Mombasa: Difference between revisions
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Mombasa is considered one of the most renowned and majestic cities on the [[planet]]. It was also considered the "heart and soul" of the East African Protectorate.{{Ref/Book|Halo: The Essential Visual Guide|Page=129}} | Mombasa is considered one of the most renowned and majestic cities on the [[planet]]. It was also considered the "heart and soul" of the East African Protectorate.{{Ref/Book|Halo: The Essential Visual Guide|Page=129}} | ||
Mombasa was the site of [[Earth]]'s first [[Space elevator]] | Mombasa was the site of [[Earth]]'s first [[Space elevator]]{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} and centuries later, was a [[Battle of Mombasa|battlefield]] in the [[2552|climactic year]] of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|halo2}}{{Ref/Reuse|metropolis}} | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Interstellar Era=== | ===Interstellar Era=== | ||
[[File:HSS-Mombasa Tether.png|thumb|200px|The [[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator]].]] | [[File:HSS-Mombasa Tether.png|thumb|200px|The [[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator]].]] | ||
Mombasa underwent dramatic change with the arrival of the interstellar era. In response to increasing demand for cheap orbital access, due to its economic stability and prominent location, Mombasa was chosen to be Earth's first [[Space elevator|Space Elevator]] city.<ref name="waypoint">''[[Halo Waypoint]]'': "Space Elevator" article (Archived on [https://web.archive.org/web/20111007185941/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/locations/gallery/space-tether/e9b2f438-9b5b-477e-8e52-d4e6801e9d5b Archive.org])</ref> The government began construction on one of the wonders of the age: a space elevator (Mombasa's proximity to the equator made it an ideal location) in [[2302]]. | Mombasa underwent dramatic change with the arrival of the interstellar era. In response to increasing demand for cheap orbital access, due to its economic stability and prominent location, Mombasa was chosen to be Earth's first [[Space elevator|Space Elevator]] city.<ref name="waypoint">''[[Halo Waypoint]]'': "Space Elevator" article (Archived on [https://web.archive.org/web/20111007185941/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/locations/gallery/space-tether/e9b2f438-9b5b-477e-8e52-d4e6801e9d5b Archive.org])</ref> The government began construction on one of the wonders of the age: a space elevator (Mombasa's proximity to the equator made it an ideal location) in [[2302]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} This structure served to lift heavy cargo into geosynchronous orbit without expensive booster rockets filled with fuel. | ||
Over the next eleven years the city experienced explosive growth, but nothing compared to what followed. The city grew out as well as up, its urban sprawl unequaled throughout the continent. | Over the next eleven years the city experienced explosive growth, but nothing compared to what followed. The city grew out as well as up, its urban sprawl unequaled throughout the continent.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} | ||
Mombasa would change dramatically within the centuries that followed. By [[2430]], New Mombasa had absorbed the entire island and many of the surrounding towns, which became overrun by residents of Mombasa. The switch of name was never official, and though many of the neighborhoods within direct line of sight to the Mombasa Tether still distributed newspapers and [[Chatter]] directories under their previous names, all municipalities within a 74 km radius of the island became referred to as "Old Mombasa." | Mombasa would change dramatically within the centuries that followed. By [[2430]], New Mombasa had absorbed the entire island and many of the surrounding towns, which became overrun by residents of Mombasa. The switch of name was never official, and though many of the neighborhoods within direct line of sight to the Mombasa Tether still distributed newspapers and [[Chatter]] directories under their previous names, all municipalities within a 74 km radius of the island became referred to as "Old Mombasa."{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} | ||
On [[2512|December 19, 2512]], the Superintendent was activated to manage the city's infrastructure.<ref name="wayp">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/superintendent ''Halo Waypoint:'' Superintendent]</ref> | On [[2512|December 19, 2512]], the Superintendent was activated to manage the city's infrastructure.<ref name="wayp">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/superintendent ''Halo Waypoint:'' Superintendent]</ref> | ||
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On [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]], a small group of [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[capital ship]]s arrived at Earth. Uninformed of the Human presence on Earth, Regret was outnumbered and outgunned against the [[UNSC Home Fleet]]. During the orbital battle, the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[Solemn Penance|Flagship]] broke through Earth's defenses and descended to the atmosphere, and anchored itself above New Mombasa.<ref name="halo2">''[[Halo 2]]'', campaign level [[Outskirts]]</ref> The Covenant started deploying their ground forces to the city, in search of a [[Forerunner]] relic, the [[Installation 00|Ark]] [[The Artifact|Portal]], buried under the city.<ref name="sunrise">''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'', [[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]</ref> | On [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]], a small group of [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[capital ship]]s arrived at Earth. Uninformed of the Human presence on Earth, Regret was outnumbered and outgunned against the [[UNSC Home Fleet]]. During the orbital battle, the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s [[Solemn Penance|Flagship]] broke through Earth's defenses and descended to the atmosphere, and anchored itself above New Mombasa.<ref name="halo2">''[[Halo 2]]'', campaign level [[Outskirts]]</ref> The Covenant started deploying their ground forces to the city, in search of a [[Forerunner]] relic, the [[Installation 00|Ark]] [[The Artifact|Portal]], buried under the city.<ref name="sunrise">''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'', [[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]</ref> | ||
However, due to a strong UNSC counterattack and the inferior numbers of the Covenant, Regret ordered all of his forces to be evacuated back aboard the Carrier. After this, the ship jumped into [[Slipstream Space|slipspace]] just above the city, releasing a shock wave and pulling multiple city blocks from the mainland with it.<ref name="metropolis">''[[Halo 2]]'', campaign level [[Metropolis]]</ref> This event became known as the "New Mombasa Slipspace Event." | However, due to a strong UNSC counterattack and the inferior numbers of the Covenant, Regret ordered all of his forces to be evacuated back aboard the Carrier. After this, the ship jumped into [[Slipstream Space|slipspace]] just above the city, releasing a shock wave and pulling multiple city blocks from the mainland with it.<ref name="metropolis">''[[Halo 2]]'', campaign level [[Metropolis]]</ref> This event became known as the "New Mombasa Slipspace Event."{{Ref/Map|[[Halo 3]]|[[High Ground]]}} In the hours after Regret's retreat, a larger Covenant fleet arrived at Earth. After sending in ground forces and crushing the remaining UNSC resistance in the city, they [[Glassing|glassed]] the area in order to uncover the Portal.{{Ref/Reuse|coastal}} In the [[Battle of Kenya|final days]] of the Battle in Africa, only smoldering ruins of Mombasa remained.{{Ref/Level|[[Halo 3]]|[[Tsavo Highway]]}} | ||
===Post-war=== | ===Post-war=== | ||
Following the end of the war, the [[Unified Earth Government]] began [[Project Rebirth]] to rehabilitate war torn areas on Earth. | Following the end of the war, the [[Unified Earth Government]] began [[Project Rebirth]] to rehabilitate war torn areas on Earth.{{Ref/Novel|[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]|Chapter=2}} At some point, the Project started work in Mombasa. The old city hall thoroughfare for Mombasa was to be transformed into the [[United Nations Space Command Memorial Park|UNSC Memorial Park]].<ref name="mombasapressrelease">''[[McFarlane Toys/Halo Point Prizes]]'', [[McFarlane Toys/Halo Point Prizes#Golden Master Chief|Master Chief Statue Press Release]]</ref> | ||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
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===Old Mombasa=== | ===Old Mombasa=== | ||
[[File:H2A Campaign OldMombasaSkyline.png|200px|thumb|right|The skyline of Old Mombasa.]] | [[File:H2A Campaign OldMombasaSkyline.png|200px|thumb|right|The skyline of Old Mombasa.{{Ref/Reuse|ani}}]] | ||
{{Main|Old Mombasa}} | {{Main|Old Mombasa}} | ||
Much of the mainland was known as Old Mombasa. This includes parts of [[Wikipedia:Likoni| | Much of the mainland was known as Old Mombasa. This includes parts of the mainland [[Wikipedia:Likoni|south and southwest]] of Kilindini Harbour.<ref name="halo2"/><ref name="nmwaypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/new-mombasa ''Halo Waypoint'': New Mombasa]</ref> | ||
The moniker of Old Mombasa was applied to all municipalities in a 74 km radius of Mombasa | The moniker of Old Mombasa was applied to all municipalities in a 74 km radius of Mombasa.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} | ||
====Locations==== | ====Locations==== | ||
{{Scrollbox| | {{Scrollbox| | ||
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===New Mombasa=== | ===New Mombasa=== | ||
[[File:Nm skyline 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The | [[File:Nm skyline 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The city center of New Mombasa in 2552.{{Ref/Level|Halo 3: ODST|[[Uplift Reserve]]}}]] | ||
{{Main|New Mombasa}} | {{Main|New Mombasa}} | ||
New Mombasa encompasses the entirety of Mombasa Island, | New Mombasa encompasses the entirety of Mombasa Island,{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} as well as some mainland territories.{{Ref/Reuse|nmwaypoint}} | ||
The City Center spans much of the Southeast portion of the island, being divided in multiple walled sectors.<ref group="note">In [[Sadie's Story]], multiple areas seen in the ODST campaign are referred to as the city center. This includes [[Kikowani Station (location)|Kikowani Station]] (Audio log 1, Circle 1, Arc 1), [[ONI Alpha Site (location)|ONI Alpha Site]] and the [[New Mombasa Data Center]] (Audio log 8, Circle 3, Arc 2), the [[NMPD headquarters]] (Audio log 24, Circle 8, Arc 3), and the area in which the ''Solemn Penance'' arrived at (Audio log 3, Circle 1, Arc 3).</ref> | The City Center spans much of the Southeast portion of the island, being divided in multiple walled sectors.<ref group="note">In [[Sadie's Story]], multiple areas seen in the ODST campaign are referred to as the city center. This includes [[Kikowani Station (location)|Kikowani Station]] (Audio log 1, Circle 1, Arc 1), [[ONI Alpha Site (location)|ONI Alpha Site]] and the [[New Mombasa Data Center]] (Audio log 8, Circle 3, Arc 2), the [[NMPD headquarters]] (Audio log 24, Circle 8, Arc 3), and the area in which the ''Solemn Penance'' arrived at (Audio log 3, Circle 1, Arc 3).</ref> | ||
While the majority of New Mombasa has been divided to numbered sectors, some districts such as [[Mbaraki]], [[Kizingo]] or [[Kikowani]] still retain their original names. The original names are often seen in the names of streets or train stations, for example. Some of the districts' names have changed, albeit slightly; areas originally referred to as Tangana and Liwatoni are now referred to as [[Tanaga]] and Liwitoni, respectively. The locations of some districts have changed as well. This is the case with most of the districts on the southern side of the island, where the sea has claimed large areas of land. | While the majority of New Mombasa has been divided to numbered sectors, some districts such as [[Mbaraki]], [[Kizingo]] or [[Kikowani]] still retain their original names. The original names are often seen in the names of streets or train stations, for example. Some of the districts' names have changed, albeit slightly; areas originally referred to as Tangana and Liwatoni are now referred to as [[Tanaga]] and Liwitoni, respectively. The locations of some districts have changed as well. This is the case with most of the districts on the southern side of the island, where the sea has claimed large areas of land.{{Ref/Reuse|coastal}} | ||
On the outskirts of New Mombasa existed an industrial wasteland where a [[Unnamed UNSC munitions testing complex|UNSC munitions testing complex]] existed. | On the outskirts of New Mombasa existed an industrial wasteland where a [[Unnamed UNSC munitions testing complex|UNSC munitions testing complex]] existed.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12358|SiteName=Bungie.net|PageName=An Affinity for Art}} | ||
====Locations==== | ====Locations==== | ||
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[[File:Superintendant-alone.svg|thumb|100px|right|The Superintendent's most seen avatar.]] | [[File:Superintendant-alone.svg|thumb|100px|right|The Superintendent's most seen avatar.]] | ||
===Leadership and management=== | ===Leadership and management=== | ||
New Mombasa has a mayor. | New Mombasa has a mayor.{{Ref/Reuse|mombasapressrelease}} The [[Superintendent]], a second generation "dumb-AI,"{{Ref/Reuse|wayp}} managed many of the municipal functions in New Mombasa{{Ref/Reuse|streets}} and in Old Mombasa.{{Ref/Reuse|ani}} | ||
===Departments=== | ===Departments=== | ||
Numerous departments existed in Mombasa including; the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Recreation, the Department of Streets and Sanitation, and the Department of Utilities and Transportation. | Numerous departments existed in Mombasa including; the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Recreation, the Department of Streets and Sanitation, and the Department of Utilities and Transportation.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx?LOCALE=en|SiteName=Bungie.net|PageName=Intel - Superintendent}} The city also maintained a public works department.<ref>''Halo 3: ODST'', [[Field Operations Guide FM 90-10-140]]</ref> | ||
===Organizations=== | ===Organizations=== | ||
The transit of Mombasa is run by the [[New Mombasa Transit Authority]]. They are known to operate the extensive [[Maglev train]] network within the city.<ref name="streets">''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', campaign level [[Mombasa Streets]]</ref> | The transit of Mombasa is run by the [[New Mombasa Transit Authority]]. They are known to operate the extensive [[Maglev train]] network within the city.<ref name="streets">''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', campaign level [[Mombasa Streets]]</ref>{{Ref/Map|[[Halo 2]]|[[Terminal (map)|Terminal]]}} | ||
The [[New Mombasa Police Department]] is the police force of the city. They have stations in Old Mombasa | The [[New Mombasa Police Department]] is the police force of the city. They have stations in Old Mombasa{{Ref/Level|Id=ani|[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]|[[Outskirts]]}} and their headquarters is located in New Mombasa.{{Ref/Level|[[Halo 3: ODST]]|[[NMPD HQ|NMPD HQ]]}} | ||
The waste management of the city is handled by the [[New Mombasa Waste Management]]. They operate all sorts of garbage cans throughout New Mombasa and Old Mombasa. They also operate the [[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle#Halo 3: ODST|Olifant]].<ref name="coastal">''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', campaign level [[Coastal Highway]]</ref> | The waste management of the city is handled by the [[New Mombasa Waste Management]]. They operate all sorts of garbage cans throughout New Mombasa and Old Mombasa. They also operate the [[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle#Halo 3: ODST|Olifant]].<ref name="coastal">''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', campaign level [[Coastal Highway]]</ref> | ||
The parks and greenspace of Mombasa are handled by the [[New Mombasa Parks and Recreation]]. They managed the [[Uplift Nature Reserve]] | The parks and greenspace of Mombasa are handled by the [[New Mombasa Parks and Recreation]]. They managed the [[Uplift Nature Reserve]].{{Ref/Reuse|coastal}} | ||
Mail in New Mombasa was handled by the [[NMPost]]. | Mail in New Mombasa was handled by the [[NMPost]].{{Ref/Reuse|streets}} | ||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
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==Culture== | ==Culture== | ||
[[File:HTMCC-H2A Corbulo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Some of Mombasa's newspapers. | [[File:HTMCC-H2A Corbulo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Some of Mombasa's newspapers.{{Ref/Reuse|ani}}]] | ||
===Media=== | ===Media=== | ||
Multiple media organizations exist within Mombasa. The city has two newspapers, the [[Daily Bulletin]] and [[The Mombasa Times]]. | Multiple media organizations exist within Mombasa. The city has two newspapers, the [[Daily Bulletin]] and [[The Mombasa Times]].{{Ref/Reuse|ani}} | ||
===Architecture=== | ===Architecture=== | ||
The architecture of the city is different depending on the location. Old Mombasa's architecture was an odd hodgepodge of old and new: 16th-century Muslim arcades, aging 21st-century office buildings, looming 26th-century power couplings, old concrete homes secured with computerized locks. Clotheslines strung next to power lines, and mechanical gates set into ancient brick walls. | The architecture of the city is different depending on the location. Old Mombasa's architecture was an odd hodgepodge of old and new: 16th-century Muslim arcades, aging 21st-century office buildings, looming 26th-century power couplings, old concrete homes secured with computerized locks. Clotheslines strung next to power lines, and mechanical gates set into ancient brick walls.{{Ref/Reuse|halo2}}{{Ref/Reuse|ani}} In some areas, newer skyscrapers had found their home.{{Ref/Reuse|coastal}}{{Ref/Map|[[Halo: Reach]]|[[Breakneck]]}} | ||
[[File:H2A Campaign OldMombasaCity.png|thumb|right|200px|The variety of architecture in Mombasa. | [[File:H2A Campaign OldMombasaCity.png|thumb|right|200px|The variety of architecture in Mombasa.{{Ref/Reuse|ani}}]] | ||
New Mombasa is composed differently. In some areas there is more use of a commercial focused [[wikipedia: arcology|arcology]], | New Mombasa is composed differently. In some areas there is more use of a commercial focused [[wikipedia: arcology|arcology]],{{Ref/Reuse|streets}} while in another, it is more focused on industrial design.{{Ref/Reuse|metropolis}} | ||
===People=== | ===People=== | ||
The culture also seems displaced between the different parts of the city; while New Mombasa was populated with industrial workers and ambitious cosmopolitans, Old Mombasa was considered to be more of an old rundown slum that deteriorates by the day. The denizens of the old city were largely isolated from the residents of New Mombasa; even their dialect was completely different from the standard language. | The culture also seems displaced between the different parts of the city; while New Mombasa was populated with industrial workers and ambitious cosmopolitans, Old Mombasa was considered to be more of an old rundown slum that deteriorates by the day. The denizens of the old city were largely isolated from the residents of New Mombasa; even their dialect was completely different from the standard language.{{Ref/Reuse|sunrise}} | ||
===Other=== | ===Other=== | ||
Mombasa also had its own circus called the [[Mombasa Circus]]. As well, rock concerts were held in the city by bands such as [[Fluke of the Narwal]]. | Mombasa also had its own circus called the [[Mombasa Circus]]. As well, rock concerts were held in the city by bands such as [[Fluke of the Narwal]].{{Ref/Reuse|ani}} | ||
==Known residents== | ==Known residents== | ||
*[[Sadie Endesha]] | *Endesha family | ||
*[[Daniel Endesha]] | **[[Sadie Endesha]] | ||
**[[Daniel Endesha]] | |||
*[[Mike Branley]] | *[[Mike Branley]] | ||
*[[Roberto Bustamante]] | *[[Roberto Bustamante]] | ||
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==Production notes== | ==Production notes== | ||
[[File:H4_MombasaHeights_Concept.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unused concept art of "Mombasa Heights" produced for ''[[Halo 4]]'' multiplayer.]] | [[File:H4_MombasaHeights_Concept.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Unused concept art of "Mombasa Heights" produced for ''[[Halo 4]]'' multiplayer.]] | ||
The Mombasa area was first seen during the [[Halo 2 E3 demo]] where it was significantly different than designs of the city seen in released media. In the demo, the city was a large tree like structure stretching into the sky. This structure was removed for the final game where the designers wanted the city to feel more real. They then based it more on the actual city using photographs to help imagine what it would look like 500 years into the future. | The Mombasa area was first seen during the [[Halo 2 E3 demo]] where it was significantly different than designs of the city seen in released media. In the demo, the city was a large tree like structure stretching into the sky. This structure was removed for the final game where the designers wanted the city to feel more real. They then based it more on the actual city using photographs to help imagine what it would look like 500 years into the future.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0yjEi4YnDM|SiteName=Youtube|PageName=First Look Halo 2}} | ||
During the production of ''[[Halo 4]]'', concept art by [[Michael Pedro]] was produced for a potential multiplayer map set in "Mombasa Heights". | During the production of ''[[Halo 4]]'', concept art by [[:Category:Images by Michael Pedro|Michael Pedro]] was produced for a potential multiplayer map set in "Mombasa Heights".{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/06E|SiteName=Artstation|PageName=Halo 4, Michael Pedro}} | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}} | {{Linkbox|gallery=yes}} | ||
<gallery widths="150" spacing="small"> | <gallery widths="150" spacing="small"> | ||
File:H2 OldMombasa Concept.png|Concept art of a street in Old Mombasa. | File:H2 OldMombasa Concept.png|Concept art of a street in Old Mombasa. | ||
Line 258: | Line 258: | ||
File:H2A-pavel-belov-metropolis-opening.jpg|Concept art of the battle on the suspension bridge. | File:H2A-pavel-belov-metropolis-opening.jpg|Concept art of the battle on the suspension bridge. | ||
File:HR Breakneck Concept 2.jpg|Concept of the Mombasa skyline. | File:HR Breakneck Concept 2.jpg|Concept of the Mombasa skyline. | ||
File:H2 Turf 1.png|A street in Old Mombasa. | File:H2 Turf 1.png|A street in Old Mombasa. | ||
File:Old Mombasa.jpg|The skyline of Old Mombasa. | File:Old Mombasa.jpg|The skyline of Old Mombasa. | ||
New Mombasa Bridge.png|A view of the suspension bridge from Old Mombasa. | New Mombasa Bridge.png|A view of the suspension bridge from Old Mombasa. | ||
File:H2A - Sector0-5Aerial.png|An overview of a part of Old Mombasa. | File:H2A - Sector0-5Aerial.png|An overview of a part of Old Mombasa. | ||
File:Mombasa_skyline.jpg|The skyline of New Mombasa. | File:Mombasa_skyline.jpg|The skyline of New Mombasa. | ||
File:Uplift bridge.jpg|Uplift Nature Preserve. | File:Uplift bridge.jpg|Uplift Nature Preserve. | ||
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File:Mombasa area.png|Mombasa area after the [[Battle of Mombasa]]. | File:Mombasa area.png|Mombasa area after the [[Battle of Mombasa]]. | ||
File:H2A-ADatB-Mombasa.jpg|Northwestern New Mombasa. | File:H2A-ADatB-Mombasa.jpg|Northwestern New Mombasa. | ||
File:HSS-Gameplay-City Tour.jpg|A simulated version of the battle in New Mombasa. | File:HSS-Gameplay-City Tour.jpg|A simulated version of the battle in New Mombasa. | ||
File:Mombasaspace.jpg|The Mombasa megalopolitan area seen from space. | File:Mombasaspace.jpg|The Mombasa megalopolitan area seen from space. | ||
File:Mombasa_Area_Map.png|An approximate map of Mombasa by the 26th century. | File:Mombasa_Area_Map.png|An approximate map of Mombasa by the 26th century. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 21:37, December 23, 2020
There is more information available on this subject at Mombasa on the English Wikipedia. |
Mombasa | |
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Overview | |
Location: |
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Notable structure(s): |
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Mombasa[1] is a major Earth city[2] in the Kenyan portion of the East African Protectorate. The heart of the city was the prosperous New Mombasa on Mombasa Island. The nearby mainland was the site of Old Mombasa, a comparatively run-down district.[3]
Mombasa is considered one of the most renowned and majestic cities on the planet. It was also considered the "heart and soul" of the East African Protectorate.[4]
Mombasa was the site of Earth's first Space elevator[3] and centuries later, was a battlefield in the climactic year of the Human-Covenant War.[5][6]
History
Interstellar Era
Mombasa underwent dramatic change with the arrival of the interstellar era. In response to increasing demand for cheap orbital access, due to its economic stability and prominent location, Mombasa was chosen to be Earth's first Space Elevator city.[7] The government began construction on one of the wonders of the age: a space elevator (Mombasa's proximity to the equator made it an ideal location) in 2302.[3] This structure served to lift heavy cargo into geosynchronous orbit without expensive booster rockets filled with fuel.
Over the next eleven years the city experienced explosive growth, but nothing compared to what followed. The city grew out as well as up, its urban sprawl unequaled throughout the continent.[3]
Mombasa would change dramatically within the centuries that followed. By 2430, New Mombasa had absorbed the entire island and many of the surrounding towns, which became overrun by residents of Mombasa. The switch of name was never official, and though many of the neighborhoods within direct line of sight to the Mombasa Tether still distributed newspapers and Chatter directories under their previous names, all municipalities within a 74 km radius of the island became referred to as "Old Mombasa."[3]
On December 19, 2512, the Superintendent was activated to manage the city's infrastructure.[8]
Covenant Invasion
- Main article: Battle of Mombasa
On October 20, 2552, a small group of Covenant capital ships arrived at Earth. Uninformed of the Human presence on Earth, Regret was outnumbered and outgunned against the UNSC Home Fleet. During the orbital battle, the Prophet of Regret's Flagship broke through Earth's defenses and descended to the atmosphere, and anchored itself above New Mombasa.[5] The Covenant started deploying their ground forces to the city, in search of a Forerunner relic, the Ark Portal, buried under the city.[9]
However, due to a strong UNSC counterattack and the inferior numbers of the Covenant, Regret ordered all of his forces to be evacuated back aboard the Carrier. After this, the ship jumped into slipspace just above the city, releasing a shock wave and pulling multiple city blocks from the mainland with it.[6] This event became known as the "New Mombasa Slipspace Event."[10] In the hours after Regret's retreat, a larger Covenant fleet arrived at Earth. After sending in ground forces and crushing the remaining UNSC resistance in the city, they glassed the area in order to uncover the Portal.[11] In the final days of the Battle in Africa, only smoldering ruins of Mombasa remained.[12]
Post-war
Following the end of the war, the Unified Earth Government began Project Rebirth to rehabilitate war torn areas on Earth.[13] At some point, the Project started work in Mombasa. The old city hall thoroughfare for Mombasa was to be transformed into the UNSC Memorial Park.[14]
Geography
Mombasa Island, where the metropolis of New Mombasa lies, is separated from the mainland by two creeks: Tudor Creek to the north and Kilindini Harbour to the south. Northwest of the island and between the inlets, there used to be a large peninsula, connected to the Mombasa island by the Makupa Causeway.[note 1]
Old Mombasa
- Main article: Old Mombasa
Much of the mainland was known as Old Mombasa. This includes parts of the mainland south and southwest of Kilindini Harbour.[5][16]
The moniker of Old Mombasa was applied to all municipalities in a 74 km radius of Mombasa.[3]
Locations
Major Locations
Sectors
New Mombasa
- Main article: New Mombasa
New Mombasa encompasses the entirety of Mombasa Island,[3] as well as some mainland territories.[16]
The City Center spans much of the Southeast portion of the island, being divided in multiple walled sectors.[note 2]
While the majority of New Mombasa has been divided to numbered sectors, some districts such as Mbaraki, Kizingo or Kikowani still retain their original names. The original names are often seen in the names of streets or train stations, for example. Some of the districts' names have changed, albeit slightly; areas originally referred to as Tangana and Liwatoni are now referred to as Tanaga and Liwitoni, respectively. The locations of some districts have changed as well. This is the case with most of the districts on the southern side of the island, where the sea has claimed large areas of land.[11]
On the outskirts of New Mombasa existed an industrial wasteland where a UNSC munitions testing complex existed.[18]
Locations
Industrial zone
City center
|
Other |
Government
Leadership and management
New Mombasa has a mayor.[14] The Superintendent, a second generation "dumb-AI,"[8] managed many of the municipal functions in New Mombasa[19] and in Old Mombasa.[15]
Departments
Numerous departments existed in Mombasa including; the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Recreation, the Department of Streets and Sanitation, and the Department of Utilities and Transportation.[20] The city also maintained a public works department.[21]
Organizations
The transit of Mombasa is run by the New Mombasa Transit Authority. They are known to operate the extensive Maglev train network within the city.[19][22]
The New Mombasa Police Department is the police force of the city. They have stations in Old Mombasa[15] and their headquarters is located in New Mombasa.[23]
The waste management of the city is handled by the New Mombasa Waste Management. They operate all sorts of garbage cans throughout New Mombasa and Old Mombasa. They also operate the Olifant.[11]
The parks and greenspace of Mombasa are handled by the New Mombasa Parks and Recreation. They managed the Uplift Nature Reserve.[11]
Mail in New Mombasa was handled by the NMPost.[19]
Economy
The economy of Mombasa is vast, ranging from interstellar/multi-planetary corporations of varying sectors to smaller local Earth businesses.
Corporations in city
Interstellar/Multi-planetary
- Lethbridge Industrial
- Hannibal Weapon Systems
- Jotun Heavy Industries
- Misriah Armory
- Vyrant Telecom
- AMG Transport Dynamics
- Cascade Stronghold Technologies
Local/Earth
Unknown
Culture
Media
Multiple media organizations exist within Mombasa. The city has two newspapers, the Daily Bulletin and The Mombasa Times.[15]
Architecture
The architecture of the city is different depending on the location. Old Mombasa's architecture was an odd hodgepodge of old and new: 16th-century Muslim arcades, aging 21st-century office buildings, looming 26th-century power couplings, old concrete homes secured with computerized locks. Clotheslines strung next to power lines, and mechanical gates set into ancient brick walls.[5][15] In some areas, newer skyscrapers had found their home.[11][24]
New Mombasa is composed differently. In some areas there is more use of a commercial focused arcology,[19] while in another, it is more focused on industrial design.[6]
People
The culture also seems displaced between the different parts of the city; while New Mombasa was populated with industrial workers and ambitious cosmopolitans, Old Mombasa was considered to be more of an old rundown slum that deteriorates by the day. The denizens of the old city were largely isolated from the residents of New Mombasa; even their dialect was completely different from the standard language.[9]
Other
Mombasa also had its own circus called the Mombasa Circus. As well, rock concerts were held in the city by bands such as Fluke of the Narwal.[15]
Known residents
- Endesha family
- Mike Branley
- Roberto Bustamante
- Jim Odingo
- Marshall Glick
- Carlos Wambua
- Tom Uberti
- Melody Azikiwe
- Kinsler
- Jonas
- Stephen
- Communications Duty Officer
- Unnamed NMPD Officer
- Melody Azikiwe
Gameplay
Mombasa and surrounding areas appear numerous times in Halo games.
Halo 2
- Main article: Halo 2
Mombasa is one of the locations visited in Halo 2's campaign. It is featured in two campaign levels; Outskirts which takes place in Old Mombasa and Metropolis which mostly takes place in the industrial zone of New Mombasa. Several multiplayer maps take place in the Mombasa area as well. Terminal, Ivory Tower, Tombstone, District, and Turf are all in various locations and various points in the city's history.
Halo 3
- Main article: Halo 3
Mombasa is not a playable space in Halo 3's campaign. However its ruins can be seen in Tsavo Highway and The Storm across the other side of The Portal. The Mombasa area, specifically the Mombasa Quays, is playable in the map Longshore from the Mythic II Map Pack.
Halo 3: ODST
- Main article: Halo 3: ODST
Save for the very final cutscene, every level of Halo 3: ODST's campaign and every map in Firefight take place in Mombasa. Most prominently, the levels and maps are set in the New Mombasa city center. Mombasa Streets allow players to explore several sectors of the city center. The placement of some landmarks, like the Orbital elevator is different than what is seen in Halo 2.
Halo: Reach
- Main article: Halo: Reach
A mainland portion of Mombasa is playable in the map Breakneck as part of the Anniversary Map Pack. Numerous landmarks can be seen outside the boundaries of the playable space. This version appears to be very similar to ODST's design of the city, though some elements of the city geography do not line up with any known depiction of Mombasa.
Halo: Spartan Strike
- Main article: Halo: Spartan Strike
The city is seen in the first operation of Spartan Strike; Operation A: Orphic Spear, and in the first half of the last operation, Operation E: Brother's Keeper. All the missions on the first operation and first half of the last one take place in New Mombasa and takes elements from Halo 2 and ODST.
Production notes
The Mombasa area was first seen during the Halo 2 E3 demo where it was significantly different than designs of the city seen in released media. In the demo, the city was a large tree like structure stretching into the sky. This structure was removed for the final game where the designers wanted the city to feel more real. They then based it more on the actual city using photographs to help imagine what it would look like 500 years into the future.[25]
During the production of Halo 4, concept art by Michael Pedro was produced for a potential multiplayer map set in "Mombasa Heights".[26]
Gallery
Browse more images in this article's gallery page. |
Mombasa area after the Battle of Mombasa.
List of appearances
- I love bees (First mentioned)
- Halo 2 (First appearance)
- Halo Graphic Novel
- Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (Mentioned only)
- Halo 3
- Halo 3: ODST
- Halo: Evolutions
- Halo: Reach
- Halo: Spartan Strike
- Halo: New Blood
- Hunt the Truth (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Spartan Strike
- Halo Mythos
- Halo: Legacy of Onyx (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Bad Blood (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Renegades
Notes
- ^ This landmass was shown to be covered by water in Halo 3: ODST. This could be explained by the dramatic climbing of sea levels due to global warming, whose results are evident throughout Mombasa. Or by the creation of an artificial seaway that reaches further inland. It's also possible that this simply wasn't created for the in-game area as the only way to see that far west is in Panoramic Camera Mode
- ^ In Sadie's Story, multiple areas seen in the ODST campaign are referred to as the city center. This includes Kikowani Station (Audio log 1, Circle 1, Arc 1), ONI Alpha Site and the New Mombasa Data Center (Audio log 8, Circle 3, Arc 2), the NMPD headquarters (Audio log 24, Circle 8, Arc 3), and the area in which the Solemn Penance arrived at (Audio log 3, Circle 1, Arc 3).
Sources
- ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, chapter 3
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 54
- ^ a b c d e f g Bungie.net: Field Guide entry: New Mombasa
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 129
- ^ a b c d Halo 2, campaign level Outskirts
- ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
- ^ Halo Waypoint: "Space Elevator" article (Archived on Archive.org)
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Superintendent
- ^ a b Halo Graphic Novel, Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa
- ^ Halo 3, multiplayer map High Ground
- ^ a b c d e Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Coastal Highway
- ^ Halo 3, campaign level Tsavo Highway
- ^ Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 2
- ^ a b McFarlane Toys/Halo Point Prizes, Master Chief Statue Press Release
- ^ a b c d e f g h Halo 2: Anniversary, campaign level Outskirts
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint: New Mombasa
- ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Uplift Reserve
- ^ Bungie.net, An Affinity for Art
- ^ a b c d Halo 3: ODST, campaign level Mombasa Streets
- ^ Bungie.net, Intel - Superintendent
- ^ Halo 3: ODST, Field Operations Guide FM 90-10-140
- ^ Halo 2, multiplayer map Terminal
- ^ Halo 3: ODST, campaign level NMPD HQ
- ^ Halo: Reach, multiplayer map Breakneck
- ^ Youtube, First Look Halo 2
- ^ Artstation, Halo 4, Michael Pedro
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