It is such a shame that people like the PPF are thwarting colonisation plans isn't it?
But with no colony ships actually completed (thanks, Thea...) and only the three "I" class capable of inter system travel the fleet is very, very stretched. The loss of the Invincible was most unfortunate in making a bad situation even worse. I'm not suprised the MC has orders to consider closing the place. Last thing they need is to be keeping an eye on another planet when they have Phoebe to play with, no?
Maybe the MC should close it down. It does seem a sensible thing to do, no? It would take pressure off the mission for sure. Who cares if the plant is fixed if you're going to shut it down.
I'm sure there is a perfectly sensible answer for that. *sage nods*