Leverage

Time for what? And how does she know we're here?

'She probably heard us coming in,' Cali shook her head. 'Didn't realise you'd said that out loud?'

'Why would she think I'd come alone? It makes no sense.'

'Part of the trap? Lure us into overconfidence, then wham, a nasty surprise when we open the door.'

Melia nodded. 'I'd suggest it's a trap. They must have someone close to Jake as a hostage, so the second they heard movement out here...'

'Then if I walk in through the front door-'

'You can't; they'll kill you!' 

Melia smiled, watching as his daughter glared at me, her eyes ablaze. 'Cali's right, that's why we'll be in a position to provide cover.' He looked up at the ventilation; the shafts ran at either side, into the chamber beyond.

'Professor, take this,' I handed him my pistol, sighing. 'They'll take it off me anyway. But I think I know a way for you to fire ammunition without blowing everything up.'