Hunter’s ears are ringing loudly enough that he can’t quite understand what Tech’s yelling at him. From the bits he can hear, that might be a blessing.
“I can’t believe you, I can’t believe I trusted you—”
“—To just leave him there? Who’s next?”
“Maybe we should join Rex, because clearly you don’t know what you’re doing—”
“Tech. Lay off.” Oh. That’s Echo. If Hunter’s vision would clear, he’d see Echo standing between them. He knows because he can feel all the electricity in his body. Like an afterimage. With no sight, though. Because he might pass out.
Hunter really doesn’t think the passing out part is on him. Tech’s right about the rest of it, and Hunter’s glad he was able to hold on long enough to actually help (not that you helped you fuck-up you’re selfish so stupid you’re going to get them all killed), but he thinks passing out right now might be justified after falling off a cliff. And being tortured. And shot in the chest. And having brain surgery. And being choked out and you know what? It’s just been a bad few weeks.
“Hunter. Hey, Sarge, you alright?”
Right. Echo. Is he alright? He’s got to be. There’s probably work to be done after leaving his youngest brother on a dying planet, right? He’s going to have things to do. He’s going to have memories to sort through. “Yeah. Yeah, I just need some rest,” he manages.
This might have been a more compelling statement had he not passed out immediately afterward.
“—Shit, shit, just lower him to the ground.”
“What happened?”
“Not now, Omega, please go to your room.”
Hunter curls away from the voices over his head. “Meg?”
“Hunter!”
“Omega, do not—Wrecker? Can you get her out of here?” Tech asks. Tech’s not shouting anymore, but his voice is tight with something and now that Hunter’s eyes are back with the program, he can see the tension in his face. “Hunter, you have just passed out. You need to be examined for injuries.”
“No, I…”
“Yes,” Echo says. He’s kneeling next to Hunter’s head, between him and Tech which is nice because Hunter’s not sure he could take another argument without bursting into tears. “You’re right, you need rest, so let’s get you looked over and into bed.”
“No—”
“When was the last time you slept, Sarge?”
Hunter thinks back. “In the cell on Daro.”
“Yeah. Bedtime.”
“...’Kay.”