Crystal Nelson and Jon Carson met up with Nancy an hour later. "Where's Kimberley?" John asked looking around. "I thought she was with you" Nancy said.
"Nope. Crystal, have you seen Kimberley?"
"Not since we split up after the briefing when we beamed down."
"Lt. Brewer to Crewman Janeway...come in Crewman Janeway"
"Why isn't she answering? Did something happen to her?"
"It's possible. You two start searching over in that area. I'll start in that area. Go!" Nancy ordered as they headed off in opposite directions. After searching for half an hour Crystal's tricorder picked up the place where Kim's comm badge was located. "Do you see her?" Jon asked.
"No but my tricorder says...hang on, I found a comm badge." Picking it up she scanned it and reported that is was Kim's. Looking around she cried out and began to shake in fear at the sight of a body lying limp on the rocks below. Jon recognized it as being Kimberley and immediately began descending down the hill. As he passed Crystal he shouted at her to get Nancy and the Captain.
"Kimberley!" he called out her name praying that she wasn't dead already. It felt like an eternity before he reached her. Dropping to her side he checked for signs of life. Placing two fingers on her neck he felt a weak pulse. Slapping his comm badge he reported, "Carson to away team, I found her. She's at the bottom of some quarry or...or...something, I don't know for sure. She's got a pulse but it's very weak and she's not responding to my voice."
"We're on our way Crewman. No matter what DO NOT move her. Keep this line open and report if her condition changes at all. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am". Placing a trembling hand on her face he whispered, "hang on Kim, help is on it's way. Don't you dare die on me, you hear me?" His voice cracked slightly as he blinked back his tears. He continued to check her vitals and talk to her as he waited for the others to arrive. Within moments he could hear shouts coming from above and saw Crystal making her way down. "No Crystal, you stay there" he said. He knew Crystal looked up to Kim with great admiration and was afraid that she wouldn't be able to handle the scene before her. Thirty seconds later Captain Janeway arrived and took control, ordering Voyager to beam the rest of the away team members back immediately. Making her way down the hill she called out for a report. "There's no change Captain. She still hasn't responded to my talking to her."
"Janeway to transporter room. Three to beam directly to sickbay."
"Aye Captain" acknowledged B'Elanna.
Chakotay entered Sickbay and found the Doctor rushing around the surgical bed, Kathryn stone-faced and numb just out of the Doctor's way and Jon Carson standing behind the Captain rigid and tall trying to not let his fear show – the way a true member of Starfleet is trained to do.
"She's stable for now Captain. I have repaired her internal injuries to the best of my abilities but there was a lot of damage done from the fall. She broke her right hip, and fractured her right leg in 3 places. Her left leg has been severely damaged and is being held together with metal rods. I counted at least 10 breaks but there could have been more. Her right wrist is also broken in 2 places. I've also managed to treat her head injuries but until she awakens there's nothing more I can do for her medically. She is probably going to need more surgeries to continue repairing the damage. I won't lie to you Captain, it's pretty grim. The best thing we can do for her now is pray that she wakes up soon."
"Thank you Doctor" Kathryn whispered unable to say anymore. Turning around she patted Jon's shoulder. "You heard the Doctor, there's nothing more to do right now. I'll inform you if something changes. I also want to commend you for taking control of the situation until help arrived. I will be sure to note it in my log."
"Thanks Captain" he replied and left. "Commander" he acknowledged with a nod of his head.
"Tuvok to the Captain. The away team reports are finished and ready for your review."
"Thank you Tuvok. Just put them on my desk and I'll get them after."
"Aye Captain, Tuvok out"
"Kathryn you go take care of the reports. I'll stay here with Kimberley. I'll let you know the minute something changes. Besides it'll keep your mind occupied rather than sitting down here fretting."
"I can't leave her now Chakotay, she needs me. What if she wakes up and I'm not here?"
"Then I'll call you...or the Doctor will. Kathryn go. The crew needs you now too."
"Computer open ship wide channel...Attention all Senior stuff, there will be a meeting in half an hour. Janeway out." Entering her ready room she sat in her chair and absently picked up a padd and began reading it. Before she realized it her computer alarm went off letting her know it was time for the meeting. Replicating a cup of coffee she walked over to her window and stared out. She said a silent prayer to look after Kimberley but not to take her from this world just yet. Taking a sip, Kathryn took one final breath, squared her shoulders and exited her sanctuary as she prepared herself mentally to be able to handle the different ways she will be breaking each heart in that room.