The Complete Guide to Frontier 89 by Chris Heit with lots of help from Daniel Greene.
WORD WRAP ON, S'IL VOUS PLAT.
At last, Frontier is now for the TI-89!!

THIS IS THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO FRONTIER 89, GIVING HISTORIES OF SHIPS, EQUIPMENT, ETC. STATISTICS, AND MORE TO PLEASE THE PLAYER.  IT ALSO GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF THE GAME, GIVING TIPS ON WHAT THE PLAYER SHOULD DO, AND GENERALLY HELP THEM OUT. TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE VIEW INFO.TXT.

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IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PRINT THIS OUT, AS REFERENCE WHILE PLAYING
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The Complete Contents to the Complete Guide to Frontier 89
The Story
The Military
The Elite Control Center (ECC)
Information
  A. Systems
  B. Equipment
Statistics
  A. Systems
  B. Equipment
  C. Ships
Military & Elite Ratings
  A. Ranks
  B. Missions
  

The Story:
February 3, 3206
Bob stepped out of his Century Eagle, sweating from head to toe. He had just infiltrated the Imperial Navy's capitol, Garbaggio, and captured the Emperor.  He looked at his steaming hyperdrive.  What a battle it had been.  He walked into
Federal Military HQ. The General looked up at him.  "Nice work, Bob." he said.   "You've made me proud. I'm promoting you to Lieutenant General.  Report to Earth immediately."
 "Sir, my Century Eagle needs time to cool off." Bob protested.
 "We have a Viper Defense Craft waiting for you."
 Bob smiled and left HQ. He saw the gleaming blue and white Viper right away. Four missiles were connected to their pylons. He looked up at the brand-new radar mapper spinning around in the daylight. "What a ship." he thought, and stepped inside.

Bob punched in the coordinates of the Sol System, and pushed a button. Days later as he arrived from his hyperspace cloud, he locked onto Earth.  The autopilot started up.  Just as he sat back to relax, three ships appeared behind him. "Ack!" he thought. Calming himself down, he pushed a button labeled 'Energy Bomb'. Instantly flashs appeared around his ship with a high-pitched sound. All three pirates' ships exploded.  Just as he smiled, an Imperial Courier arrived. "Oh great!" he mumbled. Frowning, he noticed the ray from the Courier's plasma accelerator coming towards him. He quickly launched four missiles, which were quickly disintegrated by the Courier's ECM system. Slowly the plasma accelerator's light engulfed the ship.

December 14, 3228

Bobby woke up with a jolt as his alarm went off. A holographic image of the Federal General appeared.  "Bobby!!!" he said. There was a trembling in his voice, "We've discovered what happened to your father."
 "What?" Bobby asked, still not quite awake.
 "Your father was shot down by an assassin en route to Earth."
 "WHAT?!?" Bobby cried, fully awake now.
 "An Imperial Agent was sent to assassinate the captor, your father Bob, of the Emporer."
 Bobby quickly dressed and ran out to New York's starport, and climbed into his father's old Century Eagle. It may be old, he thought, but it was the best-known ship of the Federation.
  As Bobby sat in his father's ship, he realized his lack of money.  After filling his two missile pylons, all he had left was 100 dollars.  He realized he would have to start like his father, trading goods to other planets and systems, then fulfill his ultimate goal, to continue his father's work and remove all traces of the Empire and its navy.

The Military:
  Ten years after the disappearance of Bob, the Empire was a mere nothing, and Federation gained total control of the galaxy. Now the Federal Military must maintain peace. The most dreamed of job for young ones is to become a well known person in the Military.

The Elite Control Center:
  The Elite Control Center, or ECC, has been in existence for 314 years, keeping justice in the outskirts of space.  Anyone owning a ship is given a rating depending on the amount of ships they have destroyed, ranging from 'Harmless' to all-powerful 'Elite'. Few souls have made it this far, needing 1028 victories. With the advancements in technology after Bob's time, battles have become more decisive on what's equipped, rather than the skills of the pilot, shortening the lives of pirates, and unfortunately, space cadets.  The ECC pays bounties on pirates to all high-rated pilots.


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INFORMATION (Found in the game also)
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A. Systems

1. SOL
The Sol System is the most famous system of all. The birthplace of humanity is located on Earth.  In the year 2089, Mars became the first terraformed planet, as humans created a synthetic breathable atmosphere. Earth, being the luxurious place it is, manufactures a surplus of luxury goods, a major export.  These are a key to traders across the galaxy.  However, many computers are needed to produce these luxuries, and few factories are found in Sol, thus being a heavy import. Four distinct starports are located on Earth. New York was the first city to build a starport. Minot, North Dakota built a starport shortly after the local astrologist Chris Heit invented an improved Atmospheric Shielding. This allowed ships to enter any atmosphere at any speed without burning up. Atmospheric shielding is a necessity for everyone who would like to land somewhere were they can breathe normally. Paris, France and Toyko, Japan have also built large starports to accomodate the numerous tourists. The space station Mir XIV, orbits Earth. Mars, being the only other planet in Sol with a breathable atmosphere, has only one major starport: Quenisset.
Many AUs away is the space station of Columbus, located in orbit around Jupiter's volcanic moon, Io. This serves as a stop for tourists coming to Earth. No one forgets the awesome sight of Io, with Jupiter in the background.  The Military have a big influence on Sol, and there is relatively no piracy in the system.

2. TAU CETI
In 2067 the first alien life was discovered in Tau Ceti. Excitedly, Edward Comstock brought an expedition to Tau Ceti A1. As he arrived, sadly, all alien life was fading to extinction due to a comet that had struck it earlier that year. But to Comstock's luck, the comet contained large amounts of hydrogen. He quickly set up a base on the planet, and made large profits. In 3002, after Comstock's death, the planet was renamed to Comstock's Lode, and was terraformed. Campton is the main starport there, while Eliston is an expensive vacationing resort, where exotic animals were introduced.  New Franbe, the moon now free from Imperial rule, orbits Comstock's Lode. The legendary Bob was known for making extended spy trips to the satellite of Comstock's Lode.  The underground starport, accurately named 'New Franbe' is still in use today.  Orbiting New Franbe is the space station Fraser.

3. SIRIUS
Sirius is a binary system. It is known for two things. One, it was the brightest star in the sky to the primitive Earth-bound humans of the 20th century and back.  Two, the lone planet of Lucifer is the largest producer of computers. Lucifer is named from the harsh climate found on it, leaving no choice but to move the industries underground.  Hydrogen is a scarce element here, causing the prices of fuel to be exceedingly high.

4. ZELFKA
Zelfka is located on the outskirts of the inhabited systems.  It is known for New America, one of the few planets containing a natural oxygen atmosphere and a water system. Computers are heavily imported here. Nobleport and New Jacobs are the major starports of New America. Orbiting the planet is the station Anklon. Luxuries are an important import.

5. ACHINE
Achine is solely a mining system. Three planets orbit Achine, a red giant. Each one is significant for the large amounts of radioactive elements not commonly found anywhere else in the universe.  All three planets are named after their major element: Astatine, Technetium, and Praseodymium respectively. The few inhabitants of the underground starports are always in need of water.  Fuel is plentiful here.

6. POLARIS
Polaris was nicknamed the 'North Star' back when humans were bound to Earth.  Polarisport is the only place with life in the large system. Fuel is cheap here, a plentiful resource coming from the sun, Polaris.  However water is very limited and is very expensive. This system is highly inhabited with pirates and should be avoided by amateurs.

7. AKLAVE
Aklave was discovered in 2453 by the Tau Cetian, Bob Burley. His station orbits the hostile planet, Amerika. One underground station is located there, Amerika.  Cokloport orbits far away at the planet Gerszewski.  Luxury goods are always wanted here.

8. CENTURNI
Centauri was the old capital of the Empire; the seat of the Emperor was on Imperial City. Only the rich and famous can afford to live here, as all commodities are expensive and heavily imported.

-Outer Systems
Not much is known about the outer systems. Prices of goods vary and only experienced and well trained pilots use explore these areas. EXPLORE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!


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B. Equipment
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Missile-
The missile is an ancient method of defense. Invented long long ago, the missile was used in airplanes of primitive Earth. A missile will seek the radiation emitted from an enemy ship. It can destroy small ships.

Laser-
The laser is the standard weapon used on almost all ships. There are many different wattages of the laser. Small ships hold the 1 MW laser, while large ones such as the Imperial Courier, hold the dreaded 20 MW, which can destroy almost all ships in one hit. The recently invented tri-beam adds a little variety, splitting one beam into three.

Plasma Accelerator-
The plasma accelerator is the king of all weapons. It can disintegrate anything in its path in a matter of seconds. However, it is very expensive and large. OFew ships can hold it.

Hydrogen Fuel-
Hydrogen has been the source of fuel in hyperdrives for centuries. A ship can fly without fuel, but cannot jump through hyperspace. Larger ships eat up more fuel when jumping.

Luxury Goods-
Luxuries have been popular since the beginning of time. Only the rich can afford them, making them a good choice for trading.

Computers-
Built exclusively in Sirius, computers are a necessity for almost everything.  They are good for starting a trading route, until one builds up a large supply of money.

Water-
Water is, of course, necessary for life. Systems such as Polaris and Zelfka are heavy importers of the liquid.

Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) System-
The ECM system sends out electron counter measures (hence the name), confusing a missile, which detonates itself before contact with the targeted ship.  The ECM system is becoming increasingly popular, adding safety to a ship.

Radar Mapper-
Invented in 3115, the radar mapper is now found on most Elite ships.  It will scan an enemy's ship and display their hull's strength.

Automatic-Targeting (AT) Device-
The AT device is a relatively new invention, created in 3000. With one, a lazy pilot can turn it on in a battle and merely shoot weapons while the device targets the ship.

Energy Bomb-
The energy bomb was created in 2015, near the start of space exploration.  It emits gamma rays in all directions with a high-pitched noise, penetrating into the interior of a ship, damaging it greatly. The energy bomb didn't become popular until about 3207, when it finally could be controlled. Before then, it often damaged, if not destroyed, the ship containing it.


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STATISTICS
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A. "Safe" Systems
System      | Imports      | Exports 
Sol         | Computers    | Luxuries, Water
Tau Ceti    | Computers    | Fuel
Sirius      | Hydrogen     | Computers
Zelfka      | Luxuries     | Water
Achine      | Water        | Fuel
Polaris     | Water        | Fuel
Aklave      | Luxuries     | None
Centurni    | Everything   | None


B. Equipment
Name                      |  Price              |  Size  | Usage
Missile                   | 80                  |     1    | Weapon
Energy Bomb               | 17000               |     4    | Weapon
Radar Mapper              | 1200                |     1    | Scan Enemies; collect bounties
ECM System                | 1000                |     2    | Confusing Missiles
AT Device                 | 5000                |     5    | Targeting Ships Automatically


Gun Mounting             | Price              |  Size   |
1MW Laser                | 800                |    1    |
2MW Laser                | 4800               |    5    |
Tri-Beam                 | 19000              |   10    | 
4MW  Laser               | 19000              |   20    |
20MW Laser               | 70000              |   75    |
Plasma Accelerator       | 200000             |  500    |

C. Ships
1:Hull Capacity  2:Missile Pylons  3:Speed (1-Very Fast, 50-Very Slow)  4:Crew Needed
5:Fuel Needed Per Jump  6:"Hitpoints"
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Name                       | Price |   1 |  2  |3 | 4 |  5  |   6   
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Shuttlecraft               |12000  |   1 |  0  |25| 1 | N/A |   1   
Hawk Aircraft              |20000  |   5 |  1  |5 | 1 |  1  |  10  
Century Eagle              |46000  |   8 |  2  |20| 1 |  1  |  20 
Sidewinder                 |50000  |  25 |  0  |15| 1 |  1  |  33
Cobra MkI                  |70000  |  60 |  2  |35| 1 |  2  |  75
Adder                      |80000  |  40 |  4  |30| 1 |  4  |  55
Gecko                      |90000  |  35 |  1  |45| 1 |  8  |  45
Cobra MkII                 |100000 |  70 |  3  |33| 1 |  2  |  80
Moray Starboat             |120000 |  70 |  4  |33| 1 |  4  |  87
Viper Defense Craft        |84000  |  75 |  4  |15| 1 |  4  |  80 
Cobra MkIII                |140000 |  80 |  4  |30| 1 |  2  | 100
Constrictor                |220000 |  90 |  2  |30| 2 |  4  | 120
Asp Explorer               |240000 | 120 |  1  |30| 2 |  5  | 150
Imperial Courier           |640000 | 200 |  8  |35| 6 | 20  | 200
Lion Transport             |700000 | 235 |  6  |50| 4 | 10  | 300
Heitaliator                |760000 | 100 |  8  |15| 1 | 10  | 150
Tiger Trader               |800000 | 320 |  1  |35| 5 | 20  | 400
Imperial Trader            |940000 | 525 |  6  |35| 6 | 25  | 500
Python Freighter           |1000000| 400 |  4  |37| 7 | 27  | 500
Anaconda                   |1100000| 650 |  8  |45|10 | 30  | 800
Puma Clipper               |1400000| 825 |  8  |45|11 | 40  |1000
Boa Freighter              |1200000|1300 |  6  |40|12 | 45  |1500
Panther Clipper            |2000000|2000 |  8  |45|12 | 54  |2000
Scout Maurader             |35000  |   5 |  0  |1 | 1 |  0  |   5

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Military & Elite Ratings
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A person is ranked in the Military by the number of 'points' he has achieved.  The table for ranks and their corresponding points is as follows:

Rank                    |Points Needed
Private                 |    1
Lance Corporal          |   16
Corporal                |   32
Sergeant                |   64
Gunnery Sergeant        |  128
Sergeant-Major          |  256
1st Lieutenant          |  512
Captain                 | 1028
Major                   | 2056
Colonel                 | 5000
Brigadier General       |10000
General                 |20000

Each type of mission is worth a certain number of points:

Mission                                        |Points Worth
Delivery (papers or prisoners)                 |     2
Assassination                                  |    14
Bombing                                        |    20
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The ECC handles its ratings in a similar way, with each ship destroyed worth one point:

Rank                                |Points Needed
Harmless                            |          0
Poor                                |          4
Below Average                       |         16
Average                             |         32
Above Average                       |         64
Dangerous                           |        128
Deadly                              |        512
Elite                               |       1024