The Lady Captain probably said "NO" to the Colonel ...

[M1Tommy]

..........Another possibility is that she was given the command because by discrediting her, her seniors could demonstrate that even the best of the female officers are incapable of leadership...........

Given that the political fallout for her CO will be "considerable", I really doubt that to be the case. Even his (base CO) superiors will catch flak for this, for years to come.
JMO, Tommy

[blackhawknj]

For years men have been complaining that women officers are promoted faster, held to more lenient standards and receive preferential treatment.