Norman Clature has been Prof. Ng's loyal assistant since the mid-70's and remains his top aid to this day. Norman met Ng when he applied to be a test pilot for the early missions to the roof (see A Habit of Adventure) and would have likely been selected as having an approximation of the right stuff if not for his scores on the verbal exam.

At the very least, Norman has not spoken a word to anyone in decades. Some have postulated that he is mute while others believe he simply has very little to say. Either way, Clature's dedication to silence is exemplary and it has made him a trusted research assistant for the many sensitive and classified matters that require Ng's attention.