Peace with North Korea--Opportunity Squandered: Opportunity Recyclable? On July 5, 2006, North Korea tested a number of missiles. On October 9, 2006, North Korea apparently tested a nuclear device. To the citizen of the West, these actions are nearly incomprehensible given what North Korea will face in retribution. However, to the North Koreans, these actions culminate a long and critical process of developing a deterrent against a nuclear attack by the United States, and are worth the cost. How did we get here? How do we get out of here? Will we now choose to do the right thing? These questions, which may prove to be critical to the survival of our society, are explored within these pages. Hail, Citizens, and well met. Gather, and a great tale will be told. Several will tell the tale, that it may be told true. For a tale, like a brilliant jewel, has many facets, each different from its neighbor, yet contributing a unique essence to the whole. The tale will be told by the Storyteller, who speaks in fable. The tale will be told by the Scholar, who speaks in facts and theories and rationale. The tale will be told by the Trickster, who speaks in earnest, if not complete truth. Taken together, the tale will bloom from the pieces to become the whole. The tale will enchant you. The tale will displease you. Take solace, therefore, that the ending be not written. You may write it, as it pleases you. Our tale is the tale of two brothers.