Hmm...I think that Randy must be a fellow soldier, or a guy from the water works incident. Those are the only two plot-meaningful instances in my opinion. In fact, I'd almost forgotten about that entirely....(must go re-listen to those chapters)

Slow turners...yes, this could explain the vomitting of Lizzy, Pegs, and what was starting to happen to Victor. It that's the case, then it will be a very tough execution when the time comes.

Now, I can't remember but has anyone been killed as a human? With the exception of the Mallers? It could be that they are all already infected and the sicker or weaker you are the "faster" it affects you? (I guess this would be part of the "slow turner" theory." What I mean to say is: did any of the Mallers who were killed "as humans" get up after a while as one of "them"? (I can't remember if this was mentioned or not....like I said, I will definitely have to re-listen to these earlier chapters). If they did, then this would mean that everyone is infected and perhaps the level of damage to their bodies (including malnutrition, injury, or even the common cold and things like that) is what speeds the transformation up? or am I just shooting in the dark??