Knock Out's smart enough to know when he's been cornered -- he doesn't like it, but he's invested in keeping his finish the way it is -- sans the ugly scratch Starscream's heel has left in his hood. Ugh. Doesn't he know there's a line?

He gives another nervous chuckle, inching back a few feet from Starscream once he's released. He doesn't like the idea of being in Starscream's debt -- whatever he might say about not owing him anything -- but he doesn't really see much choice right now.

"Of course, Commander Starscream. I'm...listening."