//------------------------------//
// The Great Scientific Rivalry 
// Story: My Little Pony:  Outtatime! 
// by Darkblaze15 
//------------------------------//

Doc spits out a few blades of grass in disgust before getting on his feet.  He had not known where the portal would drop him in Hill Valley, and somehow he knew it wouldn't be pleasant; he was now standing in a grassy field surrounded by cows on all sides.  He peers around, looking for any signs of his time-traveling companions when he sees the time machine parked not too far away.  Doc strides over to it but Doctor Hooves and bill Neigh were nowhere to be found.  Debunking that they must have made their way into town, he starts the time machine up and roars out of the meadow, scaring some cows and chickens in the process.
"I have to find them before they make a mess of my time," Doc says as he finds the road leading into town and follows it, fearing how much they've interfered already.

Doctor Hooves and Bill Neigh, meanwhile, have not made too much progress with their plan to "fit in" at the scientists' convention; everyone they speak to either blows their theories off with their own speculations, or they completely ignore the duo.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Cornelius," Bill says after failed attempts to win the approval of yet another scientist.  "I don't think anyone here is familiar with our Equestrian theories of time travel and what-not."
"Never give up hope, Bill," Doctor Hooves says enthusiastically, "There's bound to be somebody here that we can talk to about our theories of time travel and --"
Just then,. a voice booms from behind them, "Time travel, eh?"  The two Equestrian scientists turn around to face a tall, burly gentleman in a blue suit and red tie followed by a small army of similarly-clad men.
"Um, yes," Doctor Hooves speaks up nervously, intimidated by the man's size.  "My friend and I here have our own theories on practical travel through time and space."
"Well, then, that makes us friends!  My name's Hubert Grant, proud owner of Grant Industries," and he reaches our a giant hand in greeting, which the other two take politely.  "I'm more known for the state-of-the-art appliances and products my company puts out, but I am a major science aficionado - I'm actually working on developing a theory on time travel, as well."
"Well, that certainly is . . . fascinating," Bill Neigh says warily.
"Why don't you join us for a little lunch before the demonstrations?" Hubert offers to the gentlemen, "I'd love to hear more about your theories on time travel."
"As would we like to hear about your own theory.  we'd be happy to join you," Doctor Hooves says without consulting his friend.
"Splendid!" Hubert says as he and his followers retreat to the cafeteria.
"Are you sure about this, Cornelius?  Something doesn't quite seem right about him," Bill asks his fellow scientist.
"This is the first break we've had all day," Doctor Hooves says insistently, "and besides, what's the worst that could happen?" he adds as they walk over to join Grant for lunch.

Once Doc Brown reaches town, he searches around the square to find the Equestrian scientists.  When he sees the sign for the scientist's convention, he surmises they must have gone there first and walks over.  When Doc arrives, he looks around again until he sees them talking to none other than Hubert Grant.  Just looking at Grant gives Doc an uncontrollable wave of anger, but to see two strangers talking with him - after all Doc had shared with them about the Delorean - amplifies this feeling by a thousand.  He storms over to the group, and Bill was the first to see him; "Doc!  How did you find us?" he asks startled.
"Just a hunch.  Hello, Hubert," he says with scorn.
"Why, Emmet, I didn't know you'd be joining us here!  I thought you were off on another one of your crazy experiments," Grant says lightheartedly.
"You two know each other?" Bill Neigh asks, sensing the tension in their staring contest.
"Yes, we've met on certain occasions," Doc Brown says through gritted teeth.
"So, what have you been up to lately, Emmet?" Grant asks casually, "Working on anything that might actually benefit society this time?" he adds with a chuckle.
"Well, our friend here has created a fully-functional time machine," Doctor Hooves says.
"Ha, I'll bet he has!  Did it turn out like your last project that ended in complete disaster?" Grant asks with another laugh, "If so then I wish I was there to see your face when it happened."
"Well, actually --" Bill begins to say, but Grant suddenly stands up.
"Well, sorry to rush out like this, but I'm making the first presentation, and I must get ready," he says.  "Nice to meet you gentlemen, and I'm sure I'll see you again, Emmet."
"Likewise," Doc says as Grant and his posse stride away.
He then turns to the two Equestrians, "What are you doing here, talking to him of all people?!  I should have never left my time machine unattended!" he says with scorn.
"Now calm down, Doc," Doctor Hooves says, "We're sorry about taking the time machine without your permission, I was simply curious as to how time travel worked.  As for Hubert, he seems like a fine fellow, what exactly do you have against him, anyway?"
"He's my biggest rival!" Doc exclaims, "He's been trying to figure out my scientific processes ever since we were introduced!  He even had one of his henchmen to steal my formula for time travel for his own financial gain!"
"Oh, so, I guess he's not so good after all," Bill Neigh says solemnly, "Is that why he always seems interested in your projects?"
Doc Brown nods solemnly; "All of the research for his "projects", he's stolen or acquired through coercion from other scientists.  There's not a single original idea that comes out of his mind, and his "demonstration" today is likely to be nothing different."
Just then, Doctor Hooves' face brightens up and he exclaims, "I think I've got an idea to help you out, Emmet," and without warning, he walks right into the presentation theater.
"What's he up to?" Doc Brown asks Bill.
"Knowing him, nothing good, I imagine," he replies nervously as they hurry in behind him.