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“We need the shifter perspective. Lynn knows more about magic than any of us in the unit, but the questions you’re asking prove there’s another way to look at this which may be more useful in the long run.

I can only see what I see. Interpreting it is the hard part, especially since I’m new to this entire world of magic and shapeshifters,” Zeke explained.

Santini was nodding along with his words, his expression considering. “I see what you mean. If there’s a next time—and I hope there will be—I’ll petition to have one of us, if not myself, present to examine things from the shifter side,” he promised as Zeke nodded in thanks.

Zeke hated telling the man about the particulars of the attack on his family, but he was handling it well.

Zeke went through every step of the action as he had seen it, and the master chief listened to it all, his only reaction a tightening of his lips from time to time at some of the worst revelations.

Finally, the story was told, and Zeke sat back.

“I’m very sorry to have had to tell you all this,” Zeke said softly.

“Don’t be,” the master chief cut him off.

“You’ve given me pieces of a puzzle I never otherwise would have been able to find.

You’ve given my mind the peace of knowing exactly what happened to my son and daughter-in-law, and I consider it a gift.

Sure, it was tough to hear, and it’s tough to know, but not knowing what happened has been worse, by far.

Now, at least, I have a clear picture, and even better, I know what I’m up against in tracking down that mage and making her pay.

” Santini’s eyes were grim, and Zeke knew how the man felt. He felt the same thirst for justice.

“I’m all for that, Master Chief. If I can help in any way, please call on me,” Zeke offered again.

“You’ve already been more help than anyone else,” Santini offered with an approving nod. “That power of yours isn’t trivial.”

Zeke hesitated a moment before speaking.

The master chief made him feel safer to speak his mind than any of his comrades.

Maybe it was because they were in different chains of command.

Maybe it was because Santini knew a hell of a lot more about magic than any of his Green Beret unit mates.

Or, maybe, it was just that Santini was older and had seen a lot more of the world.

He had a strong mentor vibe that Zeke had seen at work in his command, as well as with many of the other younger soldiers on the base.

Zeke somehow felt safe talking this over with the older man, and it had been bugging him for a long time.

“I have to admit, I never thought anyone would say that, or think that. When that old djinn was giving out the gifts, I always felt like I got the consolation prize,” Zeke admitted.

“Because it’s not showy or more of an active physical power? Like Hal and his super-strength or your doctor friend who can heal with his touch?” Santini asked, nodding as if he already knew the answer.

Zeke nodded slowly in agreement. “It hasn’t been super useful to this point.

I’m just glad I’ve been able to help Celine, and you, sir.

But I want you to know, I’m still a special operator whose skills are going to waste sitting here on this patch of sand.

I want to get out there in the real world again and make a difference.

That’s what I signed on for, and that’s what we haven’t been able to do much in the past few months.

If you need an extra hand when you go to take out the mage, I want to be on the mission.

I’m volunteering, though I know it’s a bit unorthodox telling you this rather than my chain of command. I just wanted you to know.”

The master chief surprised him by reaching out one beefy hand and placing it on Zeke’s shoulder. He squeezed once, in what almost felt like affection. Paired with the respect Zeke thought he saw in the older man’s eyes, Zeke felt like he’d done and said the right thing.

“Nothing about this base is orthodox, youngster.” Santini chuckled and let go of Zeke’s shoulder.

“I’ll keep your offer in mind, but you need to stop thinking of your gift as sub-par.

It’s real and true and extremely helpful.

It may not be showy or outrageous, but it’s solid and useful.

Just like you, I expect.” Santini sat back in his chair and regarded Zeke appraisingly.

“I’ve seen your record, and I have to admit, you impress me, Zeke.

Even before your encounter with the djinn, your skills spoke for themselves, and I’d have been pleased to have you on my team, anytime. If you’d gone Navy, that is.”

The master chief winked as he stood from the table. He bussed his own dishes, and Zeke followed suit. As they walked slowly over to the wall where the dirty dishes were stacked to be collected, Santini spoke again.

“Psychometry is a fascinating gift. I think you’re the kind of man who will find good ways to use it now and into the future. This is just the first of many instances where your particular gift will come in handy, I believe.”

“What makes you so sure?” Zeke had to ask. He didn’t feel the same way at all, but if the master chief believed his own words, it was worth thinking about.

“My people believe in and serve the Goddess. We call Her the Mother of All. Did you know that?” Santini asked, putting his dishes in the waiting tub and turning to look Zeke in the eye.

“I’d heard something like that from Lynn,” Zeke allowed.

“Well, I’ve heard there’s a saying among humans that God works in mysterious ways.

We believe the same about the Divine. Whether you think that’s a male deity or the Great Spirit or Gaia or the Mother of All.

She’ll never give you more than you can handle, and very often, She’ll surprise you with things you never expected.

I suspect your gift is something like that.

She gave it to you for a reason, Zeke. You just need to trust that She knows what She’s doing. ”

“So, you’re saying I should have faith?” Zeke asked, cringing just a little.

“That about sums it up. For now, just trust that you’re on the right path and follow where it leads.

A lot of shitty things have happened, but we have to trust that they’re happening for reasons only the Divine can truly comprehend.

In the eternal battle between good and evil, I know which side I want to be on.

The side of the Light. The Goddess. The Mother of All.

” Each declaration was spoken with such conviction, Zeke felt it down to his bones.

“I’ve never really been a religious man, but I like what you’re saying,” Zeke admitted to the older man.

“It’s not about organized religions. It’s about being on the right side when push comes to shove.

I believe all of you Army guys are on the straight and narrow, otherwise your unit wouldn’t have been allowed to set foot on this base.

And you wouldn’t have been given such incredible gifts by the djinn you encountered.

Those old ones are known to be capricious and fast to kill those they don’t like.

That one must’ve liked what he saw in all of you and chose to intervene on the side of Light by arming you all with gifts he chose especially for each one of you.

The fact that he gave you psychometry means something.

It’ll be up to you to figure out what that is and use it to the best of your ability.

Just like all your other friends. Each man in your unit is going to have to figure that out for themselves. ”

Zeke shook his head. “I hear you, Master Chief, and I appreciate your guidance. It’s just going to take a while for me to figure out what it all means. Before recent events, I really did think I’d gotten the lamest gift of all.”

“Far from it, youngster. Believe it. You might be the key to unlocking mysteries that nobody else can discover. You’ve done it here. I think you’ll continue to improve as you use your gift and uncover all its nuances. Don’t give up on it.”