Revolutions Season 12, Episode 11.2 - "In With the Old" Summary

Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction

In episode 11.2 of Revolutions, titled "In With the Old," host Mike Duncan delves into the intricacies of the Martian Revolution of 2247. Building upon the foundational colonization efforts discussed in the previous episode, Duncan introduces listeners to Vernon Byrd, a pivotal figure whose actions and strategies set the stage for the eventual upheaval on Mars. This summary explores the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

Vernon Byrd: Architect of Omnicorp's Martian Dominance

Duncan begins by focusing on Vernon Byrd, a central character whose influence permeates the Martian colonization narrative. Born in Sydney, Australia, in June 2093, Byrd emerged from a lineage of high-ranking Omnicorp executives. His formative years coincided with significant technological advancements, including the introduction of flex cells and Omnicorp's successful human landing on Mars.

“Seeing Henrietta Akai land on Mars was a transformative moment in his life, that it made him want to lead humanity even further out among the stars.” (04:30)

Early Life and Career

Contrary to popular biographies, Duncan references Eleanor Wood's Young Vern, revealing that Byrd’s inspirational moment of witnessing the Mars landing was, in reality, muted as he had missed the live event due to oversleeping. Despite this, Byrd distinguished himself academically and professionally, earning a position in Omnicorp's engineering division with a specialization in hydromechanics.

Byrd's prowess extended beyond engineering; his exceptional skills in corporate politics facilitated his rise within Omnicorp. His ability to flatter superiors and earn the loyalty of subordinates earned him a reputation as a charismatic and effective leader.

“Bird took care of us,” one of his engineers remarked, highlighting Byrd's humanistic approach. (12:45)

Rise to CEO of Omnicorp

Byrd's strategic alliances, including his marriage to Manuela Garcia—another influential figure in Omnicorp's bioengineering division—further solidified his standing. Garcia, recognizing Byrd's political acumen, partnered with him to navigate corporate intrigues, allowing her to focus on her pioneering research.

In 2143, Byrd ascended to the role of Director of EXO Engineering and was subsequently elected to Omnicorp’s Board of Directors post his 50th birthday. His tenure culminated in 2157 when, following CEO Felicia Ostenega's stroke-induced resignation, Byrd was elected as Omnicorp's new CEO.

“On April 23, 2157, Omnicorp's board of directors elected Vernon Byrd to be the new CEO.” (22:10)

Martian Colonization Under Byrd's Leadership

As CEO, Byrd spearheaded the expansion of Omnicorp's operations beyond the Moon, cementing its dominance in the galaxy. He initiated the establishment of two additional Martian colonies—Tharsis and Elysium—complementing the primary colony, Olympus. Tharsis, founded in 2168 near Olympus Mons, developed a sibling rivalry with its sister city, while Elysium, established in 2175, fostered an independent Martian identity due to its distant location.

Byrd also envisioned a more versatile Martian society, advocating for surface dome habitats alongside underground complexes. “Olympus Prime Dome opened in 2177,” Duncan notes, emphasizing the shift of administrative elites to these surface habitats.

The Martian Employment Class System

A significant portion of the episode details the hierarchical employment contract system governing Martian society. Every colonist held a skinship—a biochip indicating their employment class and status, dictating every aspect of their lives from residence to privileges.

1. S Class: The apex of the hierarchy, comprising top executives, predominantly Earthlings. They resided closest to the Martian surface and managed resource extraction operations.

2. A Class: Senior managers overseeing specific divisions. Initially Earth-centric, by the time of the Revolution, Martian-born individuals began infiltrating this class, causing friction.

3. B Class: Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and educators. This class marked the transition from Earth to a predominantly Martian identity.

4. C Class: On-site supervisors responsible for the mundane administrative functions of the colonies, primarily Earthlings maintaining control over Martian operations.

5. D Class: The labor force—diggers, extractors, and maintenance technicians—mostly originating from less privileged regions on Earth.

“Your employment status defined everything,” Duncan underscores, illustrating the pervasive control Omnicorp exerted over individual lives. This rigid stratification sowed the seeds of resentment that would later fuel revolutionary sentiments.

Lines of Tension Leading to Revolution

Duncan identifies multiple sources of friction within Martian society:

• Employment Class Tensions: The D Class resented the C Class supervisors, who in turn despised the D Class. Mutual contempt exacerbated class divisions.

  “The C's developed a very contemptuous attitude towards the Ds,” Duncan explains, highlighting the strained relationships.

• Earthling vs. Martian-born Conflicts: Earth-born colonists perpetuated a sense of superiority over Martian-born individuals, fostering ethnic and cultural hostilities.

• Racial and Ethnic Divisions: Pre-existing Earth-based racial tensions were transplanted to Mars, complicating the emerging Martian identity.

These tensions were compounded by the SAB elite's snobbery and disdain, creating a fragmented society ripe for revolution.

The Seeds of the Martian Revolution

The continuity of Vernon Byrd's leadership played a crucial role in setting the stage for revolution. Byrd remained CEO from 2157 until the eve of the Revolution in 2247, supported by an unchanging board of directors. Manuela Garcia’s life extension experiments allowed the board to maintain their positions, though it led to their physical and mental decline.

“By the dawn of the 23rd century, only two members of the Omnicorp board had died, and both were accidents,” Duncan notes, pointing to the stagnation and ineffectiveness of Omnicorp's leadership.

As Byrd aged, his involvement diminished, leading to neglect of Martian affairs. This vacuum of effective leadership empowered Martian colonists to manage their own operations, fostering a sense of autonomy and fueling revolutionary ambitions.

“Byrd stopped being able to do it,” said Duncan, emphasizing the disconnect between Omnicorp's leadership and Martian needs.

Conclusion

In "In With the Old," Mike Duncan intricately weaves the narrative of Vernon Byrd’s rise and prolonged dominance over Omnicorp, illustrating how his tenure inadvertently set the foundations for the Martian Revolution. Through detailed exposition of the employment class system and the underlying tensions it engendered, Duncan paints a comprehensive picture of a society on the brink of upheaval. As Mars approached the 2247 Revolution, the combination of systemic oppression, cultural conflicts, and ineffective governance under Byrd created a volatile environment primed for dramatic change.

Next week, Duncan promises to explore the revolutionary precursors emerging in the early 23rd century, examining how a new pan-Martian identity began to challenge the entrenched divisions fostered by Omnicorp’s rigid class system.

“The prime fertilizer for the Martian revolution was basically just the continued existence of Vernon Byrd,” Duncan concludes, setting the stage for the unfolding saga of rebellion and transformation on the Red Planet. (54:20)

Notable Quotes

• “Bird took care of us,” one of his engineers said about Byrd’s leadership. (12:45)
• “We must imagine, Sisyphus rich.” – Viktor Kovach on Byrd's financial dealings. (16:10)
• “Your employment status defined everything.” – Narrator on the role of skinships. (36:50)
• “The prime fertilizer for the Martian revolution was basically just the continued existence of Vernon Byrd.” – Conclusion of the episode. (54:20)

This episode offers a compelling examination of how prolonged leadership and systemic control can inadvertently cultivate the very conditions that lead to revolution. Through Vernon Byrd’s story, listeners gain insight into the complex interplay of power, identity, and resistance that defines the Martian struggle for autonomy.