The problem with the big hole is some of his other teammates came crashing through it. (Though a few made their own holes in walls or the ceiling). And now bullets - and worse, ray beams - are flying everywhere.

While it would handle the bullets just fine, he's not sure his TTK will protect Tim from the ray beams.

"Once we get this under control, it'll be safe to move you out of here. Don't worry." He gives him a curt nod, and the sincerity is palpable. "We'll get you home."

The confidence in that is fairly unshakeable.

"Just stay down, and stay quiet and out of sight."

He touches the crates and the blue light appears again, spreading over them. They move to create slightly more of a curve so Tim is covered from multiple angles. He keeps the back open just in case something unpredictable happens where he has to move. (Or he has to instruct him to move.)

As he bounds away, it'll be obvious why, even if Tim doesn't peek through the slight slight hole in between two of the crates. Because Mutagenia's goons yell in pain as Thirteen flies around the room in bursts of superspeed. There are loud metallic noises as he slams them with his shield.

The group is a little rough and tumble but...effective. After all, they're trying to get time off their sentences and not all of them were guilty of villainy. Some were vigilantes that got caught at it. Others just struggled to control their powers. Still, there is a hissing noise and a scream at one point.

"King Snake, we have our orders!" Thirteen calls out. "Less than lethal force only!"

"Fine! God, a guy can't even have a little ssnack, I guesss."