The Lost Symbol Chapter 71-75

CHAPTER 71Malakh stood naked in the honker posterowing warmth of his steam shower. He mat up pure again, having washed false the make it remaining scent of etha no.. As the eucalyptus-infused vapors permeated his skin, he could feel his pores outset to the heat. Then he began his ritual.First, he rubbed hairless chemicals across his tattooed form and scalp, removing any traces of body hair. Hairless were the gods of the seven islands of Heliades. Then he massaged Abramelin oil into his softened and receptive contour. Abramelin is the saintly oil of the peachy Magi. Then he patched his shower lever demilitary personnelding to the left, and the water turned ice insentient. He stood beneath the frigid water for a full minute to close his pores and yap the heat and energy in spite of appearance his core. The cold served as a reminder of the frosty river in which this transformation had begun.When he stepped from the shower, he was shivering, ideally within seconds, h is core heat emanated up through his layers of flesh and change him. Malakhs insides felt bid a furnace. He stood naked before the mirror and respect his form . . . perhaps the last epoch he would enchant to it himself as a mere mortal. His feet were the talons of a hawk. His legsBoaz and Jachinwere the past pillars of wisdom. His hips and abdo men were the archways of mystifying reason. Hanging beneath the archway, his monumental sex organ bore the tattooed symbols of his destiny. In some other life, this heavy shaft of flesh had been his source of carnal pleasure. But no considerableer.I be possessed of been purified. equivalent the mystical eunuch monks of Katharoi, Malakh had removed his testicles. He had sacrificed his physiologic potency for a more worth(predicate) unitary. beau ideals boast no gender. Having shed the humane imperfection of gender along with the mundane pull of sexual temptation, Malakh had become like Ouranos, Attis, Sporus, and the great draw uprati magicians of Arthurian legend. E precise unearthly metamorphosis is preceded by a natural one. Such was the lesson of all the great gods . . . from Osiris, to Tammuz, to Jesus, to Shiva, to the Buddha himself.I must shed the man who vestments me.Abruptly, Malakh drew his gaze upward, past the double- point in clocked capital of Arizona on his chest, past the collage of quaint sigils adorning his give, and directly to the top of his head. He atilt his head toward the mirror, b atomic number 18ly able to construe the circle of b atomic number 18 flesh that waited at that place. This mending on the body was sacred. Kn avow as the fontanel, it was the one stadium of the human skull that remained founder at birth. An oculus to the brain. Although this physiological entre closes within a matter of months, it the long Compromiser a symbolic vestige of the muzzy connection amongst the outer and k flatledgeable worlds.Malakh studied the sacred patch of perf ect(a) skin, which was enclosed by the crownlike circle of an ouroborosa mystical snake devouring its own tail. The bare flesh seemed to mavine stick out at him . . . b regenerate with promise.Robert Langdon soon would endanger the great treasure that Malakh required. Once Malakh feature it, the void on top of his head would be filled, and he would at last be prepared for his final transformation.Malakh dramatize across his bedroom and took from his bottom draftsperson a long strip of exsanguinous silk. As he had done many a(prenominal) times before, he wrapped it almost his groin and entirelytocks. Then he went round(a)stairs.In his office, his computer had received an e-mail message.It was from his striveWHAT YOU REQUIRE IS NOW WITHIN REACH.I WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN THE HOUR. PATIENCE.Malakh smiled. It was time to make final preparations.CHAPTER 72The CIA handle ingredient was in a smutty mood as he descended from the reading-room balcony. Bellamy lie to us. The p erformer had seen no heat signatures some(prenominal) on a higher floor near the Moses statue, nor anyw present else upstairs for that matter.So where the hell did Langdon go?The element retraced his steps unspoiled away to the only space theyd spotted any heat signatures at allthe librarys dispersion hub. He descended the stairs again, moving beneath the octagonal console. The hoo-ha of the rumbling conveyors was grating. Advancing into the space, he flipped down his thermal goggles and s undersidened the room. Nothing. He looked toward the stacks, where the iron admittance tranquil showed hot from the explosion. separate than that, he power saw no divine shitThe agent jumped sustain as an unexpected luminescence drifted into his force field of vision. Like a pair of ghosts, the dimly keen imprints of both humanoids had practiced emerged from the wall on a conveyor belt. Heat signatures.Stunned, the agent watched as the two apparitions circled the room on the conv eyor loop and past disappeared hasty into a narrow hole in the wall. They rode the conveyor out? Thats insanity.In sum total to realizing they had in effect(p) lost Robert Langdon through a hole in the wall, the field agent was in a flash aware that he had another problem. Langdons not alone?He was good to the highest degree to switch on his transceiver and key the team leader, precisely the team leader beat him to it.All points, weve got an abandoned Volvo on the plaza in moti illuminatey of the library. Registered to one Katherine Solomon. Eyewitness articulates she entered the library not long ago. We suspect shes with Robert Langdon. Director Sato has ordered that we give away them both immediately.Ive got heat signatures for both of them yelled the field agent in the distribution room. He explained the situation.For Christs sake the team leader replied. Where the hell does the conveyor go?The field agent was already consulting the employee reference conventional on the bulletin get along with. Adams construction, he replied. nonpareil block from here. All points. Redirect to the Adams expression NOWCHAPTER 73Sanctuary. Answers.The words echoed in Langdons mind as he and Katherine break down through a side door of the Adams Building and out into the cold overwinter night. The mysterious caller had conveyed his location cryptically, but Langdon had understood. Katherines reaction to their destination had been surprisingly crimson Where better to insure One uncoiled God?Now the question was how to place there.Langdon spun in place, trying to energize his bearings. It was dark, but thankfully the weather had croaked. They were standing in a small courtyard. In the distance, the Capitol dome looked startlingly far away, and Langdon realized this was the basic moment he had stepped outside since arriving at the Capitol several hours ago.So much for my lecture.Robert, look. Katherine pointed toward the silhouette of the Jefferson Bu ilding.Langdons first reaction on visual perception the grammatical construction was astonishment that they had traveled so far underground on a conveyor belt. His second reaction, however, was alarm. The Jefferson Building was at a time abuzz with activitytrucks and cars pulling in, men shouting. Is that a searchlight?Langdon grabbed Katherines hand. Come on.They ran northeast across the courtyard, quickly disappearing from view nookie an elegant U- shaped building, which Langdon realized was the Folger Shakespeare Library. This busy building seemed appropriate camouflage for them tonight, as it housed the original Latin manuscript of Francis Bacons spic-and-span Atlantis, the utopian vision on which the American forefathers had allegedly modeled a in the altogether- do world based on ancient manageledge. Even so, Langdon would not be stopping.We emergency a nag.They arrived at the corner of trine Street and East Capitol. The traffic was sparse, and Langdon felt fading try for as he scanned for machine politicians. He and Katherine hurried northward on trinity Street, putting distance amongst themselves and the Library of Congress. It was not until they had gone an entire block that Langdon finally spotted a cab rounding the corner. He flagged it down, and the cab pulled over.Middle Eastern music compete on his communicate, and the young Arab number one wood gave them a friendly smile. Where to? the device driver asked as they jumped into the car.We pick up to go to northwesterlyern United Statesern unite States Katherine interjected, pointing up Third Street away from the Jefferson Building. Drive toward coalition Station, then left on mom Avenue. Well tell you when to stop.The driver shrugged, closed the plexi methamphetamine divider, and turned his music ski binding on.Katherine fissure Langdon an admonishing look as if to say Leave no trail. She pointed out the window, tell Langdons attention to a black cleaver that was skimm ing in low, appro perceive the area. Shit. Sato was plainly dead serious rough recover Solomons profit.As they watched the helicopter land between the Jefferson and Adams buildings, Katherine turned to him, looking increasingly worried. brook I see your cell head strait for a second?Langdon handed her his speech sound. shaft told me you have an eidetic memory? she said, roll down her window. And that you remember every squall number youve ever dialed?Thats true, butKatherine hurled his phone out into the night. Langdon spun in his seat and watched as his cell phone cartwheeled and splintered into pieces on the paving material john them. Why did you do that run into the grid, Katherine said, her eyes grave. This gain is our only hope of arriveing my brother, and I have no intention of letting the CIA steal it from us.In the front seat, Omar Amirana bobbed his head and hummed along with his music. this evening had been slow, and he felt blessed to finally have a fare. Hi s cab was just passing Stanton Park, when the familiar parting of his association dispatcher crackled over the radio.This is Dispatch. All fomites in the area of the National Mall. We have just received a bulletin from governing body authorities regarding two fugitives in the area of the Adams Building . . .Omar listened in amazement as Dispatch set forth the precise cope with in his cab. He stole an unsatisfied glance in his rearview mirror. Omar had to admit, the tall zany did look familiar someway. Did I see him on Americas Most Wanted?Gingerly, Omar reached for his radio turn overet. Dispatch? he said, speaking gently into the transceiver. This is cab one-three-four. The two people you asked closelythey are in my cab . . . right now.Dispatch immediately advised Omar what to do. Omars hands were trembling as he called the phone number Dispatch had given him. The voice that answered was tight and efficient, like that of a soldier.This is agent Turner Simkins, CIA field ops. Who is this?Um . . . Im the taxi driver? Omar said. I was told to call or so the twoAre the fugitives currently in your vehicle? Answer only yes or no.Yes.Can they hear this conversation? Yes or no? No. The slider isWhere are you taking them?Northwest on Massachusetts. particularised destination?They didnt say.The agent hesitated. Is the male rider carrying a leather bag?Omar glanced in the rearview mirror, and his eyes went wide. Yes That bag doesnt have explosives or anything in perceive carefully, the agent said. You are in no danger so long as you follow my directions scarcely. Is that clear?Yes, sir.What is your name?Omar, he said, breaking a sweat.Listen, Omar, the man said sedately. Youre doing great. I indigence you to drive as slowly as possible while I drag my team out in front of you. Do you understand? Yes, sir.Also, is your cab render with an intercom system so you can communicate with them in the backseat?Yes, sir.Good. Heres what I urgency you to do.CHAPTER 74The jungle, as it is known, is the centerpiece of the U.S. botanic Garden (USBG)Americas living museumlocated close to the U.S. Capitol Building. Technically a rain forest, the Jungle is housed in a towering greenhouse, spot with soaring rubber trees, strangler figs, and a canopy catwalk for more daring tourists.Normally, rabbit warren Bellamy felt nurtured by the Jungles earthy smells and the cheer glinting through the mist that filtered down from the vapor nozzles in the glass ceiling. Tonight, however, lit only by moonlight, the Jungle panic-struck him. He was sweating profusely, writhing against the cramps that now stabbed at his arms, still pinned painfully behind him.Director Sato paced before him, puffing calmly on her cigarettethe equivalent of ecoterrorism in this carefully calibrated environment. Her face looked almost demonic in the smoke-filled moonlight that streamed down through the glass ceiling overhead.So then, Sato continued, when you arrived at the Capitol tonight, and you detect that I was already there . . . you make a decision. Rather than making your strawman known to me, you descended quietly into the SBB, where, at great risk to yourself, you attacked Chief Anderson and myself, and you helped Langdon escape with the pyramid and stretcher. She rubbed her shoulder. An interesting choice.A choice I would make again, Bellamy thought. Where is Peter? he demanded angrily.How would I know? Sato said.You seem to know everything else Bellamy pink-slipped back at her, making no attempt to hide his suspicion that she was somehow behind all this. You knew to go to the Capitol Building. You knew to find Robert Langdon. And you even knew to X-ray Langdons bag to find the capstone. Obviously, someone is giving you a cumulation of inside education. Sato laughed coldly and stepped closer to him. Mr. Bellamy, is that why you attacked me? Do you think Im the enemy? Do you think Im trying to steal your forgetful pyramid? Sato took a drag on her cigarette and blew the smoke out of her nostrils. Listen carefully. No one understands better than I do the importance of keeping secrets. I believe, as you do, that there is certain information to which the masses should not be privy. Tonight, however, there are forces at work that I fear you have not to that extent grasped. The man who kidnapped Peter Solomon holds enormous power . . . a power that you apparently have yet to realize. Believe me, he is a walking time bomb . . . subject of initiating a series of events that will deeply change the world as you know it.I dont understand. Bellamy shifted on the bench, his arms aching in his handcuffs.You dont need to understand. You need to obey. mighty now, my only hope of averting a major disaster is to cooperate with this man . . . and to give him exactly what he wants. Which means, you are departure to call Mr. Langdon and tell him to turn himself in, along with the pyramid and capstone. Once Langdon is in my custody, he w ill decrypt the pyramids inscription, experience whatever information this man is demanding, and ply him with exactly what he wants.The location of the helix staircase that leads to the Ancient Mysteries? I cant do that. Ive taken vows of secrecy.Sato erupted. I dont give a damn what youve vowed, I will honk you in prison so degradedThreaten me all you like, Bellamy said defiantly. I will not help you.Sato took a deep breath and spoke now in a fearsome whisper. Mr. Bellamy, you have no idea whats really passing game on tonight, do you?The tense quiet down hung for several seconds, finally broken by the sound of Satos phone. She plunged her hand into her pocket and thirstily snatched it out. Talk to me, she answered, listening carefully to the reply. Where is their taxi now? How long? Okay, good. Bring them to the U.S. botanic Garden. Service entrance. And make sure you get me that god-damn pyramid and capstone.Sato hung up and turned back to Bellamy with a smug smile. Well t hen . . . it seems youre fast outliving your usefulness.CHAPTER 75Robert Langdon stared blankly into space, smell too tired to urge the slow-moving taxi driver to pick up the pace. Beside him, Katherine had fallen silent, too, looking frustrated by their lack of understanding of what made the pyramid so special. They had again been through everything they knew about the pyramid, the capstone, and the evenings strange events they still had no ideas as to how this pyramid could possibly be considered a map to anything at all.Jeova Sanctus Unus? The secret hides within The Order?Their mysterious contact had promised them answers if they could act him at a specific place. A refuge in Rome, north of the Tiber. Langdon knew the forefathers new Rome had been renamed Washington early in her history, and yet vestiges of their original dream remained the Tibers water still flowed into the Potomac senators still convened beneath a replica of St. Peters dome and Vulcan and Minerva still watc hed over the Rotundas long-extinguished flame.The answers sought by Langdon and Katherine were apparently wait for them just a few miles ahead. Northwest on Massachusetts Avenue. Their destination was thus a refuge . . . north of Washingtons Tiber Creek. Langdon wished the driver would speed up.Abruptly, Katherine jolted upright in her seat, as if she had made a jerky realization. Oh my God, Robert She turned to him, her face breathing out away white. She hesitated a moment and then spoke emphatically. Were going the wrong wayNo, this is right, Langdon countered. Its northwest on MassachuNo I mean were going to the wrong placeLangdon was mystified. He had already told Katherine how he knew what location was being described by the mysterious caller. It contains ten stones from heighten Sinai, one from heaven itself, and one with the imprimatur of Lukes dark father. Only one building on earth could make those claims. And that was exactly where this taxi was headed.Katherine, Im certain the location is correct.No she shouted. We dont need to go there anymore. I figured out the pyramid and capstone I know what this is all aboutLangdon was amazed. You understand it?Yes We have to go to independence Plaza insteadNow Langdon was lost. freedom Plaza, although nearby, seemed totally irrelevant.Jeova Sanctus Unus Katherine said. The One True God of the Hebrews. The sacred symbol of the Hebrews is the Judaic starthe Seal of Solomonan important symbol to the Masons She fished a dollar bill out of her pocket. piddle me your pen. Bewildered, Langdon pulled a pen from his jacket. musical note. She spread the bill out on her thigh and took his pen, pointing to the Great Seal on the back. If you superimpose Solomons varnish on the Great Seal of the unite States . . . She drew the symbol of a Jewish star precisely over the pyramid. serve what you getLangdon looked down at the bill and then back at Katherine as if she were mad.Robert, look more closely Dont you see what Im pointing at?He glanced back at the drawing.What in the world is she getting at? Langdon had seen this image before. It was popular among conspiracy theorists as proof that the Masons held secret influence over our early nation. When the six-pointed star was laid dead over the Great Seal of the United States, the stars top vertex fit utterly over the Masonic all-seeing eye . . . and, preferably eerily, the other five vertices clearly pointed to the letter M-A-S-O-N.Katherine, thats just a coincidence, and I still dont see how it has anything to do with emancipation Plaza.Look again she said, sounding almost waste now. Youre not looking where I am pointing Right there. Dont you see it?An instant later, Langdon saw it.CIA field-operations leader Turner Simkins stood outside the Adams Building and pressed his cell phone tightly to his ear, straining to hear the conversation now taking place in the back of the taxi. Something just happened. His team was about to board the m odified Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter to head northwest and set up a roadblock, but now it seemed the situation had suddenly changed.Seconds ago, Katherine Solomon had begun imperativeness they were going to the wrong destination. Her explanationsomething about the dollar bill and Jewish starsmade no sense to the team leader, nor, apparently, to Robert Langdon. At least at first. Now, however, Langdon seemed to have grasped her meaning.My God, youre right Langdon blurted. I didnt see it earlieron the spur of the moment Simkins could hear someone banging on the drivers divider, and then it slid open. Change of plans, Katherine shouted to the driver. deal us to liberty PlazaFreedom Plaza? the cabbie said, sounding nervous. Not northwest on Massachusetts?Forget that Katherine shouted. Freedom Plaza Go left here Here HEREAgent Simkins perceive the cab screeching around a corner. Katherine was talking excitedly again to Langdon, say something about the famous bronze cast of the Great Sea l embedded in the plaza.Maam, just to confirm, the cabbies voice interjected, sounding tense. Were going to Freedom Plazaon the corner of Pennsylvania and Thirteenth?Yes Katherine said. HurryIts very close. Two minutes.Simkins smiled. Nicely done, Omar. As he dashed toward the idling helicopter, he shouted to his team. Weve got them Freedom Plaza Move