Admiral Halsey: "I have good news. There's a ship available. It's a mid-level craft. The USS Orville. It's not exactly a heavy cruiser, but it is an exploratory vessel. And we're offering you command."

Captain Mercer: "You're kidding."

Admiral Halsey: "Honestly, we would've offered you a command earlier, but you haven't really inspired anyone with all that much confidence this past year."

Captain Mercer: "I know, I've had some personal stuff that's been going on. It's not really worth going into."

Admiral Halsey: Ed, I remember when you were at Union Point, you were at the top of your class. Your teachers all thought you'd be captaining a heavy cruiser before 40. But this past year, the tardiness, the sloppiness. My God, you've been put on report for coming into work hungover six times. Look, the truth is, you're nobody's first choice for this job. But we have 3000 ships to staff, and we need captains. We're giving you one last chance. I just need to know that you're ready."

Until he was offered this command of the USS Orville, Ed Mercer was in a rut. His work sufferd due to personal circumstances and any chance at advancement in his career seemed further away than ever.

The reason given by Halsey for his appointment was a (partial) lie,

** SPOILER**: ⬛as it was his ex-wife who was instrumental in him getting this promotion. ⬛

Now he has the chance to prove himself worthy as captain of his own ship.

Will he succeed?