The Cosmic Bluff

"The Cosmic Bluff" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction story set in a future where humans live throughout the Solar System, focusing on what happens when an ordinary man is thrust into the role of a hero. The story follows Jak Dempsi, who unexpectedly becomes the Solar System Champion, a title he did not earn fairly, and how he deals with the consequences of this newfound fame, all while navigating challenges with warlike aliens from Centaurus. Jak struggles with doubts about whether he deserves to be the champion, especially because winning back his sweetheart, Suzi, and proving his worth to everyone depends on it. After a drunken boast, Jak finds himself in a dangerous situation, setting the stage for either defending or losing the entire Solar System, forcing him to confront his inner fears, uncover the truth behind the strange events that made him champion, and embrace the man he was always trying to be.