Revolutions Season 12 Episode 11.1: The Colonization of Mars
Host: Mike Duncan
Release Date: October 21, 2024
Podcast: Revolutions
Season: 12 – The Martian Revolution of 2247
1. Introduction: The Catalyst for Mars Colonization
Mike Duncan opens the episode by emphasizing the pivotal role of a newly discovered element, phosphorium detra duplicium 5 (Phos5), in enabling the colonization of Mars:
"Absent the discovery of this component of the Hertu 4 unknown substratum matrices existing inside the periodic table of elements, the colonization of Mars never would have happened." (00:04)
He sets the stage by recounting Earth's descent into environmental chaos by the mid-21st century, highlighting the failure to avert climate catastrophes despite initial progress:
"Earth in the late 21st century was a chaotic mess... Instead of figuring out a way to avoid the worst excesses of climate catastrophe, we just decided to shrug our shoulders and say, how bad can it really get?" (00:30)
2. The Downfall of Nation States and Rise of Corporate Conglomerates
As climate disruptions wreaked havoc globally, traditional nation-states struggled to manage the ensuing humanitarian crises. Duncan explains how corporations filled the power vacuum:
"Nation states, as previously understood, simply could not handle the social effects of the underlying environmental conditions... rose the corporate order we all know and love." (05:00)
By the end of the 21st century, five major corporations—Bicor, Calcorp, Mascorp, T Corp., and Omnicorp—dominated global governance. These entities offered flexibility and resilience that nation-states lacked, leading to a paradigm shift in political power.
3. The Discovery of Phosphive and the Flex Loop Revolution
The discovery of Phos5 was a game-changer. In 2074, Yasmin Mustafa identified substratum matrices that redefined our understanding of the periodic table. This breakthrough paved the way for the Flex loop technology:
"They discovered, well, the answer to one of humanity's greatest energy needs with no emissions." (15:45)
In 2081, Jin Rose and Helene Kurlaski accidentally created the Flex loop while experimenting with smart toothpick batteries. This innovation led to the development of Flex cells, a sustainable energy source that revolutionized energy production and consumption.
4. Omnicorp’s Strategic Monopoly and the Space Race
Recognizing the immense potential of Flex loop technology, Omnicorp swiftly secured Phos5 resources, particularly in the Argentinian-Chilean mountainous regions. Mike Duncan notes the rapid consolidation of power:
"Omnicorp secured land and mining rights to what would become key phosph extraction sites... their entire business and security operations now revolved around protecting this vital resource at all costs." (25:30)
With Earth's Phos5 reserves dwindling, Omnicorp initiated the second space age in the mid-2090s, focusing on Mars as the primary source of phosphorous. This strategic move aimed to secure a centuries-long supply of Phos5.
5. Pioneering Missions: The Archangel and Genesis
In September 2108, Omnicorp launched the Archangel, marking the first crewed mission to Mars. First Officer Henrietta Akai famously declared upon landing:
"We are here. We are the future. We make the future." (38:20)
The Archangel's successful mission demonstrated humanity's capability to reach and operate on Mars. This success led to the Genesis mission in 2113, which established the first permanent settlement, Olympus, at the base of Olympus Mons, the largest mountain in the solar system.
6. Building Olympus: The Genesis of a Martian Metropolis
The Hundred and Ones, as chronicled in Maisel Cruz’s The Hundred and Ones, were the initial colonists tasked with creating a sustainable habitat. Utilizing innovations from KSR Designs, they constructed livable passages, greenhouses, and biomass units, laying the foundation for Martian infrastructure.
As Olympus expanded, Omnicorp launched subsequent missions to scale up production and extraction operations. By 2124, the first shipment of Phos5 returned to Earth, addressing the immediate energy crisis.
7. The Space Fleet and Luna: The Hub of Interplanetary Logistics
To support continuous colonization efforts, Omnicorp developed a robust fleet of spacecraft, reducing travel time between Earth and Mars from nine months to approximately eight weeks by the 22nd century. Luna, formerly known as the Moon, became the primary spaceport, fostering a vibrant independent culture among spacefarers.
Phos5 shipments were tightly controlled, with Omnicorp maintaining a strict monopoly beyond Luna's orbit. The Battle of the Line in 2154, where Omnicorp decisively defeated Mascorp’s challenge to their monopoly, underscored their unassailable dominance:
"The Mascorps fleet was obliterated in less than 20 minutes." (1:45:30)
8. The Growth of Olympus and the Rise of Creole Martians
Olympus transformed into a sprawling metropolis, colloquially known as the Warrens, with populations stratified by employment and contract status. The influx of colonists led to the emergence of creole Martians—individuals born and raised on Mars, whose identities and cultures diverged significantly from their Earthly origins.
By the mid-22nd century, Mars was home to millions, with institutions like the Martian Academy fostering a distinct Martian society disconnected from Earth’s influence.
9. Conclusion: The Foundations of the Martian Revolution
Mike Duncan concludes the episode by highlighting that while Olympus continued to grow and Phos5 extraction ramped up, the stage was set for deeper societal changes. The foundations laid during the colonization phase were crucial for the impending Martian Revolution.
He teases the next episode, which will delve into the expansion of Mars' colonies and introduce Vernon Byrne, a pivotal figure poised to influence the course of the Martian Revolution:
"In 2157 the Omnicorp board of directors elected a new director to lead them into the future... so next week, we will begin with Vernon Byrne." (1:58:20)
Recommended Reading:
- Five Giants by Jermaine Aziz – Explores the rise of the five major corporations and their global takeover.
- The Hundred and Ones by Maisel Cruz – Details the experiences of the first Martian colonists.
- Suspending How to Stop Worrying About It, Even if You Want to Keep Worrying About It by Dr. James Cleaver – Provides in-depth scientific insights into the technologies driving the Martian colonization.
This episode meticulously charts the interplay between technological breakthroughs, corporate ambition, and humanity’s quest for survival, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Martian Revolution in the ensuing episodes.