AN: Not yet an official entry in the next TF: Animated LJ drabble contest because the theme isn't official yet. But the bunny hit and I had to write. Prowl may be a bit out OOC here but eh, it's the thought that counts. Inspired by the G1 repaint contest Mr. Optimus Prime sponsored.

New Duds

He stood in front of the mirror, he couldn't remember the last time he'd done that, mirrors being rather scarce on the Ark, and studied his new Earth mode. Serendipitously, he'd kept his original gold and black colors and his shape was rather close to his original form, but for some reason he wasn't pleased with the makeover. Maybe the colors weren't a lucky break; maybe he needed a change.

He turned and studied his back, pausing to make sure the door to this room, the humans called it a restroom even though there weren't any beds or recharge berths present, was shut and held closed by a piece of debris he'd found in the corner. A quick spin in front of the mirror and a pose later, the motorcycle shaped mech decided to do a quick Internet search for color options.

He studied hundred of pictures in a split second and realized that gold and black was not a conventional color for police vehicles. There were many different color combinations but black and white seemed to be the most common. He rather liked the stark contrast and it reminded him of another mech who always looked stunning in those colors.

A slow smile eased the stern expression and Prowl made the decision. He found a picture that fit his mode in a color scheme that was quite attractive and loaded the image into his memory core.

Seconds later he was ghosting his way through the corridors of the old manufacturing plant towards Ratchet's makeshift med bay where the old medic had moved their alt mode scanner for easier access. A quick glance around showed that the medic was not present and Prowl hurried over to the device. He loaded the scan into it and activated the timer and stepped inside.

Seconds later, a black and white version of Prowl emerged, sparkling in the artificial light. Glancing at his chest, he noticed that the scanner had included all the decals of the Highway Patrol department the picture had come from. Well, that couldn't be helped and it looked rather impressive, he thought.

"What the slag?" A rumbling voice shocked him and he spun around to face Ratchet. "I thought I heard the scanner activated." Ratchet hid his mouth with his hand, hiding his expression from Prowl. "Very sharp," the medic said, his voice muffled by his hand.

"Thank you," Prowl answered. "I felt like I needed a change."

Ratchet cocked his head to the side. "You do realize that you stand out like a an emergency beacon which, I gather, is the whole point of police vehicles being painted in bright colors and paint schemes that don't blend in. They need to be seen."

Prowl's mouth dropped open. "Not good for a stealthy ninja bot, huh?"

Ratchet shook his head and smiled sympathetically at the younger mech.

Prowl's shoulders drooped and he slumped back to the scanner. "I liked it so much, too," he mumbled.

"Wait," Ratchet said, grabbing Prowl's arm. "You can keep it for a while. Your original colors are programmed in, you can change back anytime you want."

Prowl brightened. "I want to see what the others think," he said and practically ran from the med bay.