So, I'm in chapter six. Just found the broken machine in the lower-left corner, talked to it, and ART downloaded the data...now what? I've been to the outpost outside. If I go there, Amani just tells me about the rescue party coming in eight months. There are two mission objectives, "help the roots reach Lethe Gorge" (I think I'm supposed to get water in the chamber and I have blocked the entrance so that wind no longer blows there, but if I follow the roots, like the game told me to, I come to a chamber that's even more dry and I don't see what could possibly be there that would help), and "seek more evidence of sentient life". I have no idea how to proceed in either of the objectives. What do I need to do in order to win this game?

From the map, have you explored all the rooms? Look for any paths that you have not explored.. In terms of the roots, if you find the correct room, I believe it tells you what you need to do.

Have you found the growing ends of the roots yet? If not, and it sounds like you haven't, you need to search further down. If you have, and you don't know how to help them, look at this thread: Has anyone figured out the roots of the water-transporting megazoa? How do I make them grow?

If you take a screenshot of the map screen and post it here, I may be able to point you to new areas to explore.

I managed to give water to the chamber via the roots, thanks to the link Lady_Salvia posted, which told me to blow those embryo-looking-popping plants up, so that's one objective down. Now there's just the objective "seek more evidence of sentient life" left but I have absolutely no idea where to look for said life. Posted a screenshot of my map if it helps...

edit: I read from the internet, that I should raise my core power to 23 then go to At The Gates chamber, there should be a gate after that? Well I got to the ATG chamber, just haven't raised my power enough (missing like eight power).
So after my power is at 23, I can finally move on? And more importantly, get closer to the goal? 'Cause I'll be honest, this game is really pissing me off :p

edit2: managed to find my way into the core and to the helm. Now the unclear objective says "Find out what the Sentient wants". Well how the hell am I supposed to know what some alien lifeform wants? Could there be some hints as to what I need to do? Christ this game

See all those connected lines on the map, where they meet and there is no circle, those are also unexplored rooms. In terms of sentient life, you could also read the hints in the last thread asking for help.

Got through the game. Thanks to those who helped.