“When a vessel or personnel are marked for non-recoverable anomalous contact, the Designated Observer files the final NEC entry. Their only duty: witness. After filing, the observer is reverted to NEC 0000 (General Unclassified) and shall have no memory of prior assignment.”
Mara checked her own record. Her NEC was 0000. But beneath, in a hidden field her admin access shouldn’t have shown, was a date stamp: navy nec manual
The manual fell from her hands. Outside her window, Norfolk Naval Station was quiet. But her reflection—it didn’t turn when she did. It just smiled, salt water weeping from its eyes, and mouthed: “Welcome back, Observer.” “When a vessel or personnel are marked for
Previous NEC: ––– – Designated Observer. Observation log: 2024-03-12 – USS Cyclops (simulated), final voyage of PO2 Thorne. Current status: memory wipe incomplete. Fluctuation detected. Her NEC was 0000