Disembarkation

Dialogue

Mr.Marshall checks his watch. The aircraft has been descending slowly for the past fifteen minutes. The PA system comes alive and a voice says: "Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to land. Another fifteen minutes later, Fir.Marshall unfastens his seat-belt and picks up his cabin bag and briefcase. Passenger steps are positioned by the open aircraft'door. Before the passengers have time to begin to disembark, a bus is waiting on the tarmac to take them to the terminal building where they must collect their baggage and go through Customs and Immigration formalities.

Mr.Marshall: Porter? Where do I pick up my baggage from Flight XA101?

Porter: It’s being brought over right now, sir.

Mr.Marshall: Will it be long?

Porter: No, sir. Five minutes, maybe.

Mr.Marshall: Where will it be brought in?

Porter: Just over there, sir. See that flight number sign, XA101? It’ll be put down there.

Mr.Marshall: Right. Thank you.

Porter: Here’s baggage vehicle now. Would you like some help?

Mr.Marshall: No, thank you. I’ve only light case.

Porter: That’s all right, sir. Have you got the baggage tag? I’ll collect your case and take it over to Customs for you.

Mr.Marshall: Here’s the tag, still fixed to my ticket wallet.

Porter: Thank you, sir. I won’t be a moment. He picks up the case.

Mr.Marshall: Ah, that was quick. I’ll follow you.

Porter: Here’s the Customs Officer. I’ll leave your case here.

Mr.Marshall: Thanks. This is for your help.

Porter: Thank you very much, sir.

Customs Officer: Flight XA101?

Mr.Marshall: That’s right.

Customs Officer: Will you be staying long, sir?

Mr.Marshall: No, I’ll be leaving for Rome next Wednesday.

Customs Officer: Here on business?

Mr.Marshall: Yes. I’m representing my company at the oil conference which has been arranged by your govern-ment.

Customs Officer: Is this all your baggage?

Mr.Marshall: Yes, just the one case and this hand baggage.

Customs Officer: Do you have anything to declare?

Mr.Marshall: I have just the usual bottle and 200 cigarettes. Oh, I nearly forgot, I have a small bottle of perfume. It’s a present for my wife.

Customs Officer: That’s all right. You can take your bag through.

Mr.Marshall: Right.

Receptionist: Excuse me, sir. Are you Mr.Marshall?

Mr.Marshall: Yes, I am.

Receptionist: I have a massage from your company. Mr.Assif, your local representative, is waiting for you in the arrivals lounge.

Mr.Marshall: Are you from International Airlines?

Receptionist: Yes, sir.

Mr.Marshall: Is my car laid on?

Receptionist: Mr.Assif will drive you to your hotel. A hire car is already there for you. You probably won’t be wanting it tonight, but they’ve left the car keys with the hotel receptionist just in case.

Mr.Marshall: Excellent.

Receptionist: The porter here will take your case to Mr.Assif’s car. Please come with me, sir.

Mr.Marshall: Hassan, how are you?

Mr.Assif: Fine. It’s nice to see you again, John. It’s been a long time.

Mr.Marshall: I’m told that you’ll drive me to the hotel.

Mr.Assif: That’s right, John. We can have a talk while you change your clothes.

Mr.Marshall: Change?

Mr.Assif: Sorry, I forgot you did not know. They’re holding a cocktail party tonight for all the delegates and we’re expected to attend.

Mr.Marshall: Oh, I was really hoping to go over some papers with you in readiness for tomorrow.

Mr.Assif: Don’t worry. There’s plenty of time. I have a full brief here with all the latest figures. An hour’s reading will put you in the picture. We can discuss anything else while you’re dressing.

Mr.Marshall: Is this your car?

Mr.Assif: Yes, hop in. The door isn't locked.

Mr.Marshall: Ah, this is very comfortable.

Mr.Assif: Here's the brief. Are you going to look at it while we're driving?

Mr.Marshall: Good idea. It'll save us some time.

Mr.Assif: I bet you'll be glad to get under a shower.

Mr.Marshall: You've said it. That's the only trouble with aeroplanes. They don't have showers in them so that you can freshen up.

Mr.Assif: You don't want much, do you? By the way, International Airlines rang up and confirmed your flight to Rome next Wednesday. Why Rone? Another meeting?

Mr.Marshall: Yes, indeed. But it's pleasure, not business. I'm meeting Margaret there for a few days’ holiday.

Mr.Assif: You should have brought her here with you.

Mr.Marshall: She couldn't be away that long, and I had promised to take her to Rome. W'e spent our honeymoon there and it's our anniversary on Thursday.

Mr.Assif: Ah, I see. I must get her a present.

Mr.Marshall: I bought her some perfume before I left

Mr.Assif: I take the hint. No more perfume. Anyhow I have something else in mind. But now I'd better start driving and you'd better start reading.

Mr.Marshall:Yes, sir.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16