The Lost Symbol Chapter 83-85

CHAPTER 83In the moist air of the Jungle, the Architect of the Capitol could tang the sweat immediately rolling follow through(a) his back. His handcuffed wrists ached, save every of his charge remained riveted on the ominous titanium briefcase that Sato had just opened on the patio between them.The contents of this case, Sato had t disused him, testament persuade you to follow through things my way. I ensure it.The tiny Asian wo piece had unclasped the metal case away from Bellamys railway line of sight, and he had yet to watch out its contents, only when his imagination was running wild. Satos reach were doing slightlything in grimace the case, and Bellamy half expected her to extract a series of glistening, razor- corking irradiations.Suddenly a light source flickered inside the case, growing brighter, light up Satos subject from beneath. Her hands kept moving inside, and the light changed hue. afterward a few moments, she removed her hands, grasped the entire case, and turned it toward Bellamy so he could see inside.Bellamy found himself squinting into the glow of what appeargond to be more or less kind of futuristic laptop with a handheld ph 1 receiver, ii antennae, and a triple keyboard. His initial surge of relief turned quickly to confusion.The screen stupid the CIA logo and the textSECURE LOG-INUSER INOUE SATOSECURITY netance LEVEL 5Beneath the laptops log-in window, a progress icon was spinningONE MOMENT PLEASE . . .DECRYPTING FILE . . .Bellamys gaze surmisal back up to Sato, whose eyes were locked on his. I had non cherished to show you this, she utter. But youve left me no choice. The screen flickered again, and Bellamy glanced back set down as the file opened, its contents filling the entire LCD.For several moments, Bellamy stared at the screen, trying to make sense of what he was looking at. Gradually, as it began to cockcrow on him, he felt the blood draining from his face. He stared in horror, unable to look aw ay. But this is . . . impossible he exclaimed. How . . . could this beSatos face was grim. You tell me, Mr. Bellamy. You tell me.As the Architect of the Capitol began to fully comprehend the ramifications of what he was seeing, he could feel his entire world teete rabble precariously on the doorsill of disaster.My God . . . Ive made a terrible, terrible mistakeCHAPTER 84doyen Galloway felt alive.Like all mortals, he k impudently the cartridge clip was coming when he would shed his mortal shell, unless tonight was non the night. His corporeal smell was beating strong and fast . . . and his intellect felt sharp. There is move to be d bingle.As he ran his arthritic hands evadeways the pyramids tranquil surfaces, he could scarcely believe what he was musical note. I never imagined I would live to witness this moment. For generations, the pieces of the figureismismon map had been kept safely apart from unrivalled a nonher. this instant they were united at last. Galloway w ondered if this was the foretold time.Strangely, fate had selected two non-Ma give-and-takes to assemble the pyramid. Somehow, this seemed fitting. The Mysteries are moving start of the inner deals . . . out(a) of aristocraticness . . . into the light.Professor, he said, p impersonate his head in the direction of Langdons breathing. Did mother fucker tell you why he wanted you to watch everywhere the little package?He said major powerful people wanted to steal it from him, Langdon replied.The doyen nodded. Yes, Peter told me the equal thing.He did? Katherine said suddenly on his left. You and my brother spoke nigh this pyramid?Of course, Galloway said. Your brother and I check spoken on some(prenominal) things. I was once the Worshipful Master at the House of the Temple, and he comes to me for guidance at times. It was active(predicate) a year ago that he came to me, deeply troubled. He sat exactly where you are now, and he asked me if I believed in supernatural premon itions.Premonitions? Katherine sounded concerned. You mean like . . . visions?Not exactly. It was more visceral. Peter said he was feeling the growing presence of a dark force in his life. He sensed something was watching him . . . waiting . . . intending to do him great harm.Obviously he was right, Katherine said, considering that the identical spell who killed our mother and Peters son had come to Washington and buzz off one of Peters own masonic brothers.True, Langdon said, just now it doesnt explain the involvement of the CIA.Galloway was not so sure. Men in power are always interested in great power.But . . . the CIA? Langdon challenged. And cabalistic secrets? Something doesnt add up.Sure it does, Katherine said. The CIA thrives on technological advancement and has always experimented with the cryptic scholarshipsESP, remote viewing, sensory deprivation, pharmacologically induced highly mentalized states. Its all the aforementioned(prenominal) thingtapping the unseen potential of the human mind. If theres one thing Ive acquire from Peter, its this Science and mysticism are very closely related, distinguishable only(prenominal) by their approaches. They have identical goals . . . hardly different methods.Peter tells me, Galloway said, that your report of study is a kind of modern mystical recognition?Noetics, Katherine said, nodding. And its proving man has powers unlike any(prenominal)thing we can imagine. She motioned to a stained-glass window depicting the familiar scope of the Luminous Jesus, that of Christ with rays of light flowing from his head and hands. In fact, I just utilise a supercooled charge-coupled device to photograph the hands of a faith healer at work. The photos looked a lot like the pick up of Jesus in your stained-glass window . . . streams of energy pouring through the healers fingertips.The well-trained mind, Galloway thought, concealing a smile. How do you appreciate Jesus healed the sick?I realize, Katherine said, that modern medicine ridicules healers and shamans, only I aphorism this with my own eyes. My CCD cameras understandably photographed this man transmitting a massive energy field from his fingertips . . . and literally changing the cellular makeup of his patient. If thats not godlike power, then I dont get it on what is.Dean Galloway let himself smile. Katherine had the same fiery passion as her brother. Peter once compared Noetic Scientists to the early explorers who were mocked for embracing the heretical conceit of a spherical earth. Almost overnight, these explorers went from fools to heroes, discovering uncharted worlds and expanding the horizons of every(prenominal)one on the planet. Peter thinks you will do this as well. He has very high hopes for your work. After all, every great philosophical shift in history began with a wholeness bold belief.Galloway knew, of course, that one neednt go to a lab to witness certainty of this bold new idea, this proposal of man s untapped potential. This very cathedral held ameliorate prayer pecks for the sick, and repeatedly had witnessed truly miraculous results, medically documented somatic transformations. The question was not whether God had imbued man with great powers . . . but instead how we liberate those powers.The old dean placed his hands reverently some the sides of the Masonic Pyramid and spoke very quietly. My friends, I do not know exactly where this pyramid points . . . but I do know this. There is a great spiritual treasure buried out there somewhere . . . a treasure that has waited patiently in darkness for generations. I believe it is a catalyst that has the power to transform this world. He now touched the thriving tip of the caps face. And now that this pyramid is assembled . . . the time is fast approaching. And why shouldnt it? The promise of a great transformational enlightenment has been prophesied forever.Father, Langdon said, his tone challenging, were all familiar with t he Revelation of Saint John and the literal core of the Apocalypse, but biblical prophecy hardly seemsOh, heavens, the Book of Revelation is a mess the dean said. Nobody knows how to record that. Im lecture about clear minds writing in clear languagethe predictions of Saint Augustine, Sir Francis Bacon, Newton, Einstein, the list goes on and on, all anticipating a transformative moment of enlightenment. Even Jesus himself said, Nothing is occult that will not be made known, nor secret that will not come to light.Its a safe prediction to make, Langdon said. Knowledge grows exponentially. The more we know, the greater our ability to learn, and the faster we expand our knowledge paper.Yes, Katherine added. We see this in science all the time. Each new technology we invent becomes a tool with which to invent new technologies . . . and it snowballs. Thats why science has advanced more in the last five years than in the previous five thousand. exponential function growth. Mathematica lly, as time passes, the exponential curve of progress becomes almost vertical, and new development occurs incredibly fast.Silence fell in the deans office, and Galloway sensed that his two guests excuse had no idea how this pyramid could possibly ease them emit anything further. That is why fate brought you to me, he thought. I have a fictitious character to play.For many years, the Reverend Colin Galloway, along with his Masonic brothers, had played the role of porters beer. Now it was all changing.I am no longer a gatekeeper . . . I am a guide.Professor Langdon? Galloway said, reaching out across his desk. Take my hand if you will. Robert Langdon felt uncertain as he stared across at Dean Galloways outstretched palm.Are we going to pray?Politely, Langdon reached out and placed his right hand in the deans withered hand. The old man grasped it firmly but did not begin to pray. Instead, he found Langdons big businessman finger and guided it downward into the stone box that ha d once housed the golden capstone.Your eyes have blinded you, the dean said. If you saw with your fingertips as I do, you would realize this box has something left to teach you.Dutifully, Langdon worked his fingertip around the inside of the box, but he felt nothing. The inside was accurately smooth.Keep looking, Galloway prompted.Finally, Langdons fingertip felt somethinga tiny raised roofya minuscule dot in the midriff of the base of the box. He removed his hand and peered inside. The little lap covering was virtually invisible to the naked eye. What is that?Do you recognize that symbol? Galloway asked. token? Langdon replied. I can barely see anything at all.Push down on it.Langdon did as he asked, pressing his fingertip down onto the spot. What does he think will happen?Hold your finger down, the dean said. Apply pressure.Langdon glanced over at Katherine, who looked puzzled as she tucked a wisp of hair toilet her ears.A few seconds later, the old dean finally nodded. Okay , remove your hand. The alchemy is complete.Alchemy? Robert Langdon removed his hand from the stone box and sat in bewildered silence. Nothing had changed at all. The box just sat there on the desk.Nothing, Langdon said.Look at your fingertip, the dean replied. You should see a transformation.Langdon looked at his finger, but the only transformation he could see was that he now had an indentation on his skin made by the circular nubbina tiny circle with a dot in the middle.Now do you recognize this symbol? the dean asked.Although Langdon accepted the symbol, he was more impress that the dean had been able to feel the detail of it. Seeing with ones fingertips was apparently a learned skill.Its alchemical, Katherine said, sliding her chair closer and examining Langdons finger. Its the quaint symbol for gold. thus it is. The dean smiled and patted the box. Professor, congratulations. You have just achieved what every alchemist in history has strived for. From a worthless substance, youve created gold.Langdon frowned, unimpressed. The little parlor trick seemed to be no help at all. An interesting idea, sir, but Im afraid this symbola circle with a round dot in the middlehas dozens of substances. Its called a circumpunct, and its one of the most widely used symbols in history.What are you public lecture about? the dean asked, appear skeptical.Langdon was stunned that a Mason was not more familiar with the spiritual importance of this symbol. Sir, the circumpunct has countless meanings. In antiquated Egypt, it was the symbol for Rathe sun godand modern astronomy hitherto uses it as the solar symbol. In Eastern philosophy, it represents the spiritual insight of the ternion Eye, the divine rose, and the sign of illumination. The Kabbalists use it to symbolize the Ketherthe highest Sephiroth and the most hidden of all hidden things. Early mystics called it the Eye of God and its the origin of the All-Seeing Eye on the Great Seal. The Pythagoreans used the ci rcumpunct as the symbol of the Monadthe Divine Truth, the Prisca Sapientia, the at-one-ment of mind and soul, and the Enough Dean Galloway was chuckling now. Professor, thank you. You are correct, of course.Langdon now effected he had just been played. He knew all that. The circumpunct, Galloway said, all the same smiling to himself, is essentially the symbol of the Ancient Mysteries. For this reason, I would suggest that its presence in this box is not mere coincidence. Legend holds that the secrets of this map are hidden in the smallest of details.Fine, Katherine said, but even if this symbol was inscribed there intentionally, it doesnt bring us any closer to deciphering the map, does it?You mentioned earlier that the wax seal you broke was embossed with Peters ring?Thats correct.And you said you have that ring with you?I do. Langdon reached into his pocket, found the ring, took it out of the ductile bag, and placed it on the desk in front of the dean.Galloway picked up the rin g and began feeling its surfaces. This unique ring was created at the same time as the Masonic Pyramid, and traditionally, it is worn by the Mason in charge of protecting the pyramid. Tonight, when I felt the tiny circumpunct on the bottom(a) of the stone box, I realized that the ring is, in fact, part of the symbolon.It is?Im certain of it. Peter is my closest friend, and he wore this ring for many years. I am quite familiar with it. He handed the ring to Langdon. See for yourself.Langdon took the ring and examined it, running his fingers over the double-headed phoenix, the issuing 33, the words ORDO AB CHAO, and also the words All is revealed at the 33rd layer. He felt nothing helpful. Then, as his fingers traced down around the removed of the band, he stopped short. Startled, he turned the ring over and eyed the very bottom of its band.Did you find it? Galloway said.I think so, yes Langdon said.Katherine slid her chair closer. What?The degree sign on the band, Langdon said, showing her. Its so small that you dont really disclose it with your eyes, but if you feel it, you can tell its actually indentedlike a tiny circular incision. The degree sign was centered on the bottom of the band . . . and admittedly looked to be the same size as the raised nubbin in the bottom of the cube.Is it the same size? Katherine moved closer still, sounding excited now.Theres one way to find out. He took the ring and let down it into the box, aligning the two tiny circles. As he pushed down, the raised circle on the box slid into the rings opening, and there was a faint but decisive click.They all jumped.Langdon waited, but nothing happened.What was that? the priest said.Nothing, Katherine replied. The ring locked into place . . . but nothing else happened.No great transformation? Galloway looked puzzled.Were not done, Langdon realized, gazing down at the rings embossed insigniaa double- headed phoenix and the number 33. All is revealed at the thirty-third degree. His mind filled with thoughts of Pythagoras, sacred geometry, and angles he wondered if perhaps degrees had a mathematical meaning.Slowly, heart beating faster now, he reached down and grasped the ring, which was affixed to the base of the cube. Then, slowly, he began turning the ring to the right. All is revealed at the thirty- third degree.He turned the ring ten degrees . . . twenty degrees . . . thirty degreesWhat happened next, Langdon never saw coming.CHAPTER 85Transformation.Dean Galloway heard it happen, and so he didnt need to see it. across the desk from him, Langdon and Katherine were dead silent, no doubt staring in speechless astonishment at the stone cube, which had just modify itself loudly forrader their very eyes.Galloway couldnt help but smile. He had anticipated the result, and although he still had no idea how this development would ultimately help them solve the percolate of the pyramid, he was enjoying the rare chance to teach a Harvard symbologist something ab out symbols.Professor, the dean said, few people realize that the Masons venerate the shape of the cube or ashlar, as we call itbecause it is a three-dimensional representation of another symbol . . . a much older, two-dimensional symbol. Galloway didnt need to ask if the professor recognized the ancient symbol now lying earlier them on the desk. It was one of the most famous symbols in the world.Robert Langdons thoughts churned as he stared at the transformed box on the desk in front of him. I had no idea . . .Moments ago, he had reached into the stone box, grasped the Masonic ring, and gently turned it. As he rotated the ring through thirty-three degrees, the cube had suddenly changed before his eyes. The square panels that made up the sides of the box fell away from one another as their hidden hinges released. The box collapsed all at once, its side panels and lid falling outward, slapping loudly on the desk.The cube becomes a cross, Langdon thought. symbolic alchemy.Katherine looked bewildered by the sight of the collapsed cube. The Masonic Pyramid relates to . . . Christianity?For a moment, Langdon had wondered the same thing. After all, the Christian crucifix was a respected symbol at bottom the Masons, and certainly there were plenty of Christian Masons. However, Masons were also Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and those who had no institute for their God. The presence of an exclusively Christian symbol seemed restrictive. Then the true meaning of this symbol had dawned on him.Its not a crucifix, Langdon said, standing up now. The cross with the circumpunct in the middle is a binary symboltwo symbols coalesced to create one.What are you saying? Katherines eyes followed him as he paced the room.The cross, Langdon said, was not a Christian symbol until the fourth century. Long before that, it was used by the Egyptians to represent the intersection of two dimensionsthe human and the celestial. As above, so below. It was a visual representation of th e juncture where man and God become one.Okay.The circumpunct, Langdon said, we already know has many meaningsone of its most esoteric being the rose, the alchemical symbol for perfection. But, when you place a rose on the center of a cross, you create another symbol entirelythe lift Cross.Galloway reclined in his chair, smiling. My, my. Now youre cooking.Katherine stood now, too. What am I missing?The Rose Cross, Langdon explained, is a greens symbol in Freemasonry. In fact, one of the degrees of the Scottish Rite is called Knights of the Rose Cross and honors the early Rosicrucians, who contributed to Masonic mystical philosophy. Peter may have mentioned the Rosicrucians to you. wads of great scientists were membersJohn Dee, Elias Ashmole, Robert FluddAbsolutely, Katherine said. Ive read all of the Rosicrucian manifestos in my research.Every scientist should, Langdon thought. The inn of the Rose Crossor more formally the Ancient and secluded Order Rosae Crucishad an enigmatic history that had greatly influenced science and closely paralleled the romance of the Ancient Mysteries . . . early sages possessing secret wisdom that was passed down through the ages and canvass by only the brightest minds. Admittedly, historys list of famous Rosicrucians was a whos who of European spiritual rebirth luminaries Paracelsus, Bacon, Fludd, Descartes, Pascal, Spinoza, Newton, Leibniz.According to Rosicrucian doctrine, the order was built on esoteric truths of the ancient past, truths which had to be concealed from the average man and which promised great insight into the spiritual realm. The brotherhoods symbol had blossomed over the years into a flowering rose on an rhetorical cross, but it had begun as a more modest dotted circle on an unadorned cross the simplest demonstration of the rose on the simplest manifestation of the cross.Peter and I often discuss Rosicrucian philosophy, Galloway told Katherine.As the dean began outlining the interrelationship betwee n Masonry and Rosicrucianism, Langdon felt his attention drawn back to the same peck thought hed had all night. Jeova Sanctus Unus. This phrase is linked to alchemy somehow. He still could not remember exactly what Peter had told him about the phrase, but for some reason, the mention of Rosicrucianism seemed to have rekindled the thought. Think, RobertThe Rosicrucian founder, Galloway was saying, was allegedly a German mystic who went by the expose Christian Rosenkreuza nom de guerre obviously, perhaps even for Francis Bacon, who some historians believe founded the group himself, although there is no proof of A pseudonym Langdon declared suddenly, startling even himself. Thats it Jeova Sanctus Unus Its a pseudonymWhat are you talking about? Katherine demanded.Langdons pulse had quickened now. All night, Ive been trying to remember what Peter told me about Jeova Sanctus Unus and its relationship to alchemy. Finally I remembered Its not about alchemy so much as about an alchemist A very famous alchemistGalloway chuckled. Its about time, Professor. I mentioned his name twice and also the word pseudonym.Langdon stared at the old dean. You knew?Well, I had my suspicions when you told me the engraving said Jeova Sanctus Unus and had been decrypted victimization Durers alchemical magic square, but when you found the Rose Cross, I was certain. As you probably know, the personal document of the scientist in question included a very heavily annotated repeat of the Rosicrucian manifestos.Who? Katherine asked.One of the worlds greatest scientists Langdon replied. He was an alchemist, a member of the Royal association of London, a Rosicrucian, and he signed some of his most secretive science papers with a pseudonymJeova Sanctus UnusOne True God? Katherine said. down(p) guy.Brilliant guy, actually, Galloway corrected. He signed his name that way because, like the ancient Adepts, he understood himself as divine. In addition, because the sixteen letters in Jeova Sanctus Unus could be rearranged to spell his name in Latin, making it a perfect pseudonym.Katherine now looked puzzled. Jeova Sanctus Unus is an anagram of a famous alchemists name in Latin?Langdon grabbed a piece of paper and pencil off the deans desk, writing as he talked. Latin interchanges the letters J for I and the letter V for U, which means Jeova Sanctus Unus can actually be perfectly rearranged to spell this mans name.Langdon wrote down sixteen letters Isaacus Neutonuus.He handed the slip of paper to Katherine and said, I think youve heard of him.Isaac Newton? Katherine demanded, looking at the paper. Thats what the engraving on the pyramid was trying to tell usFor a moment, Langdon was back in Westminster Abbey, standing at Newtons pyramidical tomb, where he had experienced a quasi(prenominal) epiphany. And tonight, the great scientist surfaces again. It was no coincidence, of course . . . the pyramids, mysteries, science, hidden knowledge . . . it was all intertwined. Newtons name had always been a recurring guidepost for those seeking secret knowledge.Isaac Newton, Galloway said, must have something to do with how to decipher the meaning of the pyramid. I cant imagine what it would be, butGenius Katherine exclaimed, her eyes going wide. Thats how we transform the pyramidYou understand? Langdon said.Yes she said. I cant believe we didnt see it It has been staring us right in the face. A simple alchemical process. I can transform this pyramid using basic science Newtonian scienceLangdon strained to understand.Dean Galloway, Katherine said. If you read the ring, it saysStop The old dean suddenly raised his finger in the air and motioned for silence. Gently, he cocked his head to the side, as if he were listening to something. After a moment, he stood up abruptly. My friends, this pyramid obviously has secrets left to reveal. I dont know what Ms. Solomon is getting at, but if she knows your next step, then I have played my role. Pack up your things and say no more to me. channel me in darkness for the moment. I would prefer to have no knowledge to share should our visitors try to force me.Visitors? Katherine said, listening. I dont hear anyone.You will, Galloway said, heading for the door. Hurry.Across town, a cell tower was attempting to contact a phone that lay in pieces on Massachusetts Avenue. Finding no signal, it redirected the call to spokesperson mail.Robert Warren Bellamys panicked voice shouted. Where are you? Call me Something terrible is mishap