Project Apex by Michael Bray

which would change the face of genetics forever." Genaro knew they were all hanging on his every word and waiting for him to go on, yet he paused, clearly enjoying the attention. "We brought samples, both alive and dead, of the monkeys back to our facility in America and began our experiments. Almost immediately, we understood we were dealing with something far beyond anything we could ever have hoped to comprehend. This amazing creature had genetic markers which overnight made our prior research redundant. Cell regeneration. Self-repairing tissue. We showed our initial findings to my superiors, who in turn unrestricted our budget and told us to spend whatever we needed to further the research. As you can imagine, it was a dream come true. We were told to find a way to transfer the genetic properties of the monkeys over to humans as quickly as possible no matter the cost."
    "Surely that's impossible," Marcus said, his mind boggling at the idea.
    "Not only is it possible, we were successful. Humans and primate DNA is ninety-six percent the same. There are only minute differences between the two. There are actual examples of creatures in the animal kingdom who possess these same traits. Certain lizards, for example, can grow a new tail if one is lost during a fight. Starfish can also replicate themselves into a whole new animal just from an off cut of a leg. The problem had always been the vast difference in genetic structure. With the tiger monkey, that particular problem was eliminated. We were able to devise a product...call it a virus if you will based on the primate DNA. When delivered to a human subject, this virus would bond at a molecular level with its host, essentially fusing together to become a singular being and in doing so changing its properties."
    "I’m not sure I understand,” Susan said, glancing around the table to see if anyone shared her confusion. “You’re suggesting you modified people's DNA?"
    "It's really not that hard,” Genaro said with a shrug of his narrow shoulders. “You would be surprised at the breakthroughs in science and medicine which have never been made public. For example, have you ever heard of a president or royal family member being diagnosed with cancer? Why do you think that is?"
    Glances were exchanged around the table at such a crazy idea, and yet it made sense.
    “Don’t look so shocked,” Genaro said with a grin. “We’ve had a cure for it since the mid-nineties. The only reason it hasn’t been released is because the pharmaceutical trade is worth billions of dollars a year and it’s more prudent to keep the cure under wraps.
    A murmur went around the table at the revelation, all apart from Marcus, who remained unmoved. "What did the monkey virus change?" he asked, pulling the meeting back on track
    "Everything," Genaro replied, this time with a grin that was of admiration for his work. "Normally, human trials take years to be possible. In this case, because of the genetic similarity between species, it was quite straightforward. The results were astounding. Our brief was to create a brand of super soldier. One who was designed for maximum efficiency with few needs as far as sustenance and care. We achieved that and more. We called it Project Apex. Essentially we took the current flawed human DNA and changed it. Improved it. Ironed out the flaws and made it better."
    "You're talking about playing god here," Marcus said, unsure if he was more horrified or offended at Genaro.
    "I don’t believe in god," Genaro fired back. "Only science. Evolution. I deal in fact. Black and white. I deal in tangible absolutes. Surely, you of all people understand that? I’m led to believe your own work ethic is similar?"
    For the second time, Genaro had shot Marcus down and put him in his place. Marcus was starting to develop a strong dislike for the Englishman.
    "Back to your initial question about what our product changed. Let me put it into perspective.” Genaro put a finger to his