An invasion is happening, and it's happening by Major Hackett and his hired guns to any rancher or homesteader who is not a member of the Cattleman's Beleavent. An article in the paper only mentions one name, Longhorn Jenny who obtains her cattle to sell by questionable methods. She is branded a rustler. That's only the beginning of Hackett's invasion, however. Shane is concerned for the homesteaders, and yes, even Ryker, who live in the valley and tries to warn them to join together to fight Hackett, because he WILL come. Everyone laughs in his face, however, and refuse to leave. Even Marion refuses to leave. When Shane has a talk with Joey, he realizes there is only one thing left to do. He may never see Marion again.

Frustrated by his inability to convince the homesteaders and Ryker of the need to fight the crazed, megalomaniac Major Hackett and his army, Shane decides to accept Hackett's offer and join his troop, in the hope of learning which ranchers they plan to attack next and warning them before more are killed.