[ WP ] Rudolph is finally allowed to join the reindeer games , but it is not what he expected .

First chapter: 
 
 
 “ Yeah, I think the batteries in the mic pack might need to be replaced. You can barely hear me. And are we starting with camera # 1 or camera # 4? ” 
 
 
 “ Camera # 1, I think. We ’ ll pan wide initially and then cut to some close ups as you ’ re responding to the questions. We really appreciate you agreeing to this interview. Can we get you anything while we ’ re setting up? ” 
 
 
 The reindeer yawned, then belched as he fiddled with the dangling thread where a shirt button had recently detached itself, or perhaps more accurately, been propelled into the foggy night when the fabric reached its maximum elasticity and finally surrendered to the protruding belly beneath. 
 
 
 “ Maybe a little egg nog, heavy on the nog? Absolutely, man. I ’ m happy to do it. The people want to know, right? ” 
 
 
 He winked at the production assistant, a rosy cheeked fawn, who was delicately trying to assess how to exchange microphone packs without having to reach her hoof inside the damp Hawaiian shirt. The reindeer had begun to sweat quite profusely since taking his seat on the set under the bright stage lights. His fur, now turning grey and beginning to thicken as winter approached, was beginning to curl and tangle as he perspired. His coat had always been a point of pride, and he was irritable regarding its pending on air appearance. Really though, his concern was unfounded as the audience would first be captivated by his story, then his phosphorescent nose, then his expansive antlers ( a branch of which was standing at an awkward angle after a particularly ill- tempered conversation with an elf at a tavern the week before ) long before they ever noticed the rest. Chronologically, he was far from past his prime, but the last couple of years had been hard ones, and they ’ d left their mark. He was only 4, but he looked about 10. 
 
 
 “ They certainly do! Myself included. There are so many rumors, and then all of the legal proceedings…it ’ s very complicated, and very one sided. And on a side note…this means a lot to me personally. They ’ re talking about making cuts, who isn ’ t, and I think snagging this interview might spare me the axe. Rudy…I owe you one, ” said the chubby snowman. 
 
 
 Brrrrl Ives ’ talk show had come close to being canceled more than once, but he ’ d managed to persevere in a time where most viewers preferred hard hitting exploits about Santa ’ s sweatshops and guests who flouted their position on the naughty list to a singing, dancing, plaid vest wearing, elderly ball of snow. But he interviewed well, and he asked genuine questions, which made him likeable and trustworthy, so he retained his icon status as a North Pole reporter. 
 
 
 The fawn eyed Rudolph and handed him a small piece of double sided tape to conceal the tuft of white mane fur peering out from the gap between the remaining shirt buttons that were still fighting to preserve his modesty. There wasn ’ t much left, especially not after the wild weekend in Miami he ’ d spent with Donder and Blitzen when he ’ d awoken on the beach, pants-less, with a pair of 4-legged panties and starfish stuck in his antlers. He ’ d hit bottom shortly thereafter, and he was trying to rebuild what he could out of the remnants of his reputation. 
 
 
 “ 30 seconds til air! ” a voice called out from behind the cameras. The studio lights faded into blackness and the stage lights brightened even further. The heat from the lights was intense, but Rudolph felt a sudden chill as Brrrrl took his seat across from him and placed his frosty stick hand on Rudolph ’ s leg. 
 
 
 “ Are you ready for this? ” 
 
 
 The reindeer swallowed and clenched his teeth. There was a sternness in his angular muzzle, but such a deep welling sadness in his eyes that the effect was more resolved soldier preparing for battle than untamed stallion about to buck. 
 
 
 “ I ’ m ready, ” he said, and the red “ on air ” light illuminated.
