Introduction: This scene takes place just prior to chapter 58 of Many Voices. It will make more sense if you've read through chapter 57.

There was an air of tension in the room that wasn't normally there—an undercurrent of anticipation. Shockwave couldn't shake the feeling that even though the Council was discussing the usual items of business, this wasn't a typical orn.

He was out of the loop and he didn't like it. Of course, he was always out of the loop, but this felt worse than normal. He wondered if they were worried about that rebellion down in Kaon. Shockwave would have liked to volunteer to go down there and discover whether Megatronus's claims were true. Legitimized gladiator rings and death-slavery were serious matters, and if the rumors were accurate then it was the responsibility of the Council to put a stop to it. If he could prove it was really happening, they would have no choice but to step in.

Shockwave knew most of them were aware that these things were going on, and they didn't care. They didn't want to regulate the mines, because that would lose them money and support from the leaders near the other pole.

So if he volunteered to go down to investigate, he would have to be very careful. He would need to surround himself with guards he trusted. It would be too easy for them to have him killed there and then blame his untimely death on the rebellion.

It wasn't safe. They were already looking for an excuse to get rid of him.

"… a few more things to discuss. Senator Shockwave?"

Shockwave looked up. "Yes, Councilor?"

"An unfortunate matter has arisen. One of your classmates, and—if sources are to be believed—your close friends has taken a recent, unexpected vacation."

"I am aware," Shockwave said, dread sinking into his spark. Don't tell me they caught him. Please don't let them have caught him…

"In fact, he has completely disappeared."

Shockwave tried to appear perfectly calm. "I don't see why this is cause for alarm, or even for discussion. I'm sure he is well. He probably needed a break from the pressures of school. I've often told him he's working too hard." He felt Paradigm send a worried, questioning feeling over their bond and he tried to reassure her. Everything was fine—she didn't need to leave class to come back him up.

She didn't seem to feel too certain of that.

"Do not play the fool, Senator," Halogen said. "We have reason to believe you were involved in his disappearance. I would warn you that assisting in the removal of anyone from the Council's protection is a crime."

Shockwave nodded. There was no way he could be convicted on that charge. He had helped Wheeljack go into hiding, but they'd never be able to prove it, and even if they did, his involvement had been distant enough that he would be able to get out of it.

"Were you involved in his disappearance?"

"I did not help him leave if that is what you're asking," Shockwave said. "Nor did I know he was planning on disappearing until he was already gone."

"Yet you don't sound very worried about him," another senator said.

"Should I be?" Shockwave asked, meeting the mech's gaze. The senator looked away.

Shockwave hesitated. He had wanted to wait for this until Alpha Trion was here to back him up, but they had brought it up, and it would be very difficult to open the subject again after it had been closed. "While I am not currently worried about his safety, I would request to speak before the Council on the matter of his disappearance."

"Very well," the Halogen said. "Be brief, Senator. We do not have much time for this."

Shockwave stood. "I will be brief. There is a law and a right written into our most basic codes of government. This right is extended to all Cybertronian beings of higher intelligence. I quote the Book of the First Council: All mecha, at the age of adulthood, have the right to choose their profession regardless of class, creators' professions, or frame type, provided they have mastered the skills required for their chosen occupation, and that it is legally recognized as a legitimate profession.

"This, my honorable fellow Council members, is a right that includes the agency to refuse professions as well. This government does not have the legal power to force any innocent member of its population to perform a specific work. It goes against the very foundations on which this Council was formed."

He waited. His highest hope was that they would back off and stop looking for Wheeljack. Shockwave didn't know where he was, but he worried that they would find him eventually.

It was Senator Ratbat who spoke first. "You may have read the Book of the First Council, Senator, but there has been legislation since then. We have a more recent law, of twenty vorns ago, that states that in certain cases, the government may draft members of the population into necessary work. This would be true in a time of war, for example, if we didn't have enough volunteer soldiers."

The head of the Council nodded. "Thank you, Senator Ratbat. Senator Shockwave, were you unaware of this law?"

"No."

"Then you failed to take it into account."

"With all respect, Councilmech," Shockwave said. "We are not at war. I hardly think that what you demanded is necessary. You threatened a student of the Academy with imprisonment and worse if he would not make weapons for you. You cannot make the argument that this is necessary work. Who do we intend to use these weapons on?"

"The rebellion in the south is not to be taken lightly. And it is important for our government to remain strong."

"The claims of unlawful slavery that the rebellion raises are not to be taken lightly either." Shockwave said. "And it is my personal opinion that making weapons with which to threaten our mecha will weaken the government, not strengthen it. We are not at war, Councilor Halogen, but if we make weapons instead of investigating the uprising quietly, we are inviting open rebellion."

There was silence and Shockwave thought he had won. Then he saw the faint smile the Grand Councilmech was wearing.

"You make a good point, Senator," Halogen said. "But you seem to be confused about a few things. We are not making weapons to threaten our citizens, we would make them to protect."

"Protect from what?"

"There are many criminals, many rebels, and many dangerous ideas in the world today, Senator. You suggest that allowing ourselves to fall behind in technological advancement will strengthen this government?"

"I believe all of you know that is not what I was suggesting."

"Furthermore, you pick and choose which rules you would like us to follow. Legislation changes as the problems of the current times shift. As a senator, it is your responsibility to understand the current difficulties we face in leading this world."

Shockwave nearly called him out on his hypocrisy, but restrained himself. Pointing fingers wasn't going to get them anywhere. So far, he had been very careful and hadn't said anything that they could use to remove him from his position. He had worked so hard to get here...

"And I am still not convinced that you were not involved in your friend's disappearance. If you disagreed with our drafting him into government service, you should have first brought it up with the Council. That is the way we do things; if you would re-read the Book of the First Council, you would find that to be true."

"You have no evidence to say I was involved."

"If the Council votes unanimously for it, we do have the right to extract any evidence there might be from your processor."

The Council, including Alpha Trion, would need to vote unanimously, though. It wasn't much of a threat.

"I understand that, Councilmech."

"Whether or not you were involved, may we request your aid in locating him?"

"Has he committed any crimes?"

"He has refused to cooperate with our agents on a matter of global importance, and he has disappeared. He may be in danger."

He would be in a lot more danger if they caught him. "I will do my best to assist you and cooperate with your search," Shockwave said. It was an easy empty promise. He could put it off without too much trouble. He didn't like lying, but if you didn't play by their rules—in other words, break the rules—then you didn't last long.

They didn't look too happy that he'd agreed about that. Had they honestly expected him to refuse? How foolish did they think he was?

"Back to the original concern," another Senator said. "Senator Shockwave is asking us to examine whether the request that the Department of Defense made of the student, Wheeljack, was lawful or not."

Shockwave nodded. "Thank you, Senator."

"And what is your opinion on the matter?" Halogen asked.

"I think it ought to be looked into," the mech said, "And that we should take a few breems to have the evidence examined in a future Council meeting."

The Halogen nodded. "Is there anyone who would be willing to spare the time to have it investigated? Senator Shockwave, your personal involvement in the matter disqualifies you there."

Shockwave nodded.

Senator Ratbat stood. "I will have it looked into."

Well, there went all hopes for winning this one.

"Thank you, Senator," Halogen said. "I motion we close this concern for the time being, and return to it when Senator Ratbat has had time to investigate. All for moving on?"

Shockwave sat, and raised his hand. The fight was over. It had come to a draw, but it could have gone a lot worse.

"Accepted," the head of the Council said. "Now, Senator Shockwave, our next item of business also concerns you, and is somewhat connected to your involvement in your friend's disappearance."

This sounded like trouble.

"You have been on this Council for nearly a vorn, and you have already begun to gain influence, and make a difference in our government. For that you are to be commended."

"Thank you, Councilor Halogen," Shockwave said hesitantly. He was not prepared to accept that as a true compliment. The head of the Council despised him.

"However," Halogen continued. "Some of the policies you push go against the will of the Council and are somewhat reckless and inefficient."

Social change was rarely efficient. Shockwave was not going to apologize for any of the motions he upheld.

"It is not, per se, any fault in you besides your inexperience and perhaps a few unfortunate occurrences in your past. I speak of an extreme case where one of your classmates was involved in an accident that looked suspicious on the part of the Council."

Searchlight had been executed for standing up and defending the rights of the common mecha. He had been out of line, but what he had said had been true. And his death had not been an accident.

"That was a long time ago."

"Do you deny that it influenced your desire to go into politics? Before that, you had been aiming to become a scientist."

"Sitting in on a Council meeting influenced my desire to go into politics. Searchlight's death was… it was unfortunate, and unnecessary."

"In the highest circle of the Council, we have been reviewing all of the legislature you have attempted to push forward, in light of that event, and we are concerned that you may be attempting to work against us."

Shockwave met the other mech's optics. "I am not working against the Council. I think we have one of the most effective systems of government that this world has ever seen. I do believe we can do better, and that we have done better in the past. I merely push for a return to some of our former principles in order to increase our ability to maintain peace and prosperity for our mecha."

"That is admirable," Halogen returned his gaze with an ice cold stare. "However, you are young and inexperienced. You already have enough of a following—which you have gained by making empty promises to the public—that it would be difficult to vote you out of office, and I would not want to anyway, but we must look forward, and not rely on the past. We are concerned that you will lead the mecha, and perhaps the Council, astray."

They were concerned because he spoke the truth too often, and brought up old—but still binding—laws that all of them would much rather forget.

"This most recent event, in which you very likely assisted a potential enemy of the government in evading arrest, is possibly the most profound example of the fact that you were not mature enough. We need wisdom, Senator, to lead this world, not radicalism."

They wanted dominion, wealth, and power, not wisdom.

"You are a brilliant young mech. But you have much to learn before you are ready to be a full member of this Council."

Shockwave looked up. What did that mean?

"So, in light of this evidence, and this recent charge against you, I would like to motion that you be temporarily removed from your seat on the Council. You will remain a senator, and we will hold a place for you, so that when you return, if you would like, we can reinstate you."

The room was silent. Shockwave stood slowly.

"In fact, there would be no need to make a record of your suspension from your duty."

Shockwave stared, spark pulsing irregularly. "Councilor…"

"During this period, you would be taught to understand more fully the way our Council operates, and at the end, you would be given an opportunity to choose again whether to pursue politics."

Shockwave let out a slow ex-vent.

Now he was fighting for his life.

"Councilor, I do not see any evidence. I have heard you make claims, but I see no evidence presented against me. Furthermore, I would prefer it if you wouldn't dance around your intentions." He knew what Halogen was trying to do.

"Do not jump to conclusions," the head of the Council said.

"You want to suspend me without making a record of it," Shockwave said. "Because you do not have the proper evidence to suspend me. I am not trying to work against the Council, and you know it. There is no cause for this."

"You speak rashly," Halogen said. "And irrationally."

Shockwave glanced at Alpha Trion's empty seat. Pit. Of course they'd do this when Trion wasn't here. He could feel Paradigm's concern over the bond, but ignored it—he had to focus on this conversation.

"And you have now spoken in your own defense. Thank you. Please be seated Senator."

Shockwave hesitated, then sat down.

"Does anyone else wish to speak on the matter?"

Another senator stood. "If it is true that he aligns himself with the Council, then he should not speak out against our decisions so often."

Halogen nodded. The senator sat, and another stood.

"I believe," he said. "That this is, indeed, a problem." He looked at Shockwave, and Shockwave met his optics calmly. This was one of his friends. "But I don't think such drastic measures must be taken. Perhaps we could give Senator Shockwave a probation period, after which, if he does not improve, we can re-evaluate the situation, and perhaps remove him from the Council in the proper and legal way."

"Thank you," Halogen said. "Please be seated."

The senator sat, and Shockwave risked half a smile in his direction.

"May I speak, Councilor?" Senator Ratbat asked.

Primus curse him.

Ratbat stood. "The most recent of his infractions, the supposed assistance he gave in helping his friend disappear, is a serious enough offense that it must be investigated. While a senator is being investigated for a crime, it would be wrong to leave him in his seat. I propose that we shorten the temporary suspension time to however long it takes to investigate Wheeljack's disappearance."

That, of course, could stretch out as long as they wanted. At least it might mean they'd stop looking for Shockwave's best friend. Not so good for Shockwave, though.

"I second that," another Council member said.

Shockwave fought to keep his fear from showing on his faceplate. He had known this could happen. He had had nightmares about them making this decision. Maybe he was just dreaming now. Maybe he'd wake up and everything would be fine.

Halogen stood. "That sounds very reasonable, Senator Ratbat. Should we take this to a vote now?"

No one spoke out against it.

"Very well. All in favor of allowing Senator Shockwave a temporary leave of absence while he is instructed in the ways of wisdom and correct thinking?"

Shockwave looked around the room as hands were slowly raised, counting them. Many refused, and a few nodded in his direction when he met their optics.

When all was done, they were too closely split. All Council members who were not present were counted against whatever motion was being passed.

They would not have dared to try this if Alpha Trion had been present to defend Shockwave.

But with him gone, even though his vote counted in favor of Shockwave…

They were too evenly split, though. He dared to hope…

Then another member of the Council raised his hand. No. They only needed one more.

The room was silent. Shockwave looked up at Halogen to see him glaring daggers at a mech across from him who hadn't raised his hand yet. They should have closed the vote. They could re-vote later, but they should have closed the vote by now.

The mech who was being glared at looked down.

Please no.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I'm sorry, Senator."

He raised his hand.

"Vote closed," Halogen said. "Senator Shockwave, after the meeting is over, would you mind staying to speak with me for a few moments?"

"May I speak now?"

"No."

Shockwave stood up.

"I said no, Senator."

"This Council—this Council is weakened by relying on fear and threats."

"Sit down, Senator."

"I thank the few of you who were willing and brave enough to vote against my removal. I hope fervently that you don't suffer my same fate."

"Sit down!"

Shockwave sat as several guards came in. They went to stand behind his chair. Shockwave shuttered his optics and tried to comm. Alpha Trion, but he couldn't get through. He hadn't checked earlier, but they must have changed the passcodes to the communications block without telling him.

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur, while Shockwave alternately tried to think of a way out, and worried about what would happen to him.

When the meeting was adjourned, the guards came forward and stood just behind his chair. He stayed seated as the others filed out of the room. None of them looked back at him. None of them would meet his optics as they left. They knew what they were consigning him to.

Halogen waited for them all to leave and the door to close behind them.

"You have two options, Senator," he said. "I would send you to the Institute. However, in light of certain recent developments, there is another possibility. Though we weren't able to find Wheeljack's notes on his project, surely he spoke with you about it. If you take his place and do as we asked him to do, you will be spared."

"You want me to make weapons for you?" Shockwave said.

"Yes. We do. It's that or the Institute, Senator."

Shockwave could see in his expression that he thought he'd won, that he thought no one would ever choose the Institute over a nice, safe government job. Halogen was wrong.

Shockwave took in a deep vent. "I will not make weapons for you."

Halogen looked surprised. Then his expression soured—he was probably used to hearing condemned Senators and Councilors beg. "Don't be so certain about that. By the time they're done with you, you'll do anything I ask."

Shockwave said nothing, waiting for them to drag him away or knock him out or whatever happened next.

Halogen turned to face the blank screen on the far wall of the Council Chamber. "There is one item of business remaining before you leave."

The screen lit up, displaying a crowded street near the Council Hall. Shockwave frowned.

"Your assistant may be a problem in the future," Halogen said.

Then he saw her. Paradigm was walking quickly through the crowd, headed toward the Council Hall, coming to find him.

"We have mecha following her, prepared to apprehend her."

Shockwave looked down. Apprehend, in this case, probably meant drag her off into some alley and murder her. He had to warn her somehow…

"However," Halogen said. "It would save us some trouble if you'd break your bond with her. Do that, and we'll let her live."

Shockwave shuttered his optics.

"Choose quickly. We can't let her reach this building."

"If you kill her, I might die as well."

"And then we'll have a lovely double-funeral for the two of you and our research team at the Institute will be very disappointed that we didn't give them the new test subject we promised."

Shockwave looked back up at the screen. If there was any chance they'd let her go...

He tried to send an apology over the bond, which just seemed to confuse and worry her more.

He wasn't entirely sure what this would feel like, but he knew it wouldn't be pleasant for either of them. He braced himself, gripping the table and shuttering his optics.

Hopefully she would understand. Hopefully she wouldn't come looking for him afterward.

He took a deep vent and broke the bond.

White-hot agony pierced his spark and he gasped, leaning forward against the table. It faded after a few astroseconds, and he looked up to see Paradigm on the screen, kneeling on the ground as nearby mecha stopped and stared at her. There was no sound, but she was probably screaming. He knew it was supposed to hurt a lot worse on the other end.

This was his fault—he shouldn't have dragged her into this mess. And he would never have a chance to apologize.

His spark throbbed dully—empty, hollow.

The screen went dark.

"Well then," Halogen said. "That's settled. Remove him."

Shockwave heard someone step up behind him and an instant later, he felt plasmatic energon course through him, strong enough to overload his systems.

Everything went black.