Title: Bobo, Toby, Blackie, Lady, Jingo, Red, and
Peaches
Author: Casix Thistlebane
WARNING: This story written under the influence of chocolate covered espresso beans. (boingy, boingy....)
Disclaimer: these guys aren't mine, except the
narrator.
rating: G
Summary: You know of Jane and her apes, I give you Martha and her... er... clan.
Bobo, Toby, Blackie, Lady, Jingo, Red, and Peaches
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I first encountered "Bobo", the leader of my little clan, while working with a local special interest group. Though the interest group seemed bent merely on avoiding her at all costs, I was immediately intrigued. Bobo's society was one almost totally alien to me. I began observing them, with the aid of my trusty assistant Bill, in order to learn more about their unique community.
Bobo herself is the leader of the group, a spunky little character, taking the Alpha role due to superiority at the hunt. She has chosen for her mate an individual whom I call "Toby", the strongest male of the clan. The two are well-matched, and though Toby seems to be new, he has been accepted as one of the group. With Bobo to back him up, he is a respected member of the clan. Certainly more so than poor "Blackie", who in spite of his own not inconsiderable skills at the hunt, has taken up a more secondary and subservient role. He relies, in this seemingly matriarchical society, on his mate, Lady. She, more so than the others, is extremely protective of Blackie. She understands that his inferior strength makes him more vulnerable to attack, and rather than trying to keep him from the important task, she instead often joins him.
Also in the clan are Jingo and Red, a close set of females, who's strength relies in what I believe to be their religious importance. They command the spirits that hold the others of the clan in awe. They make an interesting pair; Red is almost always silent, leaving Jingo to often speak for them both. I'm beginning to suspect that perhaps Red is the more learned of the two when it comes to their mysticism. She often quietly covers for mistakes made by Jingo in the rituals, without disturbing her partner's confidence or concentration.
My favorite of the group is the eldest, whom I've named "Peaches". He is well respected in the group as the keeper of the traditions. He advises them on every aspect of their lives, and is often the one consulted even by Bobo and Toby when a problem arises. It is this respect that leads me to believe that, in spite of the barbaric nature of their nightly hunt, they have the potential to one day reach a level of civilization close to that of our ancestors.
I will continue to watch this group closely, and observe their behavior and society. Perhaps, in learning more about this clan, Bill and I can come to a better understanding about life in general.