In a large laboratory magnetoplasma, the current flow is investigated between a field-aligned electron beam and an electrode collecting return current on a separate flux tube. The space-time evolution of the current system shows spiraling currents penetrating along B↘0 near electron thermal speeds (v≲v the ≫v Alfv¿n). The electron beam propogates faster than the current, hence its front is current neutralized. Anomalous cross-field currents shunt the field-aligned currents, preventing the formation of a long current loop. Plasma expulsion by the return-current collecting electrode disrupts the large initial currents which are one order of magnitude above the electron saturation current. The plasma dynamics causes repeated current bursts and periodic charging of the beam/electrode with respect to the plasma potential.