AFRICA, 1 MILLION YEARS AGO – The Tun clan, a tribe of early humans located in Africa’s Cradle of Humankind, were floored recently by the emerging abilities of a young cave-polymath named Thagdal Tok-tok.
“Yeah I’ve been collecting some berries, sharpening a few spears. It’s no big deal,” said Tok-tok. “I’m also working on this ‘fire’ project that I’m pretty proud of. It keeps the darkness at bay. Kinda like having your own personal sun that doesn’t drown itself in the sea every evening.”
Tok-tok is not just known for his expertise in nut collection and advanced antelope butchery. He is also regarded as the Tun clan’s leading musician, having spent years mastering several diverse instruments, including the rock, the big rock, and the bird-squeeze. But, for all his skill, Tok-tok is best loved for his inventive spirit.
“He was always an impressive kid,” said Lorgo Ugh, a tribal elder. “I remember back when he developed that newfangled ‘running’ concept. At first I was skeptical but, lo and behold, next year cave bear maulings were down 50%.”
Tok-tok is often at the forefront of important technological development. Last year, he conducted foundational research which may help future generations crack the seemingly-unsolvable “wheel problem”.
“I’ve never been a great lover of innovation. I admit, I was the first guy to cower beneath a bush, hooting softly, when Tok-tok first chipped away at a rock to create a sharp edge,” said Cromar Rognot, a storm-caller. “But when Tok-tok figured out that sex would make babies? Oh man. My life changed completely.”
At press time, Tok-tok’s ill-fated research into human flight had resulted in his unique mind being being spilled all over the sharp rocks at the base of a big cliff.
