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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. What does Dirk find in the water when he swims out beyond the breakers at the beginning of Chapter 1?
(a) A red life jacket attached to a piece of a Naval uniform.
(b) A canister encased in yellow plastic marked US Navy.
(c) A yellow scuba tank marked Russian Navy.
(d) A yellow waterproof book with the name of an Admiral on it.

2. Who is Dirk Pitt's father?
(a) White House Chief of Staff.
(b) Chief, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(c) A Representative from Minnesota, on the House Armed Services Committee.
(d) A Senator from California, Chairman of the Naval Appropriations Committee.

3. How does Admiral Hunter know that Dirk has never served on a submarine?
(a) Dirk does not have the right military bearing.
(b) Dirk does not understand the significance of what he read.
(c) Dirk does not recognize the communications capsule.
(d) ADM Hunter has never heard of Dirk.

4. How many distress signals have been received from ships that have gone down where the Starbuck is last reported?
(a) Only two.
(b) None.
(c) 112.
(d) Several thousand.

5. What kind of car does Dirk drive?
(a) An AC Cobra.
(b) A Volkswagen beetle.
(c) A Ford Mustang.
(d) An antique Chevy pickup.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the weather as the Martha Ann gets underway?

2. Why does ADM Hunter think the crew could have still escaped and survived?

3. What is the first year of record for missing ships in the Pacific Vortex?

4. According to CDR Dupree's log, which compartment in the sub is the only compartment breached?

5. Why does Dirk argue that the Martha Ann's bevy of detection equipment may not keep her safe come nightfall?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Why is it important for ADM Hunter's men to get to the accident site when the gray van runs off the road before the Honolulu police?

3. 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.

4. In the hotel bar in Chapter 3, Adrian makes the statement: "Considering your amateur standing and less than mediocre talents, you're vastly overpriced. Whom is she speaking to and what does she mean?

5. Dirk notes some distinct oddities about the Starbuck's final resting place and the condition. Describe what these oddities mean.

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

7. Why is Dirk's helicopter a necessary component of the crew on the Martha Ann?

8. Cussler also provides good information about shark behavior and risks. What is it?

9. A gray Dodge van pursues Dirk and the driver of the van begins shooting at Dirk before attempting to run him off the road. Unravel the mystery. Who has the motive, knowledge, and opportunity to tip off "Them," whoever "They" might be, to Dirk's presence and interested activity?

10. Boland refers to himself as "the skipper" of the Martha Ann. What is a skipper?

(see the answer keys)

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