“He not hurt,” Tarn said.
Morris looked to Locke, who shrugged, “I won’t order you to do it,”
“Technically, you can’t. I’m a civilian now” Morris chuckled.
Karapanov laughed, “I wouldn’t do it, but that’s me, Tavarish,”
Bael stood patiently with his small grey fist outstretched.
Gritting his teeth, Jim Morris extended his hand and Bael took hold.
Within seconds, Morris fell to his knees as his eyes rolled to the back of his head, while his body quaked in a violent seizure.
“JIM!” Locke cried, taking steps to pull him away.
“No!” Tarn waved his little arms frantically, “No, no, Bael no harm! no harm. nope nope.”
Karapanov stood menacingly over Tarn, “What is he doing to him?”
The guard piped in, “I told you not to touch him,”
“Answer him, Tarn,” Locke shouted.
“Learning”
Morris let go, and he fell back in a heap, shivering.
All went silent as the captain and her crewmate held their breath.
Morris held his head, “Oh Christ,” we waved, “I’m alright. Was like an knife in my head”
“I understand, now” Bael said.