[There's a thoughtful look from the old General. From the sounds of things, it was just as bad, or even worse than he had initially anticipated - someone was keeping them captive, and they weren't making a show of themselves. But slip-ups are always good, and can provide a decent tactical edge if it ever came to it.

Especially for him, for being thrown from one mess, into another. And if it's 'scientists', it sounds outlandish enough to be Nefarious' work.

Or Vorselon, with all the water.]

You've been building this up for awhile, it seems. So tell me; how long has this city been in existence? For what purpose does it kidnap those from their own worlds to serve here? You say the Coral itself is sentient. How?