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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Dirk argue that the Martha Ann's bevy of detection equipment may not keep her safe come nightfall?
(a) Her sensors are blind in the dark.
(b) Any electrical malfunction will leave her defenseless.
(c) She has no defenses, the sailors carry no more than sidearms.
(d) The fog that supposedly comes up at night may blind the sensors.

2. What ship is responsible for reporting the incident to the Lillie Marlene?
(a) The Vincent Tourmalier.
(b) The Starbuck.
(c) The Verhusson.
(d) The San Gabriel.

3. How long has it been since someone researched the sunken island at George Papaaloa's museum?
(a) Two weeks ago.
(b) No one has ever asked for information about it from George.
(c) During the Vietnam War.
(d) Since right after World War Two.

4. What color are Dirk's eyes?
(a) Brown.
(b) Gray.
(c) Green.
(d) Blue.

5. How does Dirk send a message back to the Martha Ann from the Starbuck?
(a) He bangs out Morse code against the sub's hull.
(b) Via LT March's underwater walkie-talkie radio.
(c) He signs the message to the cameras he knows are watching them through the portholes.
(d) Via the Starbuck's own radio.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Martha Ann's depth at the start of their search pattern?

2. What does Dirk find in the water when he swims out beyond the breakers at the beginning of Chapter 1?

3. Why is one reason the Navy doesn't consider the Starbuck's commanding officer's last statement of position to be credible?

4. Why does Dirk stop to talk to George Papaaloa?

5. Who is Dirk Pitt's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the multiple ways that the Martha Ann is disguised as a civilian ship?

2. Why is ADM Hunter taking the step of having Dirk detailed officially to the 101st Salvage Fleet?

3. Other than the submarine not being wholly flooded, what is the single most important fact that Dirk relays over the Starbuck's radio to the Martha Ann and why is it of the utmost significance?

4. What is a seamount?

5. What two things does the receptionist at ADM Hunter's office assume of Dirk Pitt when he arrives in his bathing suit?

6. "Perhaps Pitt could do the impossible after all." These words go through Boland's mind after he hears that Pitt is radioing the Martha Ann from the Starbuck. There are several other references throughout the book so far that indicate Dirk has a reputation for being the sort of person who makes the wildly improbable succeed effortless. Who else has said this and where is that perception originating?

7. Acting on a hunch, Dirk goes to the Polynesian history museum to visit a friend well versed in the history and culture of the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands. Why?

8. Why is LT March so resistant to the idea of entering the submarine?

9. Cussler gives a good description of rip tides after Dirk has swum out beyond the breakers at Kaena Point. Describe them, why they are dangerous and explain how best to swim through them if caught in one.

10. What are the different mysteries or questions that ADM Hunter enumerates as he reads the log?

(see the answer keys)

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