New. What an awful and deceiving word; they had said that about their arrangement, too. A bond fresh, new, clean to vile, weak, new-enough for him to survive if only to suffer.

When Sybok opened his eyes he could see Jim's hand drop, and he tallied one for Jim in admirable qualities. Compared to what he had seen and what he had interacted with, such a mix seemed so unusual.

"He's part human. It could have little effect on him--unlikely, since he can feel you clearly--or it could be worse. He continues to be a living experiment."