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]

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.