That's actually a good idea, and it makes a lot of sense if the Banuk will be involved (I can't wait to learn more about them when Frozen Wilds is released). It would also give a lot more freedom to the roleplay if they were already traveling to begin with, that way it wouldn't be a hassle to get them to meet up.
Btw, I've started working on the info tabs for the sign-up thread. I'm working on the machines first because they're one of the more complex topics.