EDITED 9/5/2016 Working on slimming the timeline. Some needed alterations may be made here.
LOGICAL CONCLUSION
I. The Student
"How is my favorite student doing today?"
Shockwave looked up from his energon rations to see a winged orange mech approaching him. Smiling, he said, "Quite well, Jhiaxus. And you?"
Jhiaxus snorted. "Not so well; my processors been aching ever since Azimuth presented me with her theory about why time seems to pass quicker for us than the rest of the galaxy. She was making sense until she brought up quantum theories and words even I've never heard of."
"That's Azimuth for you. Never use six words when thirteen thousand will do."
Jhiaxus laughed at that. "Very true. Now then, what have you been working on?"
"Trying to see if Synthetic Energon has any effect on normal energon ratio--"
The tray which his meal had been on suddenly erupted into flames.
"Ah. I suppose it does."
II. The Prophecy
"...In short, I believe Nova Prime's Expansion program will result in a shortage of energon and Cybertron may eventually become unable to support our race." Shockwave looked at Jhiaxus expectantly as he finished presenting his theory.
The old Seeker scratched his chin before saying, "This is indeed worrisome. Luckily, Prime is planning on leading an expedition, more expansive than any others in the past. Perhaps he will find more energon then."
Shockwave frowned. "And if not?"
Jhiaxus went silent again, considering the question. "There is a prophecy--"
"We're scientists, teacher. Prophecies mean nothing to us."
"Yes, I know, but hear me out. It's called the Dark Cybertron prophecy, dictated by a clan of Mortilus worshipers."
Shockwave shook his head. "Teacher, if this prophecy is supposed to make me feel better, then--"
"A fretful sky / An absent sun / A distant heat / A deathly hand / City against city / While the planet turns from gold to gray / And gray to black / No yesterday / No tomorrow / Just an everlasting now / Fleeting and forever / Circle, cycle, scythe / And the six-sided architect / Freethinking / Unblinking / Holds the fate of all things / In the palm of his hand."
Shockwave stared at his teacher, unsure on what to make of his words. "I... what do you suppose that means? What does that have to do with our impending situation?"
Jhiaxus smiled as he laid a hand on his student's shoulder. "I know you'll find the answer to that."
III. The Plans
Shockwave had witnessed the Ark's departure and watched it until it became a mere glint in the sky. While the rest of the crowd fell into murmurs about life without Nova Prime, Shockwave broke away and headed for Jhiaxus' old academy, which had been abandoned when his former teacher joined the Ark's crew.
Entering Jhiaxus' office, Shockwave began to sifle through his mentor's work, which he had been requested to do shortly before Jhiaxus left. The first thing to catch his eye was a datapad labeled "Monstructor."
Shockwave grimaced at the name. A year ago, Jhiaxus had attempted to create the first gestalt Transformer. The result had been Monstructor, who went insane and began to ravage Cybertron. It took the mighty Omega Supreme to stop the uncontrollable abomination and Crystal City, the symbol of Nova Prime's Golden Age, was destroyed in the process.
As he viewed the schematics on the datapad, Shockwave's disdain slowly turned into intrigue. Perhaps with the right person at the helm, such an experiment could possibly succeed. What purpose it would have, he was not certain; nevertheless, he would make sure to keep the datapad handy.
IV. The Outlier
Over the next several millennia, Shockwave rose in popularity, becoming a renowned scientist, head of the Ministry of Science, and finally a member of the High Council. He had no doubt that, if he was still alive, Jhiaxus would be very proud of him.
As such, in order to honor his former mentor, he had decided to open the Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology, where he would continue Jhiaxus' studies and educate others like he had been.
Unbeknownst to anyone else-- not even the High Council-- the J.A.A.T. was also a haven to Cybertronians gifted with powers not tied to their alternate modes, called outliers. Here, Shockwave would help these unique bots master their abilities and conceal them from prejudiced Functionists.
It wasn't until several years into his career, shortly after the Great War had ended, that he came across a most peculiar outlier, living out on the streets of Rodion. Covered in blue and gray armor plating, the strange mech had a stoic visage, his optics concealed by a red visor. When Shockwave passed him, he dropped a few dozen credits at the vagrant's feet, hoping it would get him by. When the stranger began to follow him, Shockwave turned to confront him, his arms crossed.
"Now listen here; I've given you a decent amount of credits. I'm afraid I cannot give you any more than that. If you're in need of shelter, I'm sure--"
The vagrant silenced him with the raise of a hand before getting down to his knees. He scribbled something into the ground with a piece of metal, which Shockwave tilted his head to read.
J.A.A.T.
"Yes, I am headmaster of the J.A.A.T. But how do you know of it? That's all the way in Iacon."
More scribbling. I can read your mind.
The realization dawned on Shockwave. "Ah, I see now. Do you wish to be taken under my care?"
The mute mech nodded.
Shockwave smiled. "Then I would be happy too. And perhaps we can help you find your voice as well. What is your name?"
Soundwave.
V. The Offer
Over nine hundred years after his encounter with Soundwave, Shockwave had been paid a visit by an unwanted guest.
Just as he was about to retire for the night, Shockwave had entered his quarters and found Trannis, the exiled leader of the Decepticons, resting comfortably in his chair. Shockwave opened his mouth to call for security but was dissuaded by a cannon barrel aimed at his face.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Trannis said, grinning with malice. "I just wanted to talk."
Shockwave glowered at him. "Whatever you have to say, I'll have you know that I am not interested in it."
"We'll see about that." Trannis gestured to the chair opposite him. "Please, take a seat. I have an offer for you."
Reluctantly, Shockwave sat down across from the Decepticon leader. "What kind of offer?"
"One you cannot refuse. I understand that you have studied the teachings of Jhiaxus in a thorough manner, correct?"
"Yes. What of it?"
"Would you like to see them come to fruition?"
The councilor blinked. "What are you talking about?"
Trannis gestured with his hand. "Sentinel Prime's regime is faltering. This Golden Age is a mere shadow of its predecessor. New leadership is necessary."
"You're talking about yourself."
"Of course," Trannis said as if it were obvious. "But this is not the Cybertron I wish to rule. Poverty is everywhere, energon sources are low...."
"You've heard about my proposed Regenesis program, haven't you?" Shockwave said. "To plant energon seeds on other worlds."
"Indeed. Sentinel Prime was a fool to reject your plan. How else are we suppose to thrive as a race? So that is my offer: to let your Regenesis program become a reality."
"In exchange for...?"
"Joining the Decepticons and following my orders." Trannis smirked. "Simple enough, yes?"
Shockwave mulled over the offer. Although it was against his moral judgment to side with a faction as ruthless as the Decepticons, he knew it would be all for the greater good. It was the only logical conclusion.
He met the Decepticon leader's gaze. "I accept."
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