Rin started to say something to Alec, but stopped when he heard Ratchet groan and fall behind him.

"'ey, Alec-kun, I'm gonna put you on my back, 'kay? Try to hold on tight." he said, shifting the boy to his back and putting Alec's small arms over his shoulders.

"Don't give up on me now, Ratchet..." he grumbled, reaching down to drag the Lombax to his feet by his arm.