SEIA17

=Chapter 17=
==Silent enim inter arma: Tribunals==
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The Triad, Royal Palace
Tharkad, Lyran Commonwealth
3079
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"There is a word you might not have heard of."  Peter Steiner-Davion said to his guest, "Cognitohazard."
"What does it mean?" Marthe Pryde was enduring this for reasons of state.  Somehow, being a recognized national leader instead of simply the Khan, it turns out she had to do the politics more than participating in ANY battles.
In this case, with a roaring fire and glasses of Cognac with what had somehow. Without anyone realizing it was happening, had become her nation's principle ally.
"It means an idea that poses an inherent danger simply by being known."  Peter said, "Though it can also mean a means of distributing an idea that is transformative or hazardous-usually because it threatens the legitimacy of long-held or deeply cherished concepts-a weapon that endangers ideologies.  The last time such a thing existed, it ended Monarchy for a period of centuries."
"You are going somewhere with this, quiaff?"
"Yes." Peter said, "Let us do a thought experiment; If you wanted to unleash a Cognitohazard, and lacked control of the media, how would you do it?"
"It depends, I suppose on the idea." Marthe said, "Why would I want to endanger existing social structure?"
"Maybe it needs to be reformed because of something else that has just demonstrated that every defense we've ever relied on, is worthless." Peter said seriously.  "The first true cognitohazard was when our forces deployed CROWBAR, because it doesn't rely on any great new technology to carry it out, or new knowledge, just good maps, a few impactors, and a decent stopwatch.  People will do things that work Marthe."
"Your friend, Duchess Ngo, mentioned once that 'The means shape the ends'." Marthe reminded him.
"Her means...refusing the offer of a deal twice." Peter said, "Insisting on the trial..."
"She is deploying a cognitohazardous weapon of some kind." Marthe suggested, "Some information or concept, that will endanger existing views and positions. Possibly existing social structure, as well."  the Jade Falcon Khan drained her glass, "I think it would be wise to know who her enemy is, who the target is going to be."
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