Lies Under Ice

Lies Under Ice is a 200,000-word, entirely text-based interactive science fiction novel by Joey Jones, set in 2079. Your choices shape the story as you lead the first settlement on Jupiter’s frozen moon, Europa. You build a base, explore the moon’s treacherous oceans, terraform its surface and send your findings to Earth.

The settlement on Europa

Political factions within the colony compete for dominance and may come into open conflict. Though they are working on the mission together, each has its own aims: turning Europa into a center for trade, a home for Earth’s growing population or a fresh start beyond older social models. You navigate the factions’ politics from millions of miles away and can run for office in Europa’s fledgling government.

You manage the base’s needs and decide whether to prioritize worker comfort, scientific output, luxury domes, mazes of ice tunnels or terraforming. The colony’s choices also shape its relationship with Europa’s ecosystem: you might release fish as a sustainable food source, bring cats for companionship or use synthetic creatures to avoid introducing invasive species.

Beneath the ice

With advanced technologies including massive terraforming systems, gene splicing, AI therapy-bots and nerve-connected bionic prosthetics, you can leave the safety of your spaceship and venture into Europa’s hostile frozen environment. Pilot a submarine through frigid waters no human has seen before and uncover the moon’s ancient secrets. Alien life exists beneath the ice, but whether it threatens the settlers or offers humanity its greatest opportunity remains to be discovered.

Your character

You choose a male, female or nonbinary protagonist, and can be gay, straight, bi or aromantic, and poly or monogamous. Six professional backgrounds are available: diplomat, aerospace engineer, arcologist, asteroid miner, pilot and marine biologist.