CHAPTER FIVE

“Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know.” Louisa May Alcott “So, Penelope, who gave you this information?” She just shook her head. “For someone living in Charleston, you are remarkably¹ well informed about something that is going on in Washington. Th is would mean you have an outside source. You need to be aware I could fi nd your source if it becomes important.” Penelope smiled as she wondered who was bluffi ng now. Th e senator read her face perfectly². “Since you deal in the written word, it has to be one of five print news organizations. The New York Times and Th e Boston Globe are out since they are still nosing around this story, and they would have assigned a staff reporter who would have presented his credentials³. Th at leaves The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, or L.A. Times. Since they know their competitors have not honored the government’s request to back off the story, they would not want to be caught flatfooted if all heck breaks loose. It would be in their interest to continue working on the story, but they would need to turn it over to someone outside their organization to give them plausible⁵ deniability. It would have to be someone good and someone they trust.” The senator’s eyes bored into Penelope Spence. “Someone they had a personal relationship with.” Penelope shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Someone in one of these three news organizations is going to have a connection to you. Since I 35 The Fourth Awakening⁶ influence a large portion of their budget, how long do you think it would take for a certain federal agency to find that person for me?” Senator Clayton Horn, even in his later years and in declining health, was a formidable force. “I gave my word…” Horn held up his hand. “I will not ask you again to violate that trust. I just need you to understand that if I can fi nd your source in less than an hour with a single phone call, so can people who may be less friendly. And I must warn you, by working on this story without the protection of a major news outlet⁷ you may be placing yourself in grave peril⁸. Th ere are many people who will go to great lengths to keep what Michael Walker is working on out of the public domain⁹.” Penelope leaned back in her chair as she absorbed the senator’s words; he was not a man of hyperbole. What in the world had this Walker character done? “Many is a pretty ambiguous word, senator. Who exactly would go to such lengths to keep this story quiet?” “By reflex, all of the intelligence agencies want everything classifi ed. They would slap a ‘Top Secret, compartmentalized’ stamp on the lunch menu at the CIA cafeteria if we let them. But this is diff erent. Th e rumors¹⁰ surrounding a possible breakthrough in Walker’s research have put a scare into some very powerful people.” “For example.” Horn chuckled¹¹. “Where to start? First, there would be many of the religious leaders, worldwide. Anyone who is currently in power in any of the governments of any country in the world and, of course, all of the wealthy people on the planet would want this suppressed. Th ere are around seven billion people currently residing on earth, and I would guess that Walker, and to a lesser¹² degree you, should consider about a billion of them as your mortal enemy. Myself, included.” It took Penelope Spence a moment to allow all of this additional information to sink in. Senator Horn was not prone¹³ to exaggeration, which lent power to his words. “Why do you include yourself in the group?” she asked soft ly. “As you may know, I consider myself a religious man, and I believe what Walker is doing to be sacrilege. I’m the one who put a stop to the project.” “Really? Why?” 36 Rod Pennington & Jeffery A. Martin “Before I answer that, let me ask you a couple of questions. Do you consider yourself a religious person?” Penelope Spence leaned back in her chair and studied the senator. He was famous for his strong beliefs, but this seemed an odd question even for an openly devout¹⁴, born-again Christian¹⁵. If Penelope had been asked that question two years ago she would have answered with a confi dent⁴, “no.” While she considered herself spiritual and believed in a higher force, the nature of organized religion had always left her cold. But lately she had been feeling a tugging¹⁶. At first she thought it was the sudden change in her life situation that had rattled¹⁷ her self-confidence, but with each passing day, the pull became stronger. “Yes,” she heard herself say. “Do you attend church regularly?” “No.” “Is there a reason?” “Senator, I’m not sure…” “Please. Just bear with me and this just might turn out to be your lucky day. Is there a reason you don’t attend church regularly?” “I just don’t think much of organized religion.” “Why is that?” Penelope sighed. “Organized religion, with its rigid¹⁸ dogma and antiquated¹⁹ sexist and ethnocentric rules, just doesn’t appeal to me.” Senator Horn nodded his head in agreement. “You’re not alone. Did you know the fastest growing faith organizations in the United States are non-denominational fellowships where the goal is to speak directly to God without going through the rules of a traditional organized religion?” Horn didn’t wait for an answer. “Have odd things started happening to you, things that can’t be explained logically?” “Senator….” “Please, this is important.” Penelope thought about the risotto, knowing the location of her son’s missing dog, and a series of similarly dramatic events that had occurred recently. “Yes, senator, they have.” “That’s what I thought. When your name came up this morning for the first time in a year, I knew I would be seeing you soon. Penelope, Michael Walker and the Hermes Project may have set events in motion that, if not stopped, could mean the end of the world as we know it.” The hair stood up on Penelope Spence’s arms. Senator Clayton Horn 37 The Fourth Awakening was a devout man. He didn’t drink, smoke, womanize or gamble. Th e worst that had ever been said about him was that he occasionally sang too loud in choir²⁰ practice. When he took the floor of the U.S. Senate, all conversations ceased and reporters reached for their notebooks. He was a serious man that everyone took seriously. For the senator to verbalize this level of concern to a reporter, even off the record, was stunning²¹. “What exactly is the Hermes Project?” “That’s on a need to know basis.” “What can you tell me?” “You can’t expect me to honor your clearance²² when you enter this offi ce as a reporter. At this point, everything I’m going to give you is either a matter of public record or something you could get with a “Freedom of Information Act” request.” Horn paused, leaned back in his chair and continued to study her, and the situation, carefully, “As I’m sure you know, the government funds thousands of small-scale research projects every year. What you may not know is if we consider the research to be vital to national security we can take control of the project and move it to a top secret lab. In addition to our federal facilities, there is a group of large and small companies that further this type of research for us.” “One of them is Walker Industries.” “They are among the largest. They are currently involved in projects for the Department of Defense²³ and Homeland Security that are so classifi ed they are only referred to by code names, even in our closed committee meetings. Obviously I can’t talk about any of those projects with a reporter.” “Are these the ‘black’ projects I occasionally hear whispers about?” “That’s a bit overwrought. The government is involved in some secret research projects that are performed by private and publicly held companies, with strict oversight²⁴.” “What type of research were they doing at the Hermes Project?” “It was just your basic, garden variety university research grant that started to show some potential, and Homeland Security turned it over to Walker Industries. At some point, Michael Walker took a personal interest in it and then all kinds of strange things began to happen.” “What kind of things?” Horn shook his finger at Penelope. “I’m already telling you more than I probably should. But knowing you like I do, you’d ferret out the rest soon 38 Rod Pennington & Jeffery A. Martin enough.” Penelope felt her cheeks darken slightly from the compliment, though she knew Horn was probably playing her like a well tuned²⁵ piano. He hadn’t spent decades in Washington to have a conversation like this out of the goodness of his heart. “I received some reports that I found particularly disturbing, and over the strong objections of Homeland Security and some of the others on the committee I used my influence to have the project cancelled. Walker Industries was not happy about this and not only advised that we continue with the research, they recommended strongly we substantially increase the funding. In addition to an impressive list of scientists, Walker himself and an Assistant Director of Homeland Security’s Emerging Technologies Division appeared before my committee to try and convince me to withdraw my objection.” “What was your objection?” “Sorry, that’s a bridge too far,” Horn said with a shake of his head. “I’d made up my mind and am still convinced it was the right decision. When we cancelled the Hermes Project, I thought that would be the end of it. But Mr. Walker decided²⁶ to finance the entire project from his personal funds. When I found out what he was doing I moved to reacquire the project…” “Reacquire?” “Yes. We always have the option to take back a project even if it has been cancelled.” “Then why haven’t you taken this project back?” Senator’s Horn’s nostrils²⁷ flared²⁸ with anger. “Until two weeks ago, we hadn’t been able to locate Walker or any of the original people involved with the research.” “Two weeks? I was under the impression he was arrested just a few days ago.” Senator Horn’s cheeks flushed and his eyes narrowed. “I can’t comment on that other than to say there have been some complications in detaining Mr. Walker.” “What does that mean?” “We’ve had some difficulty holding him in various detainment facilities.” “His lawyers were able to get him out?” “If only it were that simple.” 39 The Fourth Awakening “What does that mean?” “It means we’ve had some difficulty holding him in various detainment facilities.” “Okay,” Penelope said with a shrug²⁹. “So he was ordered to the Charleston Consolidated³⁰ Brig?” “No comment.” “Walker really has gotten under your skin, hasn’t he?” “I think Walker orchestrated the entire defunding of the project just so he could get personal control of it.” “Is he that smart?” “I think he intentionally³¹ provoked me because he knew how I would respond.” Horn ran his fingers through his thinning hair. “If I had my way, Walker Industries would lose all of their government contracts. But, his lawyers shielded the corporation from any punitive³² action and our legal staff hasn’t found a way around it, yet.” “I’m guessing he won’t be getting any more contracts from your committee.” “I only have one vote on the committee, and I’m a lame³³ duck.” Horn sighed as he regained³⁴ his composure. “He played me beautifully, but I have to admit some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle³⁵ seem to be enjoying this a bit too much. As strongly as I feel that Hermes should be buried in a deep hole and forgotten, there are those who believe just as strongly that it is too important to be kept secret.” Horn again nervously³⁶ ran his fingers through his thinning hair. Was that the senator’s “tell” Penelope wondered; the little nervous habit he didn’t even know he was doing that would tip his hand? She had never seen him this fidgety. Even if it was, she had no idea what it meant. Th ere was obviously a lot more to this story that he was unable or unwilling³⁷ to share. “Well,” Horn said with a sigh. “Politics is not for the faint of heart.” “So, let me be sure I have this straight. Walker took this Hermes Project underground to keep you from reacquiring it.” “Yes. He completely funded the project from his personal wealth so Walker Industries was protected. Since we couldn’t find him to serve a subpoena³⁸ or give him a notification of reacquisition, he was technically³⁹ not even in violation⁴⁰ of the law. Now that he has been served and has so far refused to reveal the location of the project, we’ve been able to employ 40 Rod Pennington & Jeffery A. Martin the full force of the federal government in the search for his lab, even though he still hasn’t broken any laws.” “What do you mean?” “As with all legal documents, there is a time frame for compliance⁴¹. He has 30 days to turn over the Hermes Project and is still within the grace period.” In deference⁴² to Senator Horn, Penelope fought the urge to smile; but she had to respect Walker. Whatever he was up to, to have so thoroughly⁴³ flummoxed one of the most powerful figures on Capitol Hill was no small feat⁴⁴. “Does the government still have an interest in reacquiring the Hermes Project?” “When I realized we’d been had by Walker, we attempted to revive the program using the original data and techniques, but we failed miserably⁴⁵. Apparently⁴⁶, this is quite common for this type of research.” “So you won’t tell me why the Hermes Project was cancelled?” “No. Even if you were working for me on this, the actual research and the reason for the cancellation⁴⁷ are outside your clearance. Besides, it may all be moot⁴⁸ soon.” “What does that mean?” “The Executive Branch is ready to declassify⁴⁹, but they won’t do it without the approval of the oversight committee and Homeland Security.” “Can’t they declassify something whenever they want?” “Technically, yes. But from a practical standpoint it would be potential political suicide. They’re looking for some cover in case this blows up in their faces. Walker can be pretty slippery and no one is completely sure what he’s up to.” “How does your committee feel?” “They’re in the same boat as the administration. No one wants to be on the wrong side of this one in an election year. But, Walker’s infl uence only goes so far and until I’m replaced on the committee next January, I hold the swing vote.” “So with one phone call you could declassify the Hermes Project?” “The administration will still need the buy in from Homeland Security. I seriously doubt they would declassify without it.” Senator Clayton Horn shook his head. “I would give anything to know if the rumors are true.” 41 The Fourth Awakening Penelope, tired of talking in circles, paused for a moment before something occurred to her. “If Michael Walker is still in the 30-day grace period for compliance, why has he been arrested?” “He hasn’t been arrested. He has been detained.” “Okay. Why has Michael Walker been detained?” “Homeland Security was able to convince a judge that Walker was a potential threat to national security and a flight risk, so a sealed warrant was issued giving them the right to detain him until the 30 day grace period is up.” “Arrested, detained. It sounds like a difference without a distinction. What will it take for him to get released?” “He will have to tell us where he moved the Hermes Project, and what he’s been up to for the past six months. We also want to know the whereabouts of all of the missing people. A number of them have extremely high security clearances⁵⁰ and inside knowledge of many very sensitive projects.” “Do you have sealed warrants out for them?” “No comment.” “Do you think Walker would have harmed them in any way?” “I’m a pretty good judge of people, but he is tough to read. I’m guessing that they are fine and will be as long as he still needs them.” “That sounds menacing.” “It wasn’t intended to be. It’s just that Michael Walker is one of the most exasperating⁵¹ people I’ve ever come across.” “What do you mean?” “In one breath, he is the most charming man I’ve ever met, but before long I feel like I’m in the middle of an Abbot and Costello routine trying to figure out who is on fi rst.” “I don’t understand.” “For an obviously well-educated man he has some of the most bizarre ideas I’ve ever heard.” “I’ll have to take your word for that, senator.” “I might be able to help you there.” “How so?” “If we can come to an understanding, I might be able to assist you with your story.” “What kind of understanding?” 42 Rod Pennington & Jeffery A. Martin “All I want to know is where all of his people have gone and what he has been doing for the past six months.” “That’s the story I’m trying to write.” “I know.” “You’ll be able to read all about it if I succeed.” “So you agree that we share the same interests and there would be no conflict in providing me with everything you discover?” “Aft er publication.” “How about a few hours before you go to press so I can be ready?” “No prior censorship?” “I give you my word.” “What’s in this for me?” Penelope asked. Senator Horn’s eyes twinkled.

1 remarkably   

ad.不同寻常地，相当地

参考例句：

• I thought she was remarkably restrained in the circumstances. 我认为她在那种情况下非常克制。
• He made a remarkably swift recovery. 他康复得相当快。

2 perfectly   

adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
• Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。

3 credentials   

n.证明，资格，证明书，证件

参考例句：

• He has long credentials of diplomatic service.他的外交工作资历很深。
• Both candidates for the job have excellent credentials.此项工作的两个求职者都非常符合资格。

4 dent   

n.凹痕，凹坑；初步进展

参考例句：

• I don't know how it came about but I've got a dent in the rear of my car.我不知道是怎么回事，但我的汽车后部有了一个凹痕。
• That dent is not big enough to be worth hammering out.那个凹陷不大，用不着把它锤平。

5 plausible   

adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的

参考例句：

• His story sounded plausible.他说的那番话似乎是真实的。
• Her story sounded perfectly plausible.她的说辞听起来言之有理。

6 awakening   

n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的

参考例句：

• the awakening of interest in the environment 对环境产生的兴趣
• People are gradually awakening to their rights. 人们正逐渐意识到自己的权利。

7 outlet   

n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄

参考例句：

• The outlet of a water pipe was blocked.水管的出水口堵住了。
• Running is a good outlet for his energy.跑步是他发泄过剩精力的好方法。

8 peril   

n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物

参考例句：

• The refugees were in peril of death from hunger.难民有饿死的危险。
• The embankment is in great peril.河堤岌岌可危。

9 domain   

n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围

参考例句：

• This information should be in the public domain.这一消息应该为公众所知。
• This question comes into the domain of philosophy.这一问题属于哲学范畴。

10 rumors   

n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷

参考例句：

• Rumors have it that the school was burned down. 有谣言说学校给烧掉了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Rumors of a revolt were afloat. 叛变的谣言四起。 来自《简明英汉词典》

11 chuckled   

轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• She chuckled at the memory. 想起这件事她就暗自发笑。
• She chuckled softly to herself as she remembered his astonished look. 想起他那惊讶的表情，她就轻轻地暗自发笑。

12 lesser   

adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地

参考例句：

• Kept some of the lesser players out.不让那些次要的球员参加联赛。
• She has also been affected,but to a lesser degree.她也受到波及，但程度较轻。

13 prone   

adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的

参考例句：

• Some people are prone to jump to hasty conclusions.有些人往往作出轻率的结论。
• He is prone to lose his temper when people disagree with him.人家一不同意他的意见,他就发脾气。

14 devout   

adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness)

参考例句：

• His devout Catholicism appeals to ordinary people.他对天主教的虔诚信仰感染了普通民众。
• The devout man prayed daily.那位虔诚的男士每天都祈祷。

15 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

16 tugging   

n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Tom was tugging at a button-hole and looking sheepish. 汤姆捏住一个钮扣眼使劲地拉，样子显得很害羞。 来自英汉文学 - 汤姆历险
• She kicked him, tugging his thick hair. 她一边踢他，一边扯着他那浓密的头发。 来自辞典例句

17 rattled   

慌乱的，恼火的

参考例句：

• The truck jolted and rattled over the rough ground. 卡车嘎吱嘎吱地在凹凸不平的地面上颠簸而行。
• Every time a bus went past, the windows rattled. 每逢公共汽车经过这里，窗户都格格作响。

18 rigid   

adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的

参考例句：

• She became as rigid as adamant.她变得如顽石般的固执。
• The examination was so rigid that nearly all aspirants were ruled out.考试很严，几乎所有的考生都被淘汰了。

19 antiquated   

adj.陈旧的，过时的

参考例句：

• Many factories are so antiquated they are not worth saving.很多工厂过于陈旧落后，已不值得挽救。
• A train of antiquated coaches was waiting for us at the siding.一列陈旧的火车在侧线上等着我们。

20 choir   

n.唱诗班，唱诗班的席位，合唱团，舞蹈团；v.合唱

参考例句：

• The choir sang the words out with great vigor.合唱团以极大的热情唱出了歌词。
• The church choir is singing tonight.今晚教堂歌唱队要唱诗。

21 stunning   

adj.极好的；使人晕倒的

参考例句：

• His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
• The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。

22 clearance   

n.净空；许可(证)；清算；清除，清理

参考例句：

• There was a clearance of only ten centimetres between the two walls.两堵墙之间只有十厘米的空隙。
• The ship sailed as soon as it got clearance. 那艘船一办好离港手续立刻启航了。

23 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

24 oversight   

n.勘漏，失察，疏忽

参考例句：

• I consider this a gross oversight on your part.我把这件事看作是你的一大疏忽。
• Your essay was not marked through an oversight on my part.由于我的疏忽你的文章没有打分。

25 tuned   

adj.调谐的，已调谐的v.调音( tune的过去式和过去分词 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调

参考例句：

• The resort is tuned in to the tastes of young and old alike. 这个度假胜地适合各种口味，老少皆宜。
• The instruments should be tuned up before each performance. 每次演出开始前都应将乐器调好音。 来自《简明英汉词典》

26 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

27 nostrils   

鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Her nostrils flared with anger. 她气得两个鼻孔都鼓了起来。
• The horse dilated its nostrils. 马张大鼻孔。

28 Flared   

adj. 端部张开的, 爆发的, 加宽的, 漏斗式的 动词flare的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• The match flared and went out. 火柴闪亮了一下就熄了。
• The fire flared up when we thought it was out. 我们以为火已经熄灭，但它突然又燃烧起来。

29 shrug   

v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等)

参考例句：

• With a shrug,he went out of the room.他耸一下肩，走出了房间。
• I admire the way she is able to shrug off unfair criticism.我很佩服她能对错误的批评意见不予理会。

30 consolidated   

a.联合的

参考例句：

• With this new movie he has consolidated his position as the country's leading director. 他新执导的影片巩固了他作为全国最佳导演的地位。
• Those two banks have consolidated and formed a single large bank. 那两家银行已合并成一家大银行。

31 intentionally   

ad.故意地，有意地

参考例句：

• I didn't say it intentionally. 我是无心说的。
• The local authority ruled that he had made himself intentionally homeless and was therefore not entitled to be rehoused. 当地政府裁定他是有意居无定所，因此没有资格再获得提供住房。

32 punitive   

adj.惩罚的，刑罚的

参考例句：

• They took punitive measures against the whole gang.他们对整帮人采取惩罚性措施。
• The punitive tariff was imposed to discourage tire imports from China.该惩罚性关税的征收是用以限制中国轮胎进口的措施。

33 lame   

adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的

参考例句：

• The lame man needs a stick when he walks.那跛脚男子走路时需借助拐棍。
• I don't believe his story.It'sounds a bit lame.我不信他讲的那一套。他的话听起来有些靠不住。

34 regained   

复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地

参考例句：

• The majority of the people in the world have regained their liberty. 世界上大多数人已重获自由。
• She hesitated briefly but quickly regained her poise. 她犹豫片刻，但很快恢复了镇静。

35 aisle   

n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道

参考例句：

• The aisle was crammed with people.过道上挤满了人。
• The girl ushered me along the aisle to my seat.引座小姐带领我沿着通道到我的座位上去。

36 nervously   

adv.神情激动地，不安地

参考例句：

• He bit his lip nervously,trying not to cry.他紧张地咬着唇，努力忍着不哭出来。
• He paced nervously up and down on the platform.他在站台上情绪不安地走来走去。

37 unwilling   

adj.不情愿的

参考例句：

• The natives were unwilling to be bent by colonial power.土著居民不愿受殖民势力的摆布。
• His tightfisted employer was unwilling to give him a raise.他那吝啬的雇主不肯给他加薪。

38 subpoena   

n.（法律）传票；v.传讯

参考例句：

• He was brought up to court with a subpoena.他接到传讯，来到法庭上。
• Select committees have the power to subpoena witnesses.特别委员会有权传唤证人。

39 technically   

adv.专门地，技术上地

参考例句：

• Technically it is the most advanced equipment ever.从技术上说，这是最先进的设备。
• The tomato is technically a fruit,although it is eaten as a vegetable.严格地说，西红柿是一种水果，尽管它是当作蔬菜吃的。

40 violation   

n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯

参考例句：

• He roared that was a violation of the rules.他大声说，那是违反规则的。
• He was fined 200 dollars for violation of traffic regulation.他因违反交通规则被罚款200美元。

41 compliance   

n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从

参考例句：

• I was surprised by his compliance with these terms.我对他竟然依从了这些条件而感到吃惊。
• She gave up the idea in compliance with his desire.她顺从他的愿望而放弃自己的主意。

42 deference   

n.尊重，顺从；敬意

参考例句：

• Do you treat your parents and teachers with deference?你对父母师长尊敬吗？
• The major defect of their work was deference to authority.他们的主要缺陷是趋从权威。

43 thoroughly   

adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地

参考例句：

• The soil must be thoroughly turned over before planting.一定要先把土地深翻一遍再下种。
• The soldiers have been thoroughly instructed in the care of their weapons.士兵们都系统地接受过保护武器的训练。

44 feat   

n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的

参考例句：

• Man's first landing on the moon was a feat of great daring.人类首次登月是一个勇敢的壮举。
• He received a medal for his heroic feat.他因其英雄业绩而获得一枚勋章。

45 miserably   

adv.痛苦地；悲惨地；糟糕地；极度地

参考例句：

• The little girl was wailing miserably. 那小女孩难过得号啕大哭。
• It was drizzling, and miserably cold and damp. 外面下着毛毛细雨，天气又冷又湿，令人难受。 来自《简明英汉词典》

46 apparently   

adv.显然地；表面上，似乎

参考例句：

• An apparently blind alley leads suddenly into an open space.山穷水尽，豁然开朗。
• He was apparently much surprised at the news.他对那个消息显然感到十分惊异。

47 cancellation   

n.删除，取消

参考例句：

• Heavy seas can cause cancellation of ferry services.海上风浪太大，可能须要取消渡轮服务。
• Her cancellation of her trip to Paris upset our plan.她取消了巴黎之行打乱了我们的计划。

48 moot   

v.提出；adj.未决议的；n.大会；辩论会

参考例句：

• The question mooted in the board meeting is still a moot point.那个在董事会上提出讨论的问题仍未决的。
• The oil versus nuclear equation is largely moot.石油和核能之间的关系还很有争议。

49 declassify   

v.撤销保密

参考例句：

• These reports were only declassified last year.这些报告去年才被撤销了密级。
• Does the president have the power to declassify information?总统有权利解密相关信息吗？

50 clearances   

清除( clearance的名词复数 )； 许可； （录用或准许接触机密以前的）审查许可； 净空

参考例句：

• But I can't get to him without clearances. 但是没有证明我就没法见到他。
• The bridge and the top of the bus was only ten clearances. 桥与公共汽车车顶之间的间隙只有十厘米。

51 exasperating   

adj. 激怒的 动词exasperate的现在分词形式

参考例句：

• Our team's failure is very exasperating. 我们队失败了，真是气死人。
• It is really exasperating that he has not turned up when the train is about to leave. 火车快开了， 他还不来，实在急人。