Tristan had already visited several different occupied planets since he arrived in the Red Ocean.
There was no direct transit route between Bridgehead One and Davute.
In order to reach the latter, Tristan first had to board a passenger liner that brought him to the Vulit Star Node.
There, he did not choose to take the next available ride to Pellysa, but stayed in Vulit for a week in order to tour one of the most important human trading hubs in the Red Ocean.
The Journeyman from the Friday Coalition quickly became overwhelmed by the excitement and optimism of the people that chose to seek their fortunes in the new frontier!
He encountered immigrants who originated from the galactic center.
He participated in a mech design tournament that caused him to lose badly due to his rusty design skills and lack of practice.