Impossible here, at least, not to see the context: the contrast between Francis' regard for this man and the distance he's said he's put between himself and all his men. The ones still living, here. But saying anything about it for no purpose wouldn't be kind, at least not directly. In lieu of that he moves closer, smiling at Francis and running a fond hand over his hair. "He sounds like a good officer. A good man. How has he been doing here? This place is quite a change of pace from hunting slave ships."