As for Chakotay – he's my friend, Phoebe. Don't trivialize that – it is a rare and precious thing. Out here, I have to be the Captain so often I'm seldom just Kathryn. Chakotay knows them both and amazingly, he understands - and appreciates - them both.

I've never let anyone see both sides this closely before, not even Mark or Tuvok. Protective instinct, I guess – I've never let myself be completely vulnerable. Chakotay knows me better than anyone ever has, yet I trust him implicitly.

Someday, somewhere, it might be different. Here and now, I'm simply grateful for what we have.

"It's none of your business, B'Elanna, but I'll tell you. It's a choice.

"I've made some right choices for the wrong reasons- like Starfleet Academy. I just wanted to get away from home as fast as possible. Raw luck that it worked out.

"There've been wrong choices, too – yes, Seska.

"The Maquis? Right choice. No regrets.

"And Kathryn. She's stubborn, mercurial, exasperating and more vulnerable than she knows - and being her friend satisfies my soul more than any love affair I've ever had. Under our current circumstances, friendship is our only choice.

"Circumstances will change eventually. I choose to wait."

"Happy New Year, Kathryn."

"Is it? It's 2378 – seven years since I got us lost in the Delta quadrant. "

"Gods, I thought you were past that. Look around. Do you see anyone who looks unhappy?"

"They're good people. They know how to make the best of the situation."

"It's not a 'situation.' It's life. It doesn't come with guarantees and they know that. We're alive. We're better people for what we've been through. It's enough."

"Are you determined to cheer me up?"

"Absolutely."

"Then I believe a kiss is traditional, Commander."

"Happy New Year, Kathryn."

"Happy New Year, Chakotay."