The goal of the main plot revolved around which way Texas chose to ally herself. If Texas allied herself with the Cheyenne government Cheyenne would have the strength to conquer the other free states. If Texas fell in with the free states they would have a fighting chance against the Cheyenne government. I did not get the impression that there was a full blown war going on between the two factions ... yet. In fact the Jake and Hawkins characters were quite somber contemplating the inevitable war they would spark off after flying the nuke to Texas.