When Dash came too he opened his eyes and looked around. He was no longer in the plane but nor was he in the alpha team sick bay. He was in a tent. His left arm and shoulder were bandaged, obviously not by a pro, but enough to keep whatever was making them hurt covered up. Over him lay a warm blanket.
Dash took the blanket off him and stood. He didn't know whose tent it was and he needed to find out if they were friend or foe. He opened up the tent flap and looked outside.
Around what probably was once a fire pit were three people. A man with black hair who looked to be in his early 20's, a woman with reddish brown hair who looked about the same age and an elderly man, bold with white facial hair.
The younger man looked up and seemed to notice Dash.
"G'day mate!" he said in a thick Australian accent.
His two friends turned to look at Dash as well.
"Hello," Dash said politely.
"How are you feeling?" Asked the elder in a British accent.
"My arm hurts a little, but it's nothing serious," Dash replied.
His mind buzzed with questions. Who were these people? Was he still in Iran? How long had he been unconscious? Had his team tried to contact him.
"You sure you're alright? You seem a bit dazed," said the woman, apparently an American.
"Uh, yes sorry…I'm just trying to get my bearings," Dash replied.
"Understandable. Come sit down and have something to eat we'll answer any questions," said the Australian.
Dash sat down between him and the woman. Said woman opened a can of fruit and handed it to him with a spoon.
"Sorry it's nothing fancy. It's all we really have to offer," she apologized.
"Given that I nearly lost my life, I don't think I'm in any position to complain," said Dash, "Thank you all of you. I probably wouldn't be alive right now if it weren't for you."
"Don't mention it," said the Australian, "My name is Johnny Thunder. This is Dr. Kilroy and Pippin Reed."
He pointed to the elder and the woman respectively.
"It's nice to meet you three. My name is Dash Justice," Dash said, "How long was I unconscious?"
"We found you yesterday afternoon. It's now about 8:00 in the morning," said Dr. Kilroy, "You weren't very badly hurt. Just knocked out and burned a bit."
"What happened anyway? It looked like the plane was shot," Pippin inquired.
"It's a long story," Dash told her.
"Well I find a fire pit to be a good place for such things," said Johnny.
Dash sighed and told him about the mission and the fight between him and the drone.
"Cup of Jamshid…" Johnny said thoughtfully, "Dr. Kilroy? Ring any bells?"
"It does and Dash is right. If this Ogel person does get a hold of it, he may well be impossible to beat," Dr. Kilroy said.
"And the tomb of Darius III?" Dash asked.
"I know where it is," Dr. Kilroy said, "We can take you there once you're feeling up to the journey."
"I'm feeling up for it," Dash said standing, "I appreciate your help."
"Don't mention it. This Ogel guy sounds like bad news. We don't want Lego world under tyranny any more than anyone else," Said Pippin.
The three quickly packed up the camp and bit into a small car. There was just enough room for all 4 to squeeze in. Dr. Kilroy drove.
"So how do you guys know so much about this sort of thing?" Dash asked.
"We're treasure hunters, mate. We do this sort of thing all the time," Johnny replied.
"Oh! Before I forget, a woman tried to contact you last night with this," said Dr. Kilroy getting out Dash's radio, "I told her you were unconscious and under our care, and that I'd have you contact her once you woke up."
"Thank you," Dash said taking the radio.
"Dash to Alpha Team. Returning contact," he said into it.
"Dash! Are you alright?" Cam's voice asked from the radio.
"A few burns but no serious damage, especially given that I was shot down," Dash replied, "How are you feeling?"
"Still tired and achy, but not bad enough to be in sickbay," Cam answered, "You coming back to base?"
"No. I'm on the trail of the cup of Jamshid. I plan to finish what I started in this mission," Dash told her.
"Should I send back up?" Cam asked.
"No, I'm not alone. The people who talked to you earlier is helping me. Cam, all I want you to focus on is resting up," said Dash.
Cam laughed, "I'll try. Keep us updated and take care."
"Will do. Over and out," said Dash.
"Is she sick?" Pippin asked.
"Recovering from a recent illness," Dash replied, "Wouldn't mind giving her a drop or so of the elixir of life to help her feel better."
"You have to find it first," Johnny smiled, "You have lots of good motives. I like that."
Dash smiled back and thanked him. He decided he liked this trio a lot. They were very friendly especially given that Dash was a complete stranger to them. They had no reason to trust or to help him, and Dash knew this. Yet, here they were doing just that.
"Almost there, Dash. I hope you're ready for anything," said Dr. Kilroy.
"Always am," Dash said confidently.