Shockwave
Dec 28, 2016 3:54:07 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2016 3:54:07 GMT -5
CHARACTER INFO
- Name: Shockwave
- Age: Late forties to early fifties
- Gender: Mech
- Species: Cybertronian
- Faction: Decepticons
Original Occupation:
Head scientist of the Science division of the Golden Age caste system. Voted in as replacement Senator during the Golden Age after Soundwave’s leave and Teacher at the Academy of Advanced Technology.
Occupation/Specialization:
Chief Science Officer ( fancy term for ‘Lead Scientist’ ) to the Decepticon faction specializing in advancements to technology, weapons, and research.
Appearance:
Some aspects of Shockwave’s frame makes little sense, as though several pieces to different puzzles were thrown together and painted the same to make it look like it all fit together seamlessly. Several parts of his frame are made of cylindrical pieces that wrap around one another in layers of reinforced metal, folding up neatly into rounded surfaces, while others are a hodge-podge of edges that either square off or jut out in forms of oddly placed sharp edges. Height-wise, Shockwave stands taller than several of those from either faction, helm reaching to Megatron’s upper chest and back fins exceeding that height by a couple more feet.
Shockwave’s trademark helm is easily recognized and is responsible for such affectionate nicknames- cyclops and one-eye for example- not for the facial features one would normally use to separate one from another, but rather the lack thereof. A single red optic fills out nearly the entire area, leaving no room for a mouth so how he speaks is still rather odd, considering it’s vocalized. The structure of the helm itself is disproportionately small in comparison to the frame it sits on. There are two sets of antenna attached to either side of the helm.
The first thing that is usually noticed is the most awkward looking part about him, as well as the most intimidating- an over-the-top cannon that takes place of what should be a left servo. The extensive size would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous, as it nearly drags across the floor when it’s held lax at his side. A segmented hose is attached from the underside of the chamber to the lower section of his back on the same side.
His chest is mostly covered by a grey screen that stretches from one side to the other, easily mistaken as a black hole ( of where his spark should be but jokes suggest it’s missing ) for anyone unfortunate enough to have their height cut off at that level. Six wing-like sails of different thicknesses- whereas the uppermost one is the widest and the lower is the thinnest- jut out from his back alongside his exposed back strut.
Over his knees and the back of his shins are twin spikes that curve inward at the middle to look almost like open pincers waiting to catch some unfortunate Cybertronian’s leg. At the top he could be mistaken for a prickly creature that dares to shoot projectile barbs at anyone who comes near, while his pedes dare to crush those belonging to others around him that don’t clear themselves when he’s moving due to their massive size as being almost as wide as they are long.
Shockwave is primarily colored a deep purple, with the exceptions to a couple pieces on his cannon, his pedes, hip skirt and helm antenna that are gray.
Altmode
Even though Shockwave has found his way to earth, he has deemed it unnecessary to scan a different alt mode and has retained his original Cybertronian tank. There are no other colors than the purple and grays that show in his root mode. His bulky legs make up the front wheels that extend forwardfrom the base. These wheels tuck up under his pedes and into his legs when in root mode. The rear tires are actually continuous track instead of separate wheels like the two front ones, and fold up into his back and add to his inner armor for protection. His chest becomes the cockpit of the tank, just under the formidable cannon at the roof. This weapon is as dangerous in alt mode as it is in root mode and can rotate all the way around.
Though Shockwave is no speed demon, it will certainly get where it needs to go at a rapid enough pace that seems to be at odds with the bulky appearance of the tank in hand with the weapon it carries. If compared to earth speeds, it would reach somewhere around 60MPH.
Tank pictured here.
History
Shockwave is a designation that sparks various emotions depending on the one who hears it. There's no denying that the single optic mech has a reputation that demands a level of respect, purely out of fear or perhaps even intrigue, and has earned accreditation for several achievements and technological developments towards the Decepticon cause. Prior to the war he served a much more noble cause and favored his race, though corruption within the Council and his stand against it ultimately lead to his own downfall and took him down a road where no others before him had dare take.
Hot Blooded Rebel
Shockwave was sparked prior to the Age of Wrath. It was clear from the beginning that the unnamed mech had an active processor and a rebellious streak that did not permit him to quietly fall into the line that had been dictated to him. He was the first Cybertronian to be able to translate the language of their Quintession ‘Masters’, a knowledge that would prove invaluable to the rebellion and was among the first wave of rebels to push back against them. Eventually they were overthrown and Cybertron was led into its Golden Age.
The New Age brought new hope for the Cybertronian race with advancements never seen before. Shockwave was rewarded for his part in the first war by being put in charge of the Science caste and given resources for his studies beyond his wildest imagination. His issue lay with not having a designated place to conduct his studies, nor a center in which to teach others. The resolution to his problem came more than unexpectedly. With Soundwave having stepped down from his post as a Senator, Shockwave was offered the position and with the acceptance came power he had not grasped before. From the podium of his inauguration into his new seat, Shockwave announced the founding of the Academy of Advanced Technology. The announcement came with clashes with other Senators but Shockwave was not one to be pushed back. Quickly he gained the reputation of being an expressive and rebellious individual who partook in actions and ‘emotional outbursts that were unbefitting of a Senator’. At first the Academy merely served as a learning center where his students could work together and freely study. Later it would become a safe haven for outcasts who were ridiculed for having unusual skills or talents, where they could hone their abilities without facing persecution from others- more specifically, the Functionists, since their mere existence threatened their principal ideals about mode determination.
Though the Golden Age had given way to many advancements, it was not without it’s problems. This was the age where one’s construction determined their placement in the cast system and no one was permitted to stray from that law. Aware of the corruption within the Senate and appalled by the actions of several, Shockwave would find himself turning his attention elsewhere. As a Senator of the people, he spent most of his time at the Academy or among Cybertron’s citizens instead of in chambers partaking in sessions. It was during this time that he realized the extent of the separation between the different castes and Shockwave began to attempt to bridge those gaps, though when he tried to voice his pleas to the other members of the Senate, he was met with scrutiny and ignorance. Realizing that there was no getting through to them, Shockwave took the initiative upon himself to try and better Cybertron as a whole.
During several visits the different areas he was able to befriend several young and promising Cybertronians who showed great promise and unbridled determination. All shared his ideology to better the Cybertronian race. One such upstart was Orion Pax, a librarian within the Hall of Records, whom he took a particular liking to, even if it started off one-sided with several reminders to not call him 'Senator'.
With the sudden risk of a cosmic plague threatening to reach Cybertron, the Space Bridge he had hand in creating was ultimately destroyed as a preventative measure. With the means to travel far distances in a short time now destroyed, Cybertron was cut off from the universe around them. The realization that their Energon supply was in short storage and desperation was beginning to hit their civilians faster than ever before, Shockwave found himself even more driven to try and save his homeworld and those within it. This great unease and talk of dissatisfaction with the presiding leadership brought about a new age and, with the Cybertronian race looking for hope where they could find it, a promising Cybertronian hailing out of Kaon started to become the inspiration they needed. Word of the Gladiator did not go unnoticed and Shockwave found himself watching several of his matches which were intriguing to him- crude and unsavory means aside. Shockwave was captivated by the way he appealed to the masses and gained followers so easily. Though he never introduced himself, he admired him from afar and became even more motivated to save his race.
The Ploy
Before long the Decepticon movement was on the rise and the Senators feared that soon it would find its way to their doors now that the iron fist of their rule was being thrown into shambles. In desperation they devised a plot to plant a bomb and detonate it within the population, whereas they would then direct the accusation towards the movement in hopes that it would derail any attempts of gaining more followers while being rid of those they could do away with without drawing suspicion. Shockwave found out about the plan, though without any time to waste sending out warnings, he took the initiative to put a stop to it.
After dealing with the bomb, Shockwave went to the Hall of Records to take Orion to the Academy safehouse in order to protect him from the Senate’s clutches. He counted on his own high profile to be enough to sway any attempts of assassination, though this proved to be a gross miscalculation. Senate thugs broke into the Academy with orders to apprehend the Senator and be rid of anyone who stood in their way. In order to spare his charges and prevent senseless slaughter in his name, he surrendered himself in trade of the safe release of the others.
Afterwards, the Academy was burned to the ground, ending the legacy Shockwave had worked so hard to create and destroying the safe haven he had provided.
Punishment
Though the legacy of his Academy lay in ruin, it was not the final act of punishment that Shockwave would endure. Now at the mercy of his captors within the impenetrable walls of the Institute, Shockwave underwent several stages of torture that ultimately altered him in every means possible.
Empurata was performed merely out of spite, by which his hands were removed and replaced with claws and decapitated with his helm replaced by an emotionless mask. An unusually strong level of shadowplay, in which mnemosurgery removes the emotion centers, completely altered his personality from the driven and well meaning Senator to a logic driven mech focused on his own self-interest. Though this had originally been intended as a means of punishment, it was a proven miscalculation. Shockwave instead felt entirely liberated, freed of the emotional bonds and moral compass that had kept him from fully realizing the path he needed to take to restore Cybertron… and the means in which to do it.
The once fiery crusader was gone, now replaced with an emotionless husk.
The Great War
Even though he was shunned from the public eye, the Council still allowed for him to work as long as he did so under their watch with periodic reportings of his progress ( most likely out of amusement for the other Senators so they could admire the work their lackeys had done). When he was called before a hearing with the Council, he offered up a cheap lie to them about his energon shortage concerns so he could further his research alone, offering up a promise of a resolution. It was shortly after this that he was approached by Starscream and in turn brought to Megatron. At this point he had secured his place as the Decepticon leader after Orion had been named the new Prime and with the Great War in full effect, Megatron expressed interest in Shockwave’s invaluable genius and technological advancements. Shockwave’s actions were closely monitored and regulated at this time, but under the Decepticon’s he was promised freedom and all the resources needed to continue his experimentations without such tactics.
Even though given a position of power within Megatron’s growing forces, his Shadowplayed mind made his actions unable to be read accurately by Soundwave and this immediately made him subject to distrust from the Communications officer. This concern was disregarded by Megatron. After severing his ties with the Government and all those he knew previous to his alterations, Shockwave bore the insignia of the Decepticon faction and his intentions were finally allowed to be brought to fruition.
As one of Megatron’s highly regarded officials, he was let in on much of Megatron’s plans. This included his plans to finally be rid of the Senate and the hold they still desperately clung to. Megatron offered to have Shockwave’s claws replaced with normal servos again, but instead opted for only one servo and had his left arm fitted with an over-sized cannon so he’d have substantial firepower since he lacked any other weapons. With that in place, Shockwave joined the siege against the Senate and was finally able to have some means of closure to that chapter in his life.
While providing Megatron with everything he asked for, Shockwave utilized the resources provided to him by the Decepticons to further his own secret agenda. Previously he had been unable to test the effects of his alternate forms of synthetic energon, but now with test subjects at his disposal Shockwave was more than able to do so. Several innocent Cybertronians became his guinea pigs and many did not survive the initial exposure- which was a better outcome considering those who did endured commonly painful, lasting side effects. While his testings were widely known and brought to the attention of Megatron, Shockwave was able to argue that he had logical means behind it. Cybertron would go dark soon and with the Autobots nearing completion of the Ark in order to go off-world in search of resources, their own need to keep their army up and running was not something to be ignored. So, his actions were otherwise overlooked- and widely feared.
Cybertron
When the Optimus Prime and the Ark left Cybertron in search of resources during the Great Exodus, Megatron and the Nemeses were close on their heels. While a large portion of the Decepticon army departed with their leader, Shockwave and a few forces ( mainly Starscream and his Energon Seekers ) did remain behind and he was placed in charge of them. Always keeping busy from one project to the next, Shockwave right away began having Energon collected in order to repair and power the Space Bridge, as well as to capture any lingering Autobots. This task kept him busy for the most part, but never did lose his focus entirely on his experiments.
Captured Autobots became the lab rats he used to further his progress on means to develop synthetic energon and to test his Cortical Pyschic Patch- an invention of his own design which would link two Transformer’s brains together and would allow for one to probe around for secrets, motives, and information. This tool proved its usefulness after the capture of Arcee and Cliffjumper, in which it was used to probe Arcee’s mind and find the coordinates that had been sent out by Optimus Prime after their arrival to Earth. At this point the Space Bridge was complete and Shockwave prepared to launch it to send his cloned forces and himself through. This plan was disrupted by the escape of the two, who sabotaged the controls and overloaded the bridge to ensure it could not be used. They managed to get through but a delay in its destruction permitted Shockwave to follow. Arcee fired off a lucky shot that hit Shockwave in his optic, blinding him as the Space Bridge collapsed around him.
Shockwave’s whereabouts were unknown to anyone after this, presumed to be offline or at the least trapped in whatever dimension the portal had sent him off to. Instead, Shockwave had awoke after the incident, surprised to find himself among the rubble of the former core chamber. Though alive, had was marooned on the dead Cybertron, blind, and left for scrap by Starscream and his Seekers. After an extensive field repair on his optic he managed to find solace in the silence the absence of soldiers provided and was able to make great progress in his research. Now with the Space Bridge repaired, Shockwave has a second chance to finally reunite himself with the Decepticon forces…
… and have a serious talk with Starscream.
Personality
Composed, ambitious, tenacious, patient ( to an extent ), inquisitive, seclusive, bereft of any morality or ethics, loyal and fiercely logical.
Once a spirited crusader fixated on devising ways to help his people, the Institute changed him into a now twisted mad scientist of sort who lacks any form of morality or ethics. This permits him to partake in experiments that would be otherwise reprehensible without ties to codes that would otherwise sway one from such acts. Logic primarily dictates his actions and the choices his makes, so, if it seems to be a ‘logical’ way to go about finding a solution to a problem, then he will do it without any thought to the consequences or damage that may be done. He is on a never ending quest to find answers. To him there's no problem that can't be solved and no hypothesis without a solution as long as one is willing to understand that the end justifies the means- though if Shockwave can't find one, there isn't one in existence. Though he studied the teachings of some of the greatest minds Cybertron produced and has now advanced to being a Master of the Sciences, his quest for answers is never quite sated nor is his desire to create technology so he is constantly in his laboratory going from one experiment to another, testing whatever creations he comes up with.
Though he no longer has his emotion center and no means in which to display expression, there is still a part of him that recognizes certain matters do require such means. Though rare, his otherwise monotone voice alters in pitch to reflect frustration which is usually reserved for when things do not go his way or he’s pulled from his work due to what he considers ‘foolish reasons’. He also seems to display actions that one could call ‘gentle’ from him when he is appeased, usually when his experiments turn out to be a success, but those displays are usually reserved for his creations alone
Outside of the occasional leave from his labs to tend to Megatron’s orders, Shockwave would rather keep to himself and just allow the air of intimidation and cunning define him to his peers and enemies alike.
Likes: Order, logic, successful outcomes to experiments, science, creation of new technology, ‘willing’ test subjects
Dislikes: Disarray, illogical behavior, disruptions in his work, loud noises, Autobots ( though that seems to be the standard for most Decepticons )
Strengths/Weapons
Keen Mind
It’s safe to say that Shockwave has one of the most brilliant minds to have ever come out of Cybertron with an extensive amount of data stored within it. Though as twisted as it is, there is no denial of the great achievements and advancements he had brought to Cybertron, such as the Space Bridge. As part of the Decepticon army, it would not be without saying that had it not been for the Institute, Shockwave would have not been free to push through the glass ceiling and dove into the darker side of his scientific, ingenious processor whereas many of his later experiments and technology would have never been made possible.
Locked and Loaded
Even as silly as it looks, the cannon arm is not only an object of intimidation but also packs quite a punch. The power behind it is easily comparable to Megatron’s own weapon and leaves almost the same level of devastation in its path. It is able to pierce through even the heaviest plated armor, though the amount of rounds it takes to get through varies on both thickness and distance. At close range it would be able to put a sizable hole in the outer layers of even Megatron’s chassis, while at a distance it would take two or three shots to get the same extent of damage. One great difference between is how it is fired and aimed. The segmented hose attaches directly to his neural net, acting as a built in tracker that allows for him to aim just as quickly as he can move his optic. It’s also a solid hunk of metal so he can use it as a battering ram to swing at anyone who gets close enough, so where it may not knock someone out, it would certainly shake them up.
Take The Hit
While standing shorter than Megatron, he either equals or excels in sheer weight due to several layers of reinforced bulk that makes him able to face off against even the more massive soldiers like Bulkhead and Breakdown and knock them off their pedes. His sturdy frame means he can take direct hits for quite some time before they start to affect him. This strength is especially useful when it comes to needing to subdue less-than-willing test subjects and experiments that go awry and get rather out of hand.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Shockwave’s optic provides him with another means in which to track others. While most are able to see on a single spectrum, whereas if you don’t see them they aren’t there, Shockwave is able to switch his to light spectrums that do not solely rely on visible light. No matter what sort of energy is being emitted, Shockwave is able to track it be it in the daylight or the dark.
Weaknesses
Slave to logic
Focusing one's mind only on the means of logic can make one a complete slave to it. Unlike Soundwave, who is able to almost sense when someone is fabricating a truth, Shockwave has to go by whether or not the explanation seems to be logical. Having to process answers like this also delays him, as he needs to take the time to determine whether or not it’s logical and he goes into an almost stagnant state. Once satisfied with the answer given, he leaves the situation alone and moves on to other things without a second thought.
One-eye
Sometimes having two is really better than one. His single optic beams like a target and anyone with a good enough aim ( or is a lucky shot ) can take it out and blind him. Although it wouldn’t be directly fatal, it may as well be considering he would not be able to see his opponent out on the field. Disabling it would also mean that he cannot track either, as all spectrums of light have to be filtered through the optic lens.
Energy Drain
Though the cannon is a formidable weapon that yields devastating results, it has its own downfalls. Even though once it’s warmed up it can fire off several rounds in rather rapid succession, it does time some time to get there. Each cell in the hose has to be charged or else he can’t connect his neural net to it which would mean he would be shooting blind. The second issue is with the use of it alone. Due to the nature of the weapon and the heat the rounds emitted when fired, the gun can overheat quickly so after a few rounds Shockwave has to power it down so it can cool. If not, there is a risk that it could cause a surge and actually cause extensive damage to his neural net.
Slow movements
As with most mechs of his size and girth, Shockwave does not move as quickly as those of half his size. Turning around especially takes him some time to do considering he has to move without tipping over due to the excessive amount of weight that favors his left side from the cannon. He can push his weight around and use the time it takes to actually be damaged to his advantage but for one who can dart around quickly? He’d have a difficult and nearly impossible time trying to apprehend them.
Non-Combative
In spite of the formidable build of the mech, Shockwave is by no means a skilled combat fighter. He does have means of self defense, though they are more of blind swinging like a club instead of any real aim to what he's attempting to hit. Close distance combat would be limited by him attempting to block weapons by using his gun as a shield while throwing punches where he could. Otherwise, he counts on his ridiculously thick layered armor to keep him safe in such close combat, requiring more than a couple close shots from Optimus's ion blasters to begin causing any real damage.
Special Skills
Being known as a scientist is pretty much where the knowledge of him stops. In fact, Shockwave is quite an able field medic, though he much rather stay holed up in his lab instead of in any form of medical bay repairing others… unless he deems them unfit and in need of ‘repair’. This sort of training has been entirely self taught, being that he has created several frames from the inside from scratch. Now he is well aware of what goes where to have a functioning structure. He chooses not to use this skill, as it’s difficult with just one servo.
Extra Info
There are very few that are still around from Shockwave’s early years, and even fewer that are aware he was even a Senator- something he has kept from even Megatron. He chooses not to be reminded of those times as he finds many of the actions of that time to have been illogical.
- Name: Shockwave
- Age: Late forties to early fifties
- Gender: Mech
- Species: Cybertronian
- Faction: Decepticons
Original Occupation:
Head scientist of the Science division of the Golden Age caste system. Voted in as replacement Senator during the Golden Age after Soundwave’s leave and Teacher at the Academy of Advanced Technology.
Occupation/Specialization:
Chief Science Officer ( fancy term for ‘Lead Scientist’ ) to the Decepticon faction specializing in advancements to technology, weapons, and research.
Appearance:
Some aspects of Shockwave’s frame makes little sense, as though several pieces to different puzzles were thrown together and painted the same to make it look like it all fit together seamlessly. Several parts of his frame are made of cylindrical pieces that wrap around one another in layers of reinforced metal, folding up neatly into rounded surfaces, while others are a hodge-podge of edges that either square off or jut out in forms of oddly placed sharp edges. Height-wise, Shockwave stands taller than several of those from either faction, helm reaching to Megatron’s upper chest and back fins exceeding that height by a couple more feet.
Shockwave’s trademark helm is easily recognized and is responsible for such affectionate nicknames- cyclops and one-eye for example- not for the facial features one would normally use to separate one from another, but rather the lack thereof. A single red optic fills out nearly the entire area, leaving no room for a mouth so how he speaks is still rather odd, considering it’s vocalized. The structure of the helm itself is disproportionately small in comparison to the frame it sits on. There are two sets of antenna attached to either side of the helm.
The first thing that is usually noticed is the most awkward looking part about him, as well as the most intimidating- an over-the-top cannon that takes place of what should be a left servo. The extensive size would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous, as it nearly drags across the floor when it’s held lax at his side. A segmented hose is attached from the underside of the chamber to the lower section of his back on the same side.
His chest is mostly covered by a grey screen that stretches from one side to the other, easily mistaken as a black hole ( of where his spark should be but jokes suggest it’s missing ) for anyone unfortunate enough to have their height cut off at that level. Six wing-like sails of different thicknesses- whereas the uppermost one is the widest and the lower is the thinnest- jut out from his back alongside his exposed back strut.
Over his knees and the back of his shins are twin spikes that curve inward at the middle to look almost like open pincers waiting to catch some unfortunate Cybertronian’s leg. At the top he could be mistaken for a prickly creature that dares to shoot projectile barbs at anyone who comes near, while his pedes dare to crush those belonging to others around him that don’t clear themselves when he’s moving due to their massive size as being almost as wide as they are long.
Shockwave is primarily colored a deep purple, with the exceptions to a couple pieces on his cannon, his pedes, hip skirt and helm antenna that are gray.
Altmode
Even though Shockwave has found his way to earth, he has deemed it unnecessary to scan a different alt mode and has retained his original Cybertronian tank. There are no other colors than the purple and grays that show in his root mode. His bulky legs make up the front wheels that extend forwardfrom the base. These wheels tuck up under his pedes and into his legs when in root mode. The rear tires are actually continuous track instead of separate wheels like the two front ones, and fold up into his back and add to his inner armor for protection. His chest becomes the cockpit of the tank, just under the formidable cannon at the roof. This weapon is as dangerous in alt mode as it is in root mode and can rotate all the way around.
Though Shockwave is no speed demon, it will certainly get where it needs to go at a rapid enough pace that seems to be at odds with the bulky appearance of the tank in hand with the weapon it carries. If compared to earth speeds, it would reach somewhere around 60MPH.
Tank pictured here.
History
Shockwave is a designation that sparks various emotions depending on the one who hears it. There's no denying that the single optic mech has a reputation that demands a level of respect, purely out of fear or perhaps even intrigue, and has earned accreditation for several achievements and technological developments towards the Decepticon cause. Prior to the war he served a much more noble cause and favored his race, though corruption within the Council and his stand against it ultimately lead to his own downfall and took him down a road where no others before him had dare take.
Hot Blooded Rebel
Shockwave was sparked prior to the Age of Wrath. It was clear from the beginning that the unnamed mech had an active processor and a rebellious streak that did not permit him to quietly fall into the line that had been dictated to him. He was the first Cybertronian to be able to translate the language of their Quintession ‘Masters’, a knowledge that would prove invaluable to the rebellion and was among the first wave of rebels to push back against them. Eventually they were overthrown and Cybertron was led into its Golden Age.
The New Age brought new hope for the Cybertronian race with advancements never seen before. Shockwave was rewarded for his part in the first war by being put in charge of the Science caste and given resources for his studies beyond his wildest imagination. His issue lay with not having a designated place to conduct his studies, nor a center in which to teach others. The resolution to his problem came more than unexpectedly. With Soundwave having stepped down from his post as a Senator, Shockwave was offered the position and with the acceptance came power he had not grasped before. From the podium of his inauguration into his new seat, Shockwave announced the founding of the Academy of Advanced Technology. The announcement came with clashes with other Senators but Shockwave was not one to be pushed back. Quickly he gained the reputation of being an expressive and rebellious individual who partook in actions and ‘emotional outbursts that were unbefitting of a Senator’. At first the Academy merely served as a learning center where his students could work together and freely study. Later it would become a safe haven for outcasts who were ridiculed for having unusual skills or talents, where they could hone their abilities without facing persecution from others- more specifically, the Functionists, since their mere existence threatened their principal ideals about mode determination.
Though the Golden Age had given way to many advancements, it was not without it’s problems. This was the age where one’s construction determined their placement in the cast system and no one was permitted to stray from that law. Aware of the corruption within the Senate and appalled by the actions of several, Shockwave would find himself turning his attention elsewhere. As a Senator of the people, he spent most of his time at the Academy or among Cybertron’s citizens instead of in chambers partaking in sessions. It was during this time that he realized the extent of the separation between the different castes and Shockwave began to attempt to bridge those gaps, though when he tried to voice his pleas to the other members of the Senate, he was met with scrutiny and ignorance. Realizing that there was no getting through to them, Shockwave took the initiative upon himself to try and better Cybertron as a whole.
During several visits the different areas he was able to befriend several young and promising Cybertronians who showed great promise and unbridled determination. All shared his ideology to better the Cybertronian race. One such upstart was Orion Pax, a librarian within the Hall of Records, whom he took a particular liking to, even if it started off one-sided with several reminders to not call him 'Senator'.
With the sudden risk of a cosmic plague threatening to reach Cybertron, the Space Bridge he had hand in creating was ultimately destroyed as a preventative measure. With the means to travel far distances in a short time now destroyed, Cybertron was cut off from the universe around them. The realization that their Energon supply was in short storage and desperation was beginning to hit their civilians faster than ever before, Shockwave found himself even more driven to try and save his homeworld and those within it. This great unease and talk of dissatisfaction with the presiding leadership brought about a new age and, with the Cybertronian race looking for hope where they could find it, a promising Cybertronian hailing out of Kaon started to become the inspiration they needed. Word of the Gladiator did not go unnoticed and Shockwave found himself watching several of his matches which were intriguing to him- crude and unsavory means aside. Shockwave was captivated by the way he appealed to the masses and gained followers so easily. Though he never introduced himself, he admired him from afar and became even more motivated to save his race.
The Ploy
Before long the Decepticon movement was on the rise and the Senators feared that soon it would find its way to their doors now that the iron fist of their rule was being thrown into shambles. In desperation they devised a plot to plant a bomb and detonate it within the population, whereas they would then direct the accusation towards the movement in hopes that it would derail any attempts of gaining more followers while being rid of those they could do away with without drawing suspicion. Shockwave found out about the plan, though without any time to waste sending out warnings, he took the initiative to put a stop to it.
After dealing with the bomb, Shockwave went to the Hall of Records to take Orion to the Academy safehouse in order to protect him from the Senate’s clutches. He counted on his own high profile to be enough to sway any attempts of assassination, though this proved to be a gross miscalculation. Senate thugs broke into the Academy with orders to apprehend the Senator and be rid of anyone who stood in their way. In order to spare his charges and prevent senseless slaughter in his name, he surrendered himself in trade of the safe release of the others.
Afterwards, the Academy was burned to the ground, ending the legacy Shockwave had worked so hard to create and destroying the safe haven he had provided.
Punishment
Though the legacy of his Academy lay in ruin, it was not the final act of punishment that Shockwave would endure. Now at the mercy of his captors within the impenetrable walls of the Institute, Shockwave underwent several stages of torture that ultimately altered him in every means possible.
Empurata was performed merely out of spite, by which his hands were removed and replaced with claws and decapitated with his helm replaced by an emotionless mask. An unusually strong level of shadowplay, in which mnemosurgery removes the emotion centers, completely altered his personality from the driven and well meaning Senator to a logic driven mech focused on his own self-interest. Though this had originally been intended as a means of punishment, it was a proven miscalculation. Shockwave instead felt entirely liberated, freed of the emotional bonds and moral compass that had kept him from fully realizing the path he needed to take to restore Cybertron… and the means in which to do it.
The once fiery crusader was gone, now replaced with an emotionless husk.
The Great War
Even though he was shunned from the public eye, the Council still allowed for him to work as long as he did so under their watch with periodic reportings of his progress ( most likely out of amusement for the other Senators so they could admire the work their lackeys had done). When he was called before a hearing with the Council, he offered up a cheap lie to them about his energon shortage concerns so he could further his research alone, offering up a promise of a resolution. It was shortly after this that he was approached by Starscream and in turn brought to Megatron. At this point he had secured his place as the Decepticon leader after Orion had been named the new Prime and with the Great War in full effect, Megatron expressed interest in Shockwave’s invaluable genius and technological advancements. Shockwave’s actions were closely monitored and regulated at this time, but under the Decepticon’s he was promised freedom and all the resources needed to continue his experimentations without such tactics.
Even though given a position of power within Megatron’s growing forces, his Shadowplayed mind made his actions unable to be read accurately by Soundwave and this immediately made him subject to distrust from the Communications officer. This concern was disregarded by Megatron. After severing his ties with the Government and all those he knew previous to his alterations, Shockwave bore the insignia of the Decepticon faction and his intentions were finally allowed to be brought to fruition.
As one of Megatron’s highly regarded officials, he was let in on much of Megatron’s plans. This included his plans to finally be rid of the Senate and the hold they still desperately clung to. Megatron offered to have Shockwave’s claws replaced with normal servos again, but instead opted for only one servo and had his left arm fitted with an over-sized cannon so he’d have substantial firepower since he lacked any other weapons. With that in place, Shockwave joined the siege against the Senate and was finally able to have some means of closure to that chapter in his life.
While providing Megatron with everything he asked for, Shockwave utilized the resources provided to him by the Decepticons to further his own secret agenda. Previously he had been unable to test the effects of his alternate forms of synthetic energon, but now with test subjects at his disposal Shockwave was more than able to do so. Several innocent Cybertronians became his guinea pigs and many did not survive the initial exposure- which was a better outcome considering those who did endured commonly painful, lasting side effects. While his testings were widely known and brought to the attention of Megatron, Shockwave was able to argue that he had logical means behind it. Cybertron would go dark soon and with the Autobots nearing completion of the Ark in order to go off-world in search of resources, their own need to keep their army up and running was not something to be ignored. So, his actions were otherwise overlooked- and widely feared.
Cybertron
When the Optimus Prime and the Ark left Cybertron in search of resources during the Great Exodus, Megatron and the Nemeses were close on their heels. While a large portion of the Decepticon army departed with their leader, Shockwave and a few forces ( mainly Starscream and his Energon Seekers ) did remain behind and he was placed in charge of them. Always keeping busy from one project to the next, Shockwave right away began having Energon collected in order to repair and power the Space Bridge, as well as to capture any lingering Autobots. This task kept him busy for the most part, but never did lose his focus entirely on his experiments.
Captured Autobots became the lab rats he used to further his progress on means to develop synthetic energon and to test his Cortical Pyschic Patch- an invention of his own design which would link two Transformer’s brains together and would allow for one to probe around for secrets, motives, and information. This tool proved its usefulness after the capture of Arcee and Cliffjumper, in which it was used to probe Arcee’s mind and find the coordinates that had been sent out by Optimus Prime after their arrival to Earth. At this point the Space Bridge was complete and Shockwave prepared to launch it to send his cloned forces and himself through. This plan was disrupted by the escape of the two, who sabotaged the controls and overloaded the bridge to ensure it could not be used. They managed to get through but a delay in its destruction permitted Shockwave to follow. Arcee fired off a lucky shot that hit Shockwave in his optic, blinding him as the Space Bridge collapsed around him.
Shockwave’s whereabouts were unknown to anyone after this, presumed to be offline or at the least trapped in whatever dimension the portal had sent him off to. Instead, Shockwave had awoke after the incident, surprised to find himself among the rubble of the former core chamber. Though alive, had was marooned on the dead Cybertron, blind, and left for scrap by Starscream and his Seekers. After an extensive field repair on his optic he managed to find solace in the silence the absence of soldiers provided and was able to make great progress in his research. Now with the Space Bridge repaired, Shockwave has a second chance to finally reunite himself with the Decepticon forces…
… and have a serious talk with Starscream.
Personality
Composed, ambitious, tenacious, patient ( to an extent ), inquisitive, seclusive, bereft of any morality or ethics, loyal and fiercely logical.
Once a spirited crusader fixated on devising ways to help his people, the Institute changed him into a now twisted mad scientist of sort who lacks any form of morality or ethics. This permits him to partake in experiments that would be otherwise reprehensible without ties to codes that would otherwise sway one from such acts. Logic primarily dictates his actions and the choices his makes, so, if it seems to be a ‘logical’ way to go about finding a solution to a problem, then he will do it without any thought to the consequences or damage that may be done. He is on a never ending quest to find answers. To him there's no problem that can't be solved and no hypothesis without a solution as long as one is willing to understand that the end justifies the means- though if Shockwave can't find one, there isn't one in existence. Though he studied the teachings of some of the greatest minds Cybertron produced and has now advanced to being a Master of the Sciences, his quest for answers is never quite sated nor is his desire to create technology so he is constantly in his laboratory going from one experiment to another, testing whatever creations he comes up with.
Though he no longer has his emotion center and no means in which to display expression, there is still a part of him that recognizes certain matters do require such means. Though rare, his otherwise monotone voice alters in pitch to reflect frustration which is usually reserved for when things do not go his way or he’s pulled from his work due to what he considers ‘foolish reasons’. He also seems to display actions that one could call ‘gentle’ from him when he is appeased, usually when his experiments turn out to be a success, but those displays are usually reserved for his creations alone
Outside of the occasional leave from his labs to tend to Megatron’s orders, Shockwave would rather keep to himself and just allow the air of intimidation and cunning define him to his peers and enemies alike.
Likes: Order, logic, successful outcomes to experiments, science, creation of new technology, ‘willing’ test subjects
Dislikes: Disarray, illogical behavior, disruptions in his work, loud noises, Autobots ( though that seems to be the standard for most Decepticons )
Strengths/Weapons
Keen Mind
It’s safe to say that Shockwave has one of the most brilliant minds to have ever come out of Cybertron with an extensive amount of data stored within it. Though as twisted as it is, there is no denial of the great achievements and advancements he had brought to Cybertron, such as the Space Bridge. As part of the Decepticon army, it would not be without saying that had it not been for the Institute, Shockwave would have not been free to push through the glass ceiling and dove into the darker side of his scientific, ingenious processor whereas many of his later experiments and technology would have never been made possible.
Locked and Loaded
Even as silly as it looks, the cannon arm is not only an object of intimidation but also packs quite a punch. The power behind it is easily comparable to Megatron’s own weapon and leaves almost the same level of devastation in its path. It is able to pierce through even the heaviest plated armor, though the amount of rounds it takes to get through varies on both thickness and distance. At close range it would be able to put a sizable hole in the outer layers of even Megatron’s chassis, while at a distance it would take two or three shots to get the same extent of damage. One great difference between is how it is fired and aimed. The segmented hose attaches directly to his neural net, acting as a built in tracker that allows for him to aim just as quickly as he can move his optic. It’s also a solid hunk of metal so he can use it as a battering ram to swing at anyone who gets close enough, so where it may not knock someone out, it would certainly shake them up.
Take The Hit
While standing shorter than Megatron, he either equals or excels in sheer weight due to several layers of reinforced bulk that makes him able to face off against even the more massive soldiers like Bulkhead and Breakdown and knock them off their pedes. His sturdy frame means he can take direct hits for quite some time before they start to affect him. This strength is especially useful when it comes to needing to subdue less-than-willing test subjects and experiments that go awry and get rather out of hand.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Shockwave’s optic provides him with another means in which to track others. While most are able to see on a single spectrum, whereas if you don’t see them they aren’t there, Shockwave is able to switch his to light spectrums that do not solely rely on visible light. No matter what sort of energy is being emitted, Shockwave is able to track it be it in the daylight or the dark.
Weaknesses
Slave to logic
Focusing one's mind only on the means of logic can make one a complete slave to it. Unlike Soundwave, who is able to almost sense when someone is fabricating a truth, Shockwave has to go by whether or not the explanation seems to be logical. Having to process answers like this also delays him, as he needs to take the time to determine whether or not it’s logical and he goes into an almost stagnant state. Once satisfied with the answer given, he leaves the situation alone and moves on to other things without a second thought.
One-eye
Sometimes having two is really better than one. His single optic beams like a target and anyone with a good enough aim ( or is a lucky shot ) can take it out and blind him. Although it wouldn’t be directly fatal, it may as well be considering he would not be able to see his opponent out on the field. Disabling it would also mean that he cannot track either, as all spectrums of light have to be filtered through the optic lens.
Energy Drain
Though the cannon is a formidable weapon that yields devastating results, it has its own downfalls. Even though once it’s warmed up it can fire off several rounds in rather rapid succession, it does time some time to get there. Each cell in the hose has to be charged or else he can’t connect his neural net to it which would mean he would be shooting blind. The second issue is with the use of it alone. Due to the nature of the weapon and the heat the rounds emitted when fired, the gun can overheat quickly so after a few rounds Shockwave has to power it down so it can cool. If not, there is a risk that it could cause a surge and actually cause extensive damage to his neural net.
Slow movements
As with most mechs of his size and girth, Shockwave does not move as quickly as those of half his size. Turning around especially takes him some time to do considering he has to move without tipping over due to the excessive amount of weight that favors his left side from the cannon. He can push his weight around and use the time it takes to actually be damaged to his advantage but for one who can dart around quickly? He’d have a difficult and nearly impossible time trying to apprehend them.
Non-Combative
In spite of the formidable build of the mech, Shockwave is by no means a skilled combat fighter. He does have means of self defense, though they are more of blind swinging like a club instead of any real aim to what he's attempting to hit. Close distance combat would be limited by him attempting to block weapons by using his gun as a shield while throwing punches where he could. Otherwise, he counts on his ridiculously thick layered armor to keep him safe in such close combat, requiring more than a couple close shots from Optimus's ion blasters to begin causing any real damage.
Special Skills
Being known as a scientist is pretty much where the knowledge of him stops. In fact, Shockwave is quite an able field medic, though he much rather stay holed up in his lab instead of in any form of medical bay repairing others… unless he deems them unfit and in need of ‘repair’. This sort of training has been entirely self taught, being that he has created several frames from the inside from scratch. Now he is well aware of what goes where to have a functioning structure. He chooses not to use this skill, as it’s difficult with just one servo.
Extra Info
There are very few that are still around from Shockwave’s early years, and even fewer that are aware he was even a Senator- something he has kept from even Megatron. He chooses not to be reminded of those times as he finds many of the actions of that time to have been illogical.