"This deep ocean adventure thriller could not be more timely."
OMAR: A Novel
Brief Synopsis: In 1995, the CIA / FBI jointly uncovered secret plans to recover priceless treasure from 2077 fathoms below the North Atlantic Ice Barrier, aboard RMS Titanic. A terrorist organization competed against divers, hired by a billionaire, which set off a complex web of intrigue and suspense. Dr. Cary Parker, Woods Hole oceanographer and maritime law specialist, was recruited to beat both teams to the ship's grave. A wave of global terrorism was set into motion, as Parker challenged the terrorists on his own turf. And a rare, priceless, early 20th Century book became the primary focus of a triadic search.
Reviews
“Given the terrorist threats both to our homeland and to our citizens abroad... this deep ocean adventure thriller could not be more timely.” Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Ret.)
“Craig Thompson's 'Omar' is a suspenseful and thrilling novel of escalating global terrorism... a shocking, action-packed, highly recommended page-turner filled with suspense and plot twists to the end. 'Omar' is (also) available in hardbound and softbound.” James Cox, Editor, Midwest Book Review
A short excerpt from the suspense-thriller, OMAR: A Novel (A Cary Parker Thriller).
LAUNCH OF THE TITANIC - FOR FITTING-OUT BELFAST, IRELAND-MAY 31, 1911
.... The black-painted hull of the Titanic rested in its massive gantry—its belly empty of the soon to be installed lavish out-fittings—waiting to be fed as the bellies of those who had built her. Though the ceremony would be simple, lacking the christening usually associated with such affairs, this was not a time for humility.
By 11:30, expensively outfitted participants and observers covered the shipyard from one end to the other. Irish pride was pardonable, as all eyes gazed at what newspapers would proclaim the day after, "A Masterpiece of Irish Brains and Industry."
It only occurred to a select few, and the financiers who risked their capital on this venture, that most of the money invested in the Titanic came from American capitalists. U.S. Steel magnate J. Pierpont Morgan and his Trust-International Merchant Marine- had controlling interest in the group of White Star Line investors....
Edwardian overconfidence guided the day. If something wrong were found at that moment, there was little chance anything would be done. The clock was in motion.
"Look!" a youngster exclaimed from the wharf. "Look at the man." Attention focused toward the rear of the ship.
On the Titanic's sternpost, a solitary red flag signaled a "stand clear" warning to the tugs and spectator fleet. It was exactly 12:05.
The ways were set for the ship to glide down the huge stocks of timber and into the bay. Eighteen tons of tallow, train oil and soft soap greased the way for a smooth entry at Spencer Basin. Thousands of spectators felt tremendous anticipation as the time drew near.
Unexpectedly, a rocket fired into the air to announce the five-minute mark. Throughout the bay, talk and laughter turned to whispers. Last minute clanging and banging of tools up and down the wharf, and on board the Titanic itself, became silent. The time was 12:10.
The expectation of an exemplary moment was close at hand. Young and old stood together knowing history was being made. The warmth of the early afternoon heightened the excitement. Nothing would dampen the success of the launch.
With a loud whoosh, another rocket signaled the moment for which everyone had been waiting. Total silence took over Spencer Basin. Children held their breath. Parents squeezed their hands tightly in anticipation.
And investors and shipbuilders said silent prayers.
At 12:14 the Titanic was officially launched. But the 882-foot, 46,328 ton giant appeared to lay motionless on its stocks. Inertia held on tightly as the massive hulk of steel imperceptibly inched forward. Everyone stood in awe, wondering if the ship would move down the ways. The hush and stillness over the crowd of thousands froze the moment in time.
High above, on deck, the ship's workers perceived slight movement beneath them. The first to cheer, their joy echoed across the quiet shipyard from building to building and boat to boat. Everyone realized the Titanic was moving. The spirited cheering became contagious and grew louder and louder with each inch -then each foot of movement.
The entire section of Albert Quay was awash with cacophonous sounds. Gigantic anchor chains thundered behind to slow the ship as she floated into the water. Ship whistles and boat horns, yelps and hurrahs, laughter and applause mixed with sounds of crackling brace-timbers that had once held the mighty ship at bay.
The vessel gained momentum as it slipped over the well-greased ways. And sixty-two seconds later the Titanic floated toward the fitting-out berth, deftly guided by a contingent of tugs.
In the private grandstand, investors breathed a sigh of relief and allowed themselves a cautious smile. Then, Victorian taboos aside, strangers hugged strangers. Children and adults jumped up and down with joy. And laborers gleefully beat co-workers with their caps as the Titanic moved to its temporary berth.
