If genetic degradation is involved, he might not have had much free will in the matter.

[There is a moment where the metholodical rowing becomes harder, a focused drive of some unpleasant emotion or other, but as soon as he realizes it he readjusts.]

... But I hope so. He's here because someone thinks he can do better, and I know he can. He was a good man, not so long ago to my memory. Reliable, kind. Loyal.

[Lots of good things, lots of things that hurt to think about if he accepted he might have had a part in things going so badly.]