Certain losses will always be painful, gaping wounds in a person's heart. Chakotay does understand that on a very personal level. His people, his home planet and his tribe, are far away and there is no guarantee that he will ever see them again. Though neither of them had planned for a life here on this ship, they both have found ways to slide into a life on board Voyager. Even if they hadn't become as important to each other as they are, Chakotay would never wish to change anything.

In some respects, Hadand shares a great many traits with Kathryn and it's little wonder that Chakotay's romantic feelings shifted the way they have. He will always care about Kathryn, but Hadand has a grip on his heart now as well.

"Life on Voyager has always been about finding something to do to help out. Even Neelix, and Kes when she was here, found ways to help out. Your place might not have been as easy to find, but I wasn't going to let you sit around and go mad. Besides, you have so much to offer to the entire crew, more than any of us saw at first glance."

Getting to know Hadand has been a blessing in its own right. Even if they were just friends, this is a relationship Chakotay has come to treasure. Hadand has many gifts and much of her own wisdom to offer. She is as much of a boon to the crew as anyone else. And for what it's worth, he's glad to have her here on the ship.