Now...I know that it may seem silly to complain about this, but...
I did the turn in to Maligar, and long story short, I died. When I came back with a friend, I had him on track and then he despawned. I was very disappointed, because I would have to go all the way back to South Karana, then Unrest...THEN get completely LOST in Sol A for an hour before I find the Gnome, then travel way back to Unrest, then back to South Karana, and then back to West Karana to do Maligar again.
I blame myself for not coming prepared, but...geeze that's a long run!