Hamilton and Markov are about to finish five years of service in the Foreign Legion and a six-month posting in Afghanistan when they are suddenly ambushed by enemy fire during an unauthorized outing, and Hamilton is seriously wounded. Markov is dishonorably discharged, despite having saved Hamiltons life, while Hamilton remains enlisted. They both end up in Paris, Markov ekes out a meager existence as an illegal immigrant, trying to provide for his young son Khadji. When Markov is killed in an accident, Hamilton feels almost dead, but there is Khadji, who is very much alive.