sarahgillen
You are correct in the assumption that there are many, many things to do in this game but many of them can only be done at certain stages of the game. You'll find that as you research techs further (thus the "more research necessary") you'll be able to do so much more. However, I won't say which techs and which levels let you do what, that's the fun of the game, to find out.
If you want though, I think there is a cheat guide somewhere else in this forum that will tell you all.
Have fun,
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My VV2 story, "A Twist of Fate" And don't miss Krystal's stories, all three of them!
"Life is too fast... unless you're in traffic."