For the people watching The Expanse. A few quick spoilery notes about the "world" it is set in.
Posted by
TWuGbacca (aka TWuG)
Dec 15 '15, 16:13
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The opening of the first episode spelled out some of it.
Basically, there are three "groups"
1. Earth and the Moon are governed by the UN and Ceres is aligned with this group. Other asteroid belt colonies and stations are, as well.
2. Mars is governed by the Martian Congressional Republic. It relies, somewhat on Earth for some trade as it isn't completely self-sufficient. But it is not aligned with Earth.
Unless you ask the OPA ...
3. OPA: Outer Planets Alliance. This was referenced, but their leader hasn't been shown yet. The OPA is mostly made up of Belters. These are individuals who live on asteroids or other bodies/stations within the asteroid belt, and those who have colonized Saturn's and Jupiter's moons.
Mars and Earth are having a bit of a Cold War after Mars declared independence.
They both have some dealings with the quasi-government that heads the OPA, but that's only when necessary. Mostly Earth and Mars are trying to exert control over the areas the OPA sees as its own.
Businesses have a lot more control over basic security and police forces basically everywhere except where the OPA has gained control.
The main group of characters will be the surviving crew of the Canterbury and Miller, the cop on Ceres.
Supporting characters will be the leader of the OPA, Fred Johnson. He is based on Tycho Station, a shipyard/trade hub near the Belt. And Chrisjen Avasarala, the UN woman seen in the first episode.
Travel is by Epstein Drive, but that is a fusion drive and uses the energy from that for propulsion. It doesn't even flirt with FTL speeds. It still takes days or weeks to travel from Earth to Mars, depending on where they are in their orbits. So travel takes *time*. Sometimes lots of it. Only large ships have Epstein Drives. Smaller ships, like the shuttle Knight, "teakettle", which means they rely on some type of chemical fuel exhaust for propulsion.
If you are interested, the books are fantastic. These are the novels, novellas and short stories that have been released so far. Any thing with a number to the right of a decimal is a shorter work (novella or less), the rest are novel length.
The Churn The Expanse #0.1 Focuses on Amos Burton)
The Butcher of Anderson Station The Expanse #0.2 (Focuses on Fred Johnson)
Leviathan Wakes The Expanse #1
Caliban's War The Expanse #2
Gods of Risk The Expanse #2.5
Abaddon's Gate The Expanse #3
The Vital Abyss The Expanse #3.5
Cibola Burn The Expanse #4
Nemesis Games The Expanse #5
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