In which the clones adopt Ezra as the new 'little one', the Star Destroyer is changed to a republic cruiser but they end up blowing it up. Naturally.

There had been a great reunion over the holoprojector as the Ghost crew was ecstatic to see their youngest member but worried out of their minds. There were the basic questions of 'what happened' and 'are you hurt', quickly followed by the lecture of 'what were you thinking' and 'do you know how worried we were'. Ezra took the lecture rather well, Ahsoka noted, as he explained how he had gotten trapped by the Inquisitors and ended up on the Star Destroyer. Ahsoka jumped in to explain the rest of the story in regards to attacking the ship and mentioned that Ezra had been injured but he was all fine and there wasn't anything serious to worry about. Then Kanan brought up the golden question; "Where are you now?"

Ezra blanched, glancing at Ahsoka. The Togruta gave him a comforting smile. "We are currently on the Star Destroyer."

There was silence from the other end as Ahsoka received for confused stares. Chopper broke the silence with a warbling laugh as Kanan exploded. "What!"

'And there it is.' Ezra winced, glancing at Ahsoka again, who folded one leg underneath her, repositioned the holoprojector to sit on a nearby table and explained that while they had attacked the Star Destroyer, they'd also captured it. Hera looked mildly impressed. "You took control of a Star Destroyer without destroying it. My question is why?"

Ahsoka smiled. "In all honesty, you'll have to wait for that to be answered. Now, Kanan, I know you're worried about Ezra being around the clones."

The Jedi had the decency to blush. "Sorry Ahsoka. I know you trust them."

Ahsoka held up a hand. "You have a reason to be unsure and I have a proposal to give you until we arrive back with Phoenix home."

Kanan shared a look like Hera; neither obviously happy to have to wait that long to see the youngest member of their crew, before glancing back to Zeb and Sabine. "We're listening."

"Ezra will be 'placed', and I mean this in light terms," She added to the teenager seated next to her, "in the company of Rex. Rex understands where your problems arise and he is in the position to keep Ezra safe. However, Ezra will still have to interact with the other clones; I'm afraid there isn't really another way on a ship this large and with his leg injured."

Kanan immediately paused to think over the proposal, while Hera was already nodded in agreement. The Twi'lek placed a hand on Kanan's shoulder. "You trust Rex, right?"

"Yes…"

"And you trust Ahsoka," Sabine added.

"It's not like the kid will be able to give him the slip," Zeb muttered. "That clone's observant."

Ezra looked mildly put off. "I don't get a say in this?"

Ahsoka nudged him to keep him quiet before sending him a smile. "Just wait."

Kanan finally folded his arms. "I want nightly updates."

"Of course,"

"And Rex has to brief the other clones."

"I'm sure he, Wolffe and Gregor are or have already done so." Ahsoka shrugged. "The majority of the clones here were more worried about injuring me than annoying the Empire. I'm positive Ezra couldn't be anywhere safer."

Hera rested a hand on Kanan's shoulder. "Take the proposal, love. Commander Sato mentioned something like this to me and with the resources we currently have, we'd be dead in space if we tried to make it to their quadrant."

"I'm not happy about this." Kanan stated, ignoring Zeb's snort and Sabine's, "Of course you're not."

Ahsoka gave a soft laugh. "Don't worry, Kanan. It'll be only three or four standard rotations before we are able to return. The 501st are already disabling any tracking signals or technologies on the ship so that the Empire can't track us and we'll just travel through a few systems to make sure no trace can be followed. Other than that, there shouldn't be any problems and that includes fighting."

Hera smiled. "Thank you, Ahsoka. We'll see you back at Phoenix home." The Twi'lek flicked off the holoprojector, interrupting a tangent from Kanan. Ezra frowned. "Rex is going to be stuck babysitting me?"

"Of course not." Ahsoka snorted, standing up. "Rex will be with you when Kanan calls each night. But you will have to have at least one of the clones nearby. You are injured, after all. Now, tour?"

Ahsoka turned out to be a rather fun person to be around when she didn't have to act mature. She pushed the wheelchair Ezra was placed in, at a light jog, often veering towards walls when turning corners, while the young Padawan gripped Echo the Loth cat tightly and laughed at the strange tour. Most of the clones they passed simply moved out of the way and then carried on with whatever they were doing, not even giving the two a second look. When questioned, Ahsoka simply said that they were used to it.

Ezra had been on a Star Destroyer before, well more than once, but he'd never been able to actually explore it. Of course, one could only see so much crawling through air vents or sprinting to find a lost friend, so naturally he was excited to see as much as possible. Rex was on the bridge with three other clones when Ahsoka finally brought him in and Commander Sato turned to glare at them through the holoprojector. "You hijacked a Star Destroyer."

The 501st had the decency to look rather sheepish but Rex gave Ezra a wink and the clone standing at the scanner (whom Ezra found out later to be named Rookie) was suppressing silent laughter. Sadly he wasn't doing a very good job at it.

Ahsoka simply crossed her arms. "Yes, we did. You gave us permission to stir up anger within the Empire and help other rebellions rise against them. We're currently doing it."

"How is stealing a Star Destroyer going to help the cause?"

"It's quite simple, actually," Ahsoka answered. "Star Destroyers represent fear; everyone's aware of this. As does the Empire. We're going to break that representation down."

There was a long moment of silence, before Commander Sato let out a long sigh and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Senator Organa warned me that this would happen. I had hoped otherwise." He drew himself up. "I hope you know what you're doing."

The holoprojector flicked away and Rex shot a glare at Ahsoka. "I thought you said that the commander knew what we'd be doing."

The Togruta blinked innocently. "I lied."

Rex shook his head, wandering over to Rookie to check the scanners. Hawk approached. "Commander, we're ready to begin our jumps. Permission?"

"Of course." Ahsoka smiled, walking over to Ezra. "Sorry, you'll have to return to the medical bay."

Ezra pouted, causing another round of snickers, before Kix wheeled him down the hallway. Ahsoka bent down, picking up Echo, before turning to Rex. "I'm going to rest. Let me know if anything abnormal happens?"

"Of course, Commander." Rex agreed and the Togruta left the room. Rex waited until he was sure she was out of earshot, before grinning. "Who's got the paint?"

Ahsoka met up with them all again in the canteen. Standing in the doorway, she couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face as the clones welcome Ezra with the gusto and humour she had long been used to. The young Padawan was seated by Nax, laughing away as Zeer and Hawk described one of the many missions the 501st had been on; the craziness that the general that led them possessed and the sheer stubbornness the three Jedi had together. Ahsoka liked to look back on her past from time to time. While there were many memories that she disliked (being expelled from the Order was definitely one), there were still many that made her smile.

"Commander Tano!"

Raising her head, she greeted a waving Boomer with a smile. "Yes?"

"Kix said that if we saw you, we had to make sure you ate something." The clone explained, waving her over. Ahsoka's smile widened and she sank into the seat next to him. "Did he now?"

Rex slid a tray towards her, keeping a sideways glance focused on Ezra. "I hate to inform you, Commander, but you've lost your status as the 'little one of the 501st'."

"I'm not that little anymore, Rex." Ahsoka pointed out, biting down on the meat given to her. "I think I may have lost that title a while ago."

Rex nodded at the point, causing Boomer to speak up. "We'll need to get you a new nickname."

The clones that heard the statement nodded in agreement, causing Ahsoka to roll her eyes. "I'm sure that's something we can work out at a later date. What's the status of our jumps?"

"We've just finishing our third," Rookie supplied. "There are two more before we're entirely confident that we won't lead the Empire back to Phoenix Home in any way."

Ahsoka blinked, frowning. "I didn't realise I'd been asleep for that long."

"They were small jumps," Rookie offered.

"And Kix said you needed it." The glare Rex sent told Ahsoka that they all had worked out that she hadn't been sleeping properly. Her Lekku stripes flushed darker. "I didn't want us to not be prepared."

Rex arched an eyebrow but Cody spoke first. "Have you found anything new out?"

Is there any new information about Anakin?

The question hung in the air heavily. Ezra looked confused. "Anything new about what?"

"The Sith Lord." Ahsoka assured him. "We're in charge of gaining information on him."

The boy nodded, accepting the explanation, as was drawn back into another story, this time by Joc and Boro. Ahsoka turned back to Cody. "Nothing new; just what we've always known."

"Well that's frustrating."

"But also to be expected." Rex countered.

"It's got to be one of the most closely guarded secrets in the Empire anyway." Ahsoka agreed. "Between Him and the Inquisitors, not much information gets out and even less gets passed around. Has Bly and Cody planned anything else?"

Rex shrugged. "They said they have a few ideas that would work but nothing too concrete yet."

"Would everyone please be aware that we are beginning our fourth run into hyperspace. If you feel the need to throw up, please find the closest Buckethead office." Boro's voice echoed throughout the Star Destroyer, rising a few laughs from his brothers. Rex stood. "Okay you lot; dinner's over. We need to complete one more sweep of the ship before our final jump then be prepared for the rebel docking."

As the clones began to groan at the thought of having to go back to work, and began to slowly shuffle out of the room, Ezra leant over to Ahsoka. "Is the rebellion planning on making this the new base?"

Ahsoka shook her head. "Not really, no. It's more of a temporary storage facility and will help us move through Imperial space undetected if absolutely necessary. Hera and Commander Sato are still researching to find an appropriate base."

The Lothal child nodded in agreement, before turning to greet Coric. "Back to the medical bay?"

"Sadly." Coric snickered. "The final two jumps are short; not even a full rotation. Commander Bly said that everything needs to be in position for the emergence into Phoenix Home."

Ahsoka pushed herself up, balancing the tray neatly in one hand. "If that's the case, I'm going to the bridge to keep an eye on things. Ezra, do try to avoid annoying Kix." She smirked. "He's rather handy with a syringe."

The 501st was both famous and infamous in regards of luck. Yes, they got through nearly all the battles they were involved in and had one of the best track records in terms of survival. However that didn't mean there were never any casualties. So, when they finished their final jump and emerged to see Phoenix Home under attack, the clones couldn't help a groan and a mumble of "Typical."

There were three Star Destroyers and several dozen TIE fighters focused in on the large ship that the rebellion currently called home. Ahsoka, from her spot at the bridge, could see the Ghost darting in and out of the fray, several fighters accompanying their crazy flight, while TIEs whistled past, trying to keep up.

There was no need for the order to be given. The moment everyone had taken in the scene in front of them, Kano was directing clones into the fighters they had and the few TIEs that were spared to immediately aid wherever possible. Gregor had grabbed Del and Nax and the three were hurried to the cannons to take out whatever was in their way while Hawk, Bly and Cody immediately gave up on the 'we're on your side, don't shoot' strategy they had originally agreed on towards the Imperials, and immediately turned the Star Destroyer, which someone had actually painted the large symbol of the republic on the side at some point during their stops, towards the three other destroyers and gave all permission to fire.

Ahsoka couldn't help but fondly roll her eyes, before she turned to Rookie. "Could you please get in contact with Commander Sato?"

"Not a problem at all." Rookie replied, fingers flying over the computer. The doors to the bridge opened and Kix directed Ezra in.

"Hope you don't mind." The medic called. "Kano's getting anyone and everyone ready for the fight and that includes me."

Ahsoka waved a hand dismissively. "Have fun. Keep the comms open; our goal is to get Phoenix Home out as soon as possible. We're about to coordinate with Commander Sato and will send the coordinates for the hyperspace jump as soon as we get them."

Kix gave a salute before winking at Ezra and sprinting off. Ezra took one look outside and paused. "I thought we were avoiding the Empire."

Ahsoka shrugged. "Chance of plans." She handed him her holoprojector. "Let Kanan and Hera know that we've arrived and that you're completely safe."

Ezra fingered the device in his hands nervously. "You know they'll probably send the Phantom to pick me up right?"

"Yes, that is a possibility." Ahsoka agreed. "But it's probably going to be a good idea considering the way the battle seems to be going."

She directed the teenager towards one of the chairs, before marching back to the bridge. "Rookie, keep all scanners open. Is the comm link with the fighters on?"

"Yep, I just finished them. As of right now, they'll be able to hear everything."

Ahsoka crossed her arms. "Okay, Gregor, Del, Nax; I want you to focus all your fire on the TIEs. Do try to avoid our own members please. Commander Bly, Commander Cody, Hawk; how are we going with the destroyers?"

"We've managed to get some TIEs from Kano." Hawk answered. "From what we can tell, most of the power on the Star Destroyers is focused on cannons and attacking so we should be able to get the TIEs in the right place in order to take them down."

"Have fun with that." Ahsoka couldn't help laughing. "Rex, is everything ready to be moved?"

"Yes, we'll be able to get off in a few minutes. Is the Phantom going to be docking?"

Ahsoka glanced over her shoulder at Ezra, who was in a heated conversation with Sabine. "I'm not sure at the moment. I will handle getting Ezra off the Destroyer. Is my ship still in the hangar?"

"Yes." Kano answered.

"Good. I'll see you in a few minutes."

Rookie looked surprised. "Ah, Commander Tano, I don't think that's the best of ideas."

"No it's probably not," Ahsoka agreed cheerily. "But if Vader's among them, my presence on the battlefield will give you time to help Phoenix Home jump so it's the best one I've got right now."

"I agree with Rookie, Commander," Kano protested but Ahsoka ignored him, placing a hand on Ezra's shoulder and looking at the figure of Sabine.

"Hello, Sabine. We're more than likely going to end up crashing or destroying the ship we're currently on. The clones and I will hold off the Imperials; tell Hera to instruct Phoenix Home to jump. If Kanan wants to dock here to get Ezra, he has about five minutes of safe time to do so."

The artist paused, leaning out of the holoprojector, obviously to relay the message to Hera. A moment later, the holo changed, now displaying Hera in the pilot seat, still focused on the battle.

"Ahsoka, I agree with your idea. I'm going to call a 'fall back' to the rest of Phoenix squad. Get Ezra out, okay?"

The Twi'lek vanished before Ahsoka even had time to reply and she shrugged, looking up at the only clone left on the bridge. "Rookie, don't worry about contacting Sato. I want you to relay to everyone on this vessel that if they're not off in six minutes, they're going to experience a rather large explosion. Everyone has to be off at a maximum of four minutes. Ezra, you're with me."

The teenager stood, looking confused, while Rookie nodded, abandoning his call to Commander Sato and instead focusing on Gregor. "Why?"

Ahsoka tilted her head as she led the way towards the hangar. "Hera tells me you're a good shoot and I may need a gunner considering the mess outside."

"You're going to let me shoot for you?" Ezra summarised, still looking very confused but somewhat excited.

"Of course." Ahsoka replied and then smiled. "Kanan might try to kill me for doing so but it's probably safer than staying around here."

Ezra regretted his decision very quickly. Kano greeted them at the hangar bay, barking orders over his shoulder and gesturing towards Ahsoka's ship. The clone was gone quickly, watching over the evacuation, while Ahsoka helped Ezra into the gunner seat. She grinned. "Remember to hit the Imperials only."

Ezra snorted. "Naturally."

But the second they were in the battle, Ezra wondered if he could even keep up with Ahsoka. He'd heard from Rex that the Togruta was an insanely good pilot (the clone had been more than happy to share as many stories about the Clone Wars as Ezra wanted), but he hadn't properly realised that Ahsoka was an insanely good pilot. She was able to weave and dodge her way through the thick of the fight; barely leaving Ezra any time to catch up to what she was doing, let alone her enemies. After a few moments of stunned surprise, Ezra kicked his head into gear and turned the gun towards an approaching TIE, firing.

"Nice shot, Ezra." Ahsoka called over the comms. "Now, here's a challenge for you. See those TIEs heading for Phoenix home?"

"The ones that are firing at it?" Ezra responded sarcastically.

Unlike Kanan, who appreciated Ezra's sarcastic banter in nearly all scenarios, unless it was severely uncalled for, Ahsoka completely brushed off his response, acting as though he'd simply said 'yes'.

"Let's see if you can shoot them."

The Ghost joined their offensive quickly and Ezra paused to wave at Sabine, who'd taken the top turrets. The artist fondly rolled her eyes back with a smile and Ezra felt Ahsoka dive under the Ghost, speeding off to the side before turning the craft on its side, giving Ezra easy pickings of the TIEs who'd finished one wave of attacks and were heading back for another.

"Phoenix home to Phoenix squad!" Commander Sato's voice emitted from the comms. "Coordinates set. Prepare to jump."

"Sorry, Ezra. Fun's over."

"We barely got to do anything." Ezra protested. Ahsoka laughed. "Look behind you."

Confused as to why she wanted him to do that, Ezra spun in his seat to face the three Star Destroyers. Mere moments before the world became a familiar blue, he watched with stunned satisfaction as the stolen Star Destroyer turned Republic Cruiser acted as a battering ram, hitting the outer-most Destroyer, forcing it into the other two.

"Did the clones get off in time?" Ezra asked hurriedly.

"Don't worry. They were off about a minute ago. They'll be the last to jump." Ahoksa replied, leaning back in her chair. "The jump won't take too long, so take the time to contact the Ghost."

Ezra did as she said, watching as Kanan and Hera appeared on the holoprojector. Hera greeted him with a warm smile while Kanan still looked rather on edge.

"Hey guys."

"Ezra," Hera replied. "How did everything go on your end? No causalities?"

"Everything's fine here." Ezra reassured them. "Where do you want me to meet you guys?"

Ahsoka flicked off the internal commlinks with a smile, before turning to her own holoprojector. "Well, Rex, how did it go?"

"We lost the Destroyer." Commander Cody pointed out. "But we did manage to salvage some confidential Imperial plans from it, so it's not a complete loss."

Commander Bly continued. "There were no casualties. Ross reported that a TIE damaged a few ships but nothing too drastic or life threatening."

Ahsoka rested her cheek against her hand. "So, overall, we accomplished the goal only to blow it up."

Rex was the one to replying, shrugging. "I don't know, Commander. That seems pretty normal to me."

"What's the next plan?" Ahsoka asked. Bly and Cody shared a glance. "I think a few of the men may have some ideas but currently nothing concrete. When we regroup at Phoenix home, we'll begin devising some new tactics."

Ahsoka gave them a nod, before switching her holo off. As she watched the blueness of hyperspace give way to the sight of several planets and moons, she couldn't help but smile. The Empire took so much from everyone that she knew. It was only natural that they would get their dues at some point, right?

Okay, I don't really have an excuse as to why this took so long. I had been working on planning another story of mine and that combined with life, uni and that season finale got me a bit distracted.

Anyway, speaking of season finale, that was brilliant. If anyone can find where I can get the music for the battle between Vader and Ahsoka, please let me know because it's amazing. Everyone I know that's involved with Star Wars Rebels has been freaking out over the fight but I keep getting stuck on Maul's nickname for Ahsoka. 'Lady Tano'. Now, I want to story behind that, please.

Anyway, I'm happy to take suggestions for what you'd like to see the 501st do. The next few chapters are planned but I'm happy to keep going for as long as people have ideas.

I just realised that I haven't placed a disclaimer yet and I felt it would be rather obvious but I only own the story line and plot. The characters have their own lives - I just borrow them.