NextColony - Status Update #3 - All ops in crisis mode

What happened since last week:

• Our endeavor is going through a major crisis. After having deployed our nine-ship strong explorer fleet on a total of 162 missions, no planet has been sighted.
• The crew's morale is at an all-time low. Conspiracy theories are spreading that competitors have better intel available that allow them to send their ships much more effectively. With the disastrous success rate of our company, it gets increasingly difficult for my officers to refute such theories.
• In a final effort of strength the Okeanos Mission Control Center was subjected to yet another upgrade. New radio equipment has arrived and will be op-ready within the next 24 h. Starting tomorrow Fleet Commander Rokstad-Nyborg will be able to oversee 9 parallel missions - at least while our fuel-bunkers haven't run dry.
• Research on the new Fregate had to be halted just before completion. A sobering and painful decision yet no possibility to cut spendings must remain unused. Consequently, first layoffs had to be made in the shipyards.
• We must have no illusions. If we do not find new deposits within the next 7 days this will mean the inevitable end of our enterprise. An enterprise in its infancy that we have embarked on with so much enthusiasm.

All image elements licensed via my personal stock.adobe account. Conversion of my profile picture into planetary shape done by @louis88.