英语听力：劫机.Skyjack! Chapter 9（在线收听）

　　Chapter NineHelen Sandburg stood up to welcome the American and British ambassadors. The two men were very different. The American ambassador was a short round man with a loud voice, which Helen disliked very much. He often wore open neck shirts, and he had a very hairy chest. She disliked that, too. The British ambassador, a tall thin Scotsman from Edinburgh, was always quiet, polite and well dressed. But she did not always believe what he said. Once a year ago, he had lied to her, and she could never forget that. But most of all, she disliked them because they were both military men. And their counties were much bigger than hers. They wanted military bases for their soldiers in her country, and she did not want them.

　　“So gentleman, what can I do for you?”

　　The American spoke first, “Well, man! An American passenger is dead.”

　　“Yes, I know. I am very sorry about that. I hope no more will die.”

　　“I hope so, too, man. There are twenty-eight U.S. passengers on that plane, and my government wants to keep them alive.”

　　“There are a hundred and seven passengers on that plane, ambassador. And my government wants them all alive.” Helen answered quietly.

　　But the ambassador did not listen. “So the U.S. government is going to help you, man. We have fifty U.S. Marines of the U.S. embassy. And they can be here one hour from now. And then they’ll just take that __ plane apart.”

　　The Scotsman smiled, “Excuse me, ambassador. Perhaps one hour from now will be too late. One man is already dead. But, perhaps you do know this plan, Prime Minister. But this week six S.A.S soldiers are visiting the British embassy. They are waiting outside my car now. These men know a lot about hijackers, much more than the U.S. Marines, or probably own soldiers’ plane, Prime Minister. They know exactly what to do. So…”

　　“Now, just a moment!” the American interrupted, “the U.S. Marines…”

　　“Gentlemen!” Helen’s clear hard voice stopped them, “There is no time to argue. Firstly, I didn’t know about the S.A.S soldiers in the British embassy, and I am very surprised about it, very surprised indeed, ambassador! Secondly, I do not think it is a good idea to attack the plane with a hundred and seven passengers in it, and take it apart, as you say. I want these people to live, not die! So I thank you for your ideas. But this small country is ours, not yours. We will manage this problem in our own way with our own people! Thank you very much! Now you must excuse me, I am very busy!”

　　At the door, the Scotsman turned back. “Prime Minister, I know you want to save lives.” he said, “I understand that, but these hijackers must not go free. My government does not want that! No government in the world wants that!”

　　“I know that, ambassador.” Helen answered quietly, “I know that very well.”

　　As they went out, the phone rang. Michael picked it up. Helen sat down at the table and watched him. His face was very serious. He wrote it on a piece of paper, and then put the phone down. For a moment, he did not look at her.

　　“What is it, Michael? Tell me!”

　　“It was a radio message from the plane, Prime Minister.”

　　“Well, what did they say? Didn’t they want to talk to me?”

　　“No, Prime Minister! Just a message!”

　　It says, “We love our brothers! We hope the Prime Minister loves her husband! He is on the plane just behind the door.”

　　For a long moment, she stared at Michael. She did not speak. The picture of the American passenger appeared in her mind. She saw him jumping out of the door, and the girl shooting him, shooting him for ten, maybe for fifteen long seconds.

　　“I’m sorry, Prime Minister.” said Michael softly.

　　“What? Yes, so am I. I thought perhaps… perhaps the hijackers did not know Carl was my husband. But now they do know.”

　　She ran her hand through her hair, and then looked at her watch. But her hand was shaking so much that she could not tell the time. The phone rang again. Michael picked it up,“Colonel Court was outside, Prime Minister.” he watched her waiting for an answer, “I’ll tell him to wait, shall I?”

　　She put her hands ___ on the table, and stood up. “Yes, yes, Michael. Tell him to wait two minutes, that’s all.” She walked to the window and stared out at the plane. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass. And for two minutes, she did not move. Then she turned around, and smiled at Michael. “Let’s just hope Colonel Court’s plan is a good one, shall we? Show him in!”

　　本文本由Bryan1984网友听写，非常感谢他的分享。如有错误，欢迎指出。