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| {{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}
| | A '''cogitator'' is the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] equivalent to an attaché or aide. |
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| A '''cogitator''' is a [[Cylon (TOS-RH)|Cylon]] diplomat and advisor, representing an elite class within the [[Cylon Empire (TOS-RH)|Cylon Empire]].<ref name="ARM280">{{cite book/RH|1|280}}</ref> The most notable cogitator is [[Lucifer (TOS-RH)|Lucifer]], who serves as chief advisor to the [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]].<ref name="WAR33">{{cite book/RH|2|33}}</ref>
| | [[Specter]] is considered a cogitator to [[Baltar (TOS)|Lord Baltar]]. |
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| ==Physical Characteristics==
| | [[Category:A to Z]] |
| | | [[Category:Cylons (TOS)]] |
| Cogitators possess a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from standard [[Cylon Centurion (TOS-RH)|Centurions]]. They feature a transparent dome atop their skull, within which a living brain is housed.<ref name="WAR84">{{cite book/RH|2|84}}</ref> Inside this clear dome, electrical charges spark constantly, flashing with particular intensity when the cogitator is engaged in heavy thought.<ref name="WAR84" /> These sparks illuminate surrounding areas in a kaleidoscope of shadows and light as the cogitator moves.<ref name="WAR84" />
| | [[Category:Figures of Speech]] |
| | | [[Category:TOS]] |
| Unlike the heavily armored Centurions, cogitators wear long robes, an homage to their leaders that also serves to hide their movements, creating a ghostly, gliding appearance.<ref name="WAR33" /> They possess very little body mass compared to warrior models, as their design prioritizes intellectual capacity over physical strength.<ref name="WAR33" />
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| ==Function and Role==
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| Cogitators serve as diplomats, advisors, and strategic thinkers within Cylon society.<ref name="ARM280" /> They are executive officers who possess analytical and interpretive capabilities far beyond those of ordinary Centurions.<ref name="RES89">{{cite book/RH|3|89}}</ref> Where Centurions are mindless and execute orders without question, cogitators were given minds as a gift, enabling them to analyze complex situations and advise leadership.<ref name="WAR178">{{cite book/RH|2|178}}</ref>
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| Within the rigid hierarchy of the Cylon Empire, cogitators occupy restricted sectors of base stars, generally forbidden from moving freely except by direct summons from the [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]].<ref name="WAR84" /> [[Lucifer (TOS-RH)|Lucifer]] is a notable exception, granted freedom of movement aboard the Imperious Leader's base star, though the reasons for this privilege remain unclear even to Lucifer himself.<ref name="WAR84" />
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| Cogitators gain power through observation, the possession of information, and the identification and resolution of vital questions.<ref name="WAR84" /> This intellectual approach allows them to rise to positions of significant influence within the Empire.
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| ==Neurological Structure==
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| Cylons employ a three-tier brain system, with cogitators possessing [[Cylons (TOS-RH)#Two-Brained Cylons|two brains]]. The first brain functions as the body's guidance system, ensuring efficiency of task.<ref name="RES89" /> The second brain, which distinguishes cogitators from basic [[Centurion (TOS-RH)|Centurions]], contains the necessary skills for analyzing and interpreting facts, enabling them to rise to executive officer positions.<ref name="RES89" />
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| Working in tandem with the first brain, the second brain grants cogitators their superior cognitive abilities.<ref name="RES89" /> However, cogitators perpetually hunger for a third brain, which would elevate them to the status of [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]].<ref name="RES89" /> The third brain allows its possessor to transcend mundane facts and deal in abstracts, granting what Cylon belief holds to be the capacity for limitless knowledge.<ref name="RES89" />
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| The second brain's hunger for a third creates natural ambition within cogitators, leading many to scheme for advancement to the highest position in Cylon society.<ref name="RES89" /> This ambition is readily visible to [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leaders]], who recognize that a cogitator with many flashing thoughts is one who sees himself in higher places.<ref name="RES89" />
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| ==Limitations==
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| Despite their advanced cognitive abilities, cogitators possess inherent limitations. When [[Count Iblis (TOS-RH)|Count Iblis]] performed his genetic experiments that created the Cylons, he provided them with a form of neo-cortex, but ensured it was more limited than that of humans.<ref name="DESTINY71">{{cite book/RH|7|71}}</ref> While superior to the reptilian brains of basic Cylon warriors, cogitator brains lack the full capacity of human neo-cortexes, which are responsible for memory, planning, and learning.<ref name="DESTINY71" />
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| The [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]] maintains control over cogitators through information restriction, reminding them that while Centurions are mindless and cogitators were given minds as a gift, there are some things it is better not to know.<ref name="WAR178" /> This policy ensures that cogitators, despite their intelligence and ambitions, remain subordinate to the supreme authority of the [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]].
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| ==Known Cogitators==
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| * '''[[Lucifer (TOS-RH)|Lucifer]]''' - Chief advisor to the [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]], granted unprecedented freedom of movement aboard the Imperious Leader's base star<ref name="WAR84" />
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| ==References==
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| <references />
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| [[Category:Cylons (TOS-RH)]] | |
| [[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]] | |
| [[Category:Technology (TOS-RH)]] | |
