ORK (Part Four) by Richard Wells
(See 21/7, 8/9, and 8/12 for the first three parts of ‘Ork’) At least they feed him. A hungry worker is a poor worker they tell him. Their tract is the work of traitors. Although Ork could never put his name to such a document he has no choice but to use the press that will bring their tract to life. The machine has not been well treated and he curses at the frequent breakdowns. But his skills and his dextrous fingers come to his aid. He works all day and well into the evening. His captors are pleased with his progress and tell him of their future plans, how together they will make a forceful team. At last he is allowed to sleep, but without further food. He dreams of Digger by his side. Woken by cold and hunger, he rises in the darkness and feels his way around the room. He edges towards the single doorway which he finds locked and barred. Did he imagine a ceiling hatch or was it really there? He moves carefully through the darkness to where his memory – o...