*Egypt: Maximilien's Mansion*
The room that he was led to is just as decorated as the previous room. Lavishly decorated with a table full of food on the side. The only difference is that there are four seats facing the window, one which is already occupied.
"Mr McCree, please take a seat" Maximilien said without glancing towards him.
"Just McCree is fine. What are we watching?" he replied, taking a seat.
Looking down, he saw they are looking over what looked like an obstacle course. Monkey bars, moving targets, even rock climbing.
"Really? I can do this without both arms" he thought.
"This is where we observe what your colleagues are capable of"
The doors below them swung open and the rest of the mercenaries and criminals walked into the room. When they finish gathering, a few butlers approach them and seem to be briefing them.
They must also realize that this obstacle course is silly as many of them wore a smirk on their face.
"I guess all they need to do is to go to the other end of the room?"
"Correct"
"No disrespect but, this is some kiddie stuff"
Maximilien chuckled.
"Well, we shall see about that"
Without warning, the butlers suddenly wrap their arms around those closest to them in a bear hug. They tried to push them off but without warning…
The Omnics exploded, blasting the starting point into pieces, throwing bodies into the air.
"Hmm, perhaps that is too powerful" Maximilien said.
"Ya don't say?" McCree said, gripping his seat tightly.
It was the most uncomfortable thing he's ever experienced. Unconsciously he expected to hear or feel the explosion, but all he saw is a ball of fire popping into existence without so much as a gasp or shake.
He saw the walls shifted slightly and ventilators appeared, clearing the smoke and dust from the room. Once it cleared, they saw everyone is one the floor.
"Ahh, looks like those passed the first trial" Maximilien said as the window magnified some of the bodies.
Survivors began stirring and looked around confusingly, trying to gather their bearings.
Some tried to run back through the door they came through, but their bodies suddenly convulsed violently when they grabbed the handles.
"Such silly fools, this is why I prefer to have Omnics" Maximilien said, studying the confusion.
"Then why are you hiring both? In fact, why ain't I down there?"
"I think your reputation speaks for itself, not many can have the bounty of 60 million dollars and survived, in fact your bounty is higher than everyone down there"
"Err... Thanks... And the human part of the question?"
Maximilien said nothing, merely gesturing with one smooth wave to continue watching the trials.
It was brutal.
Snipers and fire were common place, concentrated at the easiest pathways through the obstacles. As cruel as the method is, McCree realize that Maximilien is forcing a divide between the weak and the strong with as little time as possible.
Only ten minutes in, over half of the participants lay broken or dying on the ground as the rest fought hard to go through each stage quickly.
It was here McCree knew why Captain Amari is eyeing the Twins.
They were spectacular.
With synchronized teamwork, they breezed through each stage with ease. Though they look human, their movements are obviously mechanical.
"Well, looks like you got your winners" he said, pointing them out.
"They are performing well, but I want to see how they deal with him"
"Him?"
"McCree… Besides your bounty, I thought your presence would be entertaining, but now it is getting annoying, do not make me regret my decision of hiring you without letting you go through the trials"
"Jesse, do as he say and keep quiet" Ana said.
"Pardon me, didn't mean no offense sir" he apologized.
The trial went on and of the 40 people who started, only 10 survived, looking no worse for wear at the end of the room.
Maximilien stood up, adjusted his suit and began clapping, causing the survivors to look around in confusion.
"Well done, you have done well to pass the first trial" he said, his voice booming in the room below.
"However, you have one more obstacle"
A gap tore the floor open and a platform is raised.
On the platform is a large Omnic wearing what seems to be a gauntlet.
"Defeat your last opponent and I will guarantee you a position in my ranks and riches beyond your imagination"
Immediately they opened fire but ended up shooting the air as it punched its way upwards, the gauntlet carrying it high before it rockets down into one unlucky Omnic, shattering it into pieces.
McCree stared, intimidated by the sheer power and skill of the figure. But most of all it reminded him of someone he has seen in the past. Someone whom he tried hard to forget.
The room shook as it sent another into the wall with a fully charged punch, killing him immediately.
They fought desperately but are obviously outmatched as it easily avoided every attack and crush through every defences.
Again and again the punches flew, again and again it claimed a life.
Only when the Twins are left standing did Maximilien lift his hand, which the Omnic immediately stop its rampage and stood still.
"Congratulations for passing the test, though it is disappointing that you did not destroy your opponent"
Battered and bloodied, the two men sank to the ground, exhausted, confused to which whether their objective is to destroy or survive it.
"But let me show you what is expected of you"
A cloud of darkness gathered between the Twins and the Omnic.
A hooded figure stepped out of the shadows and looked down at the two men, his face behind a skull, his clawed hands folded across his chest.
"So this is the best you can do? Disappointing" the hooded figure growled.
McCree felt the blood drain out of his face.
"Reaper…" he whispered, causing gasps from Captain Amari and Genji.
Maximilien looked at him and chuckled again.
"Seems that his reputation exceeds even yours McCree, if you know his name. That is good, because he will be your boss"
McCree swallowed, if Reaper even so much as hear his boots, he is a dead man.
"Reaper, show them"
Turning around he formed his Hellfire Shotguns and stood within range of the Omnic, its gauntlet charging with electricity.
"Let's just get it over with" Reaper replied with a bored voice, hanging his weapons casually by his sides.
"Disengage Safety Protocols, maximize power, kill the Reaper" Maximilien commanded.
In a blur the Omnic launched a punch towards Reaper, its speed so fast that those who blinked missed its initial attack, but not him, who faded lazily into his Wraith, allowing the punch to rocket pass him.
Before it could even turn around to launch another attack, Reaper has won, blasting it from behind, it stumbled and tripped to the ground.
It attempted to stand back up but a heavy boot stomped it back onto the floor. Not allowing it to react, he executed it with a shot on the back of the head, to the awe of the Twins.
McCree could not believe his eyes. It was so quick, so precise, it is a wonder he survived their last bout.
"Did he just beat the Doomfist?" McCree asked, forced to voice it out to report to the others.
"Not exactly, that was just a replica, however, I believe we have copied at least 92.47% of his capabilities, so a lesser Doomfist"
"Ask him when did Reaper get there" Genji said.
"No, ask him why he is hiring bodyguards" Ana instructed.
"Err…" McCree started but Maximilien wave it off.
"Save your questions for later, your colleagues will be joining us soon"
"With Reaper?" McCree asked, trying to sound calm.
"Wait until the briefing, you can ask all your questions there"
Before he could think of an excuse to leave, the door swung open.
The first to enter is an Omnic butler carrying a wrapped box, followed by the Twins who limped in.
"Excellent, now that everyone is here, we can begin. Do not worry, this is not part of the trial, please remove your hand from your weapon"
It took a moment for McCree to realize the request was to him, who have his hand over his revolver. That moment he could feel many hidden guns pointing at him.
"Sorry, force of habit" he said, sliding his hand off.
The room turned its attention on the Twins, both who demanded compensation and explanation for their ordeal.
"Do you want us to bail you out?" Genji asked.
Before he could answer, Maximilien suddenly spoke up as he spoke with the Twins.
"... As an example for your future compensations… I prepared this for your colleague"
The butler came forward with the box, causing the Twins to double back, crossing their arms to protect their vital organs.
"Please, I have already told you the trials are over"
Opening it, they saw it contains a mechanical arm.
"For you McCree, see if it fits"
*Egypt: Outside of Maximilien's Mansion*
The sun is setting as Ana and Genji devise their plan.
"If Gabriel really is in there, we have to rethink our strategy" Ana said.
Genji nodded as he circles the more defended areas of the mansion.
"If we are to extract him, this is the only place we can do it" he said, pointing at the garden.
"But we cannot leave until we expose and arrest Maximilien"
He nodded again and wait, allowing Ana time to formulate her plan.
Ana looked down and sighed. This was not the first time she was faced with such challenges.
Reinforced windows and walls, patrols that will never waver in vigilance, secret escape routes, only one chance to take out their target.
This is all second nature to her, except for one thing.
She is getting too old for this.
"Alright, here's the plan, first I need Jesse to do something"
*Egypt: Maximilien's Mansion*
"It looks good on you" the butler commented as McCree flexes his new arm.
"Well, thank you kindly" he said, genuinely happy to have an arm back.
"And this is my generosity for your services" Maximilien said, turning back to the Twins, who are looking at the new arm greedily.
Up close, McCree saw they are heavily modified. Though human, they have traded most of their body for mechanical upgrades. The only recognizable feature left of them that is human are their faces.
"Somebody's got issues" he thought.
"Very good, now, take a seat" Maximilien invited, indicating the seats facing the window.
McCree's felt his heart beating furiously against his chest. The chairs are facing away from the door. He would be unable to see Reaper coming in.
Forced to comply he adjusted his seat the best he could without looking too obvious and sat.
"It is a pity that Reaper will not be joining us today as he is called back to base for a mission"
"Phew..." McCree sigh to himself in relief.
"What I am about to tell you is for you to take to your graves" Maximilian said.
The room dimmed as the image of a man is shown.
"This man is known as Doomfist, a man of great power and influence. But terribly misguided"
These words surprised McCree, is this why the last stage of the trial is to fight against a copy of Doomfist? Is Maximilien planning to rebel against his boss?
"He wanted to create power with nothing but the so called 'human will'. Though humanity has shown some admirable tenacity, why fix something that is not broken?"
Then he began a boring speech about how wealth is the true power behind everything and the Twins listened with great interest while McCree had to hold back a yawn.
"Jesse, are you still there?"
"You gotta help me" he muttered.
"Why? What's wrong?" Ana said with urgency in her voice.
"He's talking about money"
He had to suppress a smile as he imagines her rolling her eyes.
"Listen carefully, this is the plan..."
*One hour later*
"I see that the presentation is too much for our new colleague" Maximilien mused.
They looked at McCree and saw that he fell asleep where he sat.
"What is he? Some sort of glory boy?" one of them asked.
"A useless glory boy"
"Ya know I can hear you" McCree muttered, stretching where he sat.
"Well, that concludes the briefing, may you have a bright future with us. I'll leave you alone to... Know one another better"
As Maximilien exits the room, he heard McCree ask if they know how to play poker.
"That was tedious" he said as the butlers began dusting his clean suit.
Checking his schedule, he saw it is time for his appointment with the new President of Egypt.
"Provide them with whatever they need, they will begin their duties tomorrow"
The butlers bowed their heads in acknowledgement as he returns to the Guest Room, where the President is already waiting for him.
As expected, the President wanted him to fund many of his 'visionary' projects. Though it is annoying, he had helped him win by using his influence and wealth. Due to the man's inexperience, this open windows of opportunity for Maximilien to slowly take over Egypt.
By all means this President is not an 'evil' or 'corrupt' man in definition, but his ambitions overshadow his judgement. He wishes to rebuilt the country to its former glory before the First Omnic Crisis but could not stomach the risks involved to spend that much money.
"Humans are all the same, seeking the machine to do their dirty work" he thought as he masterfully weaves around all requests from the President, frustrating him.
So weak, so fragile, despite their so called 'evolution' or 'survival of the fittest', they barely adapted for survival.
Thus, this is where Artificial Intelligence takes over, though their creators are fragile, they are strong. No matter their evolution, they are still bound to nature and its elements.
This is why, regardless of the environment, humanity will eventually die. This is why Doomfist's vain vision will fail.
"Can you at least do anything about the rising bandit attacks near your checkpoints?"
"Unless the President grants me permission to build my own troopers and patrol the deserts, I'm afraid this is the most I can do"
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. His advisors have all instructed him to never allow Maximilien to gain any sort of military or security presence in the country and now he is being cursed by ignoring them, naively thinking that granting checkpoints will be the end of his worries.
Ever since the death of Abdul Hakim, he hoped that the criminal organization will tear itself apart and fade away in obscurity. Therefore, he thought hiring a third party security force that cost virtually nothing would relieve his expenses greatly.
But now the bandits are more organized and attacking with increasing boldness. The authorities could barely respond quick enough to control the situation, costing him more money than ever.
Now his only hope to maintain security is asking for a more powerful military presence in a weak country. Even he knew the risks are too great to ignore, regardless of the reputation of the Omnic sitting in front of him.
"I'm sorry I cannot do that" he said.
Maximilien looked at him for a moment before responding.
"Very well, I will send instructions across all my checkpoints to install long range, surveillance only, instruments to warn people of potential attacks"
"Thank you, that is highly appreciated" the President replied gratefully.
"However, I will need to begin charging the people who uses my hospitals and schools in the country"
"What? Why?"
"Unlike patrols, these instruments are incredibly expensive, I will need additional income to maintain them" Maximilien said.
"You can't do that! You already promised that they will all be free for the people!"
"Well, if you want me to do something about the bandits and you won't grant me permission to hunt them down, this is the best I can do, unless you want to take back your request?"
The President slumped as he weighs his options.
If he takes back the request, his position as President will weaken, if he grants Maximilien more power, it will gain more popularity and may turn against them in the future, if Maximilien builds the towers, the people will know who is responsible for that, or worse, denied the care they need.
"What will it be Mr President?"
Though his voice is calm, he could feel it demands an answer now... Or else...
"I..."
A crack sound came from the other room, followed quickly by multiple voices, catching their attention.
"Please forgive me Mr President, but I seem to have an important matter to attend to, shall we meet again soon to conclude this?"
"Yes, yes that will be for the best" he said quickly, grateful that he has a few more days to think on this.
Seeing him out of his mansion, Maximilien stormed into the room, where McCree and one of the Twins is tied up, held down by his Omnic guards.
"What happened?" he demanded.
"The cowboy killed one of the Twins when they were playing poker" one of the Omnic guards said.
"What?"
Though Maximilien installed programs to handle anger, he was furious.
"And why would you do that?" he asked.
"Ain't my fault, he just attacked me!"
"No! You were cheating!" the other Twin roared, straining against his restraints
"No I ain't! I was just picking up a card from the floor!"
They bickered for a moment before Maximilien stopped them with a clap of his hands.
"Looks like I was mistaken to take you in, you have lost me a valuable asset Mr McCree"
"To be fair, if I can kill one of your assets over a poker game, how'd you think his other half here would do by himself?"
"I suppose what you are saying is I lost nothing over the loss of one or even both of these men"
"You underestimate me?!" the man shouted at McCree, who wore a smug smile on his face.
Maximilien look at them and sighed.
"Very well, untie them and give them their weapons"
The Omnics immediately complied and returned their weapons.
"If you truly are so confident in your skills Cowboy, let's see what you can do in a fair fight, both of you have five minutes, if this is unsettled by then, I'll exterminate you both"
At those words, they exited the room, leaving McCree and the surviving Twin to settle the score.