Resistance: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter One - Rourke

During the war between the Sky Knights and the Cyclonians, the once peaceful Terra Skavis was the site of a bloody battle against the Sky Knights and the Cyclonian Empire. That battle left a scar that divided the Terra and it's people. When the war ended with the subsequent defeat of the Sky Knights, the Cyclonian Empire established a stronghold in the Terra. A government loyal to Master Cyclonis was established and quickly asserted it's authority. As a result, many of the people lived under an authoritarian puppet regime that some people felt was illegitimate. As the years roll by, tensions grow between the Cyclonian Loyalist Government and a group calling themselves the Resistance. It didn't take long for Terra Skavis to erupt into a civil war. In the midst of this bloody conflict, many people simply try to carry on with their lives. One of those people was a miner by the name of Rourke. His father was killed during the war in Terra Skavis when Rourke was a boy. As he grew up, Rourke worked as a miner for an independent mining company situated in Terra Skavis. One day in his trailer, his best friend Johns waits outside.

Johns: Hey Rourke! You ready to go?

Rourke: Just a second! Let me get my sledgehammer!

As Rourke picked up his sledgehammer and some detonator charges, he met up with Johns who was on his Skimmer. 

Rourke: Got room for one more? My Skimmer's been busted for weeks. The repairman said he'll have it fixed by tomorrow. 

Johns: Fine by me, old buddy. We're gonna stop by my place to pick up some things. 

Rourke then got on Johns's Skimmer and the two rode to his place. Once they reached Johns's home, they saw a woman waiting outside. 

Johns: Wait here, Rourke. 

Johns got off the Skimmer and approached the woman. Rourke couldn't hear the conversation, but it quickly escalated into shouting. After awhile, the woman simply walked away. Johns then gathered his equipment and got back in the Skimmer. 

Rourke: Somebody I know?

Johns: I doubt it. We should get going. The sooner we get to work, the sooner we get paid. 

Johns then piloted the Skimmer to the job site. Once they reached the site, Johns began informing Rourke about the job. 

Johns: Here's the site I've been telling you about. It was an old research outpost before the war came in and drove everyone out. 

Rourke: I'm surprised it's still standing. 

Johns: You'd be surprised with how many buildings are still standing. We should get started. 

With that, Rourke and Johns began the process of demolishing the outpost. Rourke could tell that Johns was not himself. As they do their job, Johns becomes impatient. 

Johns: Hurry up, Rourke.

Rourke: Johns, what the hell is going on? Who was that girl? 

Johns: You know what's going on. Rourke, the Resistance could use a guy like you. 

Rourke: The Resistance? Since when were you part of the Resistance? What exactly are you people doing out here?

Johns: Whatever it takes. 

Rourke: I'm not a terrorist, Johns. 

Johns: And you think I am?! The Cyclonian Loyalists are wiping out towns and killing anyone who speaks out against them! Rourke, we need help!

Rourke was caught off guard by this. Johns never acted like this before. 

Rourke: I don't want to get caught up in this. I just want to do honest work. 

Johns: That's what we're fighting for! If we don't resist, they'll take everything! 

Rourke: I don't want to talk about this anymore, Johns. I just want to finish this job and get paid. I just want to keep my head down and out of trouble. I...I won't tell anyone about you being in the Resistance. 

Johns: You'll see I'm right about this.

Rourke and Johns continued the demolition job in silence. Rourke was still processing the fact that his best friend was in the Resistance. Once they finished demolishing the place, Rourke and Johns packed up their equipment. 

Rourke: That too longer than I thought. How about we grab a beer? My treat. 

As Rourke and Johns got to the Skimmer, Johns stopped and looked around the area. Johns soon becomes anxious much to Rourke's confusion. 

Johns: We need to hide!

Rourke: From what?

Suddenly, the two are spotted by a Cyclonian Gunship. The Gunship flashes it's spotlight at them. 

Cyclonian Gunship: JOHNS! YOU ARE UNDER ARREST! SURRENDER OR WE WILL OPEN FIRE ON YOU!

Johns: Rourke run! RUN! 

Johns makes a run for it to buy Rourke time, but is promptly shot down by the gunship. Rourke looks upon the scene with horror in his eyes. 

Rourke: JOHNS! 

The gunship then shoots at the ground in front of Rourke, causing him to trip and fall, hitting his head on a sign's metal prong, knocking him unconscious. Sometime later, Rourke woke up in a state of confusion. As Rourke got up, he saw the lifeless body of his best friend lying on the ground next to the destroyed Skimmer.

Rourke: Johns! 

Rourke rushed over to Johns, but it was too late. Johns was dead. Rourke was in a state of shock and horror. 

Rourke: I'm...I'm sorry, old buddy. 

Not wanting to leave his best friend out here, Rourke buried Johns in the ground to at least give him a proper funeral. After mourning his best friend, Rourke then began the long trek back home. What he didn't know was that his life would be forever changed.