Revolutions Podcast: Season 12, Episode 11.20 – The Battle of Phobos

Host: Mike Duncan
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Podcast Series: Revolutions – A fictional account of The Martian Revolution of 2247

Introduction and Recap

In Episode 11.20, titled The Battle of Phobos, Mike Duncan continues the gripping narrative of the Martian Revolution, situating listeners at a critical juncture in Martian history. The episode picks up from the events of June 20, 2250, with the Redeclaration of Martian Independence—a pivotal moment where Omnicorps' attempt to reclaim control over Mars unfurls disastrously.

Mike Duncan [01:29]: "It would appear that Kamal Singh had taken his shot and missed."

Kamal Singh’s Maneuvering

Kamal Singh, the newly installed CEO of Omnicorps, attempts to salvage his failing control over Mars by manipulating public perception. Within hours of Mars declaring independence, Singh releases a propaganda video blaming Martian radicals for the upheaval, denying the presence of nuclear devices in Convoy Group 11, and portraying the Loyalist uprising as a fabricated conspiracy orchestrated by Martian extremists.

Singh's Propaganda [02:00]: "Omnicorps' official position has never changed. The Gemini vids were a hoax created by Martian radicals."

Despite his efforts, Omnicorps' rivals counter Singh's narrative by inundating communication networks with evidence that Omnicorps is the true aggressor. This information warfare highlights Omnicorps' failure to maintain its monopoly over Mars and the essential PhoS5 supply.

Martian Leadership and Ivana Darby

Amidst the chaos, Mars grapples with leadership voids and urgent decisions. The Martian Assembly faces the monumental task of defining independence and selecting a new leader. Three candidates emerge: Jose Calderon, Marcus Leopold, and Ivana Darby. Calderon withdraws, focused on securing command of the Martian Guard, while Leopold prefers to continue his work in the legal division. Darby, renowned for her charisma and pivotal role in achieving independence, is ultimately elected as the Director of the Mars Division.

Mike Duncan [13:45]: "Ivana Darby became the Director of Mars Division. How much longer they would even call themselves Mars Division was an open question."

Challenges Facing Director Darby

Upon assuming leadership, Darby confronts dual crises:

1. Above: The imminent threat of Convoy Group 11, now en route to Mars with nuclear devices.
2. Below: Overcrowded Martian stockades housing Loyalist prisoners, necessitating systematic interrogation and processing.

Darby's immediate response is to halt all PhoS5 deliveries to Earth unless Convoy Group 11 ceases their advance—a strategic move to leverage Mars' critical resources.

Darby's Declaration [15:30]: "We are not your enemies. We have abided by the agreement of 2248 and held up our end of the bargain."

Factional Divide Among Martians and Shippers

The episode delineates the fracturing of Martian and spaceship communities into three primary blocs:

1. Pro-Omnicorps: Advocates for restoring Omnicorps' monopoly, viewing Martian independence as a threat fueled by anti-Earth sentiments.
2. Anti-Omnicorps: Supporters of independence, seeking to dismantle Omnicorps' hegemonic control over the solar system.
3. Neutrals: Individuals indifferent to the political turmoil, primarily concerned with preserving the PhoS5 supply.

Mike Duncan [20:45]: "There was simply no reason to allow the nefarious bunglers running Omnicorp to have it all to themselves anymore."

Booth Gonzales and the Dapol

A significant character introduction is Booth Gonzales, captain of the cargo ship Dapol. Born into a family of cargo captains, Gonzales becomes entwined in the revolutionary movement after Omnicorps' oppressive protocols severely impact his family's business. His allegiance shifts towards the Anti-Omnicorps faction, leading to clandestine operations against Omnicorps' interests.

Mike Duncan [24:10]: "The legend of Captain Booth Gonzales was born. He would never again be able to easily separate who he was as a person from what he stood for in the revolution."

The Battle of Phobos

The crux of the episode revolves around the Battle of Phobos, a climactic confrontation involving approximately 50 ships from opposing factions:

• Pro-Omnicorps Fleet: Deploys aggressive tactics to ensure Convoy Group 11 docks at Phobos Station unimpeded.
• Anti-Omnicorps Fleet: Implements defensive maneuvers to inspect and potentially neutralize Convoy Group 11.
• Neutral Ships: Caught in the crossfire, striving to restore peace and maintain PhoS5 integrity.

As Convoy Group 11 approaches Phobos Station with nuclear arsenals, tensions escalate beyond reconciliation. Despite initial hopes for a peaceful inspection, the situation deteriorates into open conflict.

Mike Duncan [25:50]: "Neither the Anti-Omnicorps shippers nor the neutrals had any real desire to fight convoy group 11."

In a decisive and unexpected move, Gonzales commandeers the Dapol to attack Convoy Group 11, unleashing drone bombs that trigger a catastrophic chain reaction among the convoy ships. This aggressive action effectively neutralizes the convoy, forcing Pro-Omnicorps forces to surrender.

Battle Outcome [28:30]: "Complete mess. In shockingly short order, they were all damaged or disabled."

Aftermath and Recognition of Independence

The Battle of Phobos serves as a turning point, solidifying Martian independence. Witnessing Omnicorps' willingness to deploy nuclear weapons catalyzes other corporations, Bicor and TCOR, to officially recognize Mars as an independent entity. This recognition dismantles Omnicorps' longstanding monopoly beyond lunar orbit, ushering in a new era of corporate partnerships with Mars.

Mike Duncan [30:20]: "On July 19, 2250, Bicor and TCOR released a joint statement announcing that they recognized Martian independence."

Omnicorps retaliates by threatening reprisals against Bicor and TCOR, but the damage to its reputation is irrevocable. Martian society celebrates the victory, and Booth Gonzales emerges as a celebrated hero, cementing his legacy in the annals of the Martian Revolution.

Mike Duncan [31:00]: "The legend of Captain Booth Gonzales was born."

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes by highlighting the monumental shift in solar system politics resulting from the Battle of Phobos. Martian independence no longer stands as a fragile declaration but as a recognized and celebrated sovereignty. Mike Duncan teases the next episode, promising a deep dive into the evacuation of Luna Port and the onset of corporate warfare, signaling that the revolution's story is far from over.

Mike Duncan [31:49]: "But we still have a ways to go yet before we get to that point because next week there's going to be no letting up."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Duncan [01:29]: "It would appear that Kamal Singh had taken his shot and missed."
• Singh's Propaganda [02:00]: "Omnicorps' official position has never changed. The Gemini vids were a hoax created by Martian radicals."
• Mike Duncan [13:45]: "Ivana Darby became the Director of Mars Division. How much longer they would even call themselves Mars Division was an open question."
• Darby's Declaration [15:30]: "We are not your enemies. We have abided by the agreement of 2248 and held up our end of the bargain."
• Mike Duncan [20:45]: "There was simply no reason to allow the nefarious bunglers running Omnicorp to have it all to themselves anymore."
• Mike Duncan [24:10]: "The legend of Captain Booth Gonzales was born. He would never again be able to easily separate who he was as a person from what he stood for in the revolution."
• Battle Outcome [28:30]: "Complete mess. In shockingly short order, they were all damaged or disabled."
• Mike Duncan [30:20]: "On July 19, 2250, Bicor and TCOR released a joint statement announcing that they recognized Martian independence."
• Mike Duncan [31:00]: "The legend of Captain Booth Gonzales was born."
• Mike Duncan [31:49]: "But we still have a ways to go yet before we get to that point because next week there's going to be no letting up."

This episode masterfully intertwines political intrigue, personal heroism, and high-stakes conflict to portray a believable and engaging fictional revolution. Mike Duncan's meticulous storytelling ensures that listeners are not only entertained but also deeply invested in the fate of Mars and its quest for independence.