Not for lack of fucking trying. The Soldier is working double-time keeping that idiot alive, it feels like. They almost feel... insulted by her surprise, though. Like she might doubt its training, skill, and devotion to this mission. "I am a good protector, Handler Misty," they say. "And I know how to withstand a siege."

Technically, the Sergeant knows how to withstand a siege, but somehow they never did get around to telling Misty about him. (Now's probably not the best time. No, we're not bringing that up right now. Or ever. Aw, buddy, do I embarrass you? Shut up, Sergeant.)

"If they are hiding, they are hiding well. I tried to find my contact, but they didn't respond, and I couldn't find them at their home territory." Yes, the Soldier has a spirit contact. Kind of sort of friend. They got give the spirit head-scritches and coffee, okay, that's friend-behavior.