After finally getting in here, and seeing 150+ posts, i can't really compose a good reply. Just far too much effort. So, i'm just gonna state my thoughts right here.

I think the stragglers that Tar and Brick are looking for are probably (for lack of a better term) slaves collected in the area. Think about it. They have goals. They don't wanna do all the hard work themselves, so they get some little forced helpers. Let's call them "The Maller's Little Helpers."

I don't think Lizzy's reaction has anything to do with finding the trader. I think she is just saying , "oh no," to the fact that tar said, "I doubt that. Oh look, here we are now..." and she realized it wasn't a strip mall. Her reaction is just the revelation that she knows she isn't where she thought she'd be.

Where could they be? LAX, i doubt it, how many entrances and glass walls are there in an airport? Far too many to cover. And how much ammo would you have to use up clearing a place like that out. And could you ever really be sure you got everywhere? The base. Hmm... maybe. Tar did nock Lizzy's ass out before the drive. She coulda been out for a couple of hours. But, if we're thinking longer range, what chances are there that they pick the same Fantasy Vacation Destination? How about the other Tower? They did want a Tower of their own.

And i whole heartedly disagree with the theory of the Mallers going to the Arena. How much of a chore would that have been to clear out? Weather or not the Maller's know it, they already went toe to toe w/ the Arena outside of the Tower and they got the funk outta there. Doubt they'd have the stamina/firepower to make it thru.

Ok, i'm done.

Oops, and Lizzy is pregos and i think that Scratch is gonna wanna trade Lizzy for Pegs.