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.