The first in a series of one-shots, taking place at varying points in the twenty years before the return of Nightmare Moon.

Princess Celestia has been struggling to cope with the banishment of her sister. To add to that, her subjects are growing uneasy and fearful of her. Despite her attempts to console them, it hasn't done her much good. She longs for the chance to talk with someone again. Without her sister and her subjects, who did she have?

Enter The Scientist formally known as Notorious Neon Leopold Liger Contraption Cortex! The pony who became a friend when she needed one the most.

*Note: This is technically a prequel to Beast Wars: Friendship is Magic as it takes place in the same timeline.*