“We can’t just storm the castle! It’s foolish! They’ll be ready for us,” Will said and John nodded, smoking on a pipe.
“Marion is trapped in there, I’m certain they’d be keeping her in the tower. Any attack would have to take that into consideration," Gilbert added as Robin sat at the table between John and Will.
“We’d need weapons... and armour. We’d need to be stealthy too,” John said and Robin nodded, standing up and walking over to the secret wall, pulling it aside to reveal the room full of weapons and armour.
“We have weapons... and armour," Robin said and the four men stood from the table, walking towards the weapon room.
“My God! You knew about this?” Tuck asked and Robin nodded.
“Ranger kept this place well fortified and fully stocked with weapons. We will need to think of a way to attack the castle in a way they would never see coming. I say we drop in from above and below – We rescue Marion from the tower, and charge the front gates at the same time. They will expect one assault, but to attack two places at once just might be crazy enough to work," Robin said.
Will laughed, looking around at the men.
“You can’t be serious! There’s firepower here, sure but we don’t have the manpower for an attack like this! It would take a ship with incredible firepower and shields to get past the squad cars that patrol that place, not to mention the guns on the towers. We’d need an army of men on the ground as well to get through that door! We’d need every man we have and then some to make this work,” Will said.
“I need six men. Three above and three below. Armed to the teeth. The ground team will be a distraction, the primary attack will be from above. We get Marion out of there and we blow the tower. All I need is a ship. I can do the rest," Robin said and Will shook his head.
“Oh, you’re gonna fly it I suppose!” Will said and Robin shook his head.
“No, you are. I’ve seen you move Will and I read you were a pilot," Robin said. Will loosened his collar.
“You don’t have a ship! Where are you going to find a ship?” Will asked and Robin smiled.
“He’s going to steal one," John said with a grin and Robin nodded.
“We steal a ship, the ground crew can take the car. We have plenty of explosives in here, not to mention guns. Tuck, Gilbert and Reynold Greenleaf will create a distraction at the base of the castle. Cause as much devastation as you can and get their attention. Meanwhile, Will, John and I will carry out the main attack from above in the stolen ship. Every one will need to wear armour and carry as much firepower as you can carry. How sure are you that Marion will be in the tower?” Robin asked Gilbert and Gilbert shrugged.
“Women are always held captive in the upper levels. The king likes to see if the female prisoners are to his liking, everyone knows that," he said and Robin frowned.
“Let’s hope you’re right,” Robin replied and Will cleared his throat, speaking up again.
“Look I hate to raise a rather stupid question, but where are you going to steal a ship?” he asked and Robin placed a hand on Will’s shoulder.
“Would you relax, Will? I have a plan" Robin said.
*****
Frank Marshall walked through the city, a blonde bombshell on his arm who was laughing sarcastically at everything he said.
“Yeaaaah so, he stole my ride. Stole lots of my money, but I hear the sheriff got him good. I can’t wait for you to see my ship, baby! She’s built like a tank!” Frank said and the blonde, whose name was Kitty stopped walking.
“I sure hope he didn’t steal all your money, Frankie,” She said and Frank laughed.
“Baby, I’ve got so much money, I doubt it would even be possible. There’s still plenty of sugar to go around, babe,” Frank said as Robin stepped out of an alley holding his bow at his chest.
“Hi Frank! I hear you have a nice ship," Robin said and Frank frowned as Kitty took off running.
“Oh... crap! Hey man... I was just talking about you," he said, Robin lowering his weapon and leading Frank into the alley.
“Yeah, well I hope it was something nice. We need to have a talk Frank," Robin said.
*****
The Alanna was a chrome, u-shaped freighter with a large circular section in the centre, an odd looking but sleek vessel; pristine and not a scratch on her. She was slender and not as big as Robin had imagined, but Frank was right. She sure was beautiful.
The ship was docked in a large docking bay and was unguarded. Frank had given him the codes to release her for take off so aside from learning how to fly her, he didn’t anticipate any problems.
The boarding ramp was lowered and he, Will and John ran up the ramp leading into the interior of the space freighter. There were large cannons attached to the front and rear of the vessel, the shine of the chrome catching the light of the sun from the open docking bay.
The interior of the ship was a flashy red and white – not unlike a fifties diner. Everything was kept neat and clean and as Robin walked into the ship, he regarded the decor with a smile. This was a small ship, but it was classy and the mid section resembled a fancy hotel room. There were
