Unit

Origin

Unit’s alien creators had technology that gave them peace and calm in the chaos of existence. Since they where all immortal this state would continue forever. They, in effect, had Heaven. Yet one amongst them noticed a pertinent fact: They might have Heaven, but the rest of the universe had Hell. So they offered charity to those who accepted it; but there was a fault in this action, as those who did not accept their charity would eventually hurt those who did. They could not create Heaven for everyone else without eliminating those who wished to undo it. Thought to be a sad but necessary step, Unit was created. A Unit would be placed on a planet, his species would then leave, and would talk to the life on that planet. By the time Unit’s creators returned the species would be pacified. This course of action went well for a few thousand years, but eventually resulted in a coalition of people united against Unit’s people. His creators where defeated and their empire of peace was destroyed. Unit is the sole remaining artifact of that mission. Unit says he would do anything to revive and achieve his people’s goals, but to ensure against failure he will take his time.

Creation

Unit was created by Kieron Gillen and artist Steven Sanders and first appeared in S.W.O.R.D. #1.

Major Story Arcs

S.W.O.R.D

When negotiations fail with the Drenx, the violent and barbaric species seek to take control of S.W.O.R.D. and seek the help of Unit to do it, in exchange for his freedom. Unit seems to cooperate, giving them a full-proof plan to take over S.W.O.R.D. Unit, though, secretly gives Brand and Beast warning of this plot, so they can come in and save the day. Before being defeated, one of the Drenx shuts off Unit’s subliminal field to help save him. Instead Unit shuts off the alien’s brain, therefore giving himself the opportunity to escape. Instead Beast is able to reactivate the field. When asked why he didn’t escape, and why he helped them, Unit says he enjoyed being advisor to such an important organization as S.W.O.R.D., and while he could have gained his freedom, he calculated his odds being better staying with S.W.O.R.D., a place he could one day better achieve his goals.

Uncanny X-Men

Unit escaped his containment on S.W.O.R.D. and landed on Earth. After a confrontation with the X-Men, he was placed in their brig. Unbeknownst to any of the X-Men he has control of Danger and also knows the true purpose of the Five Lights from Generation Hope; they were supposed to get the Phoenix Force rather than the five X-Men who got it.

Powers and Abilities

Unit’s particular powers appears to be the ability to talk – and through talking force people to do what he wants, turn off brain functions, and probably even kill. Only a subliminal field, which S.W.O.R.D. uses can keep Unit’s powers contained.