During the British invasion of Iraq in April 2003, three soldiers from the same unit come under cross-fire in a Basra flat. While there, an explosion has huge consequences for an Iraqi girl, and will radically shape the lives of Danny, Mike and Hibbs over the coming years.

Back in Basra, business is booming for private military contractors, and Danny and Lester seize the chance to make money by winning a contract to rebuild a hospital. Meanwhile, Mike hears some surprising information when he tracks down Aliyah, and his marriage comes under strain. And Hibbs starts to unravel when he witnesses the murder of a friend.

Danny tries to negotiate for Hibbs' release from his kidnappers. With their invisible companies working for untraceable cash, Danny and Lester are making a fortune in Basra. Mike's son Richard joins the army, and Mike promises to return to Iraq to keep an eye on him. And when Aliyah's husband is kidnapped, Mike, Danny and Hibbs' journeys all fuse in a tense and emotional finale.