WORTHLESS: A MILLION REASONS
============================

Published: December 29, 2024
Author: Daniel Conderman
Context: Recovered Conderman.Group one-act play; a full dramatization of the
         scenario outlined in "Worthless: The Broken Leg"
Original URL: https://conderman.group/2024/12/worthless-a-million-reasons/


A ONE-ACT PLAY

DRAMATIS PERSONAE
-----------------

Maxwell Harrington -- A wealthy corporate magnate, arrogant and panicked,
with a badly broken leg.

Sofia Tran -- A no-nonsense outdoor guide, determined and level-headed.

Robin Alavez -- A volunteer EMT with minor injuries, driven to help.

Tyrell -- A capable but uncertain mechanic and handyman, torn between greed
and conscience.

Diana -- A thoughtful, pragmatic individual who sees through illusions of
wealth.


SETTING
-------

A charred clearing in a remote wilderness, shortly after a small plane crash.
Scattered wreckage, a crumpled fuselage, debris, and luggage lie beneath
threatening storm clouds. It is late afternoon. Distant thunder rumbles.


SCENE 1: THE WRECKAGE
---------------------

(All five survivors are near the wreck. Maxwell lies on the ground with his
leg in a makeshift splint. Sofia watches the tree line. Robin bandages her
ribs. Tyrell rummages in a half-open toolbox. Diana assesses the wreckage.)

MAXWELL (clutching a stack of money): I'll pay you each a million dollars --
just carry me out of here. Money's no object! Just get me to civilization.

TYRELL (quietly): One million... that's life-changing.

SOFIA: Money doesn't matter out here, Tyrell. We can barely carry ourselves,
let alone haul him across miles of rough terrain. Night is coming. Try that
in pitch-black forest on foot? Suicide.

MAXWELL: Look at me! I can solve all your problems forever. All I need is you
right now. Don't walk away from a fortune!

DIANA: A fortune tomorrow won't build a fire, give us first aid, or summon
rescue now, does it?

ROBIN: He needs real medical attention. Dragging him over this terrain just
isn't going to work.

(Thunder underscores the silence.)


SCENE 2: THE MAKESHIFT PLAN
---------------------------

SOFIA: We can't just leave him here. But we can't all go either -- not with
the storm coming.

DIANA: Maybe we split up? One group searches for help while someone stays
with Maxwell?

TYRELL: We can't be sure anyone's out there. We're off the main flight path.

MAXWELL: I don't care how you do it. Just do it! I'll pay triple if that's
what it takes.

ROBIN (to Sofia): He needs antibiotics, a real doctor. This break could lead
to sepsis.

SOFIA: We barely have a first-aid kit. Even with a makeshift stretcher, we
can't outrun this storm or nightfall.


SCENE 3: CONFRONTATION
----------------------

MAXWELL: Tyrell, you're resourceful. Rig up something -- a sled or a wheel --
whatever it takes. I'll pay for your kids' college, buy you a house. Anything!

SOFIA: We're too far from any road! It's thick forest for miles. You think we
can MacGyver up a miracle?

MAXWELL: You're the outdoor expert! Isn't that your job? Survive anything,
lead the group? Lead us out!

ROBIN: Calm down. Arguing wastes energy.

DIANA: That storm might wash out our tracks or signals. Helicopters can't fly
in this weather either.

SOFIA (studying a battered map): If we follow the ravine north, we might find
a water source leading to a ranger station. But it's steep and rocky. If we
haul Maxwell, we risk dropping him or sliding ourselves.

TYRELL: Maybe we can scavenge supplies and build a better shelter. Let's hold
out until morning. Maybe a rescue plane passes overhead.

MAXWELL: Waiting? That's your plan if you're broke and have no options. I have
options. This is your chance at a better life. Don't be idiots.

DIANA: Out here, that money can't buy an extra hour of daylight, medicine, or
even an ounce of water.

(Maxwell's bravado falters.)


SCENE 4: SPLINTERED DECISIONS
-----------------------------

(Later. The storm is closer. Tyrell and Diana salvage supplies while Robin
checks Maxwell's pulse.)

ROBIN: Your pulse is weak. The pain's getting worse, isn't it?

MAXWELL: I can't bear it. I'll do anything. Just get me safe. Do you think
Sofia's plan is right? If you personally carry me, I'll double the amount.

ROBIN: My job is to keep you stable, not kill myself in the process.

TYRELL: I patched fuselage into a roof. We'll get a small fire going and block
the wind. That's our best shot tonight.

MAXWELL: Tyrell, please. Do something. Anything.

TYRELL (pushing the money away): I can't carry you alone. None of us can. I'm
sorry.


SCENE 5: NIGHTFALL AND REVELATION
---------------------------------

(Dusk. A partial shelter and flicker of firelight. Thunder is close.)

SOFIA: It isn't perfect, but it'll keep the rain off. At first light, Diana
and I can scout for a route out.

DIANA: If we find a ranger station or helicopter clearing, we'll come back
fast.

(Robin checks the feverish Maxwell, then silently warns Sofia that time is
short.)

MAXWELL: I can't die out here. I'm Maxwell Harrington. You can't just leave
me. I've got -- I've got everything...

SOFIA (gently): No. Out here, all you've got is us. And we can't carry you
alone.

MAXWELL: ...It's worthless, isn't it?

ROBIN: We'll do our best, Maxwell. But we can't promise miracles.

(Rain intensifies. The survivors hold up scraps against the downpour. Sofia
looks to the sky, but no rescue craft appears. The fire sputters. Blackout.)