Troubles — Ian Miller

By the mid 21st century the world economies had collapsed; the few wealthy live in gated communities where law is based on user pays, while the masses exist on residue-ridden food handouts in the remains of cities, where law is based on the gun. In one part of a decayed city, known as the Green Zone, Henry Adams has an ill-fated crush on Susan, the daughter the sniper Lawrence Foster. When Henry's father is murdered, the dying Lawrence uses bounties to send Susan to college, and he teaches Henry the art of sniping.

In 2051, fusion power is invented. Economies will grow, there are huge opportunities, and the world will change. Henry has a dream in which everybody has the freedom and opportunity to flourish, and helped by his flair for sniping, the Green Zone begins to flourish. As it does, it attracts David Sheldon, who acquires wealth and power by fair means or, more generally, foul means, and it also attracts back Susan Foster, who, assisted by the machine pistol she always carries, is helping to form monopoly corporations. At stake is the future direction of the planet's economy as well as their, and many others', lives.