Missing and Presumed Dead

Luke's Death

Leia had picked the stage for his fake death well.

The Ring of Kafrene.

If Ben were there, he'd probably make a comment about how the old mining outpost was a breeding ground for the scum and villainy that eventually made its way to Tatooine. He knew Han had been there at least a few times, the last being right before the ambush on the Mako-Ta Space Docks. The fact that Han Solo had willingly gone there to trade business spoke volumes in itself for the sort of place the Ring of Kafrene was.

There were plenty of ways one could legitimately die there. Plenty of battle hardened criminals lost their lives there on a daily basis. Though the population was largely full of traders, criminals and other shady individuals, the outpost was controlled by the Imperials.

If he wanted his death to quickly spread to both the Rebellion and the Empire, this would be the place to do it.

But what else could he expect from Leia Organa? Once she got an idea in her head, she planned it thoroughly, and she planned it well. It was sort of scary how smart she was, and as he, Leia and Wedge pushed their way through winding, narrow alleys stuffed full of beings from all over the galaxy, he made a mental note to never get on her bad side.

"Lot of Imps wandering around," Wedge grumbled quietly as Luke and Leia casually ducked their faces as two patrolling stormtroopers pushed past them. Luke suddenly had the horrible image of one of them recognizing him and calling Vader here, ruining their plans.

"Act casual and we'll be fine," Leia replied coolly as they passed a street vendor. They were selling something smelling of charred meat and spices; the smoke hit Luke's face, giving him a good whiff of it, and his stomach churned with hunger. "Over here."

Leia ducked into a doorway so small that if Chewie had been with them, he would've had to stoop halfway over and squeeze through. Luke and Leia had no problem, short as they both were, but Wedge had to duck his head to keep from hitting the top of the frame.

It was a tiny cantina, with little to no ventilation, so Luke was instantly hit with the putrid smell of musky, unwashed bodies of the various beings in the crowded room, mixed with the smell of strong liquor. He instantly wished he could go back outside and look at what the food vendor was selling again.

"This totally looks like a credible establishment," Wedge commented sarcastically, a little too loudly. One of the patrons at the bar shot him a dark look over their shoulder before going back to their drink.

"Take it from me, Wedge." Luke replied quietly as they followed Leia to a group of Weequay's taking up a booth in the corner, "Don't draw attention to yourself if you don't want to get shot."

"I know that. I'm surprised you do." Wedge grinned, nudging him playfully.

Luke managed a strained smile, and Wedge's expression fell. "Let's just say I have more experience than I'd like." He recalled Leia's comment about his innocence, and the last time he'd visited a cantina with Han. He'd literally told the smuggler he preferred milk and, well, Han had laughed himself hoarse. He suspected Wedge might never let him live it down if Luke told him that, so he decided to avoid the topic.

They stopped at the booth of Weequays, and Leia slid easily into an empty spot as if she owned the place.

"Good evening, gentlemen."

Leia smiled, though her dark eyes were hard. Luke and Wedge didn't sit with her, but instead took up defensive positions nearby. If this deal were to go bad and the smugglers were to attack, they would need to be ready. Just because Leia had orchestrated this trade to frame his death, didn't mean that it wasn't legitimately dangerous for all three of them.