The Baron savored a draught of his own spiced wine as the music shifted over to a somewhat more ambient instrumental piece. The Von Spar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhS543u2Y0w) seemed an appropriate complement to the drug cocktail, and, he sank back into his shadowy seat as he watched the Master's reaction to the melange with half-lidded eyes. Spice was very familiar to the Baron, so it was simple for him to remain in the mental here-and-now, even without the aid of his of finely-powdered stimulants. As the music grew into something more complex and and immersive, he leaned forward to relieve the tray of another line before returning to his formerly relaxed position. Of course, he was not entirely relaxed despite his outward demeanor- he rarely was, especially when meeting a new individual. One didn't live long in the Imperium without a certain amount of carefully managed paranoia. The management was key- one also couldn't let the paranoia get in the way of a good time. It was simple enough to shuffle this trait to a nearly subconscious level after a lifetime of practice.
"I've seen these iPads- a viewing device combined with a primitive thinking machine, and communication capacities." As Muggle Studies professor, it was Vladimir's duty to keep up with Muggle subjects, and, as the Baron Harkonnen, it was his duty to exploit the former duty to the fullest extent possible. The Maury Povich Fund had paid for many a piece of Earth technology, some of which ended up in the Muggle Studies classroom, but other pieces had predictably made their way to the Baron's office and apartments. "They didn't strike me as all that useful. Very basic things, but, I can see where they might prove a good basis for a more involved technology. Portable and easy to interface with, by this world's standards."
"Hypnotic recall, eh?" The Baron took another drink. "Never been fond of hypnosis- but hypnotic recall isn't exactly hypnosis, is it." It seemed to him there was a difference. He knew enough about the basic concepts of hypnosis to know that his susceptibility was low- that touch of subconscious paranoia meant that he didn't want to be hypnotized, a rather key component in most hypnosis. The Bene Gesserit worked their manipulations upon noble youth at an exceedingly young age- infancy even- likely in part to reduce any resistance. He was not well-acquainted with the Sisterhood of whores, but very much by choice. It hadn't kept them from their one success, enabled by their implanted mental triggers. After that, the Baron had remained extra-alert in this arena. It was long ago, but, that only meant it was more effortless and deeply ingrained. But hypnotic recall? This would suggest rendering the hypnotic control over to the self, not to another. That seemed different. Perhaps it was worth a try? "Seems to me that hypnotic recall would be a very individual experience- that might make it a more widely accessible device. Not many are going to want to grant a machine any sort of mental control." This one was deeply ingrained in most everyone in the Imperium, given the Butlerian Jihad's effect on culture. "What's the trance-induction based on?"
"A sample is easily arranged. But, I suspect you'll get more out of enjoying it than analyzing it." He smirked, his fingers once more taking up their unconscious, silent tapping upon his glass as he explained, "Where I come from, we've studied it for millenia. We've discovered those many uses for it, but, no progress at all has been made in synthesizing it. Many attempts have been made. Not that I am one to complain- I'm more than content for the sands of Arrakis to remain its only source."
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2011-12-31 11:30 am (UTC)"I've seen these iPads- a viewing device combined with a primitive thinking machine, and communication capacities." As Muggle Studies professor, it was Vladimir's duty to keep up with Muggle subjects, and, as the Baron Harkonnen, it was his duty to exploit the former duty to the fullest extent possible. The Maury Povich Fund had paid for many a piece of Earth technology, some of which ended up in the Muggle Studies classroom, but other pieces had predictably made their way to the Baron's office and apartments. "They didn't strike me as all that useful. Very basic things, but, I can see where they might prove a good basis for a more involved technology. Portable and easy to interface with, by this world's standards."
"Hypnotic recall, eh?" The Baron took another drink. "Never been fond of hypnosis- but hypnotic recall isn't exactly hypnosis, is it." It seemed to him there was a difference. He knew enough about the basic concepts of hypnosis to know that his susceptibility was low- that touch of subconscious paranoia meant that he didn't want to be hypnotized, a rather key component in most hypnosis. The Bene Gesserit worked their manipulations upon noble youth at an exceedingly young age- infancy even- likely in part to reduce any resistance. He was not well-acquainted with the Sisterhood of whores, but very much by choice. It hadn't kept them from their one success, enabled by their implanted mental triggers. After that, the Baron had remained extra-alert in this arena. It was long ago, but, that only meant it was more effortless and deeply ingrained. But hypnotic recall? This would suggest rendering the hypnotic control over to the self, not to another. That seemed different. Perhaps it was worth a try? "Seems to me that hypnotic recall would be a very individual experience- that might make it a more widely accessible device. Not many are going to want to grant a machine any sort of mental control." This one was deeply ingrained in most everyone in the Imperium, given the Butlerian Jihad's effect on culture. "What's the trance-induction based on?"
"A sample is easily arranged. But, I suspect you'll get more out of enjoying it than analyzing it." He smirked, his fingers once more taking up their unconscious, silent tapping upon his glass as he explained, "Where I come from, we've studied it for millenia. We've discovered those many uses for it, but, no progress at all has been made in synthesizing it. Many attempts have been made. Not that I am one to complain- I'm more than content for the sands of Arrakis to remain its only source."