#549 - Chapter 36: The First Conflict
#549 - Chapter 36: The First Conflict
Optimus Prime nodded slightly, his voice deep as he replied, "Yes, they did extend an invitation, but I am still considering whether to accept it. After all, this world is not simple; it is full of various complex factors and possible variables."
Liu Yuan frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, and pressed, "Oh? What makes you so hesitant? Is there another reason?"
Optimus Prime was silent for a moment before slowly explaining, "They made a request, hoping we could provide technical support. However, I am concerned about this proposal because once Cybertronian technology is given to humans, it could trigger larger-scale conflicts and wars, leading to the deaths of more innocent lives."
Liu Yuan nodded, indicating his understanding of Optimus Prime's concerns, and then said, "Yes, I understand your thoughts. Humans are indeed a combative race; we are always wary of and seek to control the unknown."
Optimus Prime sighed and said with a firm tone, "That's right, I share the same view. Furthermore, I am also worried that as time goes on, more and more Decepticons will arrive on Earth, bringing more destruction and disaster to this planet. Therefore, I have decided to summon more Autobots to come and provide support in order to cope with potential future crises."
Liu Yuan looked at Optimus Prime with a serious expression and said firmly, "Optimus Prime, there's something I must say, even though it may not be pleasant to hear. Earth is ultimately humanity's home, and protecting Earth should be humanity's own responsibility, not your Autobots' obligation!"
Optimus Prime nodded calmly in response, "Humans are indeed a young race, but they need to be guided and helped in the right direction."
Liu Yuan retorted without backing down, "What about you? Cybertronians have existed for a long time, right? But didn't you also experience a civil war? Your war with the Decepticons lasted for millions of years, and even your home planet faced the crisis of destruction."
At this moment, the hot-tempered Ironhide could no longer endure it. He suddenly transformed, a huge pulse cannon appearing in his hand, and pointed the muzzle at Liu Yuan, roaring, "Hey, kid! If you dare to spout nonsense again, believe me, I'll blast you to pieces with one shot!"
Ironhide's action instantly made the atmosphere extremely tense, and everyone's eyes focused on Liu Yuan and Ironhide. Fire burned in Ironhide's eyes, obviously extremely angry and dissatisfied with Liu Yuan's remarks just now.
Just as the situation was about to get out of control, Jazz rushed forward, reached out and pressed down Ironhide's muzzle, and comforted, "Hey, Ironhide, don't get excited, calm down first."
For a moment, everyone stared intently at Liu Yuan and Ironhide, and the scene fell into silence.
However, Liu Yuan was not intimidated by Ironhide's threat. He looked indifferently at Optimus Prime: "Optimus Prime, where do you place humanity? As children who need to be taken care of? Or pets? Deep down, you are just as arrogant as the Decepticons and do not place humans in a position where they can be treated as equals."
Bumblebee also stood in front of Liu Yuan, and Sam said, "Don't, aren't we friends? Mr. Liu, Optimus Prime and the Autobots are good people, they are here to help humans."
Liu Yuan: "It's different, Sam. Whether it's the Decepticons or the Autobots, they are alien races to Earth. More Autobots coming to Earth will also attract more Decepticons, causing more conflict, and more Earthlings will die in the conflict as well."
"This..." Sam was speechless. This topic was a bit beyond his understanding as a high school student.
Ironhide was furious: "You actually compare us to the dirty Decepticons. Without us, Earth would be occupied by the Decepticons, and humans would be enslaved!" The mechanical eyes of Ironhide flashed with angry red light, its huge and hard body pressed the petite Jazz heavily on the ground, and the cold metal arm tightly grasped Jazz's body, making him unable to move. At the same time, Ironhide's muzzle was raised again, as if ready to fire at any time.
Just then, Optimus Prime's tall figure appeared in front of them. It stood firmly between Ironhide and Jazz, its majestic gaze fixed on Ironhide, and its voice was low and serious: "Ironhide, put down your weapon. We cannot use violence to solve problems."
A trace of hesitation flashed in Ironhide's eyes, but he finally let go of his hand, and Jazz was freed from Ironhide's heavy pressure. Optimus Prime continued: "Moreover, Liu Yuan is right, this is something we have not considered." Ironhide's expression seemed a little unwilling, but he still obeyed Optimus Prime's order, transformed back into vehicle form, and drove aside sullenly.
Optimus Prime turned his head, his gentle blue optics gazing at Liu Yuan, and said seriously: "Liu Yuan, you are right, we should respect the will and choice of human beings. So, for this matter, what do you think we should do?"
Liu Yuan nodded, expressing his agreement with Optimus Prime's view. He believed that there were indeed cultural and conceptual differences between the Autobots and humans, which required time to reconcile and understand. However, he also emphasized that Earth is their common home and that humans must have the ability to protect themselves. You should know that humans possess nuclear weapons! But the only time nuclear weapons were actually used in war was right after they were first created. Weapons can be unused, but they absolutely cannot be absent."
Optimus Prime: "Are you saying that we need to provide some weapon information so that humans will feel at ease accepting us."
Liu Yuan: "Something like that! But there is one thing you are mistaken about. Optimus Prime, you are, after all, the leader of an alien force, and you cannot make decisions for humanity in the name of protecting Earth. Similarly, the United States government cannot represent all of humanity."
Optimus Prime: "I understand, thank you for your reminder." As the leader who has ruled the Autobots for nearly a million years, Optimus Prime is not stupid, but he just doesn't understand the culture on Earth.
The resources of Cybertron have been exhausted, and all the Transformers who were capable have left. The remaining ones, in order to ensure survival, have also entered a state of self-sealing. It can be said that the Transformers are already a wandering race in the universe. They have lost their home and can only drift in the endless universe.
And now, they have come to Earth, a planet full of vitality and hope. Optimus Prime summoned the Autobots scattered in the universe to Earth, which contained his selfishness: he wanted to make Earth the second home of the Autobots.
However, Optimus Prime was overconfident that humans and Autobots could coexist harmoniously because he felt that human civilization was too backward to pose a threat to the Transformers. Therefore, he subconsciously refused to teach humans more advanced weapon technology.
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