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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 accounts for the ocean turning a greenish color as the Martha Ann approaches the shallower water of the seamount?
(a) Toxic waste spewing from the submarine's damaged reactor.
(b) Vegetation growing on the seamount.
(c) A dye marker in the water.
(d) Source unknown.

2. 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) He signs the message to the cameras he knows are watching them through the portholes.
(c) Via LT March's underwater walkie-talkie radio.
(d) Via the Starbuck's own radio.

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

4. What does Dirk first do with the manuscript he finds?
(a) He reads half of it and then puts it away when he realizes it is not for his eyes.
(b) He tosses it in his knapsack for later.
(c) He reads it in its entirety.
(d) He puts it back where he found it.

5. What are Boland's instructions upon hearing Dirk's message from the supposedly wrecked submarine?
(a) Have March review the operating procedures for the boat's ballast tanks.
(b) Standby for a relief crew.
(c) Return to the Martha Ann at once.
(d) Standby for further instructions on how to make the boat operational.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Dirk's psychological assessment of sailors in relation to the intention of the staging of the Lillie Marlene?

2. Which seamen could have survived immediately after "the disaster" befell the Starbuck according to the logbook?

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

4. What branch of the military does Dirk belong to?

5. What is Dirk's plan of action on the Martha Ann with only two hours to go before dark falls?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How are the dead bodies described on the Lillie Marlene? How does this description contribute to the myth of the Pacific Vortex?

4. CDR Dupree says he ordered, "All ballast blown and hard rise on the planes." What are planes in reference to a submarine?

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

6. How does Dirk determine that Hunter's crew has been searching the wrong area?

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

8. Why is the Starbuck's last reported position Top Secret information?

9. How does Cussler describe ADM Sandecker at the beginning of Chapter that makes him seem like a likely person to work with Dirk Pitt?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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