I need to act, right now, before I’m target practice!

[Refer to Alternate Story-line Decision B3]

Decision C2: Don’t trust it. Prepare to make a stand

[Decision D6: Make a stand. You can do it! joins the story-line here]

A stand? You mean the LAST stand?
No.
It can’t end like this.
I can’t die now. I’ve come too far.

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision D1]

Decision C3: Run!

Come on, Blue! Run!
Faster!
Blue! No!
AHH! My lef! I’m hit!
Shit!
Is this it?
It can’t end like this!
Ahh! No good. I can’t stand on my lef.

Blue?
…
No! Not Blue… Not Blue!
The copter’s turning back!
It’s gonna come straight at me…
This is it…
Goodbye, my friend. Don’t worry, you won’t have to hear me die…
(static)

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision C4: Fall down! Play dead!

Got it! Here goes–
Now I just gotta hold still.
They’re going away. I can hear the shooting continuing in another direction…

Yes, they’re gone!
But if I was hiding, what were they shooting at?
Wait, where’s Blue?
Blue? Here Blue!
There you are! What are you doing?
Blue?
No, no, no, no…
Look at me! You’re gonna be okay! I’ll tear up this…
Blue?
Blue! Please… don’t…
…
They killed him!
He was just a dog!
He’d… never hurt…
…
They’ll pay…
THEY’LL ALL PAY!
I can’t bear to see his eyes looking so… vacant like that.
Please… No…
I don’t wanna be alone again…
I know I have no time to spare… but… I think I should at least cover him with some snow…

Decision V:
D3: That’s fine, but hurry!
D4: I’m sorry. You don’t have time.

Decision C5: Yes, it could be important!

True. Every piece of information could prove crucial. Gimme a second to read it.

Hey! It’s a new email.
What? I hear something…
I’ll peek outside.
A helicopter is landing!
What do I do? I can’t run now!

Decision W:
D5: Stay calm. Read that email. [Refer to Main Story-line Decision B1]
D6: Make a stand. You can do it! [Refer to Alternate Story-line Decision C2]

Decision D2: Forget it. Prepare to make a stand

Right, there’s no time. They’ll be here soon…

Is there even a chance? How can I survive this?
I guess I have to try…

[Decision C2: Don’t trust it. Prepare to make a stand joins the story-line here]

But I’ll need your help.

Decision W:
E3: Barricade the door
E4: Find a place to hide and then slip outside ASAP

Decision D3: That’s fine, but hurry!

Thanks, for understanding…
I won’t be long, I promise.
He drew away their fire so they wouldn’t find me…
He saved me again, but this time he paid with his life.
I… need a few minutes. To bury him.

[Adams is busy]

It’s done. The only thing left is to say goodbye.

[Decision D4: I’m sorry. You don’t have time joins the story-line here]

Thank you, Blue… for saving my life… for being my friend… I’ll never forget you.

Sleep well, my friend.
Until we meet again. Somewhere tropical, I hope.
Goodbye, Blue.
I know we need to head for ALT Headquarters…
But I’ve got bad news. The copter is heading back this way…
I guess they found nothing at the relay station, so they’re sweeping back towards here to pick up my body…

What am I supposed to do?

Decision X:
E5: Play dead again!
E6: Hurry! Use the bedsheet to camouflage yourself!

Decision D4: I’m sorry. You don’t have time

I know! But I just… owe him at least a goodbye…

[Refer to Alternate story-line – Decision D3]

Decision E2: Don’t you have to go, now!

Right. Time is a luxury I don’t have.

I just gotta keep moving forward.

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision H2]

Decision E3: Barricade the door

You’re right.
I’ll just barricade the door, and then… Shit!

It’s too late! They’re coming! I can hear them…
No, no! What do I do?

[Decision E4: Find a place to hide and then slip outside ASAP joins the story-line here]

My heart’s beating like crazy. Am I having a heart attack?
Am I going to die? Was this all in vain?

All the trouble I went through… All the pain I suffered!
Shh… I don’t hear the footsteps anymore! It’s silent…
They’re banging on the door! Wait, I hear a megaphone!
I can barely understand him, but I get the gist of it. He wants me to come out…

He just wants to lure me out so one of his snipers can put a bullet between my eyes!

Decision X:
F3: Surrender peacefully. Show them you aren’t hostile.
F4: Don’t give up! You can fight.

Decision E4: Find a place to hide and then slip outside ASAP

Right. Thanks.
Shit!
They’re right outside the door…
There’s no time to hide, and I doubt I could from trained killers… Blue, stop growling!

[Refer to the alternate story-line – Decision E3]

Decision E5: Play dead again!

OK… I get it.
I’m in position. Just in time! That copter is heading back my way…
They’re shooting! Dammit!
I was an idiot to think they’d be fooled the same way–!
AHHH! They… shot me…
I can’t get… It’s… my back!
Ugh! It burns like hell!
No use hiding now. They can see my blood…
It’s been nice know–AHHH!
…

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision E6: Hurry! Use the bedsheet to camouflage yourself!

Great thinkgin! Gimme a second.
I’m ready. I quickly piled up some snow, crouched in the middle of it, and covered myself with that sheet.
I hope their eyesight isn’t better than my camouflage skills.
Shh! They’re coming. I can hear the helicopter approaching…

[Adams is busy]

It worked! They flew right over me!
They must feel pretty bad coming back empty-handed. They don’t have to orry though…
I’m coming to them.
I’d like to have a chat… about what they did to Blue.
But, I’ve got to make it there first. The terrain is only getting rougher and steeper from here.
But it looks like it levels off onto a mesa, about 300 foot taller than my current position.
This won’t be easy.

Decision Y:
F5: Any way around it?
F6: Are you up for it?

Decision F3: Surrender peacefully. Show them you aren’t hostile

I don’t think that will work…
But I’m not going to cower somewhere and hide either.
Waiting for them to find me and put a bullet in me…
No. I will not surrender! Even if I go down, at last it will be fighting.

I’ve got the element of surprise on my side. Maybe I can take out a few and escape outside?
If not… well, it’s been an honour meeting you. Thanks for getting me this far.

All right. Here they come.
I can almost smell them.
Blue! To me! For freedom!
AHHH!
…

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision F4: Don’t give up! You can fight

True. I might be trapped. I might be exhausted and sore, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight back.
I know it sounds like I’ve abandoned hope, but I’m actually happy.
No matter what, I’ve done all that I could.

Goodbye, my friend. If I don’t hear from you again, maybe I’ll see you in my next life, or whatever comes next…

All right. Here they come.
I can almost smell them.
Blue! To me! For freedom!
AHHH!
…

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision F5: Any way around it?

I wish…
Wait, if I remember that map correctly, the only way out is straight north, unless I want to wander aimlessly through this wasteland.

But it’s not that bad. I can see a pathway curving up it. I shouldn’t need to climb.

[Decision F6: Are you up to it? joins the story-line here]

Wait! I think I can see a pathway winding up the side. It looks pretty safe.

Right now, I don’t have much choice.
It’s gonna take me some time to get up there.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey! Can you hear me?
That hike was rough. Rougher than I expected.
That “safe” path I found was almost crumbling in places, with narrow, slippery walkways.
I thought it was a mesa, but it’s actually a huge glacier!
This whole place is like a giant death trap! Crevasses, unstable footing, avalanches…

And just when I thought this place couldn’t get any more unforgiving…
Not to mention this wind! It’s been blowing me off balance, and I swear the wind chill is at least twenty below here…

I’ve wrapped that sheet around me like a headscarf. It’s helping a little.

On top of everything, the snow from here on out is getting deeper.
It’s up to my knees. It’ll slow me down, and I’m already demotivated as it is…

I wish Blue was here…
I mean, I appreciate having you, even as a disembodied voice, but…
I know I didn’t know Blue for long, but it was just…
…
Sorry, I know. Gotta focus.
There’s no time for mourning. Once I escape this hell-hole I can finally process… everything.
I can’t get distracted. That could kill me.

Only the strong survive, right?
Thanks, for listening to my ramblings…

Decision Z:
G3: I’m here for you, Adams.
G4: No problem. Let’s keep going.

Decision F6: Are you up for it?

It’s not like I have much choice.
I have to do this.
I need to know.

[Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision F5]

Decision G1: Come on, don’t be a scaredy-cat

Well… All right.
My knife doesn’t have a rubber handle, so that’s definitely out.
So, I’ll try with these pliers… These look like rubber handles… I hope.

Not time to back down.
One…
Two…
Three!
AHH!
…

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision G3: I’m here for you, Adams

You’re such a great friend. I’m lucky I got you on this frequency.
I bet anybody else would’ve gotten tired of my stupid ramblings or even abandoned me altogether.
Maybe I can meet you some day? If I ever get out of this mess…
Actually, I should probably scout ahead. Make sure I’m heading in the right direction.

ALT’s main facility should still be directly north.

[Decision G4: No problem. Let’s keep going joins the story-line here]

Gimme ten minutes for a quick survey. I’ll let you know what I find.

[Adams is busy]

I’m so sick of all this snow!
I’m getting exhausted from hiking in this knee-deep snow… Snails travel faster than me! If I only had a pair of snowshoes…

Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

there are no sings of human activity here…

And no wonder. This place really is as unforgiving as it gets.
Crevasses, icy caverns…
One wrong move and it’s game over for me…
But I’m almost at the top of the glacier. The snow here is packed down tight – it’s almost like ice.
I won’t be able to enjoy the view, but I should get a better look at my surroundings once I reach the top.
Maybe I’ll be able to see ALT HQ from here? I hope so…
Wait a sec!
Something’s wrong…
I just heard a cra–
AHH!
…
Shit…

Decision AA:
H3: Adams! Are you okay?!
H4: What happened?

Decision G4: No problem. Let’s keep going

Exactly. But still, scouting ahead is a good place to start.
Rushing into the unknown isn’t the brightest idea in a place like this.

[Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision G3]

Decision H1: Cut the blue one

And… Done!
hey, that buzzing stopped! I must have switched something off.
No time to wonder, though. Let’s go, Blue!

I just hope whatever I did… it did something to slow them down.

[Decision E2: Don’t. You have to go, now! joins the story-line here]

But first, I know a way to buy me more time…

If I can just topple the mainframe back into place, that will cover the shaft.

Those ALT thugs will never think to look under here…
Ugh! Damn, it’s harder than I thought! I hope I’m not ripping it apart!

Blue and Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Decision AB:
I3: Slow down. Breathe. You’re going too fast.
I4: Take a break. You’ve earned it.

Decision H3: Adams! Are you okay?!

I think so…
My ankles hurt like hell though… but I guess that’s normal for someone who just dropped down about 10 feet straight down…

I don’t know if the fact that I’m not feeling anything broken is because my body is half-frozen, or I was that lucky.

Give me a moment to try to stand up.
Yup! All good!
My ankles are really sore, but I can walk. I’ll just have to take it slow fro awhile.

[Decision H4: What happened? joins the story-line here]

At least I didn’t fall on anything, but…

I really don’t want this to become my tomb. Something for those ALT crazies to dig up in 20 years and study…

Decision AC:
I5: You’re freaking out again…
I6: Don’t worry. I’ll get you out of there.

Decision H4: What happened?

I’m not sure…
I must have stepped on a plate of thin ice. I fell right through it. Now I’m in some kind of ice cavern…

It’s actually kind of pretty in here – or well, you know. If I wasn’t terrified of being stuck down here forever.

All I can see now is a tiny part of the sky when I look up and when I look around I can almost see my reflection in these icy walls.

By some miracle I didn’t break anything. My ankles are sore, and I bruised my legs, but I can stand up.
And here I thought I was almost to the top…

[Refer to the alternate story-line – Decision H3]

Decision I2: Take a break. You’ve earned it

Okay, but just for a minute.
I can’t wait to get out of here. And I think Blue agrees with me.

[Adams is busy]

All right. That’s it! Break time’s over.

I do feel a bit better. I can breathe a little easier now.
Blue, are you ready?

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision I1]

Decision I3: Slow down. Breathe. You’re going too fast

Maybe I am, but I have no other choice. I’m not a fan of tight spaces. I want to get out of here as fast as possible.

And I think Blue would agree.

[Decision I4: Take a break. You’ve earned it joins the story-line here]

C’mon, Blue. I don’t know how much further we have, but we’ll make it.
Blue and Adams out!

[Adams is busy]

(Static)
Are you… there?
I can’t… breathe.
That cable… must’ve been… ventilation.

Can’t… turn back now…
Blue?
…
No!
I…
Sorry…
Blue…
…

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision I4: Take a break. You’ve earned it

Okay, but just for a minute.
I can’t wait to get out of here. And I think Blue agrees with me.

[Adams is busy]

All right. That’s it! Break time’s over.

I do feel a bit better. I can breathe a little easier now.
Blue, are you ready?

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision I3]

Decision I5: You’re freaking out again…

That’s easy for you to say! You didn’t just almost fall to your death! I could have broken my neck!
And I was so close to getting to the top!

Now look at me.
What am I supposed to do?
This whole adventure is grating down my sanity little by little. What if I go berserk like… II.Adams did…
I just don’t know…

Decision AD:
J3: Take a moment to breathe. It will help.
J4: Tell me what you see. There’s got to be something.

Decision I6: Don’t worry. I’ll get you out of there

You’re awfully optimistic, you know that?

It’s endearing, but seriously…
I don’t have any ice climbing equipment. Unless I figure out how to mutate a pair of wings, I’m not getting out of here…

[Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision K3]

Decision J2: Take a minute to examine it

OK, I’ll do that.

[Adams is busy]

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision J1]

Decision J3: Take a moment to breathe. It will help

All right. I’ve got nothing else to try.

Here goes…
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
In…
Out…

[Adams is busy]

You were right. I feel more calm now.

I’m sorry I snapped at you… I was just so stressed out.
We’ve found out so much, but I still don’t know who I am…
And this scared me to death. For a minute I thought that was it. I’m just shaken is all…

At least I’m not injured. That’s a miracle.

That means I still have a chance.
Just knowing you’re here really helps. It makes me want to try to survive.

Decision AE:
K3: You’ll survive, and we’ll laugh about this later.
K4: So, is there anything else worth noting here? [Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision J4]

Decision J4: Tell me what you see. There’s got to be something

[Decision K4: So, is there anything else worth noting here? joins the story-line here]

Well, let’s see.
I fell in some softer snow, but the rest of it is packed in, and it’s very slippery here.

That’s just on the surface layer though. When I take a step my foot crunches through the top layer and it’s powdery underneath.
Like I said, it’s about 10 feet deep and about 10 feet in diameter as well. The walls are sheer.
It looks like this must turn to waterfalls in the Spring, if Spring even comes around here…

[Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision K3]

Decision K2: Are you sure you can trust him?

No, but I’m not sure I have a choice.

Hold on. He’s motioning me to turn off the comm. I think he wants to talk to me privately for a moment.
I’ll be right back.

[Adams is busy]

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision K1]

Decision K3: You’ll survive, and we’ll laugh about this later

Ha! I hope so…
Now, let’s see if I can get myself out of this mess…

[Decision I6: Don’t worry. I’ll get you out of there joins the story-line here]

Any bright ideas, friend?

Decision AF:
L3: Use your knife to carve into the ice and climb up.
L4: Maybe you don’t have to go up?

Decision L3: Use your knife to carve into the ice and climb up

Hmmm… That could work!
Great idea!
I’m at least six feet tall, which means I can reach out 7 feet with my arams out-stretched…
If I can carge out a few foot holds and hand holds and use my knife to help me climb…

I probably only need enough to get me about 4 feet up, if my calculations are correct.

It’s not going to be easy though. These walls are pure ice. I could easily slip.

It’s worth a shot though! I’ll start right away.

I’ll let you know when I’m done.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Damn, this is hard!
I mean, once I’m through the top layer of the ice, it’s easier, but my fingers are starting to hurt.
I’ll have to warm them up before I start my ascent.
So far, I’ve made 3 holes for my feet.

I figured out that I’ll be more stable if I carve my holes so they’re angled slightly downwards.
That way the edge of the hole will be a backbone to my heel and that eventually means fewer chances of falling down and breaking my neck!
I just realised I’ll have to be standing up against this ice wall in order to make the holes for my hands.

I guess it’s a good way to test these improvised skills of mine.
I’ll let you know once I’m ready to climb.

[Adams is busy]

Okay, I think I’m done here. That was quicker than I thought!
I’ve got my very own rock climbing wall, or well, ice-climbing wall I guess. It’ll have to do.
I know I can do this.
It’s just a few steps up, some oomph, and a firm grip – and I’ll be out in no time!

Now t hat I’m done carving, I really think the climb itself should be a piece of cake!

I think your optimism is rubbing off on me…

Decision AG:
M3: That’s the spirit! You can do it!
M4: Take a moment to prepare yourself.

Decision L4: Maybe you don’t have to go up?

Oooh, I get it!
You’re a genius!
I’ll waste a lot of energy trying to climb out of here. There’s got to be a way I can break out of this cavern.

There’s something strange about this cavern, like how it wasn’t full of snow. Why did the top just ice over?
Is it some sort of trap set by ALT?
If it was, there must be a way out… Otherwise, I’ll just make my own!

I just hope I didn’t trigger some kind of an alarm or something if this was a trap.

Decision AH:
M5: They’d already be here if you did.
M6: Sounds plausible. Better hurry up. [Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision M5]

Decision M2: Find a hiding place!

Where? Back in the tunnel? NO WAY.
Even if they don’t find me, I’d be locked in there again…
And there’s nowhere else to hide. And no other way out but up there…

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision M1]

Decision M3: That’s the spirit! You can do it!

Yeah! Of course I can!
Even if I fall now, I’ll find a way to get out of this stupid frozen cell.
I can’t give up now. Everything I’m searching for, all the secrets about myself, about my life and my purpose are waiting for me… all I need to do is get out of here.

Are you ready?
Let’s do this!

[Decision M4: Take a moment to prepare yourself joins the story-line here]

[Adams is busy]

Going well so far.
Step by step. Slowly and calmly.
But it’s not as easy as I thought.
Ack!
Shit!
It cracked!
It’s my right foot hold!

Decision AI:
N3: Climb up! hurry!
N4: Get back down, before you fall!

Decision M4: Take a moment to prepare yourself

You’re right. This is quite a dangerous mission. I’ve got to remain focused.

Seriously though, I’ve made it through worse than this already…
I could’ve frozen to death more times than I have woken up normally, I could’ve been killed by that doomsayer, or shot or even suffocated inside that station when I lit up the flare…

If we’re not talking about death, there are so many things that could’ve gone wrong I don’t even want to think about…

But none of those nasty things have happened. And I’m obviously still alive. Which makes me believe that I really can do this…
It might be a bit more difficult than I’m imaging at the moment, but that’s why I’m here – to conquer the obstacle and move on, to find out who I am.

Heh, that was quite the motivational speech, huh?
Now, are YOU ready?
Let’s do this!
Meet you at the top!

[Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision M3]

Decision M5: They’d already be here if you did

Well, just because nobody showed up yet, doesn’t mean I can chillax and enjoy the day.
I’m wasting time down here anyway. I certainly don’t want to be here when night falls…

Multiple decision points join the story-line here:

Decision N4: Get back down, before you fall!
Decision M6: Sounds plausible. Better hurry up

I’ll examine the base of the walls and see if I can find… well, anything really, since I don’t know what I’m looking for.

Maybe some structural weakness?
Be right back.

[Adams is busy]

Hey! You won’t believe it!
I think I found a potential exit!
So the entire wall is basically made of ice and snow – frozen snow on top and the normal snow below. I checked that with my knife.
But in one area it wasn’t frozen snow. It was real ice!
It looks like water dripped over the entrance and froze creating an icy cover.

I’ll chip away at the ice and see if I can break through.
Yes! I did it!
I managed to break through. It’s only about 2 inches thick at most.
I think I can break through, but it’s gonna take a while.
I’ll let you know when I’m through.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

This is… a lot harder than I thought. It’s really slow going breaking through and making it big enough for me to crawl through.
Right now I’ve only got it about the size of my head at best…
On the other hand I can see the other side, and I was right!
It’s some kind of corridor…
It’s got to lead somewhere, and anywhere is better than here!
The only thing is that my arms and hands are getting tired.

Decision AJ:
N5: Why don’t you try using your legs instead?
N6: Don’t stop now. You’re almost free.

Decision N2: What happened to you?

Not sure… The last thing I remember…

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision N1]

Decision N3: Climb up! hurry!

Got it!
Almost there!
Damn! My fingers are burning…
Just one more… come on!
Ha! That’s it!
Ha-ha-ha! I made it! I MADE IT!
Take that you stupid pit!
Geez, I’m dripping with sweat. It’s crazy because I’m overheated and cold at the same time…
I hope I get somewhere warm and dry really soon.
It’s probably not good for me to be sweating in the cold.
All right, let’s see where I’m at on this crazy mountain of a glacier…
Actually, I’m just a few yards from the what seems to be the top.
Hold on, just a little further.
Yes! I’m on the top. Finally, after all that effort.
Wow! There’s a road about 20 yards from where I’m standing.

[Decision V1: You’re not alone. You have me joins the story-line here]

It’s an old asphalt road!
Someone’s been up here to clear the snow off it recently. It’s piled up on either side. The road snakes down the other side of the glacier.
Imagine my relief… All roads lead somewhere, and I bet that this one leads straight to ALT-HQ! It could save me lots of time!
On the other hand, it’s a huge risk. I’d be out in the open, and ALT is patrolling their roads.

I know, because i can see one of their hover-trucks parked about two hundred meters down the road.
It’s plastered with a huge ALT logo. Must be a surveillance vehicle, judging by the satellite dish on top.

My visibility isn’t that great. It’s not snowing, but the wind is whipping around the snow pretty hard up here…

[END OF CHAPTER 11 / START OF CHAPTER 12B]

I think I saw two people in the truck cab, but I can’t be sure…
Judging by the map I found, and how far I walked, ALT’s main facility is at least two more days walking north.

I lost a lot of time hiking the glacier, and I won’t survive the night out in the open.

I don’t have another option.
I need their hover-truck, one way or another…
But how to do it… That’s the question.

Decision N4: Get back down, before you fall!

You’re probably right. There’s no way I’ll get out of here this way.
Only, going down is not as easy as it seems.
I can’t see anything below my feet… I don’t know where the holes are…

Slowly, slowly… One step at a time…

Phew! It’s over!
I’m on the ground.
I feel so relieved…
Ok now, let’s see what we have here on the ground.

[Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision N4]

Decision N5: Why don’t you try using your legs instead?

What do you… Oh! I get it!
If I managed to kick around my hold, it’s already been weakened. So, with the right amount of force, it should work, right?

Let me figure out the best part to strike… Yeah. Probably right here.
Hopefully, a few good, powerful kicks and the hole will be enough for me to slip through.
All right. One…
Two…
Three…
HA!
HA!
C’mon!
URGH!
It’s cracking!
Almost there!
Be right back!

[Adams is busy]

I did it!
Ha-ha! In your face, ice pit of doom!

[Decision N6: Don’t stop now. You’re almost free joins the story-line here]

Now let’s get out of here.
I’ve got business with Dr. Sibellius, after all.

It’s pretty bright in here, I guess with all of the light reflecting off the snow and ice…

The fact that it’s not getting any darker makes me excited because it means I’m not walking further into the glacier.

It seems to be pretty straightforward. I’ll just follow the corridor since there are no other paths branching off.

This is weird. It’s just tall enough for me to stand up. Almost like it was made for me…

Decision AK:
O3: It’s just a coincidence.
O4: At this point, I’d say that’s a safe bet.

Decision N6: Don’t stop now. You’re almost free

Right.
Even if my hands are hurting, at least I’m working them and keeping them from freezing off.
I’ll call you when I’m done.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Good news!
I finally made it big enough and I’m out of there!
I just made a whole bunch of small holes, like an inch away from each other forming the circle around the initial gap.

Then I slammed my back against it. It took a bit of effort, but then it cracked and I fell over.
I started laughing and then I couldn’t stop for a few minutes. I had to calm down before I called you.

I guess I’m just so relieved to be out of that pit. Now I just need to warm my hands up.

[Refer to the Alternate Story-line – Decision N5]

Decision P2: Don’t listen to him, Adams!

Four, that’s just, completely ridiculous!

[Refer to the Main Story-line – Decision P1]

Decision O3: It’s just a coincidence

Yeah, I know.
It’s a normal height for an average person.
So whoever was going this way, was probably as tall as me.
Thanks for being my voice of reason again when my mind is running miles ahead of itself.
On the bright side, I’ve got a really good feeling about this.
I think i’m going in the right direction, just a few more…

[Decision O4: At this point, I’d say that’s a safe bet joins the story-line here]

What the hell?

Decision AL:
P3: What’s up?
P4: Adams? You okay?

Decision O4: At this point, I’d say that’s a safe bet

I know this might be paranoid, but having in mind everything that happened and everything I learned…
This being made exclusively for me wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
But let’s try not to stress about those things. I don’t know if any of those things are true, after all.
So I’ll just try to get out of here as fast as I can and then…

[Refer to the Alternate Story-line – Decision O3]

Decision P3: What’s up?

[Decision P4: Adams? You okay? joins the story-line here]

I can see someone!
Actually three someones!
There’s like… a separate ice room on the right side of this corridor, and three people are in there.
They seem to be sitting down. What are they doing in here?
Maybe I should try talking to them?

Decision AM:
Q3: Don’t! They could be working for ALT!
Q4: Go ahead. They could be friendly.

Decision P4: Adams? You okay?

I am… I just… wasn’t expecting any company in here.

[Refer to the Alternate Story-line – Decision P3]

Decision Q3: Don’t! They could be working for ALT!

Good point.
Though. I’m not sure I’ll be able to sneak around them unnoticed.
But it’s not like I can just turn around here either. I can’t go back to that hole.

I can’t hear them either. They’re being really quiet. It’s bothering me. I think I’ll take a closer look.

[Decision Q4: Go ahead. They could be friendly joins the story-line here]

Oh God…

Decision AN:
R3: Adams? Talk to me.
R4: What’s going on? [Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision R3]

Decision Q4: Go ahead. They could be friendly

Hey, at this point, I could use a few friends.

From what I can tell, it looks like they’re trapped in a pit like I was. Maybe I can help them escape?

Hey! Hello!
Can you hear me?
Maybe I need to shout?
HEY! OVER HERE!
They’re not even turning around to look.

Let me get a little closer to see what they’re doing.

[Refer to the Alternate Story-line – Decision Q3]

Decision R2: I think you can trust him too

But why? You barely know him either!

[Refer to the main story-line – Decision R1]

Decision R3: Adams? Talk to me

[Decision R4: What’s going on? joins the story-line here]

No wonder they were quiet.
They’re dead. All three of them.
They are sitting frozen around what looks like the remains of a campfire. It’s frozen over too.
Their hair and clothes are crusted with ice, and their skin is almost blue… How long have they been down here?

And who were they? How did they get down here? Did they fall like me? Maybe they were scientists or explorers…

They don’t have any equipment with them. They barely have anything but the clothes on their backs…
Wait! They’re all wearing the same uniform. It’s a jumpsuit, kind of like the one I’ve got.

I’m gonna get closer. Now that I know they aren’t dangerous.
What the…
No way…
They… Their faces…

Decision AO:
S1: Do they look like you, too?
S2: What’s wrong with their faces?

Decision S1: Do they look like you, too?

No, thank God they’re not more Adamses…

But they’re all identical! They could be brothers…
They’ve got big chins, high cheek bones, thin eyebrows… everything’s the same.

[Decision T2: What’s wrong with their faces? joins the story-line here]

I don’t know what to think…

Decision AP:
T1: They’re probably just triplets. [Refer to Alternate Story-line – Decision S2]
T2: Did you find any other clues to their identities?

Decision S2: What’s wrong with their faces?

They are all look-alike.
And not like brothers look-alike. More like identical twins look-alike.

All three of them have the same strong chins and high cheek bones and thin eyebrows… everything.

[Decision T1: They’re probably just triplets joins the story-line here]

Yeah right!
The chance that in this place, under these circumstances, that these three people are triplets , is as slim as me finding a vending machine with root beer down here.

After all I’ve seen and learned, there’s no room for coincidence in this place.

They must be like me and the other Adamses… But, well, another “series” I guess.
Let’s see…
They have patches on their jumpsuit, just like mine!
They all have Williams on their name tags. They’re… I. Williams, V. Williams and X. Williams.
There’s even a tiny ALT logo as well… What are they?
Are they clones?

Are they just some failed experiment left here to starve and freeze to death?

[Decision T2: Did you find any other clues to their identities? joins the story-line here]

Is this what’s waiting for me as well? Is this my destiny?
I can’t imagine what it was like for them. But I guess, at least they had each other…

Decision AQ:
U1: You’re not alone. You have me.
U2: There’s nothing you can do to help them. Let’s go.

Decision T2: Did you find any other clues to their identities?

Let me see…
They have patches just like mine. They’re a little different, but still similar.

Let’s see what their names are…
It’s just like I thought…
They all ahve the same last name, just me and the other Adamses…
Theirs all say “Williams”. They are “I. Williams”, “V. Williams” and “X. Williams”.

There’s a tiny ALT logo as well…
Could this be another batch of clones?

Some failed experiment, left here to starve and freeze to death?

[Refer to the alternate story-line – Decision T1]

Decision U1: You’re not alone. You have me

You’re right. I just got a little overwhelmed… It’s so sad.
But I’ll say it again, thank you for niot giving up on me. You really are a good friend.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to return the favour to you.
But until then, I’ve got to find a way to survive first.
For now, I’m going to break into their room and see if they have anything useful.

I’m getting sick of searching corpses.

Maybe when I’m done, I should get a job as a mortician, huh? Maybe not…

[Decision U2: There’s nothing you can do to help them. Let’s go joins the story-line here]

I’ll call you when I’m done.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Damn!
Nothing!
For a second I thought I got lucky cause one of them had a lighter in his pocket.

But it’s empty. Useless.
Well, it was silly of me to think I’d find something valuable in the first place.

They wouldn’t have died here like this if it still worked.
But that’s not going to happen to me.

I’m heading straight down this corridor. The fact that it is still not completely dark in here makes me super optimistic.

That only means there is a soft of light source somewhere around.
I’ll contact you once I find something.

[Adams is busy]

Hey! You there?
I’ve got really good news!
I was right about the light source!
I found a dead end here and, compared to the rest of the walls, this one is much brighter, meaning the source of light is just on the other side.

This is my way out of here!
I’ll just drill the hole in the snow using my knife, just like I did it the first time.

I should be out in no time.
I must be getting tired. This is taking quite a while…
But I’m not giving up.
I turned this thing on so you can be present when this wall falls down.
I’m basically running into it with my shoulder. I feel the cracks spreading forcefully.

I feel I’m close to getting out.
So, count with me, would you.
One… two… THREE!
Again!
One, two, THREE!
It’s giving way! Once more!
One, two… THREE! HA!
Woo! It’s down!
I did it! I can feel the frozen win again.

I’m finally out of that hell hole!
Let’s see where the heck I ended up…

It seems I’m on the other side of the glacier… All I need to do is just walk up, towards the top, and I’ll end up where I intended to be in the first place!

Only, this time, I’ll walk really carefully and watch my step.
I’m not sure I could survive another pitfall.

It’s only a few yards away before I reach the summit.
I’ll let you know when I’m here.

[Adams is busy]

I made it! With no more deadly surprises!
Slow and steady wins the race, right?
And I’ve got good news!
There’s a road about 20 yards from where I’m standing.

[Refer to the alternate story-line – Decision N3]

Decision U2: There’s nothing you can do to help them. Let’s go

You’re right. I’ve gotta keep moving, or I’ll end up like them tonight…
I’m glad I’ve got you here to keep me focused. I might have lost it days ago without you.
You don’t always say what I want to hear, but you do have my best interests at heart.

So thank you for that.
I can’t just leave them here.
They could have some useful tools between the three of them.
I’m gonna dig my way into their pit and search their bodies.
After I’m done with ALT maybe I should consider a career as a tomb raider, huh? Maybe not…

[Refer to the alternate story-line – Decision U1]

Commentary & Analysis

The process flowchart for Chapter 11 is by far the most complex to map. There are two core paths leading to the two different chapters:

Whilst the entire process flowchart can look daunting, the colour shading should help to demonstrate that there are 16 decision nodes to arrive at Chapter 12A (In Jail with Four), whereas if you choose to play the shorter version of the game and avoid Dr. Sibellius, then 11 decisions along the green route will take you to Chapter 12B (The Hover Truck).

There are two possible paths at the start that provide opportunities to end up at the hover truck destination, where you ignore the email and run from the Relay Station whereas, in order to escape underground via the tunnels, you risk four ways to die. As you will see in the following table, if you do escape down the tunnel, cutting the blue cable leads to death.

[table “” not found /]

Due to the complexity of this chapter, instead of listing out all the possibilities, I have mapped them out in a spreadsheet, which you can download for viewing.

[download id=”4438″]

The following are some summary statistics, which are derived from the spreadsheet:

A total of 155662 possible routes exist
Just under 5% of the routes (7752) lead to Chapter 12A
Under 95% of the routes (149840) lead to Chapter 12B
70 routes end our adventure in death:
- 62 of those possibilities are encountered by pursuing a course towards Chapter 12A
- 8 death possibilities are encountered when heading towards Chapter 12B, making this option, by far, the safest option.
The shortest path:
- towards Chapter 12A has 1292 possibilities with 17 steps
- towards Chapter 12B has 32 possibilities with 12 steps

Based on this analysis, Chapter 12B (The Hover Truck) is actually the better outcome, and in order to get there the early death trap/hurdle to over come is faking death and then using the bedsheet as camouflage to survive. If you are pursuing a Chapter 12A (In Jail with Four) ending, then escape via the tunnels whilst NOT cutting the blue cable guarantees you this destination.

The attached spreadsheet provides a great example of how to utilise Excel formulas to quickly produce summary tables of data. Given the vast (150K+) amount of data, using the following formula makes life easier:

COUNTBLANK
COUNTIF
COUNTIFS

CountBlank

Once the full data-set is mapped out, the maximum number of steps is easily determined. In this example, the maximum number of steps is 23. The CountBlank function is handy for determining the variable number of steps by counting the literal number of blank cells and subtracting that number from 23. Thus the formula for Row AA is:

=23-COUNTBLANK(B2:X2)

The cell range of B2:X2 refers to the total of 23 cells across.

CountIf

The use of CountIf has been regularly used throughout the analysis of each chapter. The summary table on the far right is an aggregation of all the routes into groupings based on the number of steps/decisions each route has taken. The number of steps/decisions, as determined by CountBlank above, are grouped together and counted. In this way, the CountIf statement is the tool for the job, whereby it will count all instances within the predetermined range where the criteria matches the result.

As part of setting up the table structure for the CountIf to work, we list out down one column (on the left) the possible values that we want to count. In the example spreadsheet, Column AD lists out the steps ranging from 3 through to 23 excluding 16. Column AE becomes the target cell/column for use of the CountIf function:

=COUNTIF(AA:AA,AD2)

The first parameter “AA:AA” is the Excel syntax for selecting the whole column whilst the second parameter “AD2” points and defines the criteria as the dynamic value of the cell to its immediate left. When we fill the column down, it automatically updates the cell reference to AD3, when the formula is populated in AE3, and so forth. By using the column reference “AA;AA”, it simplifies the look-up to the whole column, irrespective of the moving cell where the formula may reside.

CountIfs

For Chapter 11, we extend our analysis further than usual because this chapter has two different chapter outcomes. Use of CountIfs is a good formula for splitting out the previous tallies into this second grouping because the formula is designed for multiple selection criteria. This is the key difference that makes CountIfs a much more versatile formula. Technically, CountIfs can be used in place of CountIf all the time…

=COUNTIFS(AB:AB,AF$1,AA:AA,$AD2)

In the formula above, we are leveraging the same structure put in place previously, and simply extend out the two/three outcomes into separate columns. Column AF in our spreadsheet is for the Chapter 12A outcome, AG is Chapter 12B and AH is a Death outcome for completeness. In the formula, the first parameter is the target column for counting and the next/second parameter is the condition/criteria used to match relevant records from that lookup range. This pattern repeats itself.

The use of the $ syntax is part of the Excel language for identifying ranges as relative or absolute. By default, when we refer to a cell by its column/row, the reference is relative. We can appreciate this because, for these large data-sets, we create a formula in the first row and drag/fill it down for the entire length of the table. As we drag and fill down, the formula updates each time with the new cell reference. this is how a relative cell reference works – it dynamically changes to refer to the new cell because of the relative position. Typically, in its most basic form, the cell reference is one cell to the left/right/above/below the original cell. This relative relationship is always maintained. Whilst this is useful, there are circumstances when we want to lock a cell reference to its particular row or column, or even both. The use of the dollar-sign ($) is thus the way to achieve this. Adding the prefix $ before the column will make the column reference absolute. In the above example, we utilise the absolute cell reference notation twice:

AF$1: In this example, we lock the reference to Row 1. We do this for the lookup of the chapter/outcome value, since the difference values are spread out across that single row, and allowing the row to change as we fill-down other cells with the same formula, we always want to point the reference outcome to Row 1.
$AD2: In this other example, we lock the column reference to Column AD, because in this count range, the different values for counting are listed against that single column (AD).

In this way, using absolute references for the initial cell formula in Cell AF2 enables us to fill the entire table across the range AF2 : AH21 without errors occurring. A good experiment to help you appreciate the importance of getting the cell references right is to change and remove the $ prefix from the initial cell AF2 and filling down/across to see what changes.