Jakarta, Indonesia

There were few who would say President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was an uneducated man. Indeed, his title during his service in his country's military had been "the thinking general". But at the moment, he was fairly certain he had become the dumbest man in the world.

He was currently waiting on a dock in Tanjung Priok in the early morning hours with only a token staff. Waiting for a mythical goddess to appear. He repressed another sigh as he looked over at the boy who had convinced him to come.

"Gema..."

"She'll be here... Trust me, Mr. President sir, she said she'd be here," the little boy spoke. The President of Indonesia was not very sure why he'd agreed to come out here. This incredible certainty had sprung up inside him, and had stayed strong the whole time.

The fact little Gema Pertiwi had appeared via a waterspout right in his office had also built his case. But, five hours in the cold night had dampened his spirits. Even the first light of the rising sun couldn't raise his spirits very much. The boy though... He hadn't lost hope.

"Mr. President...?" One of his aides asked. Yudhoyono looked back, and shook his head.

"Give it... A little longer," he said.

"But Mr President-"

"I said... A little longer," he said. He turned back to the sea. Gema smiled happily at him, before looking back with him. The young boy then shivered.

"She... She's here," he whispered.

The water in front of them began to boil, and light shown brightly. Green light, that is. A large shape burst out of the water, and the President's aides fell back. His bodyguards pulled out their weapons.

"No, no! It's all right!" Yudhoyono called, raising his hand. He looked back at the shape, which seemed to be composed of water. Quickly though, this water shrank and compressed, forming a shape Yudhoyono had heard of in legends and myths. A beautiful mermaid, with an extremely long, fish-like tail instead of legs.

The water became opaque, and the figure before them lowered herself until her eyes met those of the President and little Gema.

"Nyai Roro Kidul," Gema murmured. The sea goddess smiled warmly.

"Hello Gema... And Mr. President," she said respectfully. "I hope my messenger didn't disturb you too much?"

"Not at all," Yudhoyono managed in a polite tone. "He, after all, led us to you."

"That he did," Nyai Roro Kidul said. Gema blushed, pleased at the praise.

"So, Nyai Roro Kidul... What can we do for you?" The President asked.

"Why, Mr. President! I believe the real question is... What can I do for you?"

- - - - - - - -

To my friends in Indonesia.