Once upon a time in the mechanical world of Cybertron, a wise and revered Autobot, Optimus Prime, pondered a way to clarify a profound truth to his fellow Autobots about loyalty, action, and the essence of being true to one’s word. He decided to speak in terms that his metallic brethren could better understand – through a tale of transformation and duty.
“Listen up, my brave Autobots,” Optimus Prime addressed his crew with a gentle rumble, as they gathered around in a semi-circle, their optic sensors glinting with curiosity. “Imagine, if you will, a great and benevolent Architect of Cybertron, the creator of many a bot, who had two creations – two sons, if you will. Both were crafted with equal care, strength, and purpose.”
The first son, named Autobo, was designed with sleek lines and bore the symbol of the Autobots proudly. The second son, christened Decepto, was built with a similar frame but felt drawn to the Decepticon cause.
“One cycle, the wise Architect approached Autobo and said, ‘Son, I need you to go out into the Energon fields and fortify the defenses; the Decepticons may strike at any moment.'”
Autobo nodded with solemn understanding, his voice circuits echoing with static, “Yes, Father, I shall head to the armory and prepare immediately.” But instead of oiling his joints and springing into action, Autobo wandered off to the recreational sector and spent the day in idle pursuits, conversing with lesser-known Cybertronian tales.
Meanwhile, the Architect found Decepto polishing his armor, reflecting a shadowy hue that crossed between the allegiance of the Autobots and Decepticons. “Decepto, my creation,” the Architect implored, “the Energon fields are vulnerable. I want you to go and commit to their defense with your might.”
Decepto’s optics flickered with irritation. “Defend and fortify for the Autobots? Never! I’m not one to meddle in your petty struggles.” But as the day progressed, Decepto’s spark was stirred by a sense of duty and the memory of his creator’s intentions for him. So, in the shroud of twilight, he shifted his gears, transformed into his alternate mode, and raced to the fields, where he toiled through the night to fortify the security systems.
When the next moon rose over Cybertron, Optimus Prime asked his attentive listeners: “Which of the Architect’s sons truly honored him?”
The Autobots, humbled and reflective, murmured in synchrony, “It was Decepto, despite his initial refusal, for he committed to the task and followed it through.”
With the wisdom of the Primes, Optimus nodded. “Exactly, my friends. It’s not the words we broadcast over our comm-links that define us, nor the symbols we bear, but the actions we take and the transformations we undergo. Many will profess allegiance to our cause but will falter when asked to serve. Others might resist at first, yet find their true calling in the deeds they perform. Be ever watchful of your bearings, for the true measure of an Autobot lies in their actions, not just their words.”
The Autobots took the lesson to their spark chambers, knowing that true obedience and loyalty were not just promised but also enacted, just as Prime’s tale had revealed. And on Cybertron, amidst the ever-present struggle between Autobots and Decepticons, the story of the two sons served as a reminder that true commitment is shown in deeds, not just declared in speech.
