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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 is one reason the Navy doesn't consider the Starbuck's commanding officer's last statement of position to be credible?
(a) They don't believe in the Pacific Vortex.
(b) They believe Dirk is perpetrating a hoax.
(c) They don't trust ADM Hunter.
(d) They believe the Russians planted the manuscript.

2. Where is Dirk at the opening of the book?
(a) On a volcano called Mount Kaena, HI.
(b) On a beach called Kaena Point, HI.
(c) Canea Bay, Phillippines.
(d) At Kaena Cove, Japan.

3. Who says to Dirk: "If you keep staring at me, I'll be forced to charge you admission."?
(a) The blonde girl from Dirk's fifth grade class.
(b) Adrian Hunter.
(c) Capt. Orl Cinana
(d) Summer Moran.

4. Who is Dirk initially talking to in the bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel?
(a) Captain Orl Cinana.
(b) Commander Burdette Denver.
(c) Lieutenant Summer Moran.
(d) Lieutenant Commander Paul Boland.

5. What does "bare steerageway" mean?
(a) The sailors driving the ship are doing so naked.
(b) Clutch ahead.
(c) All covers are removed from the navigational equipment and she is to be steered manually.
(d) Just enough speed for a ship to be accurately steered.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why doesn't Dirk want to leave the Martha Ann on the helicopter to go and get the salvage team?

2. How is the boarding party killed according to the San Gabriel's report?

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

4. What is Dirk doing at the opening of the book?

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

2. What is the significance of there not being any paper in the crew's lounge area of the Starbuck?

3. Dirk sees no need to show up on time to his "date" with ADM Hunter (to report for duty). How is this reflective of both Dirk's personality and his attitude towards ADM Hunter?

4. 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.

5. ADM Hunter refers to CDR Dupree as having a reputation for a computer-like mind. Going back to the prologue, what are some statements that support this view of Hunter's? (Dupree refers to "Annapolis." What does he mean by that?)

6. What are some ways the Pacific Vortex is different from the Bermuda Triangle and other legendary danger areas?

7. Dirk does not appreciate ADM Hunter's highhanded move to take control of his [Dirk's] life by having him detailed to his [ADM Hunter's] command. How is he "persuaded" into it?

8. 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?

9. Capt. Cinana quotes a Naval saying: "Those that lie deep in the Atlantic Sea Are recalled by shrines, wreathes and poetry, But those who lie in Pacific Sea Lie forgotten for all eternity." What does this mean?

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

(see the answer keys)

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