Free Cryptozoica by Mark Ellis Page A

Wat.
    “Less dramatically, there is the coelacanth, a fish believed to have died out even before the dinosaurs, that is still swimming off the coast of Africa, not to mention a wasp thought extinct for twenty-five million years was discovered to have survived in California, of all places.”
    Honoré brushed away Belleau’s remarks with an impatient gesture. “Yes, yes. It’s also been suggested that a species of plesiosaur account for tales of sea and lake monsters, such as the Loch Ness Monster. Sheerest eyewash.”
    “Entertain for a moment just the notion that you are wrong,” Belleau said. “That a group of dinosaurids from the late Cretaceous Period managed to survive the K-T extinction event and continued to breed and reproduce in virtual isolation for millions of years. What do you think the impact of this revelation would be on the world at large, let alone the scientific community?”
    “Before or after all scientists are tarred, feathered and our degrees burned at high noon in the village square?”
    Lines of irritation appeared on Belleau’s high forehead. “It’s a serious question.”
    Honoré considered the man’s words for a moment, then said quietly, “Possibly such a discovery could challenge everything, perhaps all of our beliefs about science and evolution and even our perception of the very process of creation. Such a finding would deal a crushing blow to the hypothesis of a unique evolutionary sequence. Darwinism might have to be re-evaluated…not to mention the boost it could give to creationists.”
    “Exactly! That is why we need completely trustworthy public principals to release the information, in a controlled, rational manner. A ridiculous holiday park endeavor would have completely discredited and destroyed the scientific and cultural value. Howard Flitcroft understands that now.”
    “That blowhard is still part of this?” she asked skeptically.
    “Minimally. Believe me, the highest authorities in scientific institutions around the globe are deeply involved. In return for your own involvement, we are willing to grant you exclusive rights to any and all developmental research that arises. You’ll have first right of refusal of anything in the zoological and paleontological fields connected to Cryptozoica. Your career, your fortune and future will be assured.”
    Honoré blinked, her thought processes alternately staggering and freezing in place. She shook her head. “I don’t quite…Aubrey, you’re serious? Really serious?”
    He grinned. “As the proverbial broken leg, darlin’. I need to meet you at the Buenos Aires airport no later than tomorrow noon. Transportation has already been dispatched to fetch you.”
    “But I haven’t agreed to anything!” she protested. “I don’t have enough information on which to base a decision. I’ve got to think this through.”
    “You’ll have plenty of time to think it through. But while you’re doing so, please don’t let me—and yourself—down. This project is proceeding apace, regardless of your participation. Without you, there’s no way to ascertain its direction, but with you on board, everything will be validated. You’ll be supplied with all the information you require. I hope to see you in the lovely flesh very soon, Dr. Roxton.”
    The image of Aubrey Belleau faded from the screen. Slowly, Honoré took off the headset. She felt as if she were underwater, floundering in a sea of confusion and even madness.
    Amanda suddenly threw the tent flap aside, her eyes wide with excitement. “Doctor!”
    “What?”
    Wordlessly, the young woman pointed to the helicopter that flew over the top of a ridgeline. Honoré rose and went to stand beside Amanda. The spinning rotors kicked up a cloud of dust as it landed on the far side of the perimeter. There was an insignia imprinted on the fuselage, a blue circle with the letters HFP overlapping in the center of it.
    Honoré muttered sourly, “Howard Philips Flitcroft. Minimal