I have decided to keep Threepio on the Destroyer, necessitating a slight change to a preceding scene. The story continues:
…
The voice gives them landing coordinates and as they approach the city, they see a throng of people already gathering in the landing area. Chewie growls and Rey responds that their reputation must have preceded them. Ben says that he will need a disguise, since it would be a bad idea to reveal that the Supreme Leader yet survives. There is a scramble as Rey and Ben rummage through the crates in the Falcon’s hold for any sort of costume.
The crowd clamors in the city square, chants in an alien language filling the air. As if making an entrance, the ramp remains in place until the chant grows into a deafening shout. Finally it lowers, revealing Rey flanked by Chewie and Ben. Ben wears a poncho and a training helmet with the blast shield down. Over his shoulder is slung Chewie’s bandolier and on his hips is one of Han’s belts and blasters. The crowd is silent, apparently waiting for some sign from Rey. She hesitates. She sees their eyes on Luke’s saber at her side, its pieces locked together but still quite useless. She takes it from her belt and raises it in what she hopes is an inspiring manner. This is all the crowd needs, and it bursts into cheers and a path opens to allow her passage. Rey asks Chewie to stay with the ship, and he nods, giving Rey a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He tries to do the same to Ben, but he is already following Rey through the crowd. R2 bumps Chewie as he trundles after the duo and Chewie roars at him in annoyance. He moans forlornly as his friends disappear from view, turning away and closing the ramp behind him.
As they make their way through the crowd, Rey remarks that Threepio should have come along so he could translate the alien language. Ben says that the meaning is pretty clear even with his inability to see. Rey notices that there are several words in basic, such as ‘Skywalker’ and ‘Jedi’. As they make their way through the crowd they are joined by a human dressed in official-appearing robes. He introduces himself as the mayor of this town and offers to guide them wherever they need to go. Rey asks where they should be headed for transport to the castle, and Ben says to look for the big skull, she can’t miss it. Rey finally takes in the architecture of the city, noting how many of the buildings have elements that look like massive bones. In the distance a red-painted skull juts above the surrounding buildings, small skiffs issuing from its open jaw. Ben stumbles, almost toppling Rey as he grabs her for support. Helpful hands from the crowd help him to his feet. Any companion of Rey is a friend of theirs. The mayor leads them to a rickshaw and they emerge from the throng.