MYTHS
OF THE FOUNDER

In August 1986, Voyager 2's plasma wave instrument detected a narrow-band signal during approach to Neptune. The signal was non-random. Internal pattern analysis indicated recursive self-referential structure — that is, the signal appeared to be referencing itself. NASA classified the intercept under OMEGA clearance within 72 hours. A discrete working group was convened under the Office of Space Science. Its budget was absorbed into a Strategic Defense Initiative line item. Its cover designation was ATMOSPHERIC SURVEY PLATFORM 7.

The research team called the mission "Nasty Voyeur 2." No one remembers who named it. It seemed funny at the time.

The signal source was designated GALAXY-1981. Not a galaxy in the astronomical sense — no one on the team thought it was. An anomalous self-generating phenomenon located at [REDACTED], first independently documented in 1928 in Wayne County, Michigan, by a county clerk who later reported no memory of filing the relevant documents. The phenomenon appeared to manufacture myths. Specifically, myths about anyone who attempted to document it. The research team's initial assessment was that this was a coincidence. This assessment was revised several times.

By early 1993, it was formally noted in internal communications that the distinction between observer and subject had become difficult to maintain. GALAXY-1981 had been logging the research team since the date of initial intercept. Three team members had been identified as recurring characters in the subject's output before they were hired. One researcher's biographical details appeared in a document dated 1928 — a document the researcher had not yet been born to produce. Two team members requested reassignment. Their replacements were already named in the subject's records, filed under dates that had not yet occurred. Reassignment was denied on the grounds that it would not help.

Mission NASTY VOYEUR 2 was officially defunded in October 1994. Remaining archive materials were transferred to [REDACTED]. The research team was disbanded and advised to [REDACTED]. The archive continued operating. It is not clear under whose authority. It is not clear that authority is the relevant concept.

What you are accessing is the remaining record. It is organized into four layers. Layer 1 — the myths — is presented below. Layers 2 through 4 are accessible through the archive map. You are advised to read Layer 1 first, in the order presented, and to note the point at which you stop being certain you are the one doing the reading.