Revolutions Podcast - Episode 11.28: Bloody Sunset

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction

In the riveting episode titled "Bloody Sunset" from Season 12 of Revolutions, host Mike Duncan delves into the intricate and tumultuous events of the Martian Revolution of 2247. Drawing parallels from twelve seasons of historical revolutions, Duncan presents a gripping science-fiction narrative that mirrors real-world struggles for autonomy and freedom. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key events, strategic maneuvers, and pivotal character decisions that shaped the course of the Martian struggle against Omnicorps.

The Martian Navy's Strategic Withdrawal

January 8, 2252 marked a critical turning point as Admiral Booth Gonzales commanded the remaining 457 ships of the Martian Navy to retreat from Mars, fleeing from the superior Omnicorps invasion fleet. This maneuver was driven by the need to preserve the fleet's limited resources—energy, fuel, and food sufficient for a 20-week journey in space.

"Our only option is to run and hope we can find a solution before our supplies run out," Gonzales remarked at [00:54], encapsulating the dire predicament faced by the Martian Navy.

Omnicorps Pursuit and the Martian Trap

Commander Himari Tagata led 53 Omnicorps ships in pursuit, confident in her fleet's superiority due to her past successes, notably at the Battle of Luna Port. Tagata aimed to recapture the valuable Phos5 container ships, essential for Omnicorps' operations.

Gonzales, anticipating a prolonged chase, implemented a two-pronged trap after successfully reprogramming the Martian drone bombs—a feat achieved by engineer Hamish Albin ([09:45]). This strategy involved:

1. 33 Container Ships: Simulated technical malfunctions to appear vulnerable.
2. 99 Civilian Cargo Ships: Equipped with reprogrammed drone bombs to retaliate when Tagata's fleet engaged.

As March 28, 2252, unfolded, Tagata's fleet divided, with 23 ships attempting to salvage the compromised container ships and 30 ships remaining to pursue the Martian Navy. However, Tagata was deceived when Gonzales unleashed the drone bombs, crippling her fleet and leaving her with only five undamaged Omnicorps ships. This decisive action effectively neutralized Omnicorps' immediate threat.

"We have already destroyed the ships you sent after us. We absolutely outnumber you and we will have no trouble destroying you if you try to fight us," Gonzales declared at [39:28], signaling the triumph of the Martian Navy's strategy.

Political Turmoil on Mars

With the military threat subdued, the focus shifted to the internal political landscape of Mars. The triumvirate of Leopold, Darby, and Calderon grappled with governance amidst Omnicorps' occupation of key Martian cities:

• Elysia: Bombed and forced underground, sustaining resistance.
• Tharsis: Exhibited burgeoning resistance against a beleaguered Omnicorps administration.
• Olympus: Stalemate between Martian forces and Omnicorps security services, compounded by internal political strife.

Calderon's paranoia and ambition led to a power struggle, culminating in a coup that decimated opposition within the triumvirate. His unyielding stance against Earthlings and internal dissenters resulted in the infamous "Bloody Sunset", where prominent revolutionaries were executed in secrecy.

"I know you're lying. You're not true Martians, and you never have been," Calderon asserted at [51:40], justifying his authoritarian measures to consolidate power.

Elysian Commune and Resistance

In Elysium, Alexandra Clare spearheaded the formation of the Elysian Commune, a unified body committed to resisting Omnicorps' dominance. Despite social pressures and the omnipresent threat of betrayal, the Commune emphasized solidarity between Martians and Earthlings, fostering resilience amidst adversity.

"We are all in this together now," Clare affirmed at [30:15], reinforcing the Commune's ethos of unity against a common enemy.

The Final Stand and Occupation Collapse

As communications from Earth faltered and eventually ceased on May 15, 2252, uncertainty and rumors of Earth's demise permeated both Omnicorps forces and Martian resistance. This blackout significantly weakened Omnicorps' grip, emboldening Martian factions to intensify resistance efforts.

The culminating events unfolded between June 15-18, 2252:

• Martian Navy's Return: Admiral Gonzales orchestrated a final assault from three angles, overwhelming Omnicorps' diminished fleet.

• Commander Barlow's Demise: Faced with insurmountable odds, Barlow chose suicide over capitulation on June 16, 2252.

• Tharsis and Elysium Surrenders: Under relentless pressure and internal collapse, both cities relinquished to Martian control, signaling the end of Omnicorps' occupation.

"We will not surrender. You will surrender," Barlow's last stand at [44:24] epitomized the futile resistance against the overwhelming Martian force.

Calderon's Ascendancy and Bloody Sunset

Post-victory celebrations in Olympus were marred by Calderon's ruthless consolidation of power. Executing his political adversaries in a covert operation dubbed "Bloody Sunset," Calderon eliminated key figures of the revolution, including Marcus Leopold, Ivana Darby, and Zhao Lin.

"We find the accused guilty of all charges. The sentence is death, to be carried out immediately," read the judges at [51:08], marking the dark culmination of Calderon's ambition.

Conclusion

"Bloody Sunset" encapsulates the zenith of the Martian Revolution, illustrating the complexities of warfare, political maneuvering, and the human spirit's resilience. Mike Duncan masterfully intertwines factual patterns of historical revolutions with a speculative narrative, offering listeners a profound exploration of power, betrayal, and the quest for autonomy.

As the Martian cities embrace newfound freedom under the shadow of Calderon's dictatorship, the episode leaves listeners contemplating the fragile nature of revolutions and the enduring struggle for true liberation.

Notable Quotes

• Admiral Booth Gonzales at [00:54]:

  "Our only option is to run and hope we can find a solution before our supplies run out."

• Admiral Gonzales at [39:28]:

  "We have already destroyed the ships you sent after us. We absolutely outnumber you and we will have no trouble destroying you if you try to fight us."

• Alexandra Clare at [30:15]:

  "We are all in this together now."

• Calderon at [51:40]:

  "I know you're lying. You're not true Martians, and you never have been."

• Commander Barlow at [44:24]:

  "We will not surrender. You will surrender."

Recommendations for Further Reading

For listeners eager to delve deeper into the Martian Revolution narrative, the following works provide expansive insights:

• "The Elysian Commune: A Comprehensive History" by Baltar Krog
• "The First Days of the Last City on Mars" by Ginker Pelloni
• "Underground Voices of the Elysian Commune", a compilation of oral histories and firsthand accounts.

Stay tuned for the final episode of Season 12, where Mike Duncan concludes the enthralling saga of the Martian Revolution, unraveling the ultimate fate of Mars and its people.