The War on Terror grinds slowly forward. Gavin Wallace does his part, serving with his National Guard unit; performing his tedious, dangerous duty in the hot gritty deserts and dirty streets of Iraq. The daily exposure to physical and psychological hazards so far from home takes its toll - even in the company of brothers in arms. Finally Gavin received his orders for discharge and heads stateside for clearing. Looking forward to his well-deserved transition to civilian life at his home near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There, his wife, family, and friends plan a marvelous welcome home party. At last Gavin can breathe deep, relax, and let the strain of the past year drain away, like calm flood waters receding in the sunny days after the storm. Security, nothing like it. Among people who love you, whom you love, doing things you've done all your life. Nothing like it - but something was wrong.