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Inside the helicopter, Langdon struggles against the engine noise, wind, and acceleration as the camerlegno drives the craft straight upward from St. Peter’s Square. Langdon grips the antimatter canister, watching the red countdown continue with only two minutes remaining.

Looking out over Rome, Langdon first considers the sea, but realizes it is too far and that an explosion offshore could still devastate the coast. He then spots the dark Roman quarries, La Cava Romana, and believes the camerlegno is heading there because the empty land seems close enough to absorb the blast.

Langdon’s hope collapses when he realizes the helicopter is not moving toward the quarries at all. Despite appearing to face them, the craft remains directly above the Vatican, climbing higher while the lights and media presence in St. Peter’s Square glow far below.

Langdon shouts that they must fly forward and drop the canister away from Vatican City, but the camerlegno refuses, saying it is too dangerous. The camerlegno’s sorrowful response makes Langdon understand the true plan: the camerlegno never meant to drop the antimatter anywhere on land or sea.

The camerlegno intends to take the canister straight upward, sacrificing himself and, because Langdon boarded the helicopter, Langdon as well. Langdon realizes the flight is a one-way trip meant only to get the antimatter as far from Vatican City as possible before detonation.