On Authority.

In reference to metapower authority it is simply who retains control in a conflict between two compatible powers. The classic example is if two telekinetics each contest a particular object, who gets to move it? It is alway the meta with the most authority that wins the contest, or rather there is no contest at all. The holder of the lesser authority will be completely incapable of affecting the object for as long as the greater authority holds it. This means that any conflict between compatible powers is decided almost entirely by who holds the most authority. Authority has only been observed to increase with age, leaving those with the most experience with another advantage. In comparison, non compatible meta-expressions can more often rely on skill or strength of the user, though some powers have broader or even universal authority. For example many metahumans have at least limited authority over their own body, allowing them to resist powers being targeted directly at them.

After the teens finished with paperwork Mickey gave them a once over.

First up was the large one, Alphonse. A redhaired lad with a layer of fat over muscle he reminded Mickey of himself, if only in build. In addition to the flail he had picked up in the dungeon he was wearing some beat up motocross armour and a rough shield, improvised out of some ropes and what looked like a cabinet door.

Next to him was the skinny blonde boy, Benjamin. Dressed in a long t-shirt and jeans he carried a long knife and a large bag, filled with supplies.

Mickey’s assessing gaze moved onto the dark haired and tanned siblings, Cassowary and Dolphin. Mickey checked the paperwork.

‘I’m sure you two have heard this before but are your parents new age types?’

‘Hippies.’

Cassie ground out resentfully. Donga just sighed tiredly.

Some history there I'm sure,but none of my business.

The final member named Rosa Wedd was unfamiliar to Mickey, not having delved into the dungeon yet.

She was average sized with the brown skin of an indeterminate asian or polynesian island. More interestingly she had a functional compound bow and well worn archery equipment.

Must have been fun getting all that across the city.

Checking her over he noted the wrist and chest guards and the quiver filled with arrows.

‘Can I see one of your arrows, Please?’ Mickey asked, holding out a hand.

Rosa frowned but gave him an arrow.

‘Hmm. Do you have anything other than target tips? These are less than optimal.’

The young woman hesitated before answering.

‘No I didn’t have time to get broadheads or anything.’

Mickey nodded before holding his hand above the table. After a second dark smoke flowed from his hand into the shape of a cube, which further solidified into a cardboard box of triangular arrowheads.

The group of teens looked at the box wide eyed.

‘You’re a meta?’ Asked Big Al

Mkey looked up from where he was unthreading the tip of the arrow to see if the broadheads would fit.

‘Yup. Specifically a dimensional meta. Because if you’re going to be in charge of an extra-dimensional space monster it’s a good idea to be able to argue with it on even terms.’

‘Monster?’

‘Oh yeah, metaregions are pretty much big ol’ monsters. Best to think of them like an animal the size of an island or mountain.’

‘But they’re not really alive are they.’ Benji stated.

Mickey patiently started threading the broadhead onto the fibreglass arrow shaft.

‘Well, they’re alive in the sense that an ecosystem is alive. With all the problems that come with it. Easy to fight a crocodile. Much harder to fight an entire river.’

Seeing that the broadhead fit correctly Mickey handed Rosa the box.

‘When you have the rest of your arrows fixed, meet me by the portal and we’ll go in.’

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Inside the dungeon, the teenaged delvers cleared the first floor with minimal trouble, The new recruit receiving the skill from the obstacle room and nothing from the combat room, due to small agile rats being a poor match-up for a fledgling archer. The rest of the party got nothing for challenges already conquered. Things only got interesting as the teens moved onto second level. For their first room they had the misfortune of choosing the river room. This room presented an additional risk beyond the obvious. The delvers had neglected to bring anything to keep their equipment dry, and first aid gear would be susceptible to water damage.

Big Al fumed as he argued with Mickey.

‘How were we supposed to know there would be a fucking river in here?’

‘Ignorance is hardly an excuse for lack of preparations. Don’t blame me that you didn’t think to bring water proof equipment. This is a metaregion. You don’t know what’s in here until it smacks you in the face, so it’s best to prepare for anything. This is why we’ll run a guild class for future delvers. At least one lesson will be on basic equipment.’

‘Well that doesn’t help us now does it?’

‘As a chaperone my job isn’t to help you. It’s to keep you from dying from your own ineptitude. Success or failure is up to you. Either figure out a way to push through or retreat and come back more prepared next time. Up to you.’

Mickey was unfazed by Al’s ire.

As Alphonse glared at the river obstacle angrily, Benji moved over to Mickey.

‘So if you were us what would you do?’ He asked tentatively.

Mickey eyed Benji for a moment before sighing.

‘Well I shouldn’t give you advice outside of a classroom, but… In your situation, I’d send a runner out to the nearest grocery store to buy a couple packs of heavy duty garbage bags, cling wrap, duct tape and rope. Paper towels or actual towels would also be a good idea. With the bags you can double bag the stuff that needs to stay dry, and any clothes you want to keep dry. Shoes and socks definitely. You can also fill them with air to use as floatation devices. Tie everything and everyone together with rope. Then cross with the strongest swimmers first. Once they make it to the other side they can help pull people across using the rope. And that’s just for this particular problem. I mean you brought first aid gear but did you grab a dedicated torch or if you come to a dark area are you going to rely on your phones?’

Benjamin just shrugged sheepishly before going to talk to Big Al for a moment before dropping his bag of first aid gear and leaving the chamber.

Mickey shook his head.

‘Greenhorns.’