[This startles the scientists in one collectively-labcoated clump.

"Shhh!" "Good god, are you TRYING to let them know we're here?!" "I'm too brilliant to die..." "--you got your degree online, you hack, you're not fooling anyone."

[There's a sudden, loud and suspcious crash ahead. Turning the corner they'll find the last few pebbles bouncing down over a pile of rubble that covers the stairs, completely blocking the path. There's also a flash of oily red in the darkness as something draws back into the ceiling. Looks like they're not getting out THAT way.]