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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What replacement weapon does Dirk grab after having expended his single shot weapon?

2. How does Summer escape the seamount?

3. What is the Joint Chiefs' decision on what to do with the Starbuck?

4. How does Adrian escape when the men from the sea come ashore and kill her friend?

5. Who is Lavella?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the two most important words in the English language according to Dirk? How do they serve Dirk in the battle with the men from the sea in his hotel room?

2. What changes ADM Hunter's mind about obeying the destroy orders from the joint Chiefs in Washington D.C.?

3. How do Dirk and LCDR Boland differ over how to wage battle against the men from the sea as they face impending attack on the Martha Ann?

4. How is the scent of the eucalyptus oil explained? How does it support the theory of the seamount?

5. What does Delphi say is his main objective? What does Dirk say is Delphi's main objective?

6. How does LCDR Crowhaven's attitude change from his frame of mind on the plane, once he is within sight of the submarine and Dirk lets him know that this is where he [Dirk] gets off?

7. When Dirk discovers LCDR Boland has been stabbed with a spear, he decides the spear must come out. What is standard first aid procedure for puncture/impalement wounds and why and how does Dirk deviate from it?

8. How does LCDR Crowhaven get in touch with Pearl Harbor in spite of Delphi's lock on their radio transmissions? What is the code he uses to communicate with ADM Hunter over the open wires?

9. There are three operations, with different codenames going on simultaneously in Chapter 16. What are their different codenames and objectives?

10. What is Delphi's plan for the Starbuck?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

ADM Sandecker tells Dirk, "an enemy agent wouldn't have to use muscle [on you]. They'd simply send their most seductive Mata Hari to the nearest bar and let you pick her up." What does this statement mean and what is the inference being made about Dirk's character? Analyze this statement in the context of all you know about the character of Dirk Pitt. Does it seem to be a fair or consistent statement? Provide evidence from the book to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

ADM Hunter's view of and reactions to Dirk will drive certain parts of the plot, especially towards the end of the book. How does ADM Hunter's view of Dirk change throughout the book? Cite specific examples of change moments. Where or to what do these changes lead?

Essay Topic 3

Carefully analyze the "real" condition of the Starbuck with respect to international maritime law. Whose waters is she sitting in and who can rightfully claim her? How do the laws of maritime salvage govern this kind of at-sea loss? Most importantly, how does this contribute to the urgency and top-secretiveness in the plot?

(see the answer keys)

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