[There's a long pause as he thinks it over. Bruce isn't someone that shares his theories readily; he's too used to working alone. But he really has no reason not to share here, and he's been consistent about advocating open sharing of information about their situation since he arrived. He just needs a second to put it together in his head.]

I think that the things we're seeing with plants dying, water quality, mold-- all of that are symptoms of, of a disease. One that's infecting the turtle itself. This is just an idea, but I would guess that Tu Vishan being ill affects all the life living on it. That it sustains it.

[This is a long speech for Bruce, but he keeps going, because no theories should be put forward without your supporting reasoning.] I found evidence of tumor-like masses underneath the shell. I can't tell from the readings I took if they're actually tumors, but it does make me think that the source of our current problems is a lot deeper than the surface.

And the Emperor, she has to know more about it than she's letting on.