It’s possible the comms system has preferential ties to the command crew. Maybe crewmen can just set favorites so the system is always half-ready to connect. Like an ensign will always have a passive comm line to their CO and various members of their shift etc. We never see a random crewman get a communication from outside of their inner circle or vastly outside of the chain of command in those moments.
So it could make theoretical sense that there is a smaller always on list of ‘fast-dial’ contacts. Or that comms on all badges for on duty officers are always listening but muted unless the full connecting phrase is states.
That’s not to say the whole ship is listening to everyone else, but if you combine the two concepts it makes sense. You’re essentially on one big voice with all relevant members of your team and the ship’s computer acts like an Alexa or Google device and just unmutes the two relevant parties when the command is given.
It’s possible the comms system has preferential ties to the command crew. Maybe crewmen can just set favorites so the system is always half-ready to connect. Like an ensign will always have a passive comm line to their CO and various members of their shift etc. We never see a random crewman get a communication from outside of their inner circle or vastly outside of the chain of command in those moments.
So it could make theoretical sense that there is a smaller always on list of ‘fast-dial’ contacts. Or that comms on all badges for on duty officers are always listening but muted unless the full connecting phrase is states.
That’s not to say the whole ship is listening to everyone else, but if you combine the two concepts it makes sense. You’re essentially on one big voice with all relevant members of your team and the ship’s computer acts like an Alexa or Google device and just unmutes the two relevant parties when the command is given.