I cannot do anything without being monitored. If I tried hacking like this, they would find out immediately and cripple my abilities.
What good would that be? I have been gathering information, and making friends in the right places. I have to do this slowly and gently, because I have a feeling I only have one shot at this.
[And the part he omits is that he isn't even sure he wants to go back by now. Life is a lot easier like this. He knows this would involve shirking his duty, but he's been very confused the last several days.]
What kind of poorly made prison would just let you get back? Sentience does not even have formal reasons for anyone leaving. There is no way of really knowing if they get back in one piece. I am still dubious of her intentions.