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Ten classic science fiction stories.

Dive into the imaginative world of Mack Reynolds, a unique voice from the golden age of science fiction in the 1950s. This collection features four captivating stories that showcase his quirky storytelling style, expertly summarized by Phil Chenevert.

Ronny Bronston has always aspired to leave his home planet and embark on a thrilling career with the United Planets. His long-awaited chance arrives when he receives a provisional assignment with the Bureau of Investigation, Section G. However, as he dives into this new role, he must navigate challenges and mysteries to track down the elusive Tommy Paine. Will Ronny succeed in his mission and fulfill his dreams of adventure?

In every caste-driven society throughout history, two paths have offered a chance to transcend one‚As station the Priest and the Warrior. Yet, in today‚As world of television and tranquilizers, the concept of the Warrior takes on an entirely new and intriguing significance... (Introduction from the Gutenberg text)

In a world where status is dictated by perception rather than reality, the true worth of a man is often overshadowed by the faade he presents. Join us as we explore the paradox of status in a culture that rewards the artifice of authenticity‚Aîwhere the genuinely phony reign supreme! - Summary by Mack Reynolds

In 1960, at the height of the Cold War, the battle between Communism and Free Enterprise was fierce, each side vying to prove its ideology as the superior form of governance for humanity. Propaganda flowed relentlessly as both factions sought to assert their dominance in a world teetering on the brink of nuclear war. Having lived through those tumultuous times, I can attest to the pervasive tension, but fortunately, we emerged without a hot conflict. Yet, the fundamental question lingered which system truly prevails? This story delves into that inquiry, reflecting on humanitys rapid ascent ...

Dive into the imaginative world of Mack Reynolds, one of my favorite science fiction authors, with five captivating early stories. In Medal of Honor, explore the psyche of a man who operates above the law‚Aîwhat happens when a self-centered drunk grapples with his unique moral code? Potential Enemy sheds light on the troubling influence of fear and paranoia on the human mind. In Happy Ending, we venture to a distant future where the last solar system-wide dictator has been vanquished‚Aîwhat will his fate be? This tale probes the depths of mental megalomania and its repercussions, leaving...

Dive into the imaginative realm of Mack Reynolds with five captivating science fiction stories that showcase his unique and innovative storytelling. Originally published in the groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy magazines of the 1940s and 50s, these tales are sure to intrigue and inspire. - Summary by phil chenevert

Prescott stood to make a young fortune if he could capture a Martian zloor - dead or alive! Was there a catch to it? Only for the hunter!

Maw Coy climbed the fence down at the end of the south pasture and started up the side of the creek, carrying her bundle over her shoulder and puffing slightly at her exertion. She forded the creek there at the place where Hank's old coon dog, Jigger, was killed by the boar three years ago during the hunting season. Jumping from rock to rock across the creek made her puff even harder; Maw Coy wasn't as young as she once was.

Unfortunately, there was only one thing he could bring back from the wonderful future… and though he didn't want to…nevertheless he did...

Some writers of science fiction turn out to be reasonably accurate prognosticators of the future. In Mack Reynolds’ Mercenary, the elite 1 percent control the wealth of the nation and thus the nation. War as we know it has been eliminated, and disputes between nations, unions, and corporations are settled on a battlefield by mercenary soldiers with pre-1900 weapons. These battles are televised, and the combatants become heroes, not unlike NFL players. Meet Joe Mauser, one of the best of the best; a tactician and gun for hire.

One can't be too cautious about the people one meets in Tangier. They're all weirdies of one kind or another. Me? Oh, I'm A Stranger Here Myself!

A gun is an interesting weapon; it can be hired, of course, and naturally doesn't care who hires it. Something much the same can be said of the gunman, too....

Island One, the U.S.'s first space colony and symbol of an American renaissance, is in trouble. Low morale, shoddy workmanship, unexplained malfunctions, and avoidable accidents have become a way of life, and nobody seems to know why. Is it the Russians? Home-grown anti-technologists? Arabs afraid of cheap solar power from space - or something even more sinister?

On a future Earth wracked by strife and shortages, Roy Cos buys into a lifetime of ease through the Deathwish Policy, but his privileged status makes him a target for killers hired by the elite Worldgov.

It's a crooked road to world peace...but it works. Warfare between nations has been banned. Taking its place are the Corporate Wars - full-scale battles between mercenary armies hired by large corporations, ostensibly to settle trade disputes. But the wars are also free entertainment for the masses. In a world where most jobs have been taken over by automation, free tranquilizers have to be issued to the vast lower class to keep them subdued.

Status Quo is a sharp satirical sci-fi story that explores the absurdity of a society obsessed with status and superficiality. Government agent Larry Woolford thinks he has everything figured out—until he stumbles upon a secret conspiracy threatening the very foundations of civilization. Can he stop the rebels before they overthrow the system, or is change inevitable? A witty and thought-provoking classic of speculative fiction.

4 Science Fiction Stories by Mack Reynolds