//------------------------------//
// Going Live (18) 
// Story: Gale Watch 
// by Grainne Ni Bhroin 
//------------------------------//

Gale paced in front of the consol, going over the script held in his wings. Call Sign watched him from the doorway.

“Nervous Gale?”

The pegasus half jumped at Sign’s words. “What, nervous? No, I'm just excited is all.”

Call Sign stifled a chuckle and walked over to Gale. “It’s alright to be nervous, I was too before my first solo broadcast.” He put a hoof on Gale’s shoulder. “But you’ve got nothing to worry about, you’re gonna do great.”

Gale took a deep breath and pulled the unicorn into a hug. “Thanks Uncle Sign. I promise I’ll make you proud.”

“You already have Gale. Now hurry up, you're almost on.”

Gale glanced at the clock and muffled a curse. He quickly took his seat at the desk and pulled the headset over his ears.

Sign made his way out of the booth and called out over his shoulder, “Knock ‘em dead kid.” He shut the door behind him and turned to Eisen. “Everything ready?”

“Always is,” the gryphon replied and gave a quick thumbs up to Gale. Eisen flipped a switch on the console and the lights flipped to ‘On Air’.

“Good evening Hoofington the time is 19:00. We’ve got a few stories for you tonight, first up…”


“... and that concludes our evening news, we’ll be turning you over to our night DJ in just a moment. From all of us here at Hoofington Radio we wish you all a warm night and pleasant dreams.” Gale flicked a switch on the console and the ‘On Air’ light flicked off. He gently pulled off the headset and placed it on the desk.

The pegasus stood and made his way shakily to the door and left the booth. Eisen shot him a grin and a thumbs up. “Great work kid. Come on, Sign’s got something for you in the break room.” The gryphon stood up and beckoned for Gale to follow.

The two entered the break room to find Darach and Call Sign waiting at the table, each with a massive smile. Bowls of ice cream had been set out for the four of them.

“Told you you could do it,” said Call sign as they reached the table. He levitated a bowl to Gale, pistachio ice cream.

Darach bumped Gale on the shoulder with a hoof. “First solo broadcast, you’re one of us now Gale. And we couldn’t be happier to have you.”

“Th-thank you, all of you,” he said, choking back tears of joy. He scooped a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth, it had never tasted sweeter.