You have to wake up one morning and suddenly be part of Picard's crew. That is the only way to get there. Season 7's episode Lower Decks will reveal to us that there is no other way of getting promoted into Picard's circle. In this episode, First Officer Riker endures alien abduction in his sleep. Which shouldn't come as a surprise to him. After all, he did wake up one morning and find himself in a role as Picard's Number One. Alien abductions are the only real stress you have to endure to eventually lead Starfleet's flagship. (Or an alien empire's flagship. The episode didn't get that far.) Either way, there is really no point in working hard for Starfleet (or the alien abductors). No job promotions.
Review of Schisms
