He's pushing to a sitting position, rubbing a hand across the stubble along his throat when Rey clips William in the back of the head. His eyes widen as the man's weight slumps to the ground, unconscious. Looking between them, Russe pushes the rest of the way to his feet and lets some of his unease and distrust ebb away.

"Survive," he growls, more agreeable. "Looks like you might be my best shot." His eyes fix on William's unconscious form, and he warns, "You leave him here, more monsters might just come for him. You gonna let your friend die?"