The Lost Symbol Chapter 37-39

CHAPTER 37Malakh had seen some eerie spaces in his life, but few rivaled the unearthly globe of fuel pod 3. Wet Pod. The massive means looked as if a mad scientist had taken over a Walmart and packed every aisle and shelf with specimen jars of all shapes and sizes. Lit like a photographic dark populate, the space was bathed in a reddish haze of safelight that emanated from beneath the shelves, filtering upward and illuminating the ethanol-filled containers. The clinical smell of preservative chemicals was nauseating.This pod houses over twenty dollar bill thousand species, the chubby girl was saying. Fish, rodents, mammals, reptiles. All dead, I hope? Malakh asked, making a show of sounding nervous.The girl laughed. Yes, yes. All very much dead. Ill admit, I didnt dare come in for at least six months after I started work.Malakh could understand why. Everywhere he looked there were specimen jars of dead life- formssalamanders, jellyfish, rats, bugs, birds, and different things he could not begin to identify. As if this collection were not unsettling enough on its own, the hazy red safelights that protected these photosensitive specimens from long-term light exposure gave the visitor the feeling he was standing inside a giant aquarium, where lifeless beasts were somehow congregating to watch from the shadows.Thats a coela back endth, the girl said, pointing to a capacious Plexiglas container that held the ugliest fish Malakh had ever seen. They were thought to be extinct with the dinosaurs, but this was caught off Africa a few years back and donated to the Smithsonian.Lucky you, Malakh thought, scarce listening. He was busy scanning the walls for security cameras. He saw lone(prenominal) onetrained on the entry doornot surprising, considering that entrance was probably the however way in.And here is what you wanted to see . . . she said, leading him to the giant tank he had seen from the windowpane. Our longest specimen. She swept her arm out over the v ile creature like a game-show host displaying a newfangled car. Architeuthis.The squid tank looked like a series of glass phone booths had been laid on their sides and amalgamate end to end. Within the long, clear Plexiglas coffin hovered a sickeningly pale and amorphous shape. Malakh gazed surmount at the bulbous, saclike laissez passer and its basketball-size eyes. Al approximately makes your coelacanth look generatesome, he said.Wait till you see her illume.Trish flipped back the long lid of the tank. Ethanol fumes wafted out as she reached down into the tank and flipped a switch just above the liquid line. A string of fluorescent lights flickered to life along the entire base of the tank. Architeuthis was in a flash illumination in all her glorya colossal head attached to a slithery mass of decaying tentacles and razor-sharp suckers.She began talking about how Architeuthis could beat a sperm whale in a fight.Malakh heard only empty prattling.The time had come.Trish Dunne always felt a bit uneasy in Pod 3, but the chill that had just run by dint of her felt different.Visceral. Primal. She tried to ignore it, but it grew quickly now, clawing deeply at her. Although Trish could not seem to appear the source of her anxiety, her gut was clearly telling her it was time to leave.Anyhow, thats the squid, she said, reaching into the tank and turning off the display light. We should probably get back to KatherinesA gigantic palm clamped hard over her mouth, yanking her head back. Instantly, a unchewable arm was wrapped around her torso, pinning her against a rock-hard chest. For a split second, Trish went numb with shock. thus came the terror.The man groped across her chest, grabbing her key card and yanking down hard. The cord burned the back of her neck before snapping. The key card fell on the stand at their feet. She fought, severe to twist remote, but she was no match for the mans size and strength. She tried to scream, but his hand remained tigh tly across her mouth. He leaned down and move his mouth next to her ear, whispering, When I take my hand off your mouth, you will not scream, is that clear?She nodded vigorously, her lungs burning for air. I cant respireThe man re move his hand from her mouth, and Trish gasped, inhaling deeply.Let me go she demanded, breathless. What the hell are you doing?Tell me your PIN number, the man said.Trish felt totally at a loss. Katherine Help Who is this man? Security can see you she said, existing full well they were out of range of the cameras. And nobody is watching anyway.Your PIN number, the man repeated. The one that matches your key card.An icy fear churned in her gut, and Trish spun violently, wriggling an arm free and twisting around, clawing at the mans eyes. Her fingers hit flesh and raked down one cheek. Four dark gashes opened on his flesh where she scratched him. hence she realized the dark stripes on his flesh were not blood. The man was wearing makeup, which she had ju st scratched off, revealing dark tattoos undercover underneath.Who is this monster?With seemingly preternatural strength, the man spun her around and hoisted her up, pushing her out over the open squid tank, her face now over the ethanol. The fumes burned her nostrils.What is your PIN number? he repeated. Her eyes burned, and she could see the pale flesh of the squid submerged beneath her face.Tell me, he said, pushing her face shut outr to the surface. What is it?Her throat was burning now. Zero-eight-zero-four she blurted, barely able to breathe. Let me go Zero-eight-zero-fourIf youre lying, he said, pushing down farther, her hair in the ethanol now.Im not lying she said, coughing. August 4 Its my birthday give thanks you, Trish.His powerful hands clasped her head tighter, and a crushing force rammed her downward, plunging her face into the tank. Searing pain burned her eyes. The man pressed down harder, driving her w spate head under the ethanol. Trish felt her face pressing i nto the fleshy head of the squid.Summoning all of her strength, she bucked violently, arching backward, trying to pull her head out of the tank. But the powerful hands did not budge.I urinate to breatheShe remained submerged, straining not to open her eyes or mouth. Her lungs burned as she fought the powerful urge to breathe in. No Dont But Trishs inhalation reflex finally took over.Her mouth flew open, and her lungs expanded violently, attempting to suck in the oxygen that her body craved. In a searing rush, a loop of ethanol poured into her mouth. As the chemicals gushed down her throat into her lungs, Trish felt a pain like nada she had ever imagined possible. Mercifully, it lasted only a few seconds before her world went black.Malakh stood beside the tank, catching his breath and surveying the damage.The lifeless woman lay slumped over the rim of the tank, her face still submerged in ethanol. Seeing her there, Malakh flashed on the only other woman he had ever killed.Isabel S olomon.Long ago. Another life.Malakh gazed down now at the womans flaccid corpse. He grabbed her ample hips and twisted with his legs, hoisting her up, pushing forward, until she began to slue over the rim of the squid tank. Trish Dunne slithered headfirst down into the ethanol. The rest of her body followed, sloshing down. Gradually, the ripples subsided, leaving the woman hovering limp over the huge sea creature. As her apparel got heavier, she began to sink, slipping into the phantasm. Bit by bit, Trish Dunnes body settled on top of the great beast. Malakh wiped his hands and replaced the Plexiglas lid, sealing the tank.Wet Pod has a new specimen.He retrieved Trishs key card from the floor and slipped it in his grievous bodily harm 0804.When Malakh had first seen Trish in the lobby, hed seen a liability. Then hed realized her key card and password were his insurance. If Katherines data-storage room was as secure as Peter had implie, then Malakh was anticipating some challeng es persuading Katherine to unlock it for him. I now have my own set of keys. He was pleased to know he would no longer have to waste time bending Katherine to his will.As Malakh stood up straight, he saw his own reflection in the window and could tell his makeup was badly mangled. It didnt matter anymore. By the time Katherine put it all together, it would be too late.CHAPTER 38This room is masonic? Sato demanded, turning from the skull and double-dyed(a) at Langdon in the darkness.Langdon nodded calmly. Its called a sleeping accommodation of Reflection. These rooms are designed as cold, austere places in which a Mason can reflect on his own mortality. By meditating on the inevitability of death, a Mason gains a valuable perspective on the fleeting nature of life.Sato looked around the eerie space, ostensibly not convinced. This is some kind of meditation room?Essentially, yes. These chambers always incorporate the same symbolsskull and crossed bones, mow, hourglass, sulfur, salt , blank paper, a candle, et cetera. The symbols of death inspire Masons to cerebrate how better to lead their lives while on this earth.It looks like a death shrine, Anderson said.Thats kind of the point. Most of my symbology students have the same reaction at first. Langdon often appoint them Symbols of Freemasonry by Beresniak, which contained beautiful photos of Chambers of Reflection.And your students, Sato demanded, dont find it unnerving that Masons meditate with skulls and scythes?No more unnerving than Christians praying at the feet of a man nailed to a cross, or Hindus cantillate in front of a four-armed elephant named Ganesh. Misunderstanding a cultures symbols is a common root of prejudice.Sato turned away, apparently in no mood for a lecture. She moved toward the table of artifacts. Anderson tried to light her way with the flashlight, but the beam was beginning to dim. He tapped the heel of the light and coaxed it to burn a little brighter.As the ternion moved deeper into the narrow space, the pungent tang of sulfur filled Langdons nostrils. The subbasement was damp, and the humidity in the air was activating the sulfur in the bowl. Sato arrived at the table and stared down at the skull and accompanying objects.Anderson joined her, doing his best to light the desk with the weakening beam of his flashlight.Sato examined everything on the table and then placed her hands on her hips, sighing. What is all this tear apart?The artifacts in this room, Langdon knew, were carefully selected and arranged. Symbols of transformation, he told her, feeling confined as he inched forward and joined them at the table. The skull, or caput mortuum, represents mans final transformation through decay its a reminder that we all shed our mortal flesh one day. The sulfur and salt are alchemical catalysts that facilitate transformation. The hourglass represents the transformational power of time. He motioned to the unlit candle. And this candle represents the formativ e primordial fire and the awakening of man from his ignorant slumbertransformation through illumination.And . . . that? Sato asked, pointing into the corner.Anderson swung his dimming flashlight beam to the giant scythe that leaned against the back wall.Not a death symbol, as just about assume, Langdon said. The scythe is actually a symbol of the transformative nourishment of naturethe reaping of natures gifts.Sato and Anderson fell silent, apparently trying to process their bizarre surroundings.Langdon wanted nothing more than to get out of the place. I realize this room may seem unusual, he told them, but theres nothing to see here its really quite normal. A lot of masonic lodges have chambers exactly like this one.But this is not a Masonic lodgeAnderson declared. Its the U.S. Capitol, and Id like to know what the hell this room is doing in my building.Sometimes Masons set aside rooms like this in their offices or private homes as meditation spaces. It is not uncommon. Langdon kn ew a heart surgeon in Boston who had converted a closet in his office into a Masonic Chamber of Reflection so he could ponder mortality before going into surgery.Sato looked troubled. Youre saying Peter Solomon comes down here to reflect on death?I really dont know, Langdon said sincerely. Maybe he created it as a sanctuary for his Masonic brothers who work in the building, giving them a spiritual sanctuary away from the chaos of the material world . . . a place for a powerful lawmaker to reflect before making decisions that affect his fellow man.Lovely sentiment, Sato said, her vestige sar phaseic, but I have a feeling Americans competency have a problem with their attractors praying in closets with scythes and skulls.Well, they shouldnt, Langdon thought, imagining how different a world it might be if more leaders took time to ponder the finality of death before racing off to war.Sato pursed her lips and carefully surveyed all four corners of the candle lit chamber. There must b e something in here besides human bones and bowls of chemicals, Professor. Someone transported you all the way from your home in Cambridge to be in this precise room.Langdon clutched his daybag to his side, still unable to imagine how the package he carried might relate to this chamber. Maam, Im sorry, but I dont see anything out of the ordinary here. Langdon hoped that now at last they could get to the business of trying to find Peter.Andersons light flickered again, and Sato spun on him, her temper starting to show. For Christs sake, is it too much to ask? She plunged her hand into her pocket and yanked out a cigarette lighter. Striking her thumb on the flint, she held out the flame and lit the desks lone candle. The wick sputtered and then caught, spreading a spiritual luminescence throughout the constricted space. Long shadows raked the sway walls. As the flame grew brighter, an unexpected sight materialized before them.Look Anderson said, pointing.In the candlelight, they cou ld now see a faded patch of graffitiseven capital letters scrawled across the backbone wall.VITRIOLAn odd choice of word, Sato said as the candlelight cast a frightening skull-shaped silhouette across the letters.Actually, its an acronym, Langdon said. Its written on the kick upstairs wall of most chambers like this as a shorthand for the Masonic meditative mantra Visita interiora terrae, rectificando invenies occultum lapidem.Sato eyed him, looking almost impressed. Meaning?Visit the interior of the earth, and by rectifying, you will find the hidden stone.Satos gaze sharpened. Does the hidden stone have any connection to a hidden pyramid?Langdon shrugged, not wanting to encourage the comparison. Those who enjoy fantasizing about hidden pyramids in Washington would tell you that occultum lapidem refers to the stone pyramid, yes. Others will tell you its a reference to the Philosophers Stonea substance alchemists believed could bring them everlasting life or turn lead into gold. Ot hers claim its a reference to the Holy of Holies, a hidden stone chamber at the core of the Great Temple. Some say its a Christian reference to the hidden teachings of Saint Peterthe Rock. Every esoteric tradition interprets the stone in its own way, but invariably the occultum lapidem is a source of power and enlightenment.Anderson cleared his throat. Is it possible Solomon lied to this guy? Maybe he told him there was something down here . . . and there really isnt.Langdon was having similar thoughts.Without warning, the candle flame flickered, as if caught by a draft. It dense for a moment and then recovered, burning brightly again.Thats odd, Anderson said. I hope no one closed the door upstairs. He strode out of the chamber into the darkness of the hallway. Hello?Langdon barely noticed him leave. His gaze had been drawn suddenly to the rear wall. What just happened?Did you see that? Sato asked, also staring with alarm at the wall.Langdon nodded, his pulse quickening. What did I just see?A moment earlier, the rear wall seemed to have shimmered, as if a ripple of energy had passed through it.Anderson now strode back into the room. No ones out there. As he entered, the wall shimmered again. Holy shit he exclaimed, jumping back.All three stood mute for a long moment, staring in unison at the back wall. Langdon felt another chill run through him as he realized what they were seeing. He reached out tentatively, until his fingertips touched the rear surface of the chamber. Its not a wall, he said.Anderson and Sato stepped closer, peering intently. Its a beg, Langdon said.But it billowed, Sato said quickly.Yes, in a very strange way. Langdon examined the surface more closely. The sheen on the opinion poll had refracted the candlelight in a startling manner because the canvas had just billowed away from the room . . . fluttering backward through the plane of the rear wall.Langdon extended his outstretched fingers very gently, pressing the canvas backward. Startl ed, he yanked his hand back. Theres an openingPull it aside, Sato ordered.Langdons heart pounded wildly now. He reached up and clutched the edge of the canvas banner, slowly pulling the fabric to one side. He stared in disbelief at what lay hidden behind it. My God.Sato and Anderson stood in stunned silence as they looked through the opening in the rear wall.Finally, Sato spoke. It appears weve just found our pyramid.CHAPTER 39Robert Langdon stared at the opening in the rear wall of the chamber. Hidden behind the canvas banner, a perfectly square hole had been hollowed out of the wall. The opening, about three feet across, appeared to have been created by removing a series of bricks. For a moment, in the darkness, Langdon thought the hole was a window to a room beyond.Now he saw it was not.The opening extended only a few feet into the wall before terminating. wish a rough-hewn cubbyhole, the recessed niche reminded Langdon of a museum alcove designed to hold a statuette. Fittingly, this niche displayed one small object.About nine inches tall, it was a spell of carved, solid granite. The surface was elegant and smooth with four polished sides that shone in the candlelight.Langdon could not fathom what it was doing here. A stone pyramid?From your look of surprise, Sato said, sounding self-satisfied, I take it this object is not typical within a Chamber of Reflection?Langdon shook his head.Then perhaps you would like to reassess your previous claims regarding the allegory of a Masonic Pyramid hidden in Washington? Her tone now was almost smug.Director, Langdon replied instantly, this little pyramid is not the Masonic Pyramid.So it is plainly coincidence that we found a pyramid hidden at the heart of the U.S. Capitol in a secret chamber belonging to a Masonic leader?Langdon rubbed his eyes and tried to think clearly. Maam, this pyramid doesnt resemble the myth in any way. The Masonic Pyramid is described as enormous, with a tip unsound of solid gold.Moreover, Langdon knew, this little pyramidwith its flat topwas not even a true pyramid. Without its tip, this was another symbol entirely. Known as an Unfinished Pyramid, it was a symbolic reminder that mans ascent to his full human potential was always a work in progress. Though few realized it, this symbol was the most widely published symbol on earth. Over twenty billion in print. Adorning every one-dollar bill in circulation, the Unfinished Pyramid waited patiently for its shining capstone, which hovered above it as a reminder of Americas yet- unfulfilled destiny and the work yet to be done, both as a country and as individuals. revoke it down, Sato said to Anderson, motioning to the pyramid. I want a closer look. She began making room on the desk by shoving the skull and crossed bones to one side with no adore whatsoever.Langdon was starting to feel like they were common grave robbers, desecrating a personal shrine.Anderson maneuvered past Langdon, reached into the niche, and clamped h is large palms on either side of the pyramid. Then, barely able to lift at this awkward angle, he slid the pyramid toward him and lowered it with a hard thud onto the wooden desk. He stepped back to give Sato room.The director repositioned the candle close to the pyramid and studied its polished surface. Slowly, she ran her tiny fingers over it, examining every inch of the flat top, and then the sides. She wrapped her hands around to feel the back, then frowned in apparent disappointment. Professor, earlier you said the Masonic Pyramid was constructed to protect secret information.Thats the legend, yes.So, hypothetically speaking, if Peters captor believed this was the Masonic Pyramid, he would believe it contained powerful information. Langdon nodded, exasperated. Yes, although even if he found this information, he probably would not be able to read it. According to legend, the contents of the pyramid are encoded, making them indecipherable . . . except to the most worthy.I beg you r pardon?Despite Langdons growing impatience, he replied with an even tone. Mythological treasures are always protected by tests of worthiness. As you may recall, in the legend of the Sword in the Stone, the stone refuses to give up the sword except to Arthur, who was spiritually prepared to wield the swords awesome power. The Masonic Pyramid is establish on the same idea. In this case, the information is the treasure, and it is said to be written in an encoded languagea mystical tongue of lost words fair only to the worthy.A faint smile crossed Satos lips. That may explain why you were summoned here tonight.Im sorry?Calmly, Sato rotated the pyramid in place, turning it a full 180 degrees. The pyramids fourth side now shone in the candlelight.Robert Langdon stared at it with surprise.It appears, Sato said, that someone believes youre worthy.