Ranchers on the planet Terris are raising native livestock known as herdlings. But when the herdlings start to disappear, John Starr, a Lawkeeper is assigned to the case.

When John arrives in the Butte Territory he finds that not only are there herdlings missing, but men have been killed. And one of the ranchers is a beautiful young woman that he is attracted too.

As he conducts his investigation he is confused when there are no trails leading to the missing herdlings. But when the laser guns start to blaze, more secrets than missing herdlings are revealed.