The big piece of this volume centered around Roy’s investigation in Central. Most interesting enough is that the other homunculi, like Envy, are quick on his tail. Though how much the corruption in Central is seen with the framing of Maria Ross. As Armstrong points out, it was clear that she was deemed guilty before even getting a chance to talk. Her being a pawn sacrifice, it seems clear that the decision to burn her alive seems like an act of mercy. Allowing Maria to pass on without being used as a pawn. Still, you can understand the frustration of Ed because he is being treated like a kid.
Both Armstrong and Roy don’t tell him of Hughes’s passing. It is a reminder of how much of a burden they carry at such a young age. Unfortunately, the truth got out to both the Elric brothers and Winry. Of course, no surprise that Winry is crushed and why Al would not want to put others in harm’s way if it meant staying in the armored body. Still Hughes’s wife makes an excellent point in that her husband wanted to help the Elric Brothers because that is who he is. Stopping now would dishonor his death, and you know that courage is for her to say.
It looks like Roy is getting closer and closer to the truth regarding the military. But with the homunculi on their toes, I wonder how things will shape up.