Knock Out didn't so much move as surged down to her eye level with astonishing speed, his platelets clicking into new formations to support the movement, hands braced on the dirty factory floor so they were very nearly face to face once again.

"Don't," he bristled, his voice unyielding. The dozens of tiny red lenses that made up his optics were clearly visible from this distance, focused on her intensely. "Do not blame yourself for being frightened. For acting based on experience. You have nothing to apologize for."