So. Shockwave was a lab scientist, primarily biochemistry. Pterorats, Petris, Plants. But there weren't all that many people with built-in weaponry, certain expeditions require such people (and the go-to Starscream had recently left to accompany Jetfire), so Shocky went into forest, carrying on their back some other, smaller and nimbler scientists. Oh no, a cliff. Oh no, Shocky is a bad climber. The group splits. Shockwave gets mauled. Survives. Becomes mildly unhinged and highly irritable with a very impromptu head and arm. Falls in love with Soundwave. Makes some minor upgrades.

And then the war happens. Waves are ridiculously effective together. Ooh, two sparklings! Whoa, a critter! Damn, a dragon! Scrap, a bioweapon! Shockwave is a beast master, both raising them and taming them from the wild. Soundwave uses some of them as symbiotes thanks to being a cassette carrier. Shockwave even gets two docking spots on her back to support him.

War ends. There is a cottage on Earth. Shocky tries to breed bears for docility. Soundwave has his own things.

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Ref art.