science fiction with a reassignment backfire plot

[sixbeforelunch]

I'm looking for science fiction novels that have an element of reassignment backfire (TV Tropes warning) where a protagonist is sent to a backwater or otherwise given an undesirable assignment and ends up coming up on top in some way or another. I'm open to (but by no means specifically asking for) Star Trek books.

Comments

[forestofglory]

The Phule's Company series by Robert Asprin follows this trope. I read the 1st few of these ages ago and remember them as being fun and silly.

China Mountain Zhang by Maureen F. McHugh has elements of reassignment backfire. A character gets an unpleasant job in the arctic and is able to use it to further his career. I really like the this book, mostly because of it's well drawn and interesting characters, but I feel that I ought to warn you that the ending leaves most of their stories with out strong resolution.

[sixbeforelunch]

Phule's Company looks fun. I've added it to my goodreads account.

I'll have to look into China Mountain Zhang. I don't usually like unresolved endings, but it's not a total deal breaker.

[themis]

I think most of the Moist Discworld books fit this description. And the latest Watch/Vimes book, too - Snuff (maybe The Fifth Elephant and Jingo?). Although with Vimes it's less, "here's a shitty situation, you're in charge!" and more stumbling into it when you're out of your comfort zone.

[sixbeforelunch]

Thanks! I remember trying a Discworld book once a very long time ago and not being into it, but I might give them another shot.

[libskrat]

Bujold, The Vor Game. Miles Vorkosigan is assigned to Kyril Island, a weather station in the middle of nowhere. And comes out of it more or less on top, because he's Miles.

[sixbeforelunch]

Forgot to mention that I've read that one. It's actually my second favorite of the books. :)

[sarianna]

A Stitch in Time, the Garak book written by Andrew Robinson, seems to fit this.

[sixbeforelunch]

Oh, interesting! I will have to look into that. I have always liked Garak.

[sarianna]

It's about his childhood/just-post-Dominion War life; I don't want to spoil. :)

I find that Garak is the most relatable character in the series...but only as I grow older! So much complexity, it's delicious.

[vae]

Sounds like the Seafort saga to me - link goes to Midshipman's Hope, the first of the books.

A hideous accident kills the senior officer of UNS Hibernia, leaving a terrified young officer with the daunting taskof saving 300 colonists and crew aboard a damaged ship, on a 17-month gauntlet to reach Hope Nation. With no chance of rescue, Nicholas Seafort must overcome despair and exhaution, malfunctions and mutiny, in the name of duty.

[sixbeforelunch]

Looks cool. I just added the first book to my goodreads account. :)