Eight
*Crusher*
"Captain, I've been able to trace the location of Mister Crusher's badge," Ensign Ro proclaimed, spinning around in her chair. "He's just outside the capital city, towards the north."
I sighed gratefully as Jean-Luc responded. "Well done, Ensign. Is there a chance its strong enough for a transport signal?"
"No, sir. He would probably materialise inside the rock."
I exchanged a glance with Jean-Luc, who seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. "Beverly, I can't let you go."
"He may need urgent medical attention," I protested. "Who knows what they've done to him-"
"We'll send down some of your medical staff. It's too dangerous-"
"Jean-Luc, it's my son we're discussing here. I'm going with the away team," My voice shook. "I'm not losing him like I lost Jack."
I ignored the disapproving look my captain was giving me and headed for the turbolift. We would need to take a multitude of supplies; hyposprays, bandages, tricorders, phasers-
"Doctor Crusher!"
I whipped around to find Worf poised in the hallway, phaser in hand. He looked as sullen as ever. "Doctor, I'll have to escort you during the away mission...Captain's orders."
I knew Jean-Luc would change his mind. "Understood."
Within half an hour I entered transporter room four, carrying a collection of medical items. Worf and Riker both had their phasers drawn, while two ensigns stood anxiously behind them.
Deanna, who had been waiting near the door, put her arm around my shoulders as we walked onto the transporter pad. "Ready?"
I nodded. Will gave the order and within seconds a new environment had appeared around us. The terrain was very rocky, with the soil being an ugly shade of mustard. There were a handful of alive-looking trees, but no observable signs of life. About ten meters away was what appeared to be a case entrance, masked by branches and soil.
"Are you getting any life signs, Worf?" I asked nervously.
Worf glanced at his tricorder. "..Yes. They're registering from that cave...One is human."
I began to walk forward, but Will's hand held me back. "Doctor, we can't go rushing in there without a plan. They might kill him."
"That's what I'm afraid of," I neglected to notice I was trembling. "I'm not letting him die."
"He won't die, but you need to listen to me, Beverly. Trust me," Will said firmly. "We are going to sneak in quietly and wait until dark. Only then can we treat Wesley; otherwise they'll know we are there and our cover will be ruined."
I gulped. "Alright. We wait."
