there was a large and powerful merchant trading company, Atlas Trading. They sent traders across the globe to procure the finest in all things to be sold to the subjects of their kingdom as well as the subjects of all bordering lands.

After the new world, America was discovered, the head of the trading company recognized an opportunity--not only would there by a myriad of riches, trinkets and baubles to be acquired in the new world, but most likely, a large number of natives, pilgrims and settlers to sell his wares to. What he needed was a master trader to blanket the new world and make it the newest wealth center for the trading company.

So Charles Atlas, Great-Great-Grandson of the founder called the Headhunter to a summit-level meeting:

"Headhunter, have you heard of the new world, America?"

"Why, yes, Sir Charles, EVERYONE's heard of the New World!"

"It's my legacy to develop trading in America. It will make my ancestors and my progeny very proud. I need you to bring me the head of the very bravest and best trader in the land. Someone who will be unafraid to transverse the oceans, the forests and the foreign natives to open America to Atlas Trading."

"I see. That's a pretty tall order, sir. The dangers in trading in the New World are many. The reward for such a risk will have to be bountiful."

"For a prize this rich, I'll pay any price. This is my legacy we're talking about."

So the Headhunter took on the task. Fortunately, he'd heard tales of a young trader who'd made quite a name for himself in opening the Orient to trading from the British a few years back. His name was Marco. And, so the search began to locate Marco for Charles Atlas.

The Headhunter searched high and low. Rumor had it that Marco was in Italy--no go. He heard tales that Marco had braved the cold to trade in Russia. Still no Marco. Finally, in an out of the way Alpine Village in Switzerland, the Headhunter located Marco, sipping Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate in a Chalet.

"Marco, I've looked for you for three months! Have you heard of Atlas Trading?"

"Of course, Headhunter! I've beaten them to trading regions and riches too numerous to count without an abacus--why?"

"Charles Atlas has sent me to find you. He wants to hire you to open the New World, America for, Atlas Trading."

"And why would I do so for a competitor? If I had a ship, I'd simply go and open it up for myself."

"Exactly my point. Charles has three ships docked, prepped and waiting in the harbor. All he needs is the greatest Trader in the world to lead the way."

Marco stroked his pointed beard and smiled. "You're lucky, Headhunter. I grow bored working on my own. I've transversed the Old World many times. I've beaten Atlas to riches so many times it isn't even fun anymore. What could give me greater joy than to actually run amok in the camp of my largest and greatest competitor? You go and set up a meeting with Charles."

The Headhunter couldn't believe his good fortune. Never in a million years would he have thought the great Marco would ever work in captive employment, especially for his arch rivals--Atlas. He hurried into his skis and made his way out of the Swiss Alps and headed to the headquarters of Atlas Trading with the good news.

Three weeks later Marco arrived at Atlas' Headquarters in Lisbon. There, Charles and Marco met privately for what seemed two whole days. Food and wine were sent in several times. Finally, a beaming Charles came out with his arm around Marco. The Headhunter beamed as well, assuming that the two had made a deal.

Marco thanked the Headhunter and made his way to the Inn. Charles made small talk with his attendants and then invited the Headhunter into his Chambers: "You did well, Headhunter. You've brought me Marco, a trader renowned in many lands. In fact, he might just be the most uniquely qualified Trader to open up America for Atlas."

"So, did you two come to terms on an agreement?"

Charles pulled on his bushy mustache, "In principle, yes. Now, I want you to go out and find me a couple more Traders just like Marco."

The Headhunter was confused. He'd just completed his mission, bringing in the head of the Greatest Trader in the Old World--even Charles had admitted it, and now he was to go off and find two more?

"I don't understand, Charles. You just said Marco is the man for the job, yet you want me find two others."

"Headhunter, my job is to run the greatest trading company in the world. Your job is to bring me the heads of the people I need. I would never hire the first person I see, even if they are the right man for the task. Now, begone, and earn your money."

The Headhunter met with Marco, who was anxious either to get underway for his trek to the New World, or to go back to finish his Swiss Miss Mocha in the Alps.

"Charles really likes you and believes you're well suited for a task of this enormity."

"But?"

"No but, really. He has just a couple of more Traders to meet before he makes his final decision."

Marco laughed a long and loud guffaw, as if he knew something the Headhunter didn't.

"Why does that make you laugh, Marco?"

"You've never dealt with Charles before, have you? One of the prime reasons I've kicked his rump in countless trading expeditions is, he ALWAYS thinks he's making the right choice, only when he has a choice. Even when the 'right choice' is slapping him right upside the jowls. He's missed so many opportunities using that tired old line of logic, I'd almost forgotten."

"Which means . . .,"

"I'm heading back to my chalet, Headhunter. Wish him luck in the New World."

The Headhunter watched Marco ready his pack animals, wishing HE himself was the one going to America--maybe his patrons in the New World wouldn't be stuck in such ruts of conformity.

And so it was--The Headhunter found two more Traders for Charles Atlas to meet. Neither was as bold, talented or capable as Marco. Charles summoned the Headhunter: "It's decided. I want Marco for my America Expedition. He will make my legacy the grandest in Atlas Trading history!"

"I'm sorry, Charles, but you must know Marco left for the Alps the day after you two spoke."

"What?"

"You intrigued him with the possibility of leading an expedition to open the New World, so it's possible he's lining up ships himself. But, he didn't wait around for your comparison shopping spree."

"That's blasphemy, Headhunter. Speak to me that way again and I'll have my men cut out your tongue!"

"Speechless or not, it won't get your company a step closer to the New World, Charles."

Charles deliberated for a few more days and finally settled on Ponce, the stronger of the two less capable Traders to embark on the New World Expedition. The prime motivator for Ponce was, he'd heard of mineral springs in America that would relieve his aching back. The Atlas Trading ships would be setting sail the following Monday.

A huge celebration was held on the docks in Lisbon. All the villagers were present to see Ponce off on his journey to wealth and rehabilitation. As the sails were unfurled, a small fishing boat washed up on shore a half mile from the party with a bedraggled messenger aboard.

"I have a message for Charles Atlas. I was washed aground a week ago by a small fleet of vessels headed to the New World. As the ships went by, a gentleman named Marco said to tell you he was on his way to trade with America," the fisherman gasped.

The message stunned Charles. Needless to say, the celebration was muted by the news that Atlas Trading had been beaten to the New World. Charles canceled Ponce's expedition, recognizing full well that Marco's prowess AND head start would waste Ponce's efforts. The 'legacy' Charles Atlas had attempted had been thwarted by his unwillingness to choose the best without seeing the rest. Charles never regained the stature he'd attained up to his ill-fated conquest of America and Atlas Trading diminished among leading trading companies thereafter.

If the first Frog you kiss turns into a Prince, why risk a mouthful of warts kissing the rest of the Pond?

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