Chapter Text
To: Chakotay. Captain, USS Voyger
From: Janeway, Kathryn. Deceased, USS Voyager
Status: Delivered upon confirmation of sender's death
My dearest Chakotay,
How can I sum up in a single letter everything I want to say to you? Everything I want you to understand? The rebel I was sent to capture became my closest friend, my right-hand man, my co-leader, the dearest presence in my life.
I understand that our situation, and the choices I have made, have kept our relationship within some difficult limits. Given the circumstances in which you will read these words, I know there is a chance that you will reflect on those constraints with a little bitterness. I want you to understand how very hard those choices, those self-imposed limits, were for me. They felt necessary. The needs of this crew have always taken priority for me. I didn't believe I had the capacity to split my focus. Perhaps I was wrong.
I suppose this is my last chance to be honest with you. It feels important to tell you the truth, and I cannot adequately express the depth of my sorrow at the thought that it has come too late. The truth is, I love you, Chakotay. I have since New Earth. I never told you because it felt impossible to act upon. I wrestled with that choice every day. But the burdens of captaincy weighed heavily on me. And now they fall to you.
You have always been a strong, principled leader, and I know you will make a fine captain for this crew. Don't make the mistakes I've made. Let someone into your life. Let them add to your strength. Let them help to take the strain. Live a full and happy life. And get this crew home.
Love, your Kathryn.