by Dakota

I stare at her silhouette against the sky. She is beautiful, even more beautiful than when I first saw her seven years ago. She is pale and strong and as enigmatic as ever.

I'm going to miss her. For seven years, she as been part of my life but now that must end. Together we faced the dangers and challenges of the Delta Quadrant. At times, I wasn't sure we would survive, but I never lost hope. She pulled us through and brought us home. She did the impossible.

But with the impossible came the end of the journey. When I saw Earth hanging in the sky, I knew I had to choose and the decision to leave her was difficult. Because of her, I grew into a better, stronger person but there were times when I nearly lost my soul. Even as she made my heart sing, she brought me sorrow. 

She protected us from enemies, new and old, but she couldn't protect me from myself. I know myself better now than I did seven years ago and she is the reason. I spent the best years of my life, and the worst, with her and for that I will always be grateful. Walking away is the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I know in my heart it's the right decision.

I'll never forget her. She can never be replaced in my heart. My friends ask if I'm sure about this decision. I am sure but I understand why they wonder. She was the center of my universe for seven years. Now I know that center has changed but they still wonder. In time, my friends will know that this was the right decision for me.

I hear a step behind me and I turn from her silhouette.

"Are you ready?"

I look up into warm brown eyes and see love shining at me. I hold out my hand and feel his warm strength seep into my bones. I turn back to the view port for one last look before I walk away forever. Voyager is there, pale and strong, now home to a new crew, a new captain. I will miss her but she belongs to my past. Our paths ran together for seven years but now part. It's time to move on.

I turn back to Chakotay and my future.