Reason appears to be outside of their realm of understanding, yes. From what I've seen on the network, the jewel is the source of their animation. If you can get close enough to dislodge it, then the pieces ought to fall apart. Or -- something of the sort. It was a little obfuscated by the native language from this world.

[He automatically shrinks back behind the captain, to keep out of his weapon's range and minimize the risk that he'll be somehow a distraction.]

If it helps, you might consider this a -- dissection of sorts.