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{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}} | |||
[[ | 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> | ||
[[ | ==Physical Characteristics== | ||
[[ | |||
[[ | 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" /> | ||
[[ | |||
[[ | 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" /> | ||
[[Category: | |||
==Function and Role== | |||
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> | |||
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" /> | |||
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. | |||
==Neurological Structure== | |||
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" /> | |||
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" /> | |||
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" /> | |||
==Limitations== | |||
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" /> | |||
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]]. | |||
==Known Cogitators== | |||
* '''[[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" /> | |||
==References== | |||
<references /> | |||
[[Category:Cylons (TOS-RH)]] | |||
[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]] | |||
[[Category:Technology (TOS-RH)]] | |||
Latest revision as of 02:35, 27 October 2025
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A cogitator is a Cylon diplomat and advisor, representing an elite class within the Cylon Empire.[1] The most notable cogitator is Lucifer, who serves as chief advisor to the Imperious Leader.[2]
Physical Characteristics
edit sourceCogitators possess a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from standard Centurions. They feature a transparent dome atop their skull, within which a living brain is housed.[3] Inside this clear dome, electrical charges spark constantly, flashing with particular intensity when the cogitator is engaged in heavy thought.[3] These sparks illuminate surrounding areas in a kaleidoscope of shadows and light as the cogitator moves.[3]
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.[2] They possess very little body mass compared to warrior models, as their design prioritizes intellectual capacity over physical strength.[2]
Function and Role
edit sourceCogitators serve as diplomats, advisors, and strategic thinkers within Cylon society.[1] They are executive officers who possess analytical and interpretive capabilities far beyond those of ordinary Centurions.[4] 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.[5]
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.[3] 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.[3]
Cogitators gain power through observation, the possession of information, and the identification and resolution of vital questions.[3] This intellectual approach allows them to rise to positions of significant influence within the Empire.
Neurological Structure
edit sourceCylons employ a three-tier brain system, with cogitators possessing two brains. The first brain functions as the body's guidance system, ensuring efficiency of task.[4] The second brain, which distinguishes cogitators from basic Centurions, contains the necessary skills for analyzing and interpreting facts, enabling them to rise to executive officer positions.[4]
Working in tandem with the first brain, the second brain grants cogitators their superior cognitive abilities.[4] However, cogitators perpetually hunger for a third brain, which would elevate them to the status of Imperious Leader.[4] 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.[4]
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.[4] This ambition is readily visible to Imperious Leaders, who recognize that a cogitator with many flashing thoughts is one who sees himself in higher places.[4]
Limitations
edit sourceDespite their advanced cognitive abilities, cogitators possess inherent limitations. When 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.[6] 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.[6]
The 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.[5] This policy ensures that cogitators, despite their intelligence and ambitions, remain subordinate to the supreme authority of the Imperious Leader.
Known Cogitators
edit source- Lucifer - Chief advisor to the Imperious Leader, granted unprecedented freedom of movement aboard the Imperious Leader's base star[3]
References
edit source- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hatch, Richard; Golden, Christopher (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 280.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Hatch, Richard; Golden, Christopher (1998). Warhawk. Byron Preiss, p. 33.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Hatch, Richard; Golden, Christopher (1998). Warhawk. Byron Preiss, p. 84.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Hatch, Richard; Timmons, Stan (1999). Resurrection. Byron Preiss, p. 89.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hatch, Richard; Golden, Christopher (1998). Warhawk. Byron Preiss, p. 178.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Hatch, Richard; Linaweaver, Brad (2005). Redemption. iBooks, Inc., p. 71.