INT. MATTHEW ALEXANDER'S APARTMENT - DAY

Matthew Alexander sits on his couch, staring blankly at the TV. He's unshaven and dressed in clothes that look like they haven't been changed in days.

There's a knock on the door. Matthew gets up and answers it, revealing a group of rebels. They push their way into the apartment, and one of them speaks.

REBEL LEADER
Matthew Alexander, we've been watching you. We know about your last adventure with Stan Maxwell and your debts. We have a proposition for you.

MATTHEW
(skeptical)
What do you want from me?

REBEL LEADER
We need a hitman. Someone who's fearless, who's not afraid to take risks. And you, Matthew, have proven that you have those qualities.

MATTHEW
(defeated)
I'm not that person anymore. I've changed.

REBEL LEADER
(unmoved)
You're in serious debt, with no car and no way out. We're offering you a way to pay your debts, and live the life you want. All you have to do is accept our offer.

Matthew thinks for a moment. He knows he's in a difficult spot, but he's not sure if becoming a hitman is the right choice.

MATTHEW
(resigned)
I'll do it.

REBEL LEADER
(smiling)
Good. We'll be in touch with your first target.

The rebels leave the apartment, leaving Matthew to ponder what he's just gotten himself into.

CUT TO:

INT. MATTHEW'S APARTMENT - LATER

Matthew sits on his couch, holding a gun. He looks at it for a moment, then sets it down on the coffee table. He stands up, walks to the window and looks out, deep in thought.

MATTHEW
(to himself)
I hope I'm making the right decision.

FADE TO BLACK.

FADE IN:

INT. MATTHEW'S APARTMENT - DAY

Matthew sits on his couch, staring at the gun on the coffee table. The phone rings, and he picks it up.

MATTHEW
(into phone)
Hello?

REBEL LEADER
(voice over phone)
Matthew, it's time. Your first target is in place. Meet us at the location and we'll give you the details.

Matthew takes a deep breath and picks up the gun. He checks the chamber, then tucks it into his waistband. He grabs his coat and heads out the door.

CUT TO:

EXT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY

Matthew pulls up in a borrowed car and parks. He sees the rebels waiting for him and approaches them.

REBEL LEADER
(handing over a file)
Here's your target. He's a high-ranking member of the Combine. We need him taken out, and we need it done quickly.

Matthew takes the file and looks it over. He nods, then heads into the warehouse.

INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY

Matthew sneaks through the shadows, moving quietly. He hears a guard patrolling and takes him out silently. He continues on, making his way to his target.

Finally, he reaches the room where the target is waiting. He takes a deep breath and enters, gun raised.

The target turns to face him, a look of surprise on his face. Matthew hesitates for a moment, then pulls the trigger. The target falls to the ground, dead.

Matthew takes a deep breath, then turns to leave. As he's making his way back to the exit, he hears the sound of footsteps. He spins, gun raised, and sees the rebels rushing in.

REBEL LEADER
(smiling)
Good work, Matthew. You're going to be a valuable asset to our cause.

Matthew nods, but he can't shake the feeling that he's just taken a step down a dark and dangerous path.

FADE TO BLACK.