Meaning of The secret cargo

Captain Falcon brings aboard a large crate about which he is very secretive. There are many rumors spread by the crew about the secret cargo. The truth is not known until Falcon divulges it to Rutherford: the crate contains an Allmuseri god. The god is known to change the minds of those who come into contact with it. It also has the ability to change into any shape it pleases. Tommy, the cabin boy was visibly changed after being dared to approach it. When it is Rutherford's turn to feed the creature, it changes into the shape of Rutherford's father, Riley Calhoun, causing Rutherford to faint.