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

[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.