Kansas may still be a bit far to work yet. New Mexico or Arizona would be better if you're going the ex-legion route. And it may seem like a short distance between someone who could run interference on you and yourself, but in reality it's maybe a good week's march if from the western border of New Mexico. So you're close enough to matter in the future, but far enough away it won't ever be relevant until after general introductions are finished. I'm in a situation where I get very extended "introductions".