[Okay, some more bristling is in order. He bats at that hoof with the back of his hand, trying to get it out of his face.] Hey, they're not just funny drawings! Don't you know what an array looks like when you see one? [Obviously not, but why acknowledge that when he can act indignant instead?]

Look, I was in the middle of something and I really need to get back to it. That's all there is to it. Can't think of a better reason.

[Well, there's another reason he's homesick right now instead of earlier or later, but how does he explain that without making it confusing and sounding whiny? Dammit, general.]