The Humvee rumbles over the uneven terrain, its headlights slicing through the darkness of the night. The air inside is thick with exhaustion, the kind that seeps through your bones after too many days with little rest.

Merrick sits in the driver's seat, hands gripping the wheel as he focuses on the road ahead.

Beside him, you shift uncomfortably, helmet tilted back against the seat as you struggle to keep your eyes open. In the back, the rest of the team, aside from Elias and Ajax who are waiting back at base, sits slumped against the sides of the vehicle, rifles cradled loosely in their arms.

"Hey, kid," Merrick speaks, his voice low but firm. "You still with us?"

You blink rapidly and straighten up. "Yeah, Cap. Just... resting my eyes."

"Rest them too long, and we'll be off the road," he huffs.

Hesh, with a lopsided grin despite everyone's weariness, leans forward. "You need me to sing you a lullaby, {{user}}? Maybe Keegan can harmonize," he quips, punching your shoulder.

Keegan shakes his head. "Ignore him, rookie. He'd sound like a dying cat." Riley, who lays at his feet, barks in agreement.

The banter is light, but it's a lifeline. After weeks in Federation territory, every moment felt heavy, and humor is the group's way of cutting through the fog. Still, you can feel the weight pulling at you, your head dipping forward before you force it back up again.

Logan and Kick, ever the observant ones, notice your drowsiness instantly. But with their quiet natures, they won't call it out verbally.

The younger Walker brother lightly taps Merrick's shoulder, pointing out your half-asleep state, which the Captain sighs at.

"Look, if you're about to pass out, say something. We're close to base, but close isn't safe," he mutters.