Project Apex by Michael Bray

about the Tiger monkey you discovered in the Congo."
    Draven stared at her, two people alone surrounded by thriving jungle and a couple of thousand Bullet ants. "I'm done with that part of my life. It nearly ruined me." He grunted.
    "I know what happened and I know what was said. It turns out, you might yet have a chance to vindicate yourself and prove you were right."
    "It's accepted now that I was right, or at least, it is, for the most part, even so, the damage is already done. Either way, it's a dead end. Science isn't in a position to do anything with my research anyway. Not only was I made a fool out of by my colleagues, it was all for nothing to boot. I'm sorry, I can't help you."
    He knelt again, trying to concentrate on the ant nest but finding himself staring at Goodall's shadow, which was still thrown across the dirt in front of him and showed no signs of moving.
    "What if I told you not only was your research valid, it had also already been implemented into human subjects."
    Draven turned to face her. "I'd tell you it's impossible."
    "It's true," Kate said, staring at Draven.
    "It's bull."
    "You said so yourself, Mr. Draven. Why would they send me all the way out here for someone like you with your questionable reputation if your inclusion in this situation wasn’t absolutely vital?"
    "That's a bit harsh, but okay. I'll admit, you have me curious. Tell me more." Draven said, again enduring the pain in his knees as he clambered back to his feet.
    "I will, but not until we’re on a plane out of here and on our way back to Washington."
    He stared at her and was definitely starting to change his perception of Goodall as just eye candy with security clearance. There seemed to be more layers to this particular onion than he first thought.
    “What if I refuse?” he said, deciding to push her a little bit more.
    “That’s up to you. I’ll report back to my superiors about your unwillingness to help and they will send out a team to arrest you. You can either do this of your own free will or via a prison cell Mr. Draven. It’s your choice.”
    "When do we leave?" he muttered, taking a last look at the nest and thinking about all the research he was about to miss out on.
    "Right now. There's a private plane waiting at the airport."
    "Private plane huh?" Draven said with a sour grin "How can I refuse?" He was flirting, testing the waters, seeing if she would respond, which in a way, she did. However, stony silence wasn't the reaction he was hoping for. "Come, on lighten up. I said I'd come with you didn't I?" He added.
    "If you knew what we could be up against here, you might not be quite so cheery."
    "Well that just put me in a bad mood," Draven grumbled as he brushed dirt from his pants. He took a great gulp of water from the plastic bottle in his bag and then offered it to Goodall.
    "No thanks," She said, slipping on a pair of stylish sunglasses. "Come on, we better go."
     
    II
     
    Five hours later, Draven had swapped the oppressive humidity of the Yucatan jungle for the air conditioned spaciousness of the private jet which had been sent for him. Feeling like a new man after a hot shower and a change of clothes, he looked out at the expanse of cloudless sky as they cruised at almost forty thousand feet. He and Goodall were the only passengers, and as she had disappeared up front some time ago, he was seriously considering trying to get some much-needed shut-eye. Taking advantage of the plush leather seats, he stretched out his legs and stifled a yawn. As if sensing his intentions, Goodall strode through the door from the cockpit area and dropped an overstuffed file on his lap.
    "You better start reading. We don’t have much time." She said as she grabbed the remote control for the flat screen TV mounted at the front of the cabin.
    "What’s all this?" Draven said, leafing through the reams of paper.
    "That's why we brought you here. That folder is what became of your discovery."
    She scowled and sat opposite,