He may be trying not to crowd the civilians, but at least one of the civilians has no qualms about crowding him. The girl with the head tendrils drops back, keeping as close to him as possible, apparently having decided that huddling in the shadow of the large, imposing man with the metal arm is even better than clinging close to her previous companion.

Layla's gun comes out as they approach the door at the end of the hall, though she keeps it aimed low, the better to not accidentally draw a line on any allies they might encounter in what sounds, at least, like distant chaos. She gestures with her free hand for her ragged line of ducklings to hang back, with a quiet "Wait" in case the gesture doesn't translate, then slips up to check that the next block beyond hasn't been overtaken while she was busy with the cells.