The events of Season 2 of Lower Decks mean that the USS Cerritos will need a new Captain. There's a wide array of characters who are already suitable for the job, despite the fact that Starfleet is supposedly bringing in someone from the outside to take over for the crew!
However, when looking at the workers already on the ship, plenty of them are well qualified, intelligent enough for the role, or are great motivators for the rest of the team. There may be some battles coming up concerning the passing of this important power, but which of the USS Cerritos is the most capable of leading the ship into the next adventure?
Honorable Mention: Carol Freeman
It seems almost criminal not to mention the service of Captain Carol Freeman who was unceremoniously arrested during the finale of Season 2. Although she may micromanage every situation, Freeman is intelligent, calm under pressure, and an extremely capable Captain.
She has served the USS Cerritos to the best of her ability and given her crew countless opportunities to succeed. She may clash with her daughter, but if there's a chance that Carol Freeman can be set as the leader of her ship once more then Starfleet should certainly ensure she is able to claim that position.
T'Ana
T'Ana the cat-like alien is a member of the senior team on the USS Cerritos. As the Chief Medical Officer T'Ana has to make life or death decisions on an almost daily basis. She's somewhat merciless in her mission but she does get the job done.
Her temper may get in the way of her being a great Captain, but her years of leadership and her quick wit would definitely help her out in the role. While she would be a fine person to sit in the chair though, she is perhaps even more needed patching up the injuries of the crew.
Kayshon
Kayshon has been with the crew for a shorter amount of time than many other prospects, but served as a crucial member of the security team when it seemed that Shaxs was gone. Not much is known about Kayshon asides from his loyalty to Starfleet and his love of doing things by the book.
He may struggle to communicate with his team sometimes thanks to his alien species boasting a difficult dialect which includes speech patterns made from references and analogies. His single-mindedness makes him one of the most qualified members of the Cerritos though.
Shaxs
Shaxs has seen plenty of battles and has the scars to prove it. He's hot-headed, mean-tempered, and charges straight into danger. There's also a kindness to Shaxs beneath the surface, which actually makes him one of the most likable characters in the crew.
If he was to step up to the Captain's chair there would actually be less ego involved than expected. Ultimately though, he could get the USS Cerritos into trouble if he continues to employ some of his most brash tactics for resolving a situation.
Jack Ransom
Speaking of ego, there's no one more arrogant than Jack Ransom. He sees the Captain's chair as his own prize to claim and has been ambitious throughout the whole of his career. He's not exactly the smartest member of the team, either, in terms of tactical prowess or emotional intelligence.
Yet he has also been a valuable member of the crew time and time again and a very reliable second in command. In many ways, the chair should naturally pass to Ransom who has more than earned it. The character has shown great evolution over the past season and is really starting to learn how to be a true leader.
Andy Billups
Andy Billups is a beloved member of the crew and someone who has been reliable and loyal to Starfleet every step of the way. His royal blood demonstrates he has leadership in his very DNA, but the choice for him to leave that life behind and pursue what he loves demonstrates the strengths of his personality.
He is completely committed to his job and has a vast amount of experience fixing technical and mechanical problems. He looks at every situation from a very logical standpoint which may be exactly what the USS Cerritos needs moving forward. He rarely reacts from an emotional point of view.
Brad Boimler
Brad Boimler has done some pretty questionable things to secure his own position in the upper decks. His ambition cannot be denied though and he shows great initiative in the ways he tries to fight for a promotion. He is a great friend and completely understands the role a Captain must play.
His naivety holds him back from reaching his full potential and even when he got transferred to the Titan he overthought his position resulting in an unfortunate circumstance where he was returned to the Cerritos. Each time Brad gets a chance he absolutely thrives, with his friends by his side.
Beckett Mariner
Beckett Mariner is a hot-head, rebellious, stubborn, and even quite rude sometimes. She is also dedicated to her friends, family, and Starfleet, even if the way she shows it is rather unconventional. The character doesn't always do things by the book but she always manages to get results doing things her way.
Mariner would probably be the perfect Captain, even though she may be a bit of a renegade one. Her time serving on countless different ships has given her the perspective needed to be a great leader. She would have also picked up quite a lot from Brad and her mother, who she has both mentored and learned from in various ways. It's very possible the finale of the show sees Mariner take her rightful place, with the upper decks full of her closest allies.