"Argh..." groaned Kathryn, adrenaline was the only thing keeping her on her feet. "...stay down Connie."
"No! Give me the...gun...thing." She protested.
"Your pregnant...get down!" Kathryn growled.
"Doesn't make me incapable!" Connie snapped right back.
"You two would be no good for stealth missions, would you?" Came Chakotay's voice through the dense undergrowth. He rushed out of the trees and to Kathryn's side, easing her down to the ground. "Why do you have to be so stubborn?" He said kissing her temple.
"The unwanted guest?" Wondered Connie.
"Won't be bothering us." Clarified Chakotay.
"Aren't you worried someone will find them?" Frowned Connie.
Chakotay held up his weapon. "Stun...kill...vaporize."
"Lovely." Grimaced Connie at the thought.
The three of them waited twenty minutes when they heard the sound of a speeding car coming from the direction Jacob had set off running in. The car came to a screeching halt beside them. "I hope you don't drive my car like that, Mr Masters?" Smirked Connie with a raised eyebrow asshe grabbed up the medical bag and climbed into the passenger seat.
"Like I'd admit to that sweet cheeks." Teased Jacob has he opened the back door for Chakotay who already had Kathryn cradled in his arms.
With the four of them in the car Jacob started the engine, putting his foot down he sped towards Connie's.
"Won't be long now Kathryn." Connie called over her shoulder as she noticed how pale and clammy she looked. Whispering to Jacob she added. "She should be going to hospital...she's losing to much blood."
"You know her wishes...besides..." reasoned Jacob. "...how would we explain who they are...and that wound...the police would be all over this."
"I know." Sighed Connie.
A little while later they arrived at Connie's, pulling up as close to the house as possible they all climbed out and rushed inside.
"Lay her on the work top..." directed Connie moving a bowl of fruit. "...I know it's not very comfortable but I need the light."
Chakotay placed Kathryn down, as gentle as he was she still let out a pained groan. "I'm right here my love...Your going to be just fine." He told her.
Jacob came into the room with the new equipment Connie had asked him to collect. "Where do you want this?" He asked.
"Just on the side...the wound needs cleaning first..." Explained Connie as she washed her hands before pulling on a pair of latex gloves. "...I'm going to need your help Jacob."
"What can I do?" Worried Chakotay as he started to feel helpless.
"Go fetch a pillow for her head mate." Said Jacob smiling kindly.
As soon as he left the room Connie addressed Kathryn. "This is going to hurt...I'll be as quick as I can...okay?"
"Mmmm." Was the only acknowledgement Kathryn could muster.
Peeling back the blood soaked bandages Connie shuck her head. "I've never seen anything like this before Jacob."
"You can do this." He reassured her quietly as Chakotay reappeared with a pillow.
Connie worked swiftly, only looking up to roll her neck to alleviate the stiffness that was setting in.
The bleeding had slowed and stopped as she placed the last few stitches. "Not my finest work but needs must...how's her pulse?" She looked to Jacob.
"Steady...it's not getting any weaker at least." He answered.
"What happens now?" Chakotay spoke up from his position by Kathryn's head.
"Now we wait...let's move her upstairs so she can rest more comfortably." Said Connie rubbing a hand down Chakotay's arm.
"I'll carry her." Chakotay instantly jumped to the task wanting nothing more than to hold her close.
Connie showed him up to her room, pulling back the covers and letting Chakotay place her down. "She's strong Chakotay..." Connie told him. "...I need to head back to work to get some supplies and make my excuses...Jacob will stay here if you need anything."
"Thank you Connie..." Chakotay gave her a sad smile. "...first you save me now Kathryn."
"Its nothing." Connie told him kindly before heading back downstairs to Jacob.
"How is she..." he asked. "...really?"
"Not out of the woods..." She rolled her eyes at her own unintended pun. "...so to speak...I'm off back to the E.D...She needs fluids, antibiotics and painkillers when she wakes." Connie picked up Jacob's keys from the side.
"Just so you know Charlie caught me with the suture kit..." Jacob moved his arms around her waist. "...he's going to want answers Connie."
"What did you tell him?" She frowned.
"Nothing much...Just that someone needed help...that I'd explain later and asked him to trust me." Said Jacob.
Connie reached up and pecked Jacob's lips. "I'll talk to him..." Connie sighed. "...I won't be long."
Connie left in Jacob's car her mind reeling, the days events playing over again as she planned her speech for Charlie.
