Entitlement. When one thinks of that word, they think of humans, especially stuck up females, though some males are as well, that are self-centered jerks who thinks the world should do everything THEIR way. But it comes in all forms. This havenworlder was self-centered, a total brat, and thought that just because the humans were kind to their kind and often allowed their people to ride on their shoulders to get from point A to point B safely, that the humans were a servant race and MUST obey them. After all, they were their superiors, right? Humans were just... their horses. -- Anon Guest
[AN: It is precisely "The Karen" and its effect on real people named Karen that I invented the term "Knomira". Not only is it gender neutral, but it encapsulates the usual rallying call of their kind, "I know my rights!" Corrupt that into a jumble and you get, "I knomiraah!" Boom. Knomira.]
There are, unfortunately, people who trade on their assumed fragility. They use the people willing to defend them to get exactly what they want whenever they encounter the slightest kind of opposition. Even when their own kind call them out, they refuse to acknowledge anything but their own right to do what they please.
They used to bear a common name. A more accurate term has evolved based on their shared claim. One of them is about to learn a lesson. Meet Acquirer Vidath, known to many as, "That flakkin' Havenworlder Knomira." Usually, after the fact that they quit their service for good.
Human Karyn knew the type. She had used the lure of knowing her rights before she learned the corollary responsibilities that came with them. The right to remain delicate came with the responsibility to accept one's own limitations. The right to be strong came with the responsibility to protect the weak. The right to enforce one's will on others came with the responsibility to accept all of the consequences. That last lesson was about to come to land on Vidath. Karyn was going to make sure.
"You know your rights," said Human Karyn. "You got exactly what you wanted. Now you're being sued for endangering the fiscal freedom of a free citizen of Talalarin. As according to the local laws, that you have to obey because you demanded recognition here."
"But I am a Havenworlder," bawled Acquirer Vidath. "I can't withstand their legal enforcement process! I know my rights! You have to protect me."
"Yeah, you know your rights," sighed Karyn. "Do you know your responsibilities?"
"How dare you talk to me that way," screeched Vidath. "I am your employer! You were hired to protect me! Do your job or--"
"Or you'll be without a protector," Karyn cut the threat short. "You got yourself into this legal pickle by knowing your rights. If you fire me, you won't have a bodyguard and I don't think the people of Talalarin feel inclined to supply a replacement no matter what your rights have to say about it." A moment to let the consequences sink into Vidath's awareness. "Talalarin has to accomodate your actual needs, as verified by a CRC Medik. You won't be able to continue with any of your usual manure. Ever."
Vidath decided to backtrack. "I can still sue you for breach of contract for not protecting me," they allowed.
"Yeah you could, but it won't gain you very much. I have protected you from all physical harm as per the contract. I cannot, in all good conscience, protect you from the consequences of your misdeeds. That's a part of my rights."
"You... can't do this to me..."
At this point, Karyn produced the Galactic Alliance Definitive Document of Cogniscent's Rights and Responsibilities. "Show me where it says so."
The legal representation for the traders of Talalarin raised an eye ridge. "May I speak with you privately, Human Karyn?"
"My employer needs time for reading and comprehension. So long as we talk about me and not them, we're fine."
They stepped outside of the interview room.
"That... that was a work of art," said Legal Representative Daratin. "I've seen the records, and I'm stunned that anyone could have found a way to enforce responsibilities."
"You have no idea how long I've been waiting for the opportunity. Those kind always dig themselves into a hole and howl for someone to pull them out."
"So you threw them a shovel instead of a rope."
"Yup. Fun to watch, isn't it?"
"Off the record? More than a little."
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / zatletic]
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