I've posted two chapters at once, so be sure to read the one before this as well. Enjoy.
"Hunt," Webber called out, jogging toward the pair sitting in the hospital waiting area. They both stood at the sight of Dr. Webber. "What's going on? Where are the others?"
Hunt sighed. "They arrived just a few minutes ago. This damn hospital won't give me privileges, given the nature of the situation." He turned away for a brief moment, composing himself. "I mean, I am the Chief of Surgery at a world-renowned teaching hospital, and they won't give me privileges." He pointed a finger at Webber and Collins. "And moreover, I'm a trauma surgeon. I specialize in exactly what they're dealing with! What kind of bullshit is that?"
"Alright Hunt, just cool off. Sit down, and wait for an update. You said it yourself: you're a trauma surgeon, so you know what having too many people in the room can do for a situation. Sometimes, less is more." They all sat back down, and Hunt forced himself to take deep breaths. Don't come back now, he thought, fighting off the urge to hyperventilate. You can break down later. Not now. You can't do this now. He went through the exercises Dr. Wyatt had taught him what seemed like a lifetime ago. "So, what's the newest on them?" Webber broke his thoughts, causing him to look up.
"Uh," where did he start? "Meredith is stable, Derek is stable, Arizona is critical, Cristina is stable, and Mark is critical. That's all we know." Webber nodded thoughtfully.
"And Lexie?" he asked cautiously. Hunt looked him in the eye, then at the floor, shaking his head. Webber mimicked Hunt, also gazing solemnly at the floor. "God, she was…so young." He looked back up at the pair. "Have you called the families yet?"
"No, I was waiting to get full status reports before calling, but maybe we ought to at least get them on their ways." Hunt moved for his phone, but Webber stopped him.
"I'll take care of that. You should wait here, in case they-"
"Dr. Hunt." A woman in a lab coat appeared then, carrying a clipboard. She held out her hand. "Dr. Sheehan. Nice to finally meet you. I only wish it were under better circumstances," she said shortly.
Hunt took her hand firmly. "Likewise."
"And you are?" she turned to Richard, seeming quite frazzled.
"Dr. Webber. We worked on a case together in 2009." He smiled, taking her hand.
"Oh, right. Yes, I remember that. The total gastrectomy trial." She smiled, warmly. She looked down at her clipboard then. "I'd like to take you back to see your people now, if you're ready."
Hunt looked back at Collins. "This is Major General Collins. He's-"
"Yes, his team retrieved them. He's obviously welcome as well," she said politely, a stern frown on her face.
Collins stood, nodding. "I appreciate it ma'am, but if I could go ahead and speak with my team now, I'd be grateful."
"Of course." She spoke briefly with presumably an intern and turned back to Collins. "If you'll follow this young man, he can take you to them."
Collins nodded, and turned to Hunt. "Hunt, we'll be in touch. Legal matters, and such. I'm glad things worked out for you."
He shook Collins' hand. "Thank you, sir. You can't imagine how grateful we are."
"You've got a long road ahead of you. Just take it one day at a time. You'll be fine."
Hunt nodded and chuckled to himself. Before he could respond, Collins had turned, following the intern.
You don't even know the half of it.
Webber and Owen started down the hallway with Sheehan, when they heard a voice behind them. "Hold up, I'm coming."
They all turned to find a sight neither of them expected to see. "Bailey?" Hunt asked, scrunching his eyebrows. He watched as she approached and realized she had a baby in her arms. "Is that Zola?"
She caught up with them, not bothering to stop and chat. "Good news travels fast. I suggest we do the same."