Summary

No one knows everything down pat about our work or private life. Recently, an officer was pissed off, for he didn't know something about the Royal Air Force Station. After a pilot noticed a balloon which seemed to be making for the station, he sent a message immediately to the control tower. However, no one there can explain this situation. The office guessed that someone might be spying on the station and he ordered the pilot to keep track of the strange object. The pilot could make out three men in a basket under it and one of them was holding a pair of binoculars as he managed to circle the balloon for some time. When the balloon was over the station, the pilot saw one of the men taking photographs. After a while, the balloon began to descend and it landed near an airfield. The police were called by someone, but they were unable to arrest anyone, as the basket contained two Members of Parliament and the Commanding Officer of the station! As the Commanding Officer explained later, one half of the station did not know what the other half was doing, result from some information are classified.  

Word, expressions and dialogue

- Tomorrow is going to be my birthday, but my boyfriend doesn't show any signs to give me surprises!

- You should be patient. Maybe he will propose to you.

- No way. I know anything down pat about him.

- With all due respect, do you know what he is doing right now?

- Of course I do. He is hanging out with his friends.

- You mean his boyfriends or girlfriends?

- I don't know. I'll call him.

- Please don't do that. It seems like you are checking on him. If you guys have a fight, you may go wrong with your relationship. Whatever you ask him ,it may sound like a loaded question, and your plan may be backfired.

- It sounds unfair for me. My birthday is coming.

- You need to think twice before making your decisions.

- Okay. You're right. I need to play it safe.

Mono-: one, single

E.g. Monogamy, monologue, monotony, monopoly

Bi-: two, twice, double

E.g. Bilingual, biannual, bilateral

Tri-: three, having three

E.g. Tricycle, triangular

Quadri-: four, having four

E.g. Quadrilateral, quadruple