"Their mages also have the ability to cut off our abilities, so I'd say both things aren't exactly in our favor." There are a lot of things they don't have answers to that might present themselves later. He doesn't use the network much anyway, so it's not something he's found himself bereft of. Still, it's concerning enough to think about the implications.

What are they even here for?

"I'd say a scholar is an advantage in this kind of situation. Someone's got to put the pieces together, right?" Not everyone is made for every kind of situation. It just so happens that Anakin is used to being put through ridiculous scenarios like this for the sake of war. All part of being a 'peacekeeper'.