An interesting read, most certainly. I do like the fact that the stories in X-O have, for the most part, been independent - and closely following only Aric. The Unity background has been a part of the story - and certainly each side filled the other. But care has been taken in the scribing of the story to keep one outside of the other. And while the story picks up sort of from outside - it keeps track of a narrower set of people. Again an example of the cover not being at all close to the flow of the story. But what are we supposed to see? Aric behind a desk? I do like the art, again. Remember how sketchy much of it looked? It isn't Nord alone, but even with the switching, it still felt consistent. And how about the self-damage? A serious change to throw the dagger onto the arm, and then bring forth - even part of the armor. Most certainly the bond has been permanent, and interesting to see if or how the entire armor comes back from or to him. Hopefully the arc will wrap up in Unity 4 - but we shall see.