F
Macross Frontier Fleet
The Communication Situation In The Frontier Fleet
The Macross Frontier Fleet, consisting of Island 1 and a large number of Environment Ships, has achieved a vast total area compared to the Super Long-range Emigrant Fleets that preceded it. This means not only a larger allowable population, but also the ability to reproduce a variety of environments, which inevitably makes it more difficult for traffic and information to transfer around within the fleet. For this reason, not only is there an extensive transportation system, but there is also an extensive communications network. However, the communication network in the Frontier Fleet seems to be somewhat different from the mainstream one of the era.
In fleets such as the Macross Galaxy Fleet, where implants have become accepted practice, humans can directly access the network regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. In the Frontier Fleet, however, implants are prohibited except for medical purposes, so various types of communications devices are used. So-called mobile phones are generally popular, and in addition to functions such as making calls, sending e-mails, and accessing computer networks, they can also do such things as display location information and play back recorded media. There are also notebook-sized devices with advanced functions. However, the overwhelming majority of people use compact mobile phones filled with plenty of indispensable functions.
Illustrated by Takuya Io
Related Matter: Autonomous Machines In The Streets
Autonomous and self-propelled machines that were developed in order to support urban life can be seen in the streets of the City Ships. They have been used from the era of the civilian districts in the SDF-1 Macross, and their successors are active even in the Frontier Fleet.
Self-Propelled Vending Machines
Mobile vending machines could be seen in such places as the streets and large facilities. They mainly sell soft drinks, and in addition to approaching suitable people on their own, the vending machines also sometimes move in response to being called.
Caption:
• A mobile vending machine entered the lobby of the Miss Macross Frontier Contest venue, looking for customers.
Self-Propelled Cleaners
Small, mobile cleaners for cleaning the streets. They aren't the type that suck up garbage, but are ones that collect empty cans using a pair of arms and throw them away in rubbish disposal chutes in the shoulders of the road.
Caption:
• They have simple arms in a steamed-bun shaped body, and are simple automatic cleaners. They are equipped with a sensor in their centre to identify garbage.
Caption:
• Implants are prohibited in the Frontier Fleet. Nevertheless, network devices such as mobile phones are widely used. Because of that, even within the vast fleet there is no difficulty in conveying information—which includes phone calls.
⬢ Mobile Phone Capabilities
Even though the Frontier Fleet has a vast area, implants are prohibited. Therefore, it was only natural that mobile phones would become a popular means of communication within the fleet. Thus, mobile phones—used by men and women of all ages—are generally compact in size. Of course, it is possible to make mobile phones smaller, but when considering ease of use and measures against misuse, a phone that fits in one's hand is probably the most appropriate size. Their functions include not only the basic ones such as calling and e-mailing, but also a wide range of advanced ones that make it possible to say that the phones are handheld computers.
Captions:
• They also have the ability to transfer optical media, such as holographic discs, from one mobile phone to another—like it was flung from one device to the other.
• The standard screen is a 3D image with touch-panel functionality, making it easier to see than the actual size of the mobile phone.
• Many models can display the face or symbol of the caller on the screen, making it easy to intuitively grasp the caller's identity.
1 Calling
Their basic functionality is for mobile "phone calls". Understandably, if there is no signal or the receiver has turned off their phone, then the phone function cannot be used—which is unchanged from the phone functions in the past.
Caption:
• The performance of microphones and earphones has improved, making it easier to have a conversation without having to hold the phone close to one's face.
3 Answering Machine
A standard function in which the message recorded by the caller is replayed on the receiving mobile phone. An icon is displayed to identify the caller.
Caption:
• This type of voice mail also has a function where the caller's icon is animated during message playback.
5 Media Playback Functions
A function to play music and other media. This function is available on models with media-compatible slots. Usually, it seems that media is played over the network.
Caption:
• It's a function that came with Ranka Lee's mobile phone. The music being played could be listened to with the attached earphones.
2 E-Mail
Sending and receiving texts is a basic function of mobile phones, and this function has changed little from past phones. Advances in displays have also made the text easier to read.
Caption:
• Since the holographic screen is larger than the actual size of the mobile phone, it looks like the mail screen is also easier to see.
4 Off-Island Calls
The calling function is not only within Island 1 and the Environment Ships, but also to outer space. It seems that the caller needs to be in a spacecraft with relay capabilities, and the receiver must have receiving capabilities.
Caption:
• It's a feature that was confirmed on the mobile phone owned by Sheryl Nome. She made a call between a spaceship and a VF.
6 Navigation Functions
A function that displays a map of the surrounding area and one's current position. Sincce maps of normal areas are publicly available, there isn't any inconvenience. However, it seems that it cannot be used by anyone other than authorized personnel in such places as military facilities.
Caption:
• A feature that came with Ozuma Lee's phone. He used it in the Alien Life Research Institute, but the method he used to obtain the map is unknown.
⬢ Mobile Phone Variations
There are many variations, with some models having peculiar shapes and special materials. Standard models that are recognizable as mobile phones seem to be the most popular, and not only ordinary people but military personnel also own them for personal use.
Caption:
• Perhaps because there are no functional problems, military personnel and employees of Private Military Companies also use the mobile phones that are available to the public.
⊘ Aruto's Mobile Device
This model is popular mainly among young people. The display is a type of arched-shaped hologram that unfurls.
⊘ Sheryl's Mobile Phone
The phone imitates Sheryl's favourite whip-shaped microphone, has excellent retainability, and the fur and ribbon are eye-catching. It is unknown whether or not Sheryl has been using it since she was in the Galaxy Fleet.
⊘ Nanase's Mobile Phone
This folding type is popular among girls. The display uses both a fixed screen and a holographic screen. The curved part on the upper left is an antenna.
⊘ Ranka's Mobile Phone
Also known as a bio-cellular [phone], this giant salamander-shaped device is made of a biological material. It has simple AI functions, a slot for media in its mouth, and earphone functionality in its legs.
⊘ Ozuma's Mobile Phone
This is a custom-made signature-stamp box-shaped model. It can be used by opening the top and bottom parts, and a holographic screen is displayed between them. The upper and lower parts are connected with strings.
◼ Message Terminals Other Than Mobile Phones
Even though they are often overshadowed by mobile phones—which excel in convenience—a variety of communication devices are also in use. These devices are in a different position from that of mobile phones, and it's thought that their purpose is the pursuit of multi-functionality and securing confidential phone lines.
Caption:
• Public information terminals, such as library data terminals and emergency phone line terminals in shelters, are often stored indoors.
⊘ Laptop Computers
The compact personal computer also had the specifications of a network device.
◀ The laptop computer owned by Luca Angeloni. It has slots for media.
⊘ PDA
Sheryl Nome's manager, Grace O'Connor, used it for such things as scheduling.
◀ A notebook sized PDA. It comes with a retractable stylus.
⊘ Desktop Phones
They were used by the President, Chief-of-Staff, and others. It seems that they were used for confidential phone lines with excellent security.
Caption:
• A standard shaped telephone. Leon Mishima also used it for calls with Grace.