As the plane dropped out of supersonic flight and approached the island's secret runway the windows were untinted and for the first time the hero's got a look at the amazing stronghold of the legendary Samaritan. The island was small and the massive superstructure of his fortress took up much of it. It was futuristic looking, most steel and glass, massive satellite dishes decorating it's roof. The Samaritan's famous 'S' insignia acted as a facade, taking up the entire front of the building. One had to wonder how secret this base of operations really was, but they were unaware of the cloaking technology that hid the island from sight of any passersby.<br/><br/>Princess Glory budged off of the plane first, she was still acting pissed off and wanted to be the first to greet the famous hero, but to her chargrin the Samaritan wasn't there. Instead it was Gwen Vadar and several of her staff. Gwen was dressed to kill as usual, she had amazing fashion sense and it showed in everyone of her outfits.<br/><br/><br/>"Greetings hero's and thank you for accepting our offer! We here at H.O.L corp would like to say welcome to the Samaritan's Fortress of Privacy and...." Gwen started in with her prepared speech but Princess Glory interrupted her.<br/><br/>"Yeah yeah....Listen I was unaware that I would have to audition for this! I am Princess Glory and I don't think that any of the other applicants have a realistic chance anyway. I mean it's fairly obvious to anyone with half a mind that I am the best option for the Samaritan's partner. " She said with that same little snobby tone in her voice.<br/><br/>Gwen only smiled and nodded, "Yes well, if the Samaritan thought you were the best choice, he would have only issued the invitation to you and you alone, but he has decided that two other of your peers showed enough merit to be invited as well, Princess. " Gwen stated calmly, unaffected by Glory's temper tantrum.<br/><br/>"PEERS??? Peers? What peers? That metal guy has only been heroing for a few months! I was a founding member of the Teen Justifiers!" She demanded, and stomped her booted foot down like a child. Unlike a child, she cracked the tarmac.<br/><br/>"Please, Princess Glory, if you don't want to participate in the testing procedure we can gladly refuel the plane and have you dropped back off in the city of your choosing. " Gwen said and this time a little more sternly, it was something in the professional woman's eyes that said not to mess with her, because Glory quieted immediately and folder her arms over her ample chest like a spoiled child.<br/><br/>"Welcome Hazard, Or do you prefer 'Titan' our records have you listed as both." Gwen asked as the metal man stepped off of the plane.<br/><br/>After introductions were made,  Gwen informed the two heroes that a third applicant would be arriving soon and that special precautions would have to be taken for everyone's safety. Gwen apologized but had to inform the Metal hero that the reflective qualities of his armor were going to be a problem, but offered a simple solution. The tech guys had created a special vinyl sticker that could easily be placed on to his exoskeleton and wouldn't affect it's performance. It simply dulled the metal enough so that reflections weren't shown.  If he would agree to having it applied they could move forward with showing the hero's to there accommodations.<br/><br/>***************<br/><br/>Inside the fortress was as amazing as its exterior. It was gigantic and modern decor. The entry hall was three stories tall with floor to ceiling widow which allow beautiful natural light to flood the chamber and illuminate everything in an exotic glow. On the rear wall was a huge oil painting of the original Guardians standing heroically with there fists place on their hips.  Captain Supreme, Red Scarab, Lady Aryan, The The Horned Owl, Riddle Master, and the Blue Mercury.<br/><br/>Next they were guided into the chow hall which boasted world class chefs and exotic cuisine made to order. The training facility was next, it was high tech and built to test the limits of any hero's powers. A walk through of the Library follow that, and here they saw a collection of ancient tomes that rivaled the Vatican's own.<br/><br/>Finally they arrived on the upper floors, via a super fast elevator system. This floor was the living area, and each suite made most hotel's five star rooms look like dives. The Fortress's rooms had giant private bathrooms, huge beds, and full living rooms with top of the line entertainment systems. They were informed that the Samaritan's private quarters were then next floor up and that it was a restricted area.<br/><br/>"Well that's it for now ,until our third applicant arrives, please make yourselves at home, and if you need anything at all, there is a call button in your rooms. Staff is very accommodating so don't be afraid to ask for anything you might need. Tonight the Samaritan will hold a feast in which he can meet you all on a personal level, and then tomorrow we'll begin the testing portion of the evaluation." Gwen said and then her and her staff returned to the elevator, leaving Princess Glory and the Metal titan to get settled in.<br/><br/>"Don't even think we are gonna be chums, buddy! I am too high class to consort with the likes of some street level vigilante like you!" Princess Glory said as she marched off toward her suite.