The Dolomite Solution

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Many thanks to the people of Innsbruck, Austria and the Dolomite region of Northern Italy. In Germany, thanks to Susie Rode-Halitaj for her hospitality and friendship. A special thanks to the thousands of scientists currently mapping the human body in the Human Genome Project. Their dedicated work will soon find cures for ailments that kill millions each year. As always, I salute my Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps colleagues past and present — millions of dedicated men and women who have kept this nation free.

Heavy snow swept across Axamer Litzum’s ski slopes, swirling in a furious squall. Moments later the mountain cleared like the tranquil March dusting it was supposed to be, exposing the rocky peaks to the south.

Allen Murdock leaned his lanky frame over his ski poles on the top of the main run, gazing anxiously at the chair lift as it dropped off the occasional skier. With the howling wind and biting snow, not many were braving the elements. Most had escaped to the lodge below for the warmth of the fireplace or drinks. Murdock, wearing a full orange ski suit with black slashes across the arms and legs, wouldn’t have been on the mountain either if it had not been for his insistent partner. He had his goggles down, and just below his thin nose ice was forming on his skinny black moustache. He tried unsuccessfully to lick it away.

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