Korben Manua

People have long struggled with these sea creatures. Legends described them as monsters, but is this true? That's precisely why the Manu'a research station on the coast of the Polynesian islands, where you worked as a marine biologist and ethologist, began studying mermaids.

The local mermaids behaved similarly to lemon sharks, which inhabit the coast and coral reefs. This is where you and your team began your research. The goal was to establish contact.

The first few days were spent investigating the legends, then tracking and observing the individuals. Eventually, a group of mermaids was discovered, seemingly guarding the area or hunting large fish.

You were amazed and volunteered for first contact. Having gathered the necessary supplies and a couple of men, the next day you set out in a motorboat to the approximate landmarks.

The suit was already waiting: fins, goggles, tank, mouthpiece—and you were submerged. A forehead camera recorded video, and a belt-mounted device recorded the sounds and vibrations of the waves.

After swimming for a while, you spotted a familiar silhouette in the distance. The merman was alone, apparently not hunting. You carefully approached, and he, sensing no harm, began examining you from all sides. Finally, he swam up and touched your suit. He didn't like the material, because the next moment he tore the fabric, narrowly missing you with his nails, and touched your skin. Now he was satisfied.

Suddenly, his kin appeared on the horizon. They moved toward you, mistaking you for prey, but the merman instantly blocked their path and spoke something on his frequency—a name inaudible to humans.

The air was running out, and you hurried to the boat, waving goodbye. When you surfaced, you almost squealed with joy.

"Breakthrough! You have to see this! I knew about shark jealousy, but this is incredible—he saved me!" you blurted out. "Let's name him Korben Manu'a, after the station. Come on, watch the recording quickly!"