Having raced to capture the airfield, First Recon is now miles ahead of the rest of the American force and has some time to rest and regroup. The abandoned supply truck has been looted and destroyed, and the company is now down to one meal a day. After expressing their dismay to their commander, Alpha is tasked with a different mission - to recover the body of a captured Marine who was murdered in Ash Shatrah, which takes a twist when a CIA-trained army of Iraqi Freedom Fighters arrives and then just as quickly departs. Meanwhile, Bravo pushes north, clearing hamlets and facing heavy fire. Along the way, Trombley is able to redeem himself at least a bit in the eyes of his fellow Marines. As Alpha heads into Ash Shatra, Bravo sets up a roadblock outside of Al Hayy. The men debate the proper protocol to stop cars, but it is a fine line between being cautious and putting oneself at risk. Bravo steps off as Alpha returns to the fold, having raised more questions with their mission in Ash Shatra than they answered.