Prose Challenge of the Week #30: It's Independence Day and the aliens have invaded. You have one chance to save the planet by describing to them what Independence means. Share that speech with us. The winner will be chosen based on a number of criteria, this includes: fire, form, and creative edge. Number of reads, bookmarks, and shares will also be taken into consideration. The winner will receive $100. When sharing to Twitter, please use the hashtag #ProseChallenge

Independence Apparent (Be Sure)

There's no need to invade. This land is yours as it is ours. Your independence is inalienable. In fact, let me take you through your orientation. See those guys over there? Matching uniforms, buzz cuts, Dodge Chargers that could probably rival some of your top shuttles? They're here to protect and serve you. Of course, there's a stipulation or two. Be sure to listen to what they say. Without question. Those commands they give, they're in your best interest. They know what they're doing. Oh, and be sure not to look too suspicious. I mean, how are they supposed to protect your independence if they don't know what you're doing? You get what I'm saying. While I'm at it, be sure not to get involved in their disputes. Sometimes you'll see them interacting with others, and it will seem like their independence is being infringed upon. But remember, those guys in the uniforms, with the buzz cuts and Dodge Chargers, they have a job to do. The person they're disputing with probably violotated one of the terms of that independence. You know, that inalienable independence I mentioned earlier? Obviously it comes with terms. Now, obviously, be sure you're where you're supposed to be. I mean, yeah you have independence, but certain people just shouldn't be certain places. And if they're in those places, there have to be consequences. So just watch out for that. So, just be sure to follow these guidelines, and you'll be fine. Oh, one more thing. Sometimes, you might follow all of these guidelines, and you might still encounter trouble. Be sure, after you've followed their commands, made yourself inconspicuous, be sure, when you're minding your own business, and your where you're supposed to be, be sure, when you've done everything right, to the best of your ability, be sure that if they still apprehend you, that you don't fight back. Be sure not to resist. Be sure not to question. Be sure not to complain. Argue. Raise your voice. React. Exist outside of the norms that they have set. Be sure to do all of that, and they will repay you generously by possibly not shooting you. That's independence.