Revolutions Season 12, Episode 11.26: "The Invasion of Mars"

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction

In the twelfth season of Revolutions, Mike Duncan ventures into the realm of science fiction, presenting a detailed fictional account of the Martian Revolution of 2247. Drawing from twelve seasons of historical analyses, Duncan crafts a narrative that mirrors real-world revolutionary patterns, offering listeners a gripping saga set on Mars.

The Disaster and Its Aftermath

The episode opens with a catastrophic event that leaves Omnicorps in control of space around Earth and Luna. The Martian Navy suffers massive losses:

• Three Core ships escape but their facilities are compromised.
• Omnicorps gains dominance, posing a significant threat to Martian communications and military capabilities.

"Omnicorp was now even more dominant in space than they had been before the revolution." [05:12]

Two weeks post-disaster, a formidable Omnicorps fleet of approximately 200 powerful ships sets course for Mars, signaling an imminent invasion. The remnants of the Martian Navy are scattered:

• Admiral Wei is killed early in the conflict.
• Admiral Cartwright makes a controversial decision to return to Mars, leaving many ships unsupported.
• Captain Booth Gonzales leads rescue operations, earning admiration for his efforts.

Leadership Crisis and the Executive Triumvirate

With Martian communication networks overwhelmed by chaos, Lancelot Schmidt, a leader of exile Martians, broadcasts a plea for peace:

"Only Omnicor has the resources, power, and ability to protect us and nurture us." [17:45]

This message triggers intense debates within the Martian Assembly. To restore order, an Executive Triumvirate is formed, comprising:

• Jose Calderon
• Marcus Leopold
• Ivana Darby

Calderon takes decisive actions to unify the Martian Guard, suspending investigations and reversing recent purges to strengthen defenses.

Omnicorps' Threat Escalates

By January 2252, Omnicorps' fleet nears Mars, and Schmidt issues another plea:

"Please rest assured that by peacefully returning to Omnicor, every Martian will keep their jobs and their positions." [25:30]

The Triumvirate, determined to resist, initiates the launch of nuclear-armed torpedoes aimed at the Omnicorps fleet, hoping to cripple the invaders before their arrival. However, the attempt largely fails:

• One torpedo detonates off-target, causing minor disruptions.
• The second torpedo disappears mysteriously and remains lost.

"It was just a bright flash of light followed by a total blackout." [29:15]

Omnicorps' Ultimatum and the Martian Surrender

Omnicorps escalates their threat by threatening nuclear destruction:

"We will drop nuclear weapons on your cities until you surrender." [27:50]

Despite Martian skepticism, a tragic event confirms the seriousness of the threat. A nuclear weapon detonates over Elysium, causing massive casualties and structural devastation. This grim reality forces the Triumvirate to concede:

"We surrender." [29:55]

Omnicorps accepts the surrender, demanding the relinquishment of all Martian facilities. However, the aftermath remains shrouded in mystery, particularly concerning the destruction of the Olympus orbital platform, which displays signs of possible internal sabotage.

Aftermath and Reflections

The episode concludes with the Martian Revolution's collapse:

• Elysium is reduced to a crater, Olympus becomes inoperable, and Tharsis struggles to survive.
• The fate of key figures like Lancelot Schmidt remains uncertain, highlighting internal conflicts and possible betrayals within Martian leadership.

"It really looked like this was the end of everything. The end of the Republic of Mars, the end of the Martian Revolution." [30:00]

Conclusion

Mike Duncan's "The Invasion of Mars" masterfully blends historical revolutionary dynamics with a speculative future scenario. The episode serves as a compelling exploration of leadership, resilience, and the harsh realities of warfare, even on an interplanetary scale. As the Martian Revolution ends, listeners are left pondering the cyclical nature of revolutions and the enduring quest for autonomy and self-determination.

Notable Quotes:

• "Omnicorp was now even more dominant in space than they had been before the revolution." – Mike Duncan [05:12]
• "Only Omnicor has the resources, power, and ability to protect us and nurture us." – Lancelot Schmidt [17:45]
• "We will drop nuclear weapons on your cities until you surrender." – Omnicorps Commander [27:50]
• "We surrender." – Martian Executive Triumvirate [29:55]
• "It really looked like this was the end of everything. The end of the Republic of Mars, the end of the Martian Revolution." – Mike Duncan [30:00]

For those eager to dive deeper into the Martian Revolution saga, Season 12 of Revolutions promises more enthralling episodes blending historical insight with speculative fiction.