Exosquad

Anti-matter is a scientific fact. Physics labs are able to produce it in minute amounts but only for theoretical studies. They are produced using a particle accelerator which is also mentioned in the series and just as Algernon describes, when anti-matter comes in contact with regular matter, a huge explosion results.

The term Fifth Column is a name for any organized group that works to destroy an army or nation from the inside.

The inscription on Phaeton's bunker entrance is from Dante's Divine Comedy and its written in Italian. It means, "abandon all hope, ye who enter here." In Dante's Divine Comedy, it is the inscription on the gateway entrance to hell.

Typhonus refers to the moon as "a dagger pointing at the Earth." This is a common saying. Japan was said to refer to Korea as a dagger pointing at the heart of Japan before invading them in the late 18th century.

In this episode, we are re-introduced to Stavrogan, only this time, he has undergone a huge character change from hotshot maverick pilot to a much more darker and mature squad leader.

The Martian waterfall is named after Eris, the Greek goddess of strife, discord, and rivalry. An appropriate name and location for this episode in which a group of exo-scouts who don't quite get along are settled nearby. One should also note, Mars is associated with the Greek god of war, Aries, and Eris is also his friend and sister.

Fire Ship the episode title and its storyline echoes a famous military tactic that goes back to the ancient Greeks and persists into modern usage with an explosive laden vessel being propelled near a much more valuable craft of an adversary to destroy it. The USS Cole was attacked by such a tactic in 2000.

The eruption of Olympus Mons has destroyed the surrounding cities, which apparently included the capital of Mars, Maginus City. Later episodes, however, show Phaeton's Martian Palace still standing.