Looking closer at this Binder page in my copy of the Vault book, also has a ton of early info that definitely does not match up with anything we got in the Aligned media,
Here is a transcription of the whole page's text (had to use a magnifying glass on my copy of the book in order to read some of the tinier text):
III. HEROES AND VILLAINS
MAIN
CHARACTER PROFILE
OPTIMUS PRIME
NAME: Orion Pax, Optimus Prime
TRANSFORMATION: Semi-Truck
PERSONALITY: Decisive, charismatic, compassionate, a true believer, optimistic, dedicated, slightly naive, too trusting
HISTORY: Originally known as Orion Pax, Optimus Prime united with Megatron during the original Decepticon uprising. Megatron trained Orion Pax before he was revealed to be not just an outspoken advocate of change, but a violent terrorist. Orion Pax allied with Megatron on the political scene but never in terrorist attacks. His belief in peace, however, set him opposed to his former friend when the High Council gave him the title of Optimus Prime, but not the Matrix of Leadership; like the Arthurian sword in the stone, he had to pull from the Core of Cybertron. Now called Optimus Prime, he was reluctantly forced to battle Megatron in the war, continued to their present day stranding on Earth.
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Total recall of all former Primes, Prime Sword
WEAPONS: Ion Cannon, energon weapon, sword, axe
COLORATION: red, blue
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: The Matrix of Leadership
ALLIES AND ENEMIES: Leader of the Autobots, Friend of Prowl, Friend of Ultra Magnus, Nemesis of Megatron
HUMAN CONNECTION: Transformer Liaison of [New NEST Group], New Witwicky
PRIMARY POLARITY: Primian
COMPLEMENTARY POLARITY: Alphanian
Optimus Prime is the embodiment of the noble leader, putting the needs of others ahead of his own. His entire life is dictated by an internal code of ethics, and his powers are always bent towards ensuring the rights of "freedom for all sentient beings." He comes from humble beginnings and has followed the path of the hero to that of the sovereign, mastering himself and becoming the leader of the Autobots.
He is intensely loyal to his friends, but he is not afraid to speak his mind and back up his opinions. As leader of the Autobots he maintains an air of dignity and quiet contemplation, he does not let his guard down often. He believes that someone can always be redeemed, though they have to make their own choice to do so.
Beginning his life as Orion Pax, a data clerk in the Iacon Hall of Records, he had an innate love of history and a thirst for knowledge that served him well throughout the rest of his life. He sees the cycle of history, and how they are being repeated in the situations he encounters. He is always looking to learn something new from his experiences, and believes that the life experiences of every living being are valuable to observe.
Early on in life he connected with Megatron, seeing the nobility of his cause. Orion Pax worked from his position at the Hall of Records to place subversive propaganda for the Decepticons' cause, even arguing in its early days that the movement should call themselves Autobots, referencing the individual freedoms that they stood for. Megatron overruled him, as he was wont to do when he felt threatened by Orion Pax's measured words and quiet charisma.
Orion Pax was not yet confident in his own personal power, he threw himself completely into causes, but did not take a leadership role for himself. He often served as a shaman figure to Megatron, explaining and defending his actions and directives to those who found them unpleasant or obtuse, helping to strengthen Megatron's power and the force of his movement. Despite his commitment, he often differed with Megatron, and argued strongly with him about the use of violence and his desire to prevent collateral damage.
Orion Pax's support of Megatron reached its apex when he stood before the High Council of Cybertron and defended the ideals and the necessity of the Decepticon cause. He spoke eloquently, using the full strength of his passion and elocution in order to convince them. He proved himself in that moment as a leader, one who was more reasonable and diplomatic than Megatron. He was still unaware of his skill and it came as a major shock when the Council declared Orion Pax leader of Cybertron's forces, giving him the new name, Optimus Prime.
The Council of Cybertron believed in Optimus Prime, but convincing the newly christened Autobot forces, especially in the face of Megatron's full-fledged revolution, was another story. Optimus's insecurity undermined his early leadership.
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