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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 is the nickname of the area where the Starbuck went missing?
(a) The Pacific Vortex.
(b) The Laurentian Abyss.
(c) The Bermuda Triangle.
(d) The South China Crevasse.

2. What is the radio code for having found the Starbuck?
(a) "Returning to base for repairs to starboard engine."
(b) "The cat's in the cradle."
(c) Nothing. Strict radio silence is essential.
(d) "Stopped all engines to repair a burned shaft bearing."

3. How does Commander Dupree report the final resting place of the Starbuck?
(a) Precise geo-coordinates, 500 miles from the last reported position.
(b) The same as the sub's last reported position.
(c) As unknown.
(d) Precise geo-coordinates, which, if correct, would put the submarine on land.

4. What is dangerous about Dirk's swim out to the object in the water?
(a) Riptides and sharks.
(b) Coral reefs and kelp.
(c) 15 foot waves.
(d) Dirk doesn't swim very well.

5. How does the Starbuck hit the seafloor?
(a) Perfectly parallel.
(b) Bow first.
(c) Stern first, almost perpendicular.
(d) Upside down.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why does Dirk speculate that the Navy has equipped the Martha Ann with a crew of midgets?

3. What is Dirk's military rank?

4. What unique feature of the Martha Ann's navigational equipment makes her totally crew-independent?

5. What is Barf the Magic Dragon?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. What is the Fullerton Fracture Zone? Does it actually exist?

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

5. 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?

6. What is the significance of the Lillie Marlene?

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

8. Why is the Martha Ann disguised to look like a rust-bucket merchant ship?

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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