[Complete! With TVTropes apparently!]
Also, apparently, an animated trailer.

In a world of brass and steam, Twilight Sparkle had thought she had made a life-changing discovery with the invention of the telescope. For better or worse, she was correct.

Now her discovery has not only changed her life, but the lives of those she seeks out in her desperate attempt to contact the only other creature as lonely as Twilight herself.

It all would have been much simpler, but it had to be the one Twilight could only call The Mare on the Moon.

Decidedly not within walking distance, then.

[Featured on EQD before story was meant to be submitted. 4/03/2015]

[Editing team: Southpaw, Wolfvenom, Maskedferret, SwanSong and BluePaladin42, without whom this story would be a fraction of its current state.]
[Special thanks to Novel-Idea for the updated cover]

A scientist wants to take Spike and study him in hopes of understanding dragons; however, her questionable methods make Spike refuse. The scientist counter-argues that Spike is not a pony and the same rights given to a pony, do not apply to him. A trial is commenced with Twilight as Spike’s defense attorney and Cadence as the unwilling prosecutor; Twilight must prove that Spike does indeed deserve the same rights as any pony. Or else, Spike is a lab rat that she will never see again.

This is a fanfic inspired by a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode The Measure of a Man, directed by Robert Scheerer. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.
I want to thank the person who brought me into the fandom for helping me truly refine this idea and truly give it life. You know who you are!
I will say right now, updates for this fanfic may be highly irregular until I take care of certain obligations, but I promise not to abandon it until it's done.

No important political meetings to attend? Check! No letters to answer? Check! A magical and child-safe gift for Flurry Heart that she's sure to love? Check!

Her schedule was clear. Shining and Cadence were off on vacation. She'd prepared all her materials. Twilight Sparkle was more than ready to spend a fun-filled weekend babysitting her favorite niece.

But she wasn't prepared for King Sombra's return. Nopony could prepare to be trapped with him inside a storybook of fairy tales.

And nopony's ever ready for an unhappy ending...

Proofread by: Alicornpriest

Winner of November 2017 NaPoWriMo: Goal of 50k smashed!

Now Featured on Equestria Daily - First hit the Featured Box on April 28th!