Apparently the preacher's wife belongs to the "if I say something inscrutable people will think I'm wise" school of religion and philosophy. Either that or I'm dumber than even I thought I was.

I'm all rearing up a whole big post on parallels to earlier times and glance up and read E's comments, as I often forget to do at first, and with a skewed grimace delete it all slowly and deliberately.

On the bright side I googled 'slow grimace' and they are all, every one, priceless.

I don't remember that conversation (got link?) but the best line in today's strip is, "Suppose we're the monsters".

Speaking of parallels, there is also another minor one, isn't there?
Whit's line: "Is it always going to be like this?"
And Phobos on episode two: http://westwardcomic.com/comic.php?itemid=509 - "Take heart Lamont. It will not always be like this"

Seems like Lamont and Whit hold similar thoughts and worries in regards to Westward's little trip through the galaxy. Though considering his internal monologue a few strips later - http://westwardcomic.com/comic.php?itemid=512 - Lamont has a more pessimist view of the big picture. Or more optimist, I'm not sure which...

Homunclus: *clap clap clap* That was a very subtle parallel that I wasn't sure anyone would pick up on. In panel two, Whit and Billy both say things that speak to Lamont's influence in their lives.

When Lamont asked the question, "Is it always going to be like this?," he was wondering if humanity would always stumble through space like infants—but (as you pointed out) he also feared the passing of that phase. Whit is wondering if life will always be so narrow and restrictive—if she'll always be at home, watching her man disappear over the horizon.

What Whit's friend is saying does make sense, though you're seeing into a private dialogue you haven't been privy to before. She's paraphrasing a Proverb to try to diffuse Whit's anger. Sometimes men are harsh because their insecurities override their empathy. But on the other hand, she's acknowledging that Whit has good reason to be offended.

@ James: It's from the very start of Westward -- the 12th page, to be exact. http://westwardcomic.com/comic.php?itemid=12

Li'l Robert just gained +10 Awesome Points in my book. :P

I'd never figure out subtle connections like Homunclus -- but thanks for those links! By reading through them I finally figured out what Ghost!Rex meant when talking to Rosemary about Purgatory! :P I'm, uh, just a bit slow sometimes. (Also this somewhat changes my understanding of the order in which events were happening and oh gosh my head)

Oops, I meant 8th page. Curse you, confusing hyperlink! I bet extra-dimensional ghosts never have these problems.

Whit is wondering if life will always be so narrow and restrictive—if she'll always be at home, watching her man disappear over the horizon.

That makes sense. I had interpreted the line to be less personal and more generalist. I thought it was meant to express concern over the fate of the colony and uncertain in the future. Since they, you know, are stuck on a planet likely filled with giant carnivorous and quite possibly electrical...worms, I'm gonna say worms.

I'd never figure out subtle connections like Homunclus -- but thanks for those links!

It's easier to connect the dots when you have read through the whole series recently. Problem with these stories that span over years is that you tend to forget stuff that happened earlier. Plus, this was one of those ominous Phobos-like lines that kinda got stuck in my head

Wait, let me go through the archives -- who's Phobos?

He's the one who would look great with a beard ;)

Who doesn't look great with a beard?

I'm told I don't. Which sucks cause shaving is such a pain in the ass ;(

Count your blessings. I turn 30 this summer and still can't grow a proper beard.