Optimus's gift for persuasion far exceeded even Starscream's silver tongue.
History bore this out, Drift himself had crossed from the Decepticon ranks to the Autobot cause largely because of Optimus's words.
The movie version of Drift, after receiving one of Optimus's speeches, had felt his spark surge with renewed purpose.
Such was the power of his personal magnetism.
The current Orion Pax, still young, found a willing audience in the equally young Terradive.
After a thoughtful conversation with the Autobot leader, Terradive's hesitation transformed into genuine enthusiasm.
What had begun as uncertainty became a profound sense of honor, he would serve as Garfield's ground transport.
But when Orion Pax emerged from his private discussion with Terradive to explain the arrangement, he found something unexpected… a crowd of Transformers had gathered around Garfield.
All of them were expressing their desire to stay by the teacher's side, to serve as his vehicle.
They spoke of it as the highest honor.
Terradive felt as though his prize had been snatched away.
Though he hadn't recognized its value at first, now that he understood, the sudden competition stung.
Even Orion Pax found himself scratching his helm, uncertain how this situation had developed.
Megatron, however, observed the scene with quiet satisfaction.
He remembered his first meeting with Garfield, how he had addressed him with genuine respect.
He remained grateful for the teacher's intervention, without it, he might still be toiling endlessly in those mines, digging cycle after cycle with no hope of reprieve.
That his own followers now wished to serve his teacher pleased Megatron greatly.
He himself had made the same offer moments ago, only to be gently refused.
Garfield's reasoning had been simple… Megatron and Orion Pax carried the weight of their species' salvation on their shoulders.
They could not afford distractions from that sacred duty, not even for their teacher's safety.
What remarkable ideological clarity, Megatron thought. Putting the greater good above personal safety.
His own command of language might be insufficient to express such noble sentiments eloquently, but he understood action.
And action meant mobilizing his followers.
Megatron sent a discreet signal to his inner circle. The response was immediate and enthusiastic… many volunteered.
Bumblebee, ever alert, noticed the flurry of communications within Megatron's faction.
Quick to act, he transmitted his own signal to Orion Pax's core companions.
Though all Transformers now stood as brothers under Garfield's influence, loyalties to their respective leaders remained.
Orion Pax's friends had no intention of letting Megatron's people claim all the honor.
Garfield surveyed the gathered Transformers with something approaching amusement.
The truth was, he needed very few of them.
His journey would take him to the Star Wars galaxy, where civilian ground vehicles would prove impractical.
He required fliers, which made Terradive a suitable choice.
Raising a paw for attention, Garfield addressed them. "This king intends to travel the universe shortly."
"Most of you would not be suitable companions for such a journey. I suggest you continue following my two apprentices in your important work."
"Besides, this king's own strength is considerable. What I truly lack is simply an assistant, someone to handle transportation and help with electronic matters."
Hearing this, Megatron's optics brightened with concern. "Teacher... you're leaving?"
"Yes. The time has come." Garfield nodded solemnly.
"It would not serve any of us if certain Transformers began using me, a mere carbon-based creature as a weapon against your kind's unity. More importantly, I have pressing matters to attend to."
Orion Pax stepped forward. "Teacher, what matters could be so urgent?"
Garfield sighed, a sound that carried unexpected weight. "A great beast has gone missing."
"A creature capable of destroying the universe itself. I must find her before..." He trailed off, leaving the implication hanging.
The very concept staggered Orion Pax and Megatron. Destroying the universe?
They had considered planetary destruction catastrophic. The scale of this threat dwarfed their understanding.
Orion Pax recovered first, turning to Megatron with renewed resolve. "Teacher, I understand now."
"Brother, I believe we must select a worthy warrior to accompany him."