The Expanse: Unveiling the Power and Influence of the Outer Planets Alliance

The relatability of The Expanse lies in its ability to explore relevant political themes. Unlike other sci-fi works that present a utopian future, The Expanse portrays a world grappling with internal and external political challenges. It presents a future where corporations wield even greater power and control, creating a disconcerting image for its audience.

Throughout the series, Earth confronts various political adversaries. While the Martian Republic boasts advanced technology and an equal voice to Earth's United Nations, the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) emerges as a formidable force. Initially formed as a labor union fighting for the rights of its people, the OPA gradually evolves into something much larger.

People Comprising the Outer Planets Alliance

In contrast to Earth and Mars in The Expanse universe, there is no governing body responsible for overseeing the residents of the asteroid belt (known as Belters) and beyond, which includes various moons and space stations. Instead, this portion of the Solar System is controlled by large corporations. These corporations prioritize their own financial interests over the well-being of individuals, prompting the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) to strive for change.

However, the OPA is not a singular entity. Despite numerous individuals desiring for it to be unified, it is divided into several factions led by different leaders. For instance, Fred Johnson leads the OPA followers on Tycho station, while Anderson Dawes leads those on Ceres station. Each faction possesses its own agenda and ideology, resulting in frequent conflicts within the organization. The shared experience of mistreatment by the Inner Planets is what brings this loosely connected network together.

Who is Fred Johnson?

At the inception of the series, the OPA starts off as an unofficial organization, gradually evolving into a formidable force over time. Earth, Mars, and various corporations perceive the OPA as a terrorist group, whereas Belters regard them as valiant activists fighting for their rights. The distinction between a freedom fighter and a terrorist depends on one's perspective.

The series features a character with a refreshingly mundane name, in stark contrast to the common trend among sci-fi creators to give their characters unique names like Spike or Elektra. Interestingly, it is often the ordinary individuals who commit the most astonishing acts of cruelty, while this prominent character breaks the mold.

Fred Johnson is among the few individuals advocating for the unification of the OPA into a single entity, transforming it into a provisional government rather than a fragmented group. As the leader of the largest OPA faction, he holds substantial credibility with both the United Nations and the Martian Republic. However, his infamous nickname "The Butcher of Anderson Station" has generated significant resentment among Belters, presenting him with a difficult challenge in addition to navigating the complex political landscape.

Prior to his involvement with the OPA, Johnson served as a commanding officer in the United Nations Marine Corps, commanding three missile frigates. Under his leadership, piracy in the Belt experienced a significant decline. However, during his time as a Colonel responsible for maintaining order in the Belt, insurgents seized control of Anderson Station. Johnson responded swiftly, eliminating the 173 armed terrorists. Unfortunately, his actions also resulted in the deaths of over a thousand innocent civilians. This incident led to his resignation from the military and subsequent retreat into seclusion. Unsurprisingly, Belters held a deep dislike for Johnson, but this did not hinder him from seeking solace in various bars scattered throughout the Belt as a means of coping with his profound self-loathing.

OPA leader Anderson Dawes eventually found the disgraced Marine and recruited him into the OPA, granting Johnson an opportunity to redeem himself. And indeed, he proved his worth. Amidst a revolt on the Pallas Colony, Johnson skillfully mediated peace talks between the insurgents and the ruling body. This act garnered admiration from both the Belters and OPA members, ultimately propelling him into a position of leadership. Most notably, it served as a catalyst for Johnson to overcome his alcoholic haze and regain his self-worth.

Main Characters In the OPA

The crew of the Rocinante in The Expanse serves as a microcosm of the vast system they navigate. Each member hails from a distinct region of space, bringing with them a wide array of backgrounds. Captain James Holden, originating from Earth and boasting a military background, leads the group, while the ship's pilot once served in the Martian Congressional Republic Navy. Notably, a few members were actually born in the Belt, which grants them a unique perspective and position when engaging with other factions.

Naomi Nagata, the second-in-command and engineer of the Rocinante, was raised on prospecting ships in the Belt. Despite witnessing a lifetime's worth of violence, she became the chief engineer on the Canterbury, a ship that provided water to Belt residents. Despite keeping her past hidden from her closest friends, they eventually discovered her ties to the OPA. Naomi always identified as a Belter first and made strategic decisions based on her loyalty to the Belt's people.

Although not an official member of the Rocinante crew, Detective Josephus Miller spent a significant amount of time with them and developed a strong bond. Miller grew up on Ceres Station in the Belt but later joined Earth's Star Helix Security as a police officer. This often placed him in conflict with the interests of his fellow Belters, but he found solace in knowing that he was no longer the small-time criminal on Ceres and had managed to survive through any means necessary.