Actually the Pathfinders have been there since the first mission. They are very much part of the main cast, albeit in supporting roles.
That said
Badger has shown no reluctance to get the characters banged up, so I don't think he'd hesitate to kill one if need be.
Look at poor Autumn. Her gun blew up in Broken Bow, she was poisoned in Strange New World, I wouldn't be one bit surprised if she did get munched on in this one.