Into the Smog
In a post-apocalyptic world shrouded in toxic green smog, two sisters must learn to survive and reclaim
their freedom from a man who controls their fate through his precious vegetable garden

“Value” is such a relative, situation-sensitive word. Cigarettes, for instance, certainly are addictive. But (even with taxes) they still don’t cost an arm and a leg when purchased at one’s corner store.

But land a gig in jail? Suddenly, cigarettes - those modest little stubs of paper and nicotine – are suddenly valued so much, much more.

Now, imagine a world riddled in ecological collapse and air pollution – a world where obtaining vitamin rich vegetables is a luxury almost none can afford.

That’s the world Sally (20s) and Lilly (15) have been born into. A world where masks outside are a necessity to even breathe. And the consumer good called vegetables… barely more than memory and myth.

A dystopian future, to be sure. But also a utopia for sociopaths… assuming they can find leverage to exploit.

That’s where David (50s) comes in. Literally.

Walking into Sally and Lilly’s home, David brings a “gift” to the girl’s parents., Frank and Mary. Though… "ultimatum" is a more fitting phrase.  He’ll give the family desperately needed food. But only if Sally agrees to come live with him… as his wife. 

Or – insert more fitting phrase here – more like “sex slave.”

Faced with a future where Sally will likely die of malnutrition, Frank and Mary submit… waving goodbye to a daughter they’ve handed over to… well, clearly not the nicest or most altruistic guy.

Back at David’s bunker, he quickly gets down to business – having a not-so-holy Priest conduct the "marriage" rituals. All for love? Of course not. And Sally’s not willing to pretend that’s what this is. 

The PRIEST turns to Sally. He burps, he’s almost sick, but manages to just hold it together. 

PRIEST
And do you, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold,
in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live? 

Sally hesitates for a moment, then nods. 

SALLY
I don't have a choice. 

PRIEST
Good enough for me. 

The Preist closes the book and looks at them both. 

PRIEST
By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. 

Soon after, Sally tours David’s greenhouse. With the art of farming lost to the smog of history,  Sally marvels at the indoor garden David’s managed to cultivate. Not quite magic, but still a feast for the eyes.

Sally looks around, her eyes wide with confusion and wonder. 

SALLY
(voice muffled by the mask)
So, this is how you do it? 

David gestures to the plants, his voice stern and harsh. 

DAVID
This is MY food. But if you always do as I say. 
It can be yours too. But always, this is MINE! 

Sally steps closer, examining the vegetables with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. She reaches out to touch a leaf, her fingers trembling. 

SALLY
I've never knew they just came out of the ground like this.

David watches her, a hint of pride in his eyes. 

DAVID
It's not so simple. In the old world it was called farming. 
My father taught. And when you provide me with children. I shall teach them too. 

Sally nods slowly, pain in her eyes. 

That pain is about to strike even deeper. 

Because sociopaths like David are never satisfied with just SOME power. No, for such individuals, coercion’s as much of a drug as nicotine. 

Soon David will want even more of a price for his green little bundles of life. Soon he’ll demand Lily, too. 

In such a world, should one just submit?  Or try to escape? If so… where to?

Into the Smog isn’t at all “fantasy”. Hitting hard with genuine sociopolitical and human drama - and an economic dig at the monetization of human needs, too -  writer Simon Parker’s science fiction short could well become our futures, depending what warnings we heed now. Shootable on an indie budget, Into the Smog is what Science Fiction should be. Not flashy lasers and spaceships… but rather a grim and very well thought-out “what if”.