Seven decades later, mining engineer Philip Mercer is in the Central African Republic searching for a precious metal used in the manufacture of cell phones. In the face of a mounting civil war, Mercer tries to help local villagers escape from rebel forces. Along the way, he meets up with Cali Stone, an attractive field researcher for the CDC. This particular village suffers from one of the highest rates of cancer in the world. All that saves them from execution at the hands of the rebel troops is the intervention of an unknown military force. Once back in the states, Mercer's detective work leads him to the long-lost safe and the cryptic letter inside: Dear Albert, I believe I have succeeded. The element you seek does exist in nature. This letter launches Mercer on the most spectacular adventure of his career, one that will leave a nation in flames and a city in ruin, and reveal the truth behind three thousand years of legend.