Robert Langdon, #1
Angels & Demons
by Dan Brown
Contents
99
Overview
The camerlegno, drained and seemingly resigned, transfers responsibility for the Vatican’s survival to Rocher and orders a dignified evacuation of the cardinals if the antimatter is not found by 11:15 P.M. Rocher then receives a shocking call from someone with access to private Vatican channels, shifting his chain of command at a critical moment.
Meanwhile, Kohler reappears at CERN and urgently orders his jet prepared, signaling that outside intervention is imminent as the Vatican crisis nears its deadline.
Summary
Captain Rocher escorts the exhausted camerlegno from the Sistine Chapel back to the Pope’s office. When the camerlegno asks about Commander Olivetti, Rocher admits there is still no word and that he fears the worst.
The camerlegno says he has done all he can and intends to pray alone, leaving the search for the antimatter canister in Rocher’s hands. Because the canister remains hidden and midnight is approaching, the camerlegno orders Rocher to evacuate the cardinals at exactly 11:15 P.M. if the Church is still in danger, but he insists they leave with dignity through St. Peter’s Square rather than flee secretly.
Rocher asks whether he should also retrieve the camerlegno at 11:15, but the camerlegno refuses to commit to leaving, saying he will go only when moved by the spirit. Rocher worries that the camerlegno may intend to die with the Vatican. Before Rocher leaves, the camerlegno asks for warmth, and Rocher lights a fire in the Pope’s office, leaving him kneeling in prayer before a statue of the Virgin Mary.
As Rocher departs, Lieutenant Chartrand rushes up with a cell phone. A caller, apparently responding to the camerlegno’s public address, has reached one of the Vatican’s private extensions and will speak only to the ranking officer. Rocher takes the call; after the unidentified caller explains who he is and issues instructions, Rocher is stunned and realizes whose orders he is now following.
At CERN, Sylvie Baudeloque struggles to manage the flood of licensing inquiries on Director Kohler’s voice mail. Then Kohler calls on his private line and orders her to contact his pilot because his jet must be ready in five minutes.
Who Appears
- Carlo Ventrescathe camerlegno; orders a possible evacuation and withdraws to pray in the Pope’s office
- Captain RocherSwiss Guard officer; assumes command duties and receives shocking instructions from a private caller
- Lieutenant Chartrandyoung Swiss Guard lieutenant; brings Rocher the urgent call from a Vatican private extension
- Maximilian KohlerCERN director; resurfaces by phone and orders his jet prepared immediately
- Sylvie BaudeloqueCERN staff member; handles Kohler’s calls and receives his urgent travel order
- Unidentified callermysterious authority figure; contacts Rocher through a private Vatican line and gives orders