Officer Hammond, a Peacekeeper for Nehalem City, found himself once again visiting the domain of an Eater who had set up a home in the city outskirts. He stood before the small apartment building, which appeared normal (albeit worn) from the outside. Grumbling, he double-checked his gear:
Pierce-resistant armor: check. Magic focus (Water element): check. Respirator: check. Beacon: check.
He let out a drawn-out sigh before bellowing out as loud as he could:
“EDA! GET OUT HERE!”
He drummed his gloved fingers against his crossed arms as he waited. Soon enough, the door to the building creaked open. Out peeked the creature… appearing as a human woman, anyway.
Eda flashed a grin when she recognized her visitor, then stepped outside and approached the man on the edge of her territory.
“Officer! What a surprise! Inspection isn’t for another two weeks!” She smiled sweetly, tucking her hands behind her back as she stood just inside the open gate. “How can I help you?”
“You know what I’m here for,” Hammoned snapped, presenting a flier and holding it up at arm’s length for Eda to see. “Is this some kind of joke!?”
Eda recognized the flier, which included location information and read:
“Want to stay at the wonderful Megacity without paying Mega prices? Come stay at Eda’s Bed and Breakfast! Get a nice, warm bed and a hot meal! Nightly and weekly rates available! Starting at just 10,000 I.C. per night!”
“Why no, of course not,” Eda smiled. “I’m quite serious about it. I’m integrating into your culture by participating in ‘capitalism!’ I have an asset, and I thought I would rent it for monetary gain. Isn’t that great?”
Hammond rubbed the exposed portion of his face, dropping the hand holding the flier.
“Eda, you can’t–” he stammered, exasperated, “You can’t just do things like this. We need to make sure that people — well, that people, uh…”
Eda’s expression turned more serious.
“…Don’t go missing?” she prodded, leaning towards him slightly. “You sound like you’re afraid I’ll eat my guests.”
“It’s just a precaution…!” Hammond waved his hand slightly in front of him. “We need to know about these things!”
“Officer, when was the last time I ate a human?” Eda grinned, exposing jagged teeth.
“…According to your file, it’s been ten years,” Hammoned answered, leaning away from her.
“Doesn’t that afford me just a teensy bit of trust?” Eda winked, pinching two fingers together.
Hammond stared at her for a moment before tucking the flier away.
“I’d rather you didn’t tempt yourself by inviting people into your… home,” he finally replied. “Look, just — for future reference. Next time you want to do something like this, tell us first. And don’t make me regret letting you do this. We will put you on ice if any of your guests go… ‘missing.'”
Eda’s grin widened, perhaps beyond what a human would be able to accomplish. Perhaps trying to unnerve the officer on purpose, even. It worked.
“Don’t worry!” She lifted one hand in a semi-wave. “I have my hunger well under control! I actually prefer beef over human, now, anyway!”
“That’s… great,” Hammond sighed, turning away. He couldn’t wait to get out of here. “See you in two weeks.”
