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. Failing to adjust to civilian lives in Manchester, each for his own reasons is inspired to return to Basra, one for money, one for love, and one because he passionately believes in the mission to rebuild Iraq. They return later that year to a Basra awash with billions of US dollars, creating a boom time for private military contractors.
In an effort to help Yunis's family, Hibbs ventures out into the hostile streets of Basra alone and falls into the hands of kidnappers. With their invisible companies working for untraceable cash Danny and Lester are making a fortune in Basra, and Danny is able to pay Hibb's ransom. But things soon go wrong again when Aliyah's husband is kidnapped and Mike's son Richard - a British army soldier - faces mortal danger Mike, Danny and Hibbs' journeys all fuse in a tense and emotional finale. The three friends, once united in battle, are torn apart by the aftermath.
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.
