Truth, Not Ammunition

Posted on Mon Feb 2nd, 2026 @ 12:39am by Lieutenant Kesden Lokn & Ziveh Bex

907 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: A New Dawn
Location: Deep Space Nine

"....Aaron, it's been too long!" Ziv said, standing up and giving the slightly older man a big smile.

"Ziv, shit, how long has it been?" Aaron said, pulling Ziv into a hug, "I mean, hell, you are looking good," grinning, then letting her go.

Ziv blushed, "Thanks, and you are also looking good," he always did, he had that posh-school boy charm, and smirk, it was partially why he was so good in the courtroom. "....um, Aaron, this is Lieutenant Kesden Lokn, the executive officer of the Ada Lovelace. I hope his testimony will persuade the Federation Council to grant the Maquis transition into the Colonial Defense Force. Kesden, this is Aaron Lucien Cross, a former JAG officer, now legal consultant to the CDF Parliament," Ziv said.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant," Aaron said, holding his hand out to shake his.

Kesden inclined his head slightly before taking Aaron’s hand, his grip firm but unassuming. “Lieutenant Kesden Lokn,” he said evenly. “The pleasure’s mine.”

His gaze was steady, assessing without being intrusive, the look of someone used to reading rooms where words mattered as much as silence. “I appreciate you taking the time to hear us out, Mr. Cross. I understand you’ve spent most of your career translating conflict into language institutions can accept.” A brief pause, then, quieter but deliberate, “I’ll do my best to make sure what I offer is useful, not just truthful.” He released the handshake, posture composed, clearly content to let Ziv lead but ready to speak when called upon.

Aaron picked up on the hesitancy, and he got it."So, what I need to know is where you are with the Federation Council about the immunity for all Maquis and their actions during the war, and before the war?" Aaron asked, looking at Ziv.

"We should have that answer the next time we meet, and as for its going, I do believe they are going to grant it, outside of Eddington, and his group, which from my understanding they were all wiped out, most of the Maquis that remain alll of their actions were in the protection of their colonies, so there should be no war crimes against them," she said.

"Okay, good, now...," Aaron said, turning to face Kesden, "when you do give your testimony, and we'll only do this if immunity is granted, my job is to make sure that anything you say cannot be used against you later, does that make sense?"

Kesden didn’t answer immediately. He gave a slight, deliberate nod instead; acknowledgment before agreement. "It does," he said evenly. "Clarity matters."

He glanced briefly toward Ziv, then back to Aaron, his expression calm but intent. "I’m prepared to speak to my actions and the context they occurred in: operational necessity, civilian protection, and the realities of survival in the DMZ. I won’t speculate, exaggerate, or offer anything beyond what I can stand by."

He paused for a moment, then continued. "But I need to be clear as well. Certain portions of my service record remain classified under the authority of Starfleet Intelligence. I won’t violate those restrictions; not to protect myself, but because doing so could compromise others. If those boundaries are understood and protected, then yes. Your role and the immunity make sense to me."

He allowed the moment to settle, remaining composed. "If those conditions can’t be met, then I won’t be the right witness."

"Well, luckily for us, Federation Council members take classified service records as just that, classified," Aaron said, looking at Ziv, "and if they push for information that even potentially crosses that line, I'll quesh that line of questioning, I promise you that," Aaron said with a reassuring smile.

Kesden inclined his head once, a quiet acknowledgment rather than relief. "That’s all I’m asking for," he said evenly. "I don’t expect exceptions, just that the boundaries are respected."

His gaze held Aaron’s for a beat, assessing, then softened a fraction. "If you’re prepared to stop it when it crosses that line, then I’m prepared to speak to what matters."

He glanced toward Ziv, then returned to stillness. "That’s enough for me."

Ziv nodded, "Alright, we won't need to prepare. Basically, what you'll get is the floor, they'll listen, and once you are finished, they are free to ask questions, and again giving you the ability to answer to the best of your ability," Ziv said, looking at Aaron, "and we'll also keep an eye on the time. If you need a break, let us know," she added.

Kesden nodded once. "That’s fair." He drew a measured breath, posture steady. "I’ll speak plainly, and I’ll let you know if I need to stop."

He glanced at Ziv, then Aaron. "When you’re ready."

"...we'll be asking you some questions, prepping you as much as we can," Aaron said, looking at Ziv, "and again, let us know if you need to stop," he added.

Kesden inclined his head again. "I understand," he said evenly. "And I appreciate it."

His gaze stayed steady. "Just keep it honest. That’s all I can offer in return."

And with that, Ziv and Aaron started asking their questions, keeping them straightforward and honest as he asked, all the while making sure he knew they couldn't guarantee the Federation council members, or the admiralty of Starfleet, would.

 

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