Tom Malone, U.S. Marshall, finds himself banished to a small town in West Texas after an operation that he planned and executed turned into a failure. Sent to replace an older Marshall who died, he discovers that the man was gathering proof of aliens held nearby. He learns that the death was under what appears to be mysterious circumstances. The seemingly quiet town soon becomes the site of a number of mysterious events. A black helicopter gunship and an elusive UFO chaser appear at the scene of the mutilation of a young steer near a mysterious Government property which is clandestinely patrolled by men in dark uniforms. Strange nighttime sightings of lights in the sky are reported by citizens reluctant to talk to strangers. As Tom's search for answers proceeds, another strange death results in a near-panic in the town. As Tom pursues his investigation and attempts to formulate a connection between these events, a pattern of deceit and misdirection stands in his way. Ultimately, he is led back to the Government property and the secrets it has hidden for decades. In the conclusion of his search, he uncovers the secrets that could shake the foundations of the Government.