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.