Helldivers Backstory: Major Ethan “Rook” Mercer

So I had some fun recently creating a character that lives within the “Helldivers 2” game universe. It was mentioned that the image I had created was giving off major Pelican 1 vibes. If you are familiar with this great game from Arrowhead Studios, then you know that Pelican 1 is the airship that descends to pick you up once your squad calls in extraction. So I ran with it and created a full backstory for him! Check it out below:

Profile

• Name: Ethan Mercer
• Call Sign: “Rook”
• Rank: Major
• Role: Pilot of Pelican 1, the primary transport ship for Helldivers
• Personality: Stoic, contemplative, and conflicted

Early Life

Ethan Mercer, known by his call sign “Rook,” grew up on a distant colony world, where the harsh environment instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience. From a young age, he dreamed of adventure and heroism, idolizing the Helldivers who defended humanity from the alien threats. He joined the military academy at 18, excelling in piloting and strategy, and quickly rose through the ranks due to his keen instincts and unshakeable resolve.

The Path to the Pelican 1

Mercer’s aptitude for flying earned him a position as the pilot of Pelican 1, the primary extraction and transport ship for Helldivers. He became known for his precision flying and his ability to get his squad in and out of the most dangerous zones. Though he initially viewed the role as a stepping stone to becoming a frontline Helldiver, his exceptional skills and reliability kept him in the pilot’s seat.

Love and Hate Relationship with the Job

Rook has a complicated relationship with his job. He loves the thrill of flying through hostile territory, the adrenaline rush of executing perfect extractions under fire, and the camaraderie with the Helldivers. However, he also despises the helplessness he feels while waiting for the Helldivers to complete their missions, wanting to join them in the heat of battle. The constant conflict between his duty and his desire for direct combat creates an inner turmoil that he battles every day.

Secret Contentment

Despite his longing for more action, Rook harbors a secret relief that he is usually out of harm’s way. The trauma of losing comrades and witnessing the brutality of war has left its mark on him. He often reflects on this duality during quiet moments before a mission, holding his helmet and contemplating the lives he has saved and those he couldn’t. This quiet reflection is a coping mechanism, helping him reconcile his conflicting emotions.

The Weight of Command

As the pilot of Pelican 1, Rook bears the responsibility of ensuring the safety of his team. Each mission’s success or failure rests heavily on his shoulders. His stoic demeanor and contemplative nature are a result of years of balancing the lives of his squad against the relentless dangers they face. His call sign, “Rook,” symbolizes both his steadfast presence and the strategic mind required to navigate the complexities of war.

Major Ethan “Rook” Mercer is a man caught between his love for the thrill of combat and the relief of being somewhat removed from its horrors. As the pilot of Pelican 1, he embodies the spirit of the Helldivers—resilient, strategic, and ever-ready to face the unknown. His story is one of inner conflict, duty, and the quiet heroism of those who ensure the success of the missions from behind the scenes.

Are you playing the game? Which character would you want to be? Check out my previous post about Helldivers here.