326: Légion Impossible

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Dear Patrons,

Testing testing. “Subscribestar & P▓▓▓▓▓n.” Did the “redaction” work? I’m trying out a new effect here to fit the theme of current events. Interesting times we live in, eh? I sometimes wonder if my stories are flying a little too close to the sun, that art imitates life or life imitates art! 

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If the effect shows up on your reader, then yay! You’ll have a more immersive experience. To begin, I must prepare you. This update is a big one. Consider this one of those “State of the Union” type of newsletters, and one of my most important updates.

So here goes…

Firstly, I’ve made major changes to the index page with edits to the Nomenclatures of Butchery. For example, the the TAILLEUR CUT will refer to the full body and the PRAIRIE CUT refers to the full body without hands and feet, instead of “hoofless tailleur cut” to keep things simpler. Another major change; the SAFARI CUT has now replaced the MIDI CUT, a term for the torso cut at the elbows and knees. The MIDI CUT (or SKIRT/JUPE CUT) will now refer to the lower torso and thighs cut at the knees, formerly the CAPRI CUT, which now refer to the lower torso and legs cut below the knee at mid-calf instead. Confusing? I know. I get it. I plan to draw up a visual guide clear things. The outdated appellations will appear as notes in the entries so you will know what was the old term used before.

These major edits to the index page have reminded me that I’ve not tended to my garden for a while. While rushing to meet that 3x a month schedule I realized that that I’m not spending enough time actually drawing, writing and building my Forbidden Feast universe. I would have liked to really get into the stories, make more than a couple of passes, reading out loud to check for grammar, do my story research, making sure my stories are consistent to one another, maybe realizing I needed to add an extra drawing for a better experience. 

So what I’d like to do is to move towards a 2x a month schedule, with each newsletter filled with more value and carefully done content. This frees me up from being bogged down by the back-end prep work that comes with each update, such as compiling the artwork, formatting, coding, editing, managing subscriptions, posting on multiple platforms, social media etc., time better spent drawing, writing and immersing myself into the world I’ve built. This means, a-la-carte, the price of each update will movie higher to reflect the new value of each newsletter, which will be more or less $15-25 depending on the platform. DISCIPLE, APOSTLE and higher tiered members will actually still receive the same quality of content if not more. I will adjust the amount accordingly depending on what I feel the update is worth. For example, I’ve tagged this post’s worth at $25. And as each newsletter piles up, it also lowers the amount I have to send manually to those who may have missed them in the past. All in all, expect better quality updates such as this in the future.

Another piece of gardening I need to do is to manage projects supported by top-tier patrons (TETRARCH level and higher). Any requests I accept from now on, ideally, I’d like to add into the Forbidden Feast lore. I am flexible. But I want to tell stories too. If a patron comes to me with a single artwork request, I will almost always want to make a comic story about it. What was she like? How did she get there? How was she cooked? How did she taste? Did the bad guys get away? And most importantly, how does the scenario fit into this Forbidden Feast universe?

I’ve repeatedly used this analogy: consider me a film director and the patron an investor of a movie. Tell me what you like, not tell me what to do. Think of me as a psychiatrist (like Hannibal Lecter funny enough!) and lay out all your deepest desires on the table as I listen with 100% attention in the office. Then I will render my recommendations for effective therapy. Ideas will emerge where maybe I can find a way to fulfill your desires better in ways you didn’t even expect! And if that’s not for you, this way we can also find out early that I’m not the right kind of artist for you before we have committed too much time and money into the project. Allow me some space to surprise you! Simple as that! Some of my best works come out from this environment. 

So, here’s the exciting part. I have created the following “ZODIAC” system for TETRARCH, DIARCH, PATRIARCH members or higher. This will help me organize these sponsored projects better. The naming will be a decision made by me as it’s to help me keep track of each project and the corresponding backer. I’ve made an entry into the index page, about a special group of twelve, the Inner Circle of the Zodiac Dining Club! I may also combine commission requests but only if I feel that it doesn’t shortchange the supporter’s experience. So, ARIES, TAURUS, GEMINI, CANCER, LEO, VIRGO, LIBRA, SCORPIO, SAGITTARIUS, CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS and PISCES. I will message each one of you privately. These limited positions will remind me not to overextend myself while also signaling to anyone too if a spot opens up. When one patron leaves if they choose to pause their contribution for a while, another may take their symbolic place on the table. If you don’t see a symbol of the Zodiac mentioned in the list below, you will know there is space available for you and message me with a request.

Here’s the list:

• ARIES: LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE is dedicated in large part to this backer and the spirit of how I’d like to approach other stories in the future. The project that was once known as CALIPHATE will be now be a sub-section of this project. For example, LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE: CALIPHATE, and LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE: THE VANISHING TRIANGLE are two different but inter-connected stories. A new appellation has been created at the index page for the Impossible Legion.
• GEMINI: PAINTED BIRD IN LOST CARCOSA. This story has taken a life on its own so much that I realized the “Painted Bird” is a perfect candidate for one of curious female members in the DOE PATROL who has appeared in past stories!
• AQUARIUS: DOOMED RAIDER project which is very much alive and has taken a new life on its own. I’ve managed to unlock a special story idea that might be better than the original franchise while also seemingly getting some good general response from other DISCIPLE fans too. Attempting to try a comic book page style approach to this.
• CAPRICORN: MISSING IN JAPAN. It took a moment to figure out the heart of the story, but I’ve found it and have a very good vibe to its future. Not a lot I can share yet while I develop this story, other than this will be an ambitious new beginning and you will start to see some artworks being uploaded soon regarding this story.
• VIRGO: One of my silent backers who doesn’t ask for much, only that my work is appreciated. I have a project in mind which is still in the early stages and I’m rather excited about it as it is quite ambitious especially seeing if I can absorb that story into one of the existing projects. I do not want to reveal too much until I’m sure, other than that it features lots of torsos, ie. Maillot Cuts and Romper Cuts, and maybe corsets etc.
• SCORPIO: KONGREGATSIYA: LADY ON A TRAIN, which exudes pure Russo-Euro Scorpio James Bond-style spycraft energy.
• LEO: A very helpful backer behind the scenes. I will admit that the request is a little challenging but I may have found an avenue most recently with the creation of the LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE storylines with a possibility to be included in MISSING IN JAPAN.
• PISCES: Plenty of overlap where I may pivot the DOOMED RAIDER project a little with this one, which is good news for both backers, which means I can work on this storyline at double the speed and double the priority!
• SAGITTARIUS: Always supportive and doesn’t ask for much other than that I finish some of the requested one-off black and white loose sketches at the end of each update that I’ve left hanging. Very helpful with that kill 2 bird with one stone approach. 
• LIBRA: A slightly challenging request at first but I may have found a good placement for this story will be MISSING IN JAPAN story which is a catch all project for the trickier subjects that are a little out of my wheelhouse.
• CANCER: A spot usually reserved for short-term project backers as a little bit of an inside joke due of the connotation of the symbol. “Cancer” is usually the “Kenny” in South Park or Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor in Harry Potter around these parts. Backed a short term celebrity-themed project which I will absorb into the HALL OF FAME storyline.
• Finally, to complete the Circle, I will take my own symbolic place as TAURUS, custodian of this place and the overseer of the dark table of twelve, to remind me that I am also my own customer, with my own ideas in consideration to the rest of my patrons, the DISCIPLES. This will reference various sketches and ideas that I sometimes I play around and develop in the background. This represents projects are currently not backed or those that are pet projects of which I’d love to have the opportunity to develop further. Projects like LAST DAYS OF WINTER, XANADU, FRUIT BASKET KILLER, OCCULTI VATICANI: CLAUSI CUM CLAVE, MERMAID, MOVEABLE FEAST, TOURIST, MAUSOLEUM, FEMINIST FEMICIDE, AGONY OF DEFEAT awaiting to be picked up are examples.

As I’ve run out of Zodiac spots, just in time too actually, here are some APOSTLE members (not those who are at this tier who request past newsletters) who have made “nudges” where I cannot make full guarantees. I will still provide a designate but symbols of the planets.

• SATURN: a long-time APOSTLE tier member who made suggestions for live subjects and the more viscera/gutting scenes for quite some time now, it seems like your seeds have begun to bear fruit over time.
• NEPTUNE: provided a bump to expand on the TOURIST project, which might see itself absorbed as a side-story of the LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE project. Noted. And we’ll see where this goes next!

If anyone would like to be added or removed, let me know. 

As you can see, the Forbidden Feast project is ambitious, involving many timelines, characters & story threads, where I could easily be blamed for open more doors than I can close them, Like George RR Martin not finishing The Winds of Winter. Perhaps sometime in the future, AI could help me. But with so many other spaces doing that right now, I want to make this site a refuge from the AI storm that rages outside, an oasis where human hands and imagination still reign, free from data center thinking, raging against the dying light, until maybe one day… well when that day comes when I am forced to evolve my methods. Till then, you’ll hear from me. Thanks for understanding and sticking with me, dear patrons.

This has been quite the lengthy blog post and I hope this shows the level of my commitment to this website, my art, my stories, and to you, my patrons, and encourage you that I still have plenty of ideas! Oh wow and with a bit of Feb 14 still left, perhaps already gone by the time you read this, I send my love to everyone especially to the lovely ladies on our platters for they has provided so much to the hungry! I appreciate you all.

Now on to the show.

To mark a new era, you will find that this update is jam-packed with more artwork than ever, and done with a lot of care and detail with a story you’d not want to miss! Today, we take you on an easter-egg hunt, my attempt at a John Le Carré, style world of political espionage filled with code-speak, leaked intelligence memos, intercepted emails, revealing clues to a larger hidden plot. (Sounds quite familiar, doesn’t it?) Within, there are almost 3 different stories, like in those Escape Room puzzles, you are encouraged to pay attention to the detail and seek the connections. 

I present to you, LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE. (yes, a play on Mission Impossible) Those stories that was once known as CALIPHATE, DEVIANTS OF ANOTHER AGE, TUNNELS OF BABYLON and HORRORS BEYOND BORDERS have now been reconstituted into this one catch-all project along with a new story THE VANISHING TRIANGLE. Who are these fearsome Légion Impossible? (The Impossible Legion in English, naturally), a mysterious band of elite criminals, where hungry and sex-starved serial-killers and cannibals are recruited, trained, and rewarded with the flesh from the beautiful as currency. Who amongst the few would allow themselves to be recruited by such a devilish regiment where debauchery is sanctioned, a reward for doing the worst kind of missions? These are the Soldiers of Sin, le Pacte d’Asterion, le Pacte du Minotaure and the Sword of the Circle.

Thus, we begin a new era of Forbidden Feasts.

Bon appétit!

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. 

I. LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE: HORROR BEYOND BORDERS

E-mail correspondence retrieved from ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓‘s private server between representatives of the “Farm” and a member of the “Orchard”. This document represents a piece of the mission brief for OPERATION HOLOFERNES delivered to ▓▓▓▓▓▓ operative JUDITH via third party broker CHEVALIER at the Louvre, Paris.

Image 1: (1 previously published complete colored work)

From: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Package delivery
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Jan 20▓▓

How goes the orchard? Last year has been a good Christmas and many of our livestock are ready to leave the farm. We’re sending four of our loveliest lambs to the customer. Farm raised. Young and eager. All-natural. One ready for milking. I’ve also sent a bottle of Veuve Clicquot as a bonus. They pair really well together! Please pick them up at ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓.
If it doesn’t work at our end, we’ll definitely need the customer’s check ready in the mail.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Package delivery
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

Package received. Customer has sampled one of the products early and he’s pleased. They’re saving the champagne for later. Aside from that one issue, owner is also pleased with your work. He is in good spirits.

So far, the crop looks to be yielding great results from the seeds we planted a season ago. The soil is well fertilized and it is looking to be a bountiful harvest for the next few years enough to keep the customers well fed. They have already begun to move on to the next phase of the farming due to the harvesting season being ahead of schedule. It is not imperative at the moment, but the customer reminds me if you’re able to send more livestock, they do love the taste of lambchops. But also understands if that proves too difficult at the moment.

From: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Happy Easter!
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Apr 20▓▓

Happy Easter! Wait. I forgot. You don’t celebrate. lol. We could try sending more, but we are low on lamb supply for now. They are under the weather since there was a mild flu outbreak but we have had it contained. All hands on deck! Sheep are thriving however, and business couldn’t be better! By the way, I’ve tried broaching the matter of our new business venture idea to the ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ but he remains unenthusiastic. Maybe I’ll turn the heat up.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Happy Easter
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Apr 20▓▓

Happy Easter to you too. And don’t turn the heat up too high. We like a soft boiled egg. I’m passing on a message from the owner: he thinks that ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ is not the kind of staff they want to hire.

I paid the customer a visit. If you’re curious, there’s two down, two to go. 😉 They’re really raving about your lamb and are taking their time to savor the goodies, no need to waste them since the harvest remain bountiful, so no need to send more. They’ve also had an unexpected visitor. Perhaps you might have seen it in the news on TV. A puff piece about the owner’s fertile fields and the cute little red sparrow that’s been picking at the fruits. The customer has put up some scarecrows at the orchard to ward it off but it remained persistent which is why I’ve been called seeing that I’m more familiar this particular species. I’ll see what I can do. We’re keeping an eye out just in case it becomes too troublesome and decides to take more of our delicious fruit home to its nest.

PS: Shall we CC in ▓▓▓▓▓ into this conversation? Perhaps she has some additional insight regarding our sparrow.

Image 2-3: (2 previously published complete colored works)

From: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Happy Easter
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Apr 20▓▓

I recognize the species but it’s not from our area. Same country, different state.

From: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Curious
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Apr 20▓▓

You know. Now that you’ve brought this up, I’m curious. I was fond of my lambs. It’s a strange feeling for me. They were very sweet and loyal almost like my beloved pets. What was it like meeting the customers? Did you have dinner with them?

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: 4th of July Celebrations
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Jul 20▓▓

Sorry it took me so long to reply. We’ve had to deal with that sparrow issue. It turned out to be a chicken hawk after all. Owner has had enough so he decided to let the customer deal with it. No more flying for her.

The museum is magnificent! Both of you should come see this place some time if you can stomach the decor. I’ve finally sat down for dinner with the customer to sample their local cuisine. I’m not sure how much you’d like to know. It took some getting used to, but I can say now I might be a fan! I would have liked to try lamb and from what I know, there’s still two left and they’re saving them along with the champagne. I assume they’ve realized how limited the supply has been. However, look who’s having a nice chicken dinner for the 4th of July tonight! 😉 Talk about jumping into the deep end. You should be here too, ▓▓▓▓▓. You’ve never actually lived if you haven’t sampled the customer’s local delicacy, especially one that you’ve seen on TV many times. It is quite the experience!

However, look who’s having a nice chicken dinner for the 4th of July tonight! 😉 Talk about jumping into the deep end. You should be here too, ▓▓▓▓▓. You’ve never actually lived if you haven’t sampled the customer’s local delicacy, especially one that you’ve seen on TV many times. It is quite the experience!

From: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: 4th of July Celebrations
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Jul 20▓▓

Sorry. Pass. I’d rather try grenouille or escargot instead. 🙂

From: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Problem at the farm
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Jul 20▓▓

If you’re still with the customers, tell them that they can deliver their check in the mail as payment for the lamb delivery. Sadly, still no luck with the ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. I’ve been learning how to do the job myself and I know I can do it. With owner’s blessings, we would like to thank him for his service. I’m thinking of a nice big going away party with a beautiful bottle of La Grande Dame, snack baskets and all!

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Problem at the farm
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Jul 20▓▓

Check is in the mail. Enjoy the champagne.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Problem at the farm
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Jul 20▓▓

One more thing, I will be away on leave for the foreseeable future. With ▓▓▓▓▓ not in the room, I have assumed you have not made this decision alone and that she’s in the loop? You won’t hear from me until after the big going away party. Prepare the farm for renovations in the meantime until the check clears. The owner relays his apprehension but will defer to your judgment since you know best.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Check received
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Sep 20▓▓

Check received. Thank you!

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: More farm problems?
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Oct 20▓▓

What is going on with state of the farm? Everything has gone downhill since the going away party. I’ve done my audit and the customers have delivered their check on time. These complications, they all lie at your end. The owner is displeased and he is considering selling the farm. To our dismay, we’ve had to close some of our franchisees. Shall I have to deliver more lamb to the customer?

From: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: More farm problems?
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Oct 20▓▓

Please tell owner to reconsider. We will find a way to herd the sheep. We have hired new farmhands, purchased new sheepdogs and built new fences. We have also tried our best to keep our sheep happy with better quality feed and entertainment and we have seen some encouraging results with ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓’s help. We just need more time.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: More farm problems?
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Oct 20▓▓

You have one month.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: More farm problems?
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Dec 20▓▓

Owner has instructed management to look at the books and noticed that you have been wasteful. From our end, no, we do not share your enthusiasm about these so-called results you speak of. Can the simple task of reining in sheep be that hard? Your one month is past due.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Board meeting
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

We have waited long enough. We have assumed your radio silence means you’re busy with farm matters but we still haven’t seen results. Management feels that it’s time to have a board meeting at home office to explain matters to the owner. Please make arrangements for travel. Both of you.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Board meeting
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

You don’t think the owner would deliver us…. He wouldn’t, would he? How safe are we? How safe am I?

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Board meeting
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

Not here. Face to face. Both of you. Home office. Now. Or we will send a driver to pick you up.

From: ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓) Cc: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Re: Board meeting
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

See attached. Our travel itineraries.

From: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Need to clear things up before the meeting
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

I hope the fruits are still bearing fruit in the orchard. I’ve seen some worrying news about the weather that may affect crops and I know they’ve had their hands full. If you could relay to the owner and management I tried very hard. ▓▓▓▓▓ wasn’t of much help. She’s given me some bad advice. I wish I can explain in more detail here but I know I can’t. Maybe I can do better in a different role. Please say a good word for me, won’t you? I knew I said I was curious before, but I’ve thought about it a second time and I just don’t think I can get used to the customer’s local dishes even though I respect their traditions. If we can just have a quick face to face before the board meeting, I’d appreciate that very much.

From: Mail Delivery Subsystem (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Delivery Status Notification (Failure)
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ Feb 20▓▓

Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:
▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)

Technical details of permanent failure:
DNS Error: Username name not found

Image 4: (1 previously published complete colored work)

II. LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE: OPERATION HOLOFERNES

The unredacted version of this memo has been approved by the Deputy Director of ▓▓▓ for review by representatives of ▓▓▓▓▓▓ upon ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓’s request as per interagency agreement. SCIF has been arranged under ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓‘s supervision. In exchange, ▓▓▓▓▓▓ has agreed to share all known information regarding OPERATION HOLOFERNES to the agency.

▓▓ OCT 20▓▓

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: CHEVALIER, JUDITH, OPERATION LABYRINTH and OPERATION HOLOFERNES

Interview with deep cover asset codename “CHEVALIER” under order of ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ reveals the following. All operations involving missing asset “JUDITH” have been disavowed by the ▓▓▓▓▓▓, ▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓. He also claims to have no further knowledge of OPERATION HOLOFERNES nor OPERATION LABYRINTH other than their existence with the latter only mentioned as rumors. Both ▓▓▓ agents ▓▓▓▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓ noted his demeanor as being calm and collected. No sense of agitation when approached by agents even when pressured. When asked if the disappearance of ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ and JUDITH were related, CHEVALIER said he knew nothing and referred agents to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (See addendum ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓, ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ relating to other possible connected disappearances) Agent ▓▓▓▓▓▓  has noted CHEVALIER’s facetiousness at this point.

When pressed, CHEVALIER continues to deny any relationship with JUDITH, but acknowledged a loose association through a professional setting between friendly nations and only met her once to hand over a mission package at the Louvre. He states in order to maintain deep cover status with ▓▓▓▓▓, he did not open the mission package. At this point, Agents ▓▓▓▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓ have decided to withhold agency intel regarding a history of romantic intimacy between JUDITH and CHEVALIER as advised by the CO for future use.

Around this time, CHEVALIER shared the following:

• There is an active deep cover foreign agent double agent within the agency working for the ▓▓▓▓▓▓. No names, details nor further actionable intel was disclosed.
• ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ is involved with ▓▓▓▓▓ and human trafficking activities through 501(c)(3) charity and missionary work suggesting that to be the motive of her disappearance.
• Look further into ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ who may also have insights to ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓’s disappearance along with other missionaries in ▓▓▓▓▓.
• Suggests knowledge to the location to the Temple Mausoleum of the Oracle of Nusku and the Tomb of Gilgamesh but remains coy regarding details. Agents do not know what to make of this or what significance this brings.

Finally, it has been advised by CO ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ in the case of stonewalling that agents ▓▓▓▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓ should reveal the following classified email correspondence for an explanation as a last resort.

——

From: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
To: ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓)
Subject: Fox in the Penhouse
Date: ▓▓▓, ▓▓ ▓▓▓ 20▓▓

A rather bothersome fox raided the pen and had to be neutralized after some effort. Mother goose almost escaped but thankfully she was returned. Unfortunately, the customer has incurred some significant losses. Part of the enclosure was smashed open and one of the lambs escaped while they’ve had to put down another. If any of your farmhands and spotters find the loose lamb in the field, please let management know and we’ll send a rider to bring it in.

——

Image 5-6: (2 complete colored works)

In response, CHEVALIER stated that this was a personal family matter back in France and offered nothing more, proceeding to demand that the agents to leave the premises. Our agents, with heightened suspicion confirmed, proceeded to withhold information that the “lamb” in question identified as ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓ has been located and lies in witness protection under ▓▓▓ supervision.

Post debrief with the CO, agents ▓▓▓▓▓▓ and ▓▓▓▓▓▓ did remark on a few moments when CHEVALIER showed a slight change in temperament.

• When the subject of antiquities and the West’s disregard for the preservation of Ancient Mesopotamian histories, the whole “tout le bordel” could have been avoided in the first place, the subject demonstrated genuine ire
• Agent ▓▓▓▓▓▓ who has a background in body language science attempted a tactic whereby, mentioning JUDITH’s non-cover name in a casual and sudden manner might elicit a reaction from CHEVALIER. The agent noted a very slight change in breathing pattern, a restrained swallowing of the saliva, shifting of his seating posture and a perceived clenching of muscles, all to slight and remain within the baseline limits. Assessment is remain inconclusive, though ▓▓▓▓▓▓ stresses to make a note of it. 

In summary, no further provable intel can be ascertained regarding the fate of JUDITH. The CO advises that subject CHEVALIER should now be regarded as compromised HUMINT and recommends burn notice. CHEVALIER shall be treated accordingly with suspicion and all remaining operations involving CHEVALIER and agency assets should be suspended. CO recommends demotion and revocation of Q clearance for said subject awaiting the Director’s approval.

Added note from Senior Intelligence Officer ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓:
We needed that intel on Temple Mausoleum and the Tomb of Gilgamesh! Agents ▓▓▓▓▓▓, ▓▓▓▓▓▓ & CO ▓▓▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓ made a grave error in disclosing “FOX IN THE PENTHOUSE”message too soon. What the fuck! Why didn’t anybody come to me with this first?!!

Image 7: (1 completed colored artwork)

III. LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE: OPERATION LABYRINTH

Screencapture of e-mail exchange between unknown individuals purportedly found on an obscure 4chan thread in redacted form. Originals are unavailable and not found on any private email servers and government databases. Likely hoax. However, Senior Intel Officer ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ has flagged this exchange interesting enough for further review.

De : ▓ ▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Envoyé : Saturday, ▓▓▓▓▓, 20▓▓ 11:45 PM
Á : ▓▓▓▓▓▓,▓▓▓▓▓▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Objet : Re: ATTENTION Veuve Blanche

We need to talk about ▓▓▓▓▓. Now.

Sent via ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ by ▓▓▓

From : ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To : ▓ ▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject : Re: ATTENTION Veuve Blanche
Date : Sunday, ▓▓▓ ▓▓, 20▓▓ 7:19 AM

Why isn’t the plan working? Lay out the landscape so we are in accord. Both the owner and management are furious.

De : ▓ ▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Envoyé : Sunday, ▓▓▓▓▓, 20▓▓ 07:35 AM
Á : ▓▓▓▓▓▓,▓▓▓▓▓▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Objet : Re: ATTENTION Veuve Blanche

Plan A is a no go. Plan B is in jeopardy. Plan C is irrelevant. We can’t proceed because of that one small fuck-up, and we’re doing everything we can just to keep this ship afloat. It’s a cascade of errors upon errors at this point like falling dominos. We need a reset. And ▓▓▓▓▓ isn’t who we thought she was. ▓▓▓▓▓▓ oversold her. We will deal with ▓▓ later but ▓▓▓▓▓ is making things worse the more she tries. We might as well be throwing cash into the fire.  Solutions??? 

We might need to consider Operation Labyrinth. Then we can pivot to save Plan B.

Sent via ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ by ▓▓▓

From : ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To : ▓ ▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject : ATTENTION Veuve Blanche
Date : Sunday, ▓▓▓ ▓▓, 20▓▓ 12:10 PM

Es-tu sûr? Re: Labyrinth. We don’t know what new doors we will open to close this one.

De : ▓ ▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Envoyé : Sunday, ▓▓▓▓▓, 20▓▓ 12:26 PM
Á : ▓▓▓▓▓▓,▓▓▓▓▓▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Objet : ATTENTION Veuve Blanche

PR is a disaster. Sinking ship. We’ve reached the sunk cost fallacy event horizon. Decision needs to be made. We need to cut the cord or see the whole thing go up in flames. Need to make a deal with ▓▓▓▓▓▓.

Sent via ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ by ▓▓▓

From : ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓)
To : ▓ ▓ (mailto:▓▓▓▓▓@▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
Subject : ATTENTION Veuve Blanche
Date : Sunday, ▓▓▓ ▓▓, 20▓▓ 3:19 PM

I’ll smooth things out with owner but I know management will move heaven and earth to locate their cash cow after she goes missing. However, ▓▓▓▓▓▓ will enjoy this scenario very much. He wasn’t a fan of hers, not by a long shot but maybe now he’ll find something to like about her in the end! 😉

They might send ▓▓▓▓▓▓ for ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓’s head . And we may very well kill 2 birds with 1 stone. 

I’ll make the call. You start making plans. And after this, I would have expended my usefulness in my current position in service of ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓. That is the sacrifice I’ll have to bear.

Lucky, lucky well-fed ▓▓▓▓▓▓ and his impossible legion, oh to be in his shoes. I’ve already passed the veil. You know that re: that chicken dinner I told you about. I didn’t realize that it would be quite that delicious. Maybe I’ll join him for dinner at the Temple Mausoleum when ▓▓▓▓▓▓ arrives.

I have said too much. I just needed to vent. I will destroy my mail server within the hour and I recommend that you wipe yours too.

Image 8-9: (2 completed colored works of a similar scene)

Image 10-11: (2 works in progress of a similar scene)

Image 12-17: (6 colored/ink/shaded works in progress variations of previously published works)

IV. LÉGION IMPOSSIBLE: THE VANISHING TRIANGLE

Comms from partially destroyed cellphones recovered by Garda. Originals lost in an “accident” en route to SDU regarding the incident at Wild Nephin.

202▓/▓▓/▓▓

▓: How are the wildflowers in Lviv? I saw on the TV they’re blooming today.
06:19:32 am

▓▓: yes they are blooming pink & red. very pretty. Master Chef. how are you?
06:21:11 am

▓: Good here. How would you like some time off? I hope you are up for a hunting vacation. We’ve found a great spot in West Ireland. Plenty of venison! These may not be as challenging than the special desert variety we sampled 2 years ago, but still be on guard. Remember the one that got away?
06:25:02 am

Bring full gear & invite as many friends who are interested. We’ve looked at the species and it shouldn’t be too tough but you’ll never know. ▓▓▓▓▓▓ has local roots there. On site at ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ & expecting your arrival tmrw.
06:25:50 am

▓▓: okay, Chef. ▓▓▓▓▓ & ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ will want to come. we all remember the desert hunt & would like some yummy payback for bruised egos. Many didn’t even get to eat much last time.
06:27:59 am

Image 18-20: (3 completed colored artwork variation of a similar scene)

▓: The boys will have fun. They deserve it. And take all the time you need. I know ▓▓▓▓▓▓ will like to use his family decoration. You know him. He loves his ceremonies.
06:29:40 am

▓▓: Don’t we know it. Weirdo. But we’re all weirdos here.
06:29:58 am

▓: When you’re done, as usual, bring souvenirs pls. 🙂
06:34:47 am

▓▓: Copy. Over and out.
06:35:20 am

Image 21: (1 colored work in progress) 

Image 22: (1 black & white sketch)

Image 23-27: (3 black & white sketches & 2 colored works in progress of a similar scene)

V. PAINTED BIRD IN LOST CARCOSA

Here’s the shaded and colored work in progress stage for this project. The final complete image will come soon!

Image 28: (1 colored work in progress)

VI. HALL OF FAME

WIP sketches from a commission, of buxom KD finds herself a subject for a gift box, while also being a subject for a very nice oil massage.

Image 29-31: (3 black & white sketches of a similar scene)

VII. BONUS SKETCHES

To round this update up, here’s a batch of work in progress sketches from upcoming stories including OCCULTI VATICANI: CLAUSI CUM CLAVE, MOVEABLE FEAST: XANADU, and another pair of the newly named SHEATH CUT that I’ve planned for the FRUIT BASKET KILLER story.

Image 32-25: (4 black & white sketches)