Nr 3 is actually a very good story, if the structure were different it would've been the winner.
We were asked to write a short story, so the "in medias res" intro is a must. Excellent start! I tried the same thing but failed to drag the reader into the story (that story was part of something I wrote earlier and it shows). Going into a wide shot is an excellent way to introduce the surroundings and zoom back into the protagonist's feelings.
The presentation of the main character is good. You get to know his thoughts, some insight into his character but not too much ... this is not a novel.
The instruction part I like least. It's too schematic, sounds like a RPGgame instruction. Might've been better if you'd made a complete flashback, including the thoughts of the protagonist at the time.
The link with present-day findings is a good one, but - hey, it's only me ... don't lynch me - I would've started with it. Give the reader an enigma and solve it at the end of the story.
- JUG (not a fair second, if you ask me)