All Joseph could really do was watch as his beloved master fell first into fits of laughter. At first he tried to laugh along with him, or at least smile at the humorous image of this rebel terrorist hugging the two of them. But then he realized that Master Alexi was becoming ill.

“Master!” he cried out, catching the human easily as he fell to the ground. “If this is what it's going to do to you, then end it! Neither of you should take another dose. You have ended his suffering, but now he is clearly causing you at least half as much pain. I do not think he intends to, not now, but that's worse in a way, because if he is not doing it intentionally, he will not know how to stop it.” 

But Joseph realized as he spoke, just from the determined look in his master's eyes, and just from what he knew of him, that he would not give up this insane plan. Before the human had gotten to speak, he addressed him again.

“Master... Alexi... I know you will not end this, no matter how much pain it causes you. It's not in your nature. But please, at least speak with Erik. He has lived with these emotions his whole life. If anyone can help you understand them and cope with them, it is him. You have ameliorated his suffering, and I think he will try and do the same for you,” Joseph suggested, touching the human's shoulder.