Revolutions Podcast Season 12, Episode 11.6: The Day of Batteries

Introduction

In Episode 11.6, titled The Day of Batteries, host Mike Duncan delves into a pivotal moment in the fictional Martian Revolution of 2247. This episode explores the cascading effects of Omnicorp CEO Timothy Werner's recently unveiled protocols, which were intended to enhance efficiency but instead wreaked havoc across Mars. The disruption ignited political consciousness among Martians, previously subdued under the oppressive conditions of the 2230s. Duncan meticulously details how this chaos served as the catalyst for revolutionary fervor, highlighting key figures and events that shaped the uprising.

The Fallout of Omnicorp's New Protocols

The episode begins by revisiting the introduction of Timothy Werner's new protocols, which promised increased productivity after years of corporate stagnation. However, these protocols led to widespread disruption:

"The new protocols were meant to increase efficiency and productivity after decades of corporate malaise. But what they really did was cause havoc and severely disrupt life on Mars." [00:04]

As the protocols malfunctioned, they exacerbated existing issues, particularly among the lower classes, making daily life intolerable and fueling resentment towards Omnicorp's management.

Mabel Doar's Response

Mabel Doar emerges as a central figure responding to the chaos. Despite her unsuccessful bid for the Board of Directors, Doar remained influential and popular:

"For her, the new protocols were absolute ironclad proof of her campaign's demand that the Martians needed a voice."

In her role within the personnel department, Doar was inundated with complaints, leading her to compile evidence against the protocols. She also engaged in humanitarian efforts, such as distributing public charging ports to alleviate the malfunctioning equipment issues caused by the new protocols. Her initiatives, though limited, provided crucial relief to many Martians:

"Dorr also dipped into her private fortune to cover paydocks caused by the myriad infractions that were building up, thanks mostly to the havoc caused by the new protocols." [Transcript Excerpt]

Emergence of Proto-Revolutionary Leaders

The episode introduces Marcus Leopold, Ivana Darby, and Zhao Lin—three individuals who would become the backbone of the Martian revolutionary movement. Their backgrounds and early interactions set the stage for their future collaboration:

• Marcus Leopold: Born in Olympus in 2218, Leopold excelled academically, securing a place at the elite Martian Academy. His logical prowess and ability to exploit loopholes in the corporate code earned him both admiration and resentment.

• Zhao Lin: Born in 2219, Zhao's creative passions led him to architectural design, though he inadvertently excelled in structural engineering to gain entry into the Martian Academy. His role in Documentary Services allowed him to connect with D class activists.

• Ivana Darby: With a mysterious family background and a photographic memory, Darby became a charismatic force within the Academy. Her social prowess complemented Leopold's analytical skills, making them a formidable team.

Their friendship, forged at the Mons Cafe—a hub for underground cultural activity—bolstered their commitment to addressing Martian injustices.

Rising Political Consciousness Among Martians

As the new protocols continued to disrupt lives, political awareness among Martians surged. Doar's efforts to document the harm caused by the protocols, combined with Leopold and Darby's legal activism, empowered the lower classes to organize and seek redress:

"People did not deserve to have their pay docked or their employment records flagged over issues far beyond their control." [Transcript Excerpt]

The proliferation of automated infractions and the inability to meet quotas led to widespread frustration, especially among the D and C classes. This environment fostered both revolutionary and counter-revolutionary sentiments, with C class supervisors attempting to scapegoat the D classes while also seeking ways to suppress rising dissent.

The Lead-Up to the Day of Batteries

By late 2245, the mounting discontent culminated in Mabel Doar's influential Personnel Review of 2245. This comprehensive report gathered indisputable evidence against the new protocols, highlighting their detrimental impact on Martian society. Simultaneously, Timothy Werner, faced with declining phosphate reserves on Earth, committed to rectifying the situation by traveling to Mars—a move unprecedented for an Omnicorp CEO:

"Werner at first refused to even believe the numbers were real. But then... he must now go to Mars personally." [Transcript Excerpt]

Werner's arrival set the stage for heightened tensions, as his direct intervention was perceived as a potential threat to the already volatile situation on Mars.

The Day of Batteries Event

On April 25, 2246, Timothy Werner made his historic arrival in Mars' prime dome. Amidst a carefully orchestrated reception, the atmosphere was thick with underlying frustration. Despite controlled appearances, the populace's impatience was palpable. The culmination of these tensions occurred during Werner's scheduled appearance in Expansion 1587:

"The whole incident lasted barely 10 minutes... It is only because of the coming revolution that the Day of Batteries becomes an important milestone." [Transcript Excerpt]

During his speech, approximately 1,000 D class techs and C class supervisors were present. Approximately 100 unvetted D class activists infiltrated the crowd by manipulating the invitation list—a feat suspected to involve Mabel Doar, given her position and access:

"Though Dorr always denied being involved in the Day of Batteries, it is hard not to see how she wasn't involved." [Transcript Excerpt]

As Werner addressed the crowd, activists launched a coordinated attack by hurling dead batteries—a direct retaliation against the faulty protocols, symbolizing Martian anger. The batteries, rendered non-functional by firmware updates, physically disrupted the event but caused minimal casualties:

"There were no deaths, and the worst injury was an S class colonial administrator who lost an eye." [Transcript Excerpt]

Security swiftly detained 42 individuals, but the event ignited a symbolic spark in Martian revolutionary history, marking the Day of Batteries as a significant turning point.

Aftermath and Escalation

The Day of Batteries, while seemingly minor, took on monumental significance in light of subsequent revolutionary events. Werner's response further exacerbated tensions:

"Instead, he decided he needed to push through the third big piece of the new protocols... Decision making had been centralized." [Transcript Excerpt]

Undeterred by the incident, Werner pressed for the implementation of additional protocols, centralizing decision-making and upgrading technology, which only deepened Martian resentment. This unwavering stance by Omnicorp's leadership contrasted sharply with the growing unity among Martian activists, setting the stage for the broader revolution.

Conclusion

Episode 11.6 of Revolutions masterfully charts the intricate buildup to the Martian Revolution of 2247, with the Day of Batteries serving as a microcosm of the broader societal fractures. Mike Duncan skillfully intertwines personal narratives of key figures like Mabel Doar, Marcus Leopold, Ivana Darby, and Zhao Lin with the systemic failures of corporate governance under Omnicorp. Through detailed storytelling and poignant quotes, the episode encapsulates how a combination of oppressive policies, grassroots activism, and pivotal events can converge to ignite a full-scale revolution.

Notable Quotes

• "For her, the new protocols were absolute ironclad proof of her campaign's demand that the Martians needed a voice." — Narrator [00:04]

• "People did not deserve to have their pay docked or their employment records flagged over issues far beyond their control." — Narrator

• "Though Dorr always denied being involved in the Day of Batteries, it is hard not to see how she wasn't involved." — Narrator

• "There were no deaths, and the worst injury was an S class colonial administrator who lost an eye." — Narrator

These quotes underscore the central themes of systemic injustice, leadership response, and the fine line between minor incidents and historical milestones in revolutionary movements.