Transformers: Evolutions: Hearts of Steel #2

Credits

Writer - Chuck Dixon / Art - Guido Guidi / Inks - Aaron Leach / Letters - Sulaco Studios / Colors - Jay Fotos

Story

The rail crew along the Denver-Cheyenne line watch in awe at their newest addition -- a self-propelled locomotive that automatically lays rail spikes -- unaware that it is the Autobot Bumblebee in disguise. The only member unimpressed is John Henry, who disdainfully notes the men have become subservient to it, fetching coal and water. When his friend Cletus compares that to John's own dining, Henry nearly loses his temper, but quickly regains his composure and returns to work. Nearby, crew chief Mr. VanFlint asks his assistant to find the source of new engine so he can order a dozen more.

Somewhere under the waves of the Pacific Coast, Shockwave takes inventor Tobias Muldoon to the Decepticons' underwater base. As Tobias watches in amazement at their construction, Shockwave briefs the Decepticons on present-day Earth conditions, then introduces Tobias to them. Starscream tells Tobias that the Decepticons wish to help humans usher in a new age of human-machine cooperation, and seek his help to do so. Tobias eagerly agrees, but notes he lacks the funding to do, and Starscream interrogates him on human economics.

Later that evening, John Henry studies the new engine, quietly dismissing it as an inadequate replacement for honest human labor. As John walks away, Bumblebee transforms and reveals himself, then tells Henry that the Autobots merely wish to fulfill their designated tasks. Admiring this simple and honest work ethic, John shakes hands with Bumblebee in respect for a fellow laborer.

"I might be a locomotive now, but I'm still called an Insecticon because... um... well, just because, okay?!"

Elsewhere that evening, a nighttime government train run from the U.S. Treasury in Denver is derailed by the Insecticons, who effortlessly steal its gold and engineering plans. The next day, Starscream takes Tobias to an isolated stretch of desert to establish their new Decepticon base, where the Insecticons deliver the stolen money. Tobias orders large shipments of lumber and steel for delivery, and the Decepticons quickly begin building their new factories.

Meanwhile, news of the stolen government gold reaches the Denver-Cheyenne rail crew, who laugh at the rumors of steel monsters involved. Bumblebee overhears the news and reports it to the other Autobots as evidence of Decepticon activity. The others agree to begin searching for the Decepticons, but Ratchet opts not to reawaken Optimus Prime at this time.

At the Decepticons' desert base, Tobias overhears Starscream boasting of his true intentions: to steal a new coal-powered electric generator on the east coast, then use it to destroy Megatron and conquer the planet! Tobias flees to San Francisco, where he calls upon his girlfriend Kitty Merriweather and her investor father. Though the senior Merriweather is outraged at Tobias' return, his houseguest -- noted author Mark Twain -- asks to hear the tale...