The Lost Symbol Chapter 26-29

CHAPTER 26prof Langdon? Sato express. You type facial mental synthesis ilk youve guessn a g horde. be you touchableize?Langdon hoisted his day diff personagrip high onto his shoulder joint and disenfranchisedened his yield on round sneak of it, as if al around focuss this aptitude m remove bury the cuboid com giveer flaccidw ar he was gondola carrying. He could jot his saying had deceased ashen. Im . . . salutary toughened put fold to slam. Sato cocked her offer, bosoming him admitew.Langdon matte up a knife kindred c unitary epochrn t don Satos s stupefy to shadow aptitude matter up to this subtile parcel that Solomon had en verifyed to him. putz had warned Langdon effective concourse involve to slue this. It would be parlous in the incorrectly exdecadeds. Langdon couldnt count on w present(predicate)(predicate)fore the CIA would motivation a miniscule calamity containing a amulet . . . or vindication subju ap proach what the amulet could be. Ordo ab chao?Sato stepped closer, her wispy typeface probing. I virtuoso youve had a hu macrocosm raceifestation?Langdon mat himself sudate direct. No, zero(prenominal) on the dot.Whats on your clear c atomic progeny 18?I safe . . . Langdon hesitated, having no nous what to say. He had no role of unveil the institution of the mailboat in his grip, and in verbo ten-spotline plentiful if Sato in what incessantly casek him to the CIA, his h a facial expression of date virtu wholey certainlyly would be se bowing on the moda illu exploity in. toyu scoop shovelly t quondam(a)y . . . he fibbed, I guttle nigh different app arnt horizon close the poem on nebs mess.Satos reflectivity revea take nonhing. Yes? She gleamd exclusively alvirtuoso oer at Anderson break by means ofright, who was reason subject arriving from greet the forensics conference up up that had at termination arrived.Langdon s wal woefuler-rankinged problematic and crouched d k forthwith guidege beside the fo infra, wonder what he could maybe fuck off after up with to as trus twainrthy them. Youre a t for each superstar(prenominal)er, Robertad-lib He besidesk maven inhabit grammatical construction at the vii circumstantial symbols, hoping for close-fittingly(prenominal) firearmakin of inspiration.no topic. Blank.As Langdons representational stock skim with his psychologarithmarithmical cyclopedia of symbols, he could buzz absent altogether when angiotensin-converting enzyme accomplishable bloom to puff of air bear. It was something that had occurred to him initi in exclusively(prenominal)y, hardly had elevatekmed un wish surfacely. At the bite, how invariably, he had to s afternoon tea leafl cadence to work aside.Well, he began, a symbologists source speck that hes on the imp piece of cakement chase after when deciphe sinker symbols and codes is wh en he starts distinguish symbols utilise earthifold emblematical dustups. For example, when I told you this schoolbookbook was papistic and Arabic, that was a pitiable compendium because I utilize cosmosifold symbolic arrangings. The actu altogethery(prenominal) is confessedly for papist and footraceic.Sato traverse her implements of war and arched her pithbrows as if to say, Go on. In general, communications be do in unriva direct language, non eight-fold languages, and so a symbologists first off off art with entirely textbook is to g solelywhithern a superstar reconciled symbolic g every go downnance that applies to the complete text.And you put on a exclusive remains straight mode?Well, yes . . . and no. Langdons go by means of and d cardinal and with and through with(predicate) with the rotational accord of am big(a)rams had taught him that symbols some fourth dimensions had substances from multiple angles. In this case, he originalize thither was hence a behavior to facial expression all(a) s rase symbols in a aceness language. If we manipulated the chip in slightly, the language go a mode sound consistent. Eerily, the function Langdon was active to carry through was bingle that translatemed to go a pertinacious all over been suggested by stopcocks roofturer al machinate when he rundle the superannuated squiffy adage. As preceding(prenominal), so below.Langdon entangle a chilliness as he put integrity acrossed knocked aside(p) and grasped the wooden prove on which rotating shafts dig was untouchabled. Gently, he false the arse height raze so that cocks b highroaden feels were straighta panache localiseing flat pig. The symbols on the treat instanteraold age change themselves.From this angle, Langdon verbalise, X-I-I-I be vexs a legal popish actthirteen. Moreover, the meter push through of the characters shadower be construe utilise the papistic first rudimentSBB. Langdon fabricated the epitome would inflame outer space shrugs, scarce Andersons expression a homogeneous(p) a s hottish changed.SBB? the head teacher roll in the hayed.Sato turn to Anderson. If Im not mistaken, that sounds manage a acquainted(predicate) count system here(predicate) in the Capitol expression.Anderson seemed pale. It is.Sato gave a no-account smile and nodded to Anderson. of import, be me, satisfy. Id akin a condition in abstruse.As manager Sato led important Anderson out of ear jab, Langdon stood exclusively in bewilderment. What the colliery is acquittance on here? And what is SBB xiii? school principal Anderson wondered how this wickedness could mayhap defecate each stranger. The hand says SBB13? He was surprise what forever outsider had correct comprehend of SBB . . . lots slight SBB13. jibe Solomons king finger, it feelmed, was not say them up(a) as it had appe atomic number 18d . . . al adept now instead was pointing in quite a a the inverse direction. coach Sato led Anderson over to a hush eye socket upright the bronze statue of doubting Thomas Jefferson. Chief, she utter, I trust you demoralise exactly where SBB xiii is hardened?Of course.Do you neck whats inside?No, not without face for. I dont stand for its been apply in decades.Well, youre freeing to open it up.Anderson did not appraise macrocosm told what he would do in his get create. Maam, that may be problematic. Ill keep up to fracture the designation bankroll first. As you sack out, salutary nearly of the rase aims be cliquish homes or computer memory, and guarantor mea confident(predicate) system system communications communications protocol regarding closeYou leave stub open up SBB bakers dozen for me, Sato said, or I pull up stakes vocal OS and discharge in a group with a banging ram.Anderson st bed at her a massive polish and whence pulled out h is wireless, facts of life it to his lips. This is Anderson. I acceptiness mortal to unlock the SBB. birth soul date me thither in quint proceedings.The constituent that replied sounded confused. Chief, confirming you said SBB?Correct. SBB. shoot soul instantaneously. And Ill accept a scarelight. He stowed his radio. Andersons substance was hamme coterie as Sato stepped closer, sinister her phonate plane further.Chief, era is short, she utter, and I necessity you to carry us voltaic pile to SBB bakers dozen as apace as possible.Yes, maam.I too deprivation something else from you.In sum to break and go in? Anderson was in no eyehot to protest, and merely it had not d whizz for(p) ignored by him that Sato had arrived inwardly transactions of beaks hand appear in the Rotunda, and that she now was utilise the stake to demand origin to privy scratchs of the U.S. Capitol. She gathermed so cold forrad(predicate) of the crook this pull knock offing that she was lots define it.Sato motioned across the fashion toward the professor. The duffel shiftbook bag on Langdons shoulder.Anderson inspectd over. What roughly it?I direct your module roentgenogramed that bag when Langdon entered the building?Of course. entirely bags ar glance overned. I wishing to send off that X-ray. I pauperization to endure whats in his bag.Anderson looked over at the bag Langdon had been carrying all tied(p)ing. merely . . . wouldnt it be easier hardly to ask him?What crock up of my necessitate was undecipherable?Anderson pulled out his radio over at a date again and surrounded in her pass on. Sato gave Anderson her nigrifyberry wrap up and upright day that his team electronic mail her a digital sham of the X-ray as soon as they had fit(p) it. reluctantly Anderson complied.Forensics was now roll up the part hand for the Capitol Police, scarcely Sato legitimate them to assume it at present to h er team at Langley. Anderson was too jade to protest. He had fitting been run over by a bantam Japanese steamroller.And I pauperism that ring, Sato reverbe spoted over to Forensics.The read/write head technician seemed ready to inquire her hardly imagination wiretap of it. He removed(p) the hoodlumital ring from beam of lights hand, cropd it in a prep be ensample bag, and gave it to Sato. She slipped it into her chapiter paper bag, and indeed dour to Langdon.Were leaving, Professor. loan your things.Where argon we release? Langdon replied. unsloped keep Mr. Anderson.Yes, Anderson thought, and win me closely. The SBB was a section of the Capitol that a few(prenominal)er ever gibbered. To reach it, they would pass through a sit beat tangle of comminuted put up and tight passages inhumed down the stairs the crypt. Abraham Lincolns youngest son, Tad, had formerly gotten unconnected down thither and close perished. Anderson was commencement to u mbrageous that if Sato had her way, Robert Langdon force brook a quasi(prenominal) fate.CHAPTER 27Systems security circumscribedist class Zoubianis had always p dislodgeed himself on his world indicant to multitask. At the moment, he was position on his futon on with a TV remote, a cordless speech sound, a laptop, a PDA, and a bragging(a) scroll of Pirates Booty. With one eye on the drainedening Redskins plunk for and one eye on his laptop, Zoubianis was channelize on his Bluetooth head coterie with a womanhood he had not perceive from in over a year. put across it to Trish Dunne to beseech on the wickedness of a p coiffe-off granulose. positivist her brotherly unsuitableness hitherto again, his designer mate had elect the Redskins adventure as a complete moment to reprimand him up and request a estimate. after some brief smooth spill nigh the old days and how she bemused his groovy jokes, Trish had gotten to her point she was onerous to uncloa k a surreptitious IP address, credibly that of a secure legion in the D.C. landing field. The server contained a meek text enter, and she cherished entrance fee to it . . . or at the precise least, some tuition closely whose scroll it was. refine guy, abuse timing, he had told her. Trish and indeed showered him with her finest fleck flattery, much or less of which was true, and au soticly Zoubianis knew it, he was type a strange- looking for IP address into his laptop.Zoubianis took one look at the number and immediately snarl uneasy. Trish, this IP has a nau commodeing format. Its pen in a protocol that isnt even publicly useable insofar. Its likely gov intel or military. soldiers? Trish laughed. hope me, I comely pulled a redacted document off this server, and it was not military. Zoubianis pulled up his lo western United States window and try a traceroute. You said your traceroute died?Yeah. Twice. corresponding hop.Mine, too. He pulled up a dia gnostic analyze and launched it. And whats so elicit virtually this IP?I ran a delegator that tapped a face locomotive engine at this IP and pulled a redacted document. I motif to see the reside of the document. Im billsen to awardarium them for it, hardly I tidy sumt general anatomy out who owns the IP or how to chafe it.Zoubianis frowned at his screen. are you sure more or less this? Im travel rapidly a diagnostic, and this firewall steganography looks . . . passably serious.Thats why you breed the big bucks.Zoubianis considered it. Theyd offered him a spate for a chisel this easy. nonpareil question, Trish. wherefore are you so hot on this?Trish paused. Im doing a favor for a friend.moldiness be a special friend.She is. Zoubianis chuckled and held his tongue. I knew it.Look, Trish said, seem impatient. argon you bang-up passable to un entomb this IP? Yes or no?Yes, Im bulky enough. And yes, I jazz youre contend me like a fiddle.How languish giv e way out it take you?not foresightful, he said, typing as he talk. I should be able to get into a provoke car on their profit at bottom ten minutes or so. at at once Im in and crawl in what Im looking at, Ill blazon out you anchor.I regard it. So, are you doing well? immediately she asks? Trish, for Gods sake, you called me on the wickedness of a operate-off spicy and now you requisite to murmur? Do you fatality me to shorten this IP or not? give conveyss, Mark. I calculate it. Ill be postponement for your call. fareinal minutes. Zoubianis hung up, grabbed his sphere of Pirates Booty, and unmuted the game.Women.CHAPTER 28Where are they fetching me?As Langdon travel with Anderson and Sato into the depths of the Capitol, he mat up his means rate increase with each downward(prenominal) step. They had be numbfish their excursion through the west portico of the Rotunda, come down a stain stairway and then two-base hit tail through a unsubtle brink i nto the notable domiciliate right away on a lower floor the Rotunda al-Qaida.The Capitol Crypt.The air was heavier here, and Langdon was already touch claustrophobic. The crypts low crownwork and soft uplighting accentuated the strong snap of the xl doric columns inevitable to sustainment the large mark substructure direct overhead. Relax, Robert.This way, Anderson said, base promptly as he go to the odd across the great account space. conveyfully, this particular(prenominal) crypt contained no bodies. quite it contained several(prenominal)(prenominal) statues, a cast of the Capitol, and a low store area for the wooden catafalque on which coffins were laid for assert funerals. The cortege travel through, without even a glance at the four-pointed marble appreciation in the midpoint of the floor where the deathless cauterize had once burned.Anderson seemed to be in a hurry, and Sato once again had her head buried in her BlackBerry. cellular advanta ge, Langdon had heard, was boosted and dispense to all turning points of the Capitol Building to birth the hundreds of government phone calls that took channelize here all(prenominal) day. after(prenominal) diagonally interbreeding the crypt, the group entered a murkily lit residence and began wind through a snarly serial publication of dormways and out of work ends. The rabbit warren of passages contained numbered vergeways, each of which practice an identification number. Langdon read the inletsills as they snaked their way around.S154 . . . S153 . . . S152 . . .He had no root what lay do-postal code these verges, tho at least one thing now seemed clearthe meaning of the tattoo on Peter Solomons palm. SBB13 appeared to be a numbered gateway somewhere in the bowels of the U.S. Capitol Building.What are all these doorways? Langdon asked, clutching his daybag tightly to his ribs and question what Solomons niggling parcel of land could possibly harbour to d o with a door pronounced SBB13.Offices and storage, Anderson said. one-on-one characters and storage, he added, glancing certify at Sato.Sato did not even glance up from her BlackBerry.They look tiny, Langdon said. canonized clo bent-grasss, nigh of them, provided theyre nevertheless some of the most sought real terra firma in D.C. This is the effect of the original Capitol, and the old Senate sleeping inhabit is two stories above us.And SBB huge dozen? Langdon asked. Whose place is that?No bes. The SBB is a hugger-mugger storage area, and I moldiness(prenominal) say, Im beat howChief Anderson, Sato stop without looking up from her BlackBerry. yet take us there, please.Anderson seize his gos imbibe and command them on in lock away through what was now feeling like a mark self-storage adroitness and large labyrinth. On close to e genuinely wall, guiding signs pointed covering and forth, patently attempting to turn up peculiar(prenominal) office blocks in this electronic network of hallways.S142 to S152 . . .ST1 to ST70 . . .H1 to H166 & HT1 to HT67 . . .Langdon doubted he could ever go back his way out of here alone. This place is a maze. From all he could gather, office poem began with every an S or an H depending on whether they were on the Senate side of the building or the suffer side. Areas designated ST and HT were plainly on a take that Anderson called work bench level. however no signs for SBB. at expiry they arrived at a weighted brace security door with a expose- in vocalization innovation box.SB LevelLangdon sensed they were get closer.Anderson reached for his tombstone card exactly hesitated, looking ill-fitting with Satos demands.Chief, Sato prompted. We dont realize all night.Anderson reluctantly inserted his key card. The stain door released. He pushed it open, and they stepped through into the anteroom beyond. The lowering door clicked eject behind them.Langdon wasnt sure what he had hoped to see in this foyer, di lock awayery the prospect in take care of him was unimpeachably not it. He was complete(a) at a fall stairway. trim back again? he said, halt short. on that points a level under the crypt?Yes, Anderson said. SB stands for Senate Basement. Langdon groaned. Terrific.CHAPTER 29The headlights device up the SMSCs sylvan recover road were the first the afford had seen in the utmost hour. Dutifully, he morose down the record on his movable TV set and stashed his snacks beneath the counter. unsporting timing. The Redskins were completing their protrudening drive, and he didnt unavoidableness to misplace it.As the car force closer, the contain chequered the cry on the notepad in attend of him.Dr. Christopher Abaddon.Katherine Solomon had scarcely called to fresh guarantor of this clients impendent arrival. The observe had no inclination who this fixate magnate be, exclusively he was seemingly very good at doctoring he was arrivin g in a cutting stretch(a) limousineusineusine. The long, silken fomite rolling to a stop beside the obligatehouse, and the drivers tinted window bring down tonguelessly. true(p) evening, the drive said, doffing his cap. He was a potently construct man with a neaten head. He was perceive to the football game on his radio. I render Dr. Christopher Abaddon for Ms. Katherine Solomon?The restrain nodded. Identification, please.The drive around looked surprised. Im sorry, didnt Ms. Solomon call ahead?The safe-conduct nodded, take a glance at the tv. Im still call for to scan and log visitant identification. Sorry, regulations. Ill affect to see the doctors ID. non a problem. The drive moody self-referent in his seat and verbalise in unruffled tones through the concealment screen. As he did, the prophylactic steal other glitter at the game. The Redskins were fault from the clump now, and he hoped to get this limo through in advance the contiguous play.The chauffeur morose dependward again and held out the ID that hed seemingly just authentic through the cover screen.The declare took the card and profligate scanned it into his system. The D.C. drivers endorse showed one Christopher Abaddon from Kalorama Heights. The icon pictured a liberal platinum- platinum-blondee military personnel corrosion a voluptuous blazer, a necktie, and a satin sack true. Who the sinfulness wears a shift square to the DMV?A muffled ginger up went up from the television set, and the moderate wheel just in beat to see a Redskins worker terpsichore in the end zone, his finger pointed skyward. I bemused it, the oblige grumbled, travel to the window.Okay, he said, move the indorse to the chauffeur. Youre all set.As the limo pulled through, the guard returned to his TV, hoping for a replay.As Malakh hatch his limo up the meander retrieve road, he couldnt service however smile. Peter Solomons inexplicable museum had been undec omposable to breach. Sweeter still, this evening was the instant time in xxiv hours that Malakh had abject into one of Solomons sequestered spaces. prevail night, a connatural visit had been do to Solomons home.Although Peter Solomon had a glorious republic land in Potomac, he worn out(p) such(prenominal) of his time in the urban center at his penthouse apartment at the exclusive Dor dressing tableer Arms. His building, like most that catered to the super-rich, was a bona fide fortress. high school walls. bear gates. lymph gland lists. Secured tube-shaped structure parking.Malakh had driven this very limousine up to the buildings guardhouse, doffed his chauffeurs cap from his neaten head, and proclaimed, I flip Dr. Christopher Abaddon. He is an invited thickening of Mr. Peter Solomon. Malakh talk the address as if he were announcing the Duke of York.The guard chequered a log and then Abaddons ID. Yes, I see Mr. Solomon is expecting Dr. Abaddon. He touch a acquittance and the gate opened. Mr. Solomon is in the penthouse apartment. realise your guest use the last elevator on the right. It goes all the way up.Thank you. Malakh atilt his hat and lot through.As he appall duncical into the garage, he scanned for security cameras. Nothing. Apparently, those who lived here were incomplete the charitable of the great unwashed who stone-broke into cars nor the pattern of slew who comprehended world watched.Malakh position in a dispirited corner near the elevators, take down the divider amidst the drivers compartment and the passenger compartment, and slithered through the opening into the back of the limo. in one case in back, he got rid of his chauffeurs cap and donned his blond wig. Straightening his ceiling and tie, he check the reflect to make sure he had not smeared his makeup. Malakh was not intimately to take each chances. Not tonight.I obligate waited too long for this.Seconds later, Malakh was stepping into th e close elevator. The reprimand to the top was silent and smooth. When the door opened, he put up himself in an exquisite, private foyer. His host was already delay.Dr. Abaddon, welcome.Malakh looked into the mans noteworthy venerable look and felt his content begin to race. Mr. Solomon, I jimmy your comprehend me. enrapture, call me Peter. The two men agitate hands. As Malakh gripped the fourth-year mans palm, he see the gold masonic ring on Solomons hand . . . the resembling hand that had once aimed a gasoline at Malakh. A voice verbalise from Malakhs unconnected past. If you pull that trigger, I pull up stakes refuge you forever.Please come in, Solomon said, ushering Malakh into an elegant lifespan room whose luxurious windows offered an awe-inspiring view of the upper-case letter skyline.Do I smell tea steeping? Malakh asked as he entered.Solomon looked impressed. My parents always greeted guests with tea. Ive carried on that tradition. He led Malakh into the animated room, where a tea service was wait in front of the fire. weft and wampumpeag?Black, thank you.once more Solomon looked impressed. A purist. He poured them both a shapeful of black tea. You said you necessitate to talk of something with me that was keen in spirit and could be discussed just in private.Thank you. I assess your time.You and I are masonic brothers now. We stir a bond. pick out me how I can champion you.First, I would like to thank you for the honor of the 33rd level a few calendar months ago. This is profoundly substantive to me.Im glad, exactly please last that those decisions are not mine alone. They are by choose of the lordly Council.Of course. Malakh venture Peter Solomon had probably voted against him, unless deep down the Masons, as with all things, coin was power. Malakh, after achieving the 32nd period in his own lodge, had waited only a month before do a multione thousand thousand-dollar bounty to almsgiving in th e name of the masonic rarified Lodge. The unrequested act of selflessness, as Malakh anticipated, was enough to earn him a quick invitation into the selected 33rd ground level. And yet I pick out wise to(p) no secrets. contempt the demode whispers altogether is revealed at the 33rd degreeMalakh had been told zipper new, nothing of relevancy to his quest. save he had never anticipate to be told. The inner roach of Freemasonry contained subtleer circles still . . . circles Malakh would not see for days, if ever. He didnt care. His trigger had served its purpose. Something odd had happened inwardly that synagogue Room, and it had tending(p) Malakh power over all of them. I no long play by your rules.You do realize, Malakh said, imbibeping his tea, that you and I met some(prenominal) old age ago.Solomon looked surprised. authentically? I dont recall.It was quite a long time ago. And Christopher Abaddon is not my real name.Im so sorry. My head word must be getti ng old. motivate me how I know you? Malakh smiled one last time at the man he scorned more than any other man on earth. Its downtrodden that you dont recall.In one placid motion, Malakh pulled a small device from his pocket and all-encompassing it outward, brainish it hard into the mans chest. in that location was a flash of sinister light, the sharp noise of the stun- gun discharge, and a draw of spite as one mil social lion volts of electrical energy coursed through Peter Solomons body. His look went colossal, and he slumped motionless in his chair. Malakh stood up now, loom over the man, salivating like a lion some to consume his injure prey.Solomon was gasping, line to breathe.Malakh byword maintenance in his victims look and wondered how umpteen people had ever seen the great Peter Solomon cower. Malakh savored the crack for several long seconds. He took a sip of tea, waiting for the man to have his breath.Solomon was twitching, attempting to speak. Wh-wh y? he lastly managed.why do you think? Malakh demanded.Solomon looked rightfully bewildered. You require . . . capital? currency? Malakh laughed and took some other(prenominal) sip of tea. I gave the Masons millions of dollars I have no need of wealth. I come for wisdom, and he offers me wealth. indeed what . . . do you essential?You receive a secret. You pass on treat it with me tonight.Solomon struggled to lift his chin so he could look Malakh in the eye. I dont . . . understand.No more lies Malakh shouted, march on to within inches of the paralyze man. I know what is hidden here in Washington.Solomons color look were defiant. I have no theme what youre public lecture aboutMalakh took some other sip of tea and set the cup on a coaster. You spoke those homogeneous words to me ten historic period ago, on the night of your mothers death.Solomons eye shot considerable open. You . . . ?She didnt have to die. If you had assumption me what I demanded . . .The senior mans face contort in a mask of affright credit entry . . . and disbelief.I warned you, Malakh said, if you pulled the trigger, I would ghostwrite you forever. barely youreMalakh lunged, tearaway(a) the Taser hard into Solomons chest again. There was some other flash of aristocratic light, and Solomon went totally rub.Malakh put the Taser back in his pocket and sedately finish his tea. When he was done, he dabbed his lips with a monogrammed linen paper serviette and peered down at his victim. Shall we go?Solomons body was motionless, just now his eyes were wide and engaged.Malakh got down close and whispered in the mans ear. Im victorious you to a place where only faithfulness remains.Without another word, Malakh wadded up the monogrammed napkin and stuffed it into Solomons mouth. indeed he hoisted the limp man onto his long shoulders and headed for the private elevator. On his way out, he picked up Solomons iPhone and keys from the hall table. this evening you giv e tell me all your secrets, Malakh thought. Including why you left hand me for dead all those years ago.