When you're new to the Rebellion, it's best not to make assumptions about anything…or anyone.

A/N: Officially, this is not part of the Synergy storyline, but it would fit nicely into that story-verse.

Private Lessons

Private Lesper plunked down at the mess table with a groan, his food tray skittering a little from his premature release of it onto the table. A moment later, another soldier gingerly settled beside him.

Across from them, Han Solo concealed a smirk behind his cup of caf. He remembered all too well his days at the Imperial Academy. The instructors they employed had seemed more interested in pounding the recruits into dust than in teaching them how to fight. The Alliance wasn't so bad; these recruits didn't even know how easy they had it here.

Unable to resist, Han taunted, "Moving a bit stiff, there, fellas."

The men blinked in surprise at the smuggler actually talking to them, but Private Lesper was too glad of the chance to complain to someone to let reticence hold him back. "You would be, too, if you'd had to deal with that so-called fighting instructor. I'm telling ya, Erso is crazy!"

Han chuckled. "Yeah, well, can't argue with that. What's your beef with her?"

Since Lesper's complaints weren't poorly received, Private N'gan decided to add his own grievances to the list. "She's nuts, that's what. She's all about 'do this', 'do it now', 'do it again', 'you're not doing it right' – I know how to throw a punch! Not likely that little harpy can teach me much."

Han took another swallow of his caf before responding. Kriff, these kids wouldn't last long if they couldn't handle a few training sessions. Even with Erso as the instructor. They had no idea how good they had it, or how lucky they were to be taught by one of the best Han had ever seen. Perhaps they needed some enlightening.

"Look, I'll tell you a secret." He jabbed a finger at them. "That 'harpy' may be small and she may be crazy, but if you do exactly what she tells you to do, when she tells you to do it, every time she tells you to do it, you just might survive this war. If you don't, well, once they let you out in the field, I won't plan on ever seeing you again."

Sullenly, Lesper asked, "What makes you think she's so great? I don't see that she's anything special."

Han shook his head in exasperation. "Kid, the things that you 'don't see' would fill a Star Destroyer. If you see an angry Wookiee, it's pretty obvious that it's dangerous to approach and risk that anger being directed at you. But people like Erso, well, she's deceptive, and she uses that to her advantage."

The two eyed him mutinously, so he continued. "Either of you ever seen her in a real fight?" They shook their heads and Han told them, "I have. Give her a truncheon and a blaster, and she'll take out an entire squad of stormtroopers all on her own. And if she doesn't have either or any weapon, she'll use whatever is at hand. I heard tell she took out three armed Spec Forces guys with only a shovel."

N'Gan looked skeptical. "I doubt that. Those Spec Forces guys are tough."

Han grinned. "Yeah, they are. Only, it was one of them that was telling the story, one of the guys that Erso decked. It's true." He took another swallow of caf and then added, "Trust me, she knows her stuff. Maybe you don't, but I got more sense than to get in front of her punches. Call it self-preservation or whatever you want."

The Private's closed expression made it clear he wasn't convinced, and resented the pilot backing Erso over him. Han just shrugged at him. "Think I'm wrong? Fine. Go challenge her to a full-on sparring match and show her how much you know. She'll have them carrying you off the mat before you can even register what hit you. And that's a fact, kid. Actually, if you're gonna to do that, you can do me a favor."

"A favor?" Lesper asked warily.

"Yeah. You two aren't the only ones on base who don't know about her – I can make a small fortune betting on the outcome. Be sure to let me know in advance so I can start taking wagers."

Han stood and, behind him at the next table, another man rose also, following the smuggler toward the entrance. He caught up with Solo in the doorway and they walked together down the hall. After a brief silence, the other man remarked, "Didn't expect to hear you standing up for Jyn and her training methods. You're not usually one for rousing pep talks."

Han grinned and turned to glance at his companion. "Yeah, well, consider it my public service for the day. I got a healthy respect for Erso's skills. If those rookies don't wake up, Erso will be the least of their problems, and she won't be able to save their necks when the trouble begins. Still, I guess some folks have to have a lesson beaten into them before they pay attention. Me, I'd rather skip all the unnecessary pain and suffering."

Bodhi laughed. "Well, okay. I won't give you away for the kindness. If they last a week it will have been worth it to keep your secret of being a nice guy."

"Watch it, Rook. I ain't that nice."

Bodhi raised his hands and backed away. "No, no, my mistake. Not nice at all. I misspoke!" He grinned again and moved away down a tangent hallway.

Han watched him go before moving on, lost in thought. It had been uncharacteristic for him to go on a rant like that and spout Rebel propaganda, but it was the truth. At least about Erso. He'd only heard snatches of her history, but he'd watched her when she was on his crew. If you spent enough time in the sleazy parts of the galaxy, you saw a lot of rough characters. Some were more talk and bluster than able to deliver on their threats. But some, like Erso, clearly knew how to stay alive at any cost. These Rebels may not like all of her methods, but they'd do well to pay attention. The Empire would never pull its punches; they could depend on that. Hell, he was half-tempted to sit in on her training classes himself. Any time he could walk away from a scrap uninjured or only slightly so, the better he liked it. Not that he'd ever let Erso find out he was trying to pick up tips. He'd never live that down.

The End

11-3-19

original characters: Privates Lesper and N'gan