<![CDATA[Agent of C.A.R.D.S.: Comic]]>

<![CDATA[Agent of C.A.R.D.S.: Comic]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/s/comichttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NQuk!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6c7cb15c-0be3-46dc-a040-396b01f69387_211x211.pngAgent of C.A.R.D.S.: Comichttps://agentofcards.substack.com/s/comicSubstackWed, 01 Jul 2026 23:30:05 GMT<![CDATA[Chapter 021 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-021-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-021-33Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:03:24 GMTAce and Jackie power up and fly after the doomsday missile in a last-ditch attempt to stop it before it detonates.

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 021 (2/3)

Jackie and Ace accelerate toward the missile together with Jackie's power.

Power's fading — I can't hang on — take these, and throw them at it!

But that makes no sense! I know it doesn't! I don't understand! Me neither! I don't have all the answers.

No one does!

Ace catches up to the missile and hurls the five cards at it.

The five cards spin around the missile.

Ace watches from a distance as the missile detonates in midair.

A harmless display of scattering flowers bursts out from the explosion.

Excalibur City denizens witness the surreal sight and shrug as sparkles fall. Mouse meets Jackie as she lands on the ground. Ruff and Rae look up.

Jackie and Mouse join Rae and Ruff in happiness and relief, and Ace lands on the ground nearby.

End Chapter 021. Agent of C.A.R.D.S. will return!

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. will go on hiatus.

Stay tuned for Chapter 022 and a new story arc, which I anticipate posting beginning summer or fall 2027.

In the meantime, check back for non-chronological updates on the site. Character profiles (now that their identities are no longer a spoiler!), lore, organization, multimedia, and I hope to use this time to make and post some hand-drawn art too. These will appear elsewhere besides the dedicated Comic section, so if you are subscribed to the Comic section only, please update your settings if you would like to keep up with these other materials.

Thank you for reading the first story arc! Please subscribe and share.

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 021 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-021-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-021-23Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:05:50 GMTThe five C.A.R.D.S. make their way out of the TV station in Excalibur City, not realizing they are just a short time away from the doomsday missile launch…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 021 (1/3)

I saw we should just get out of here now. The E.I.A. fuzz will be onto me, and anyway the crops back home won't harvest themselves. But — it's close to evening and we could use a bite to eat. If Ace knows of an unsurveilled restaurant somewhere, we could all swap stories over dinner. Dinner sounds great!

A house of C.A.R.D.S. Corny, but it has a nice ring to it. So, Mouse, now that we're all friends and Dr. Greeneye is just too dead to set off that apocalyptic plot of his... what's next for us? I'll have to talk to each of you later, one by one. But nobody let your guard down now...

I feel something isn't right. 0:00:03. 00:00:02. 0:00:01.

0:00:00

Ace, Ruff, Rae, and Jackie react in horror as they see the missile launching in the distance.

Ace dashes forward, then pauses.

Don't just stand there — it's not the end of the world until it detonates! Ace of Spades, Jack of Hearts — you're the fastest flyers — get after it!

Ace and Jackie exchange looks, then Ace takes off as Jackie begins to power up.

Ace is not fast enough to reach the missile, but Jackie catches up to him and hooks her arm through his.

See Next — Chapter 021 (3/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 021 (1/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-021-13https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-021-13Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:06:10 GMT

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. Chapter 021: Paradox

The story so far: After 48 hours or so of misunderstandings and misadventures, the five C.A.R.D.S. from around Southlands, with their recently activated powers, are finally working together: Ace Rocket the “Ace of Spades,” Rae Misere the “Queen of Diamonds,” Alexander “Ruff” Shuffle the “King of Clubs,” Jackie LaHire the “Jack of Hearts,” and the previous generation’s Mouse the “Joker.” After they expose Dr. Greeneye’s doomsday plot from a TV station, the villain himself shows up, and Ace kills him by mirroring his own lethal eye beam back on him. However, they are unaware Greeneye had already set the countdown for his doomsday missile prior to his demise…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 020 (3/3)

Mouse, Ruff, and Rae join Ace and Jackie, and they stand around Greeneye's now headless body.

0:04:52. I'm sure the authorities will clean up the rest whenever they show up here. And before that happens, I need to be on my way.

And as I said — no one will know we were here together. With the power of Ruff's knockout smoke, the minions won't remember a thing. And what about Vana Gloria? Where did she go? Somewhere other than reality itself — she couldn't abide a world where others could speak freely. Who knows where she went, with her dark arts?

Dark arts? Curses? Anyway, Mouse and I had been investigating Invidius Industries over the last few weeks. Before I could reach any of you, I learned Invidius had plans for the new Death Card. But our knowledge was limited. Later I found out so much more — but I was in the middle of being kidnapped, so I could do nothing about it!

Long before all this happened, I had been hoping to discover more by becoming a test subject for one of En Greeneye's experiments. But then I lost my voice and my apparent impostor showed up in my place. Everyone else in the area lost their voices too. Turns out it was a joint experiment by Invidius Industries and a corrupt faction of the E.I.A., including Vana herself, with her top-secret abilities.

I had previously contacted Invidius Industries, so continued with the plan to infiltrate them incognito, which was how I learned that the Cora Zone experiment was being powered from the Excalibur auxiliary lab — the same lab being prepared for Ace Rocket. Shutting down that lab freed not only him, but also the affected residents of Cora Zone, and well, you know the rest. Wait, what?

See Next — Chapter 021 (2/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 020 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-020-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-020-33Wed, 20 May 2026 15:03:29 GMTA vengeful Dr. Greeneye breaks into the TV station’s interior, following Ace and Jackie into the studio where they hide from his lethal field of vision.

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 020 (2/3)

Give it up, Agent Rocket! You can't hide from me — or from yourself!

One day you will recognize your inherent failure, fall flat on your face — and beg me to mold you into the great man you can become! If I miss — run! Don't let him see you!

I am invincible.

And it's pointless trying to protect that woman — she will die no matter what. Let go of her and the rest of the excess population. People who think like us are the only ones who belong in polite society. Purge all weakness and uncertainty. Get out from the shadows.

Let go of useless negativity. Join the bright star of S.A.L.I.G.I.A.

Of course it's you. Traitor. Destroyer. Fanatic. Mindless thing. So content in your own inferiority. So unbothered by your own defectiveness.

You hold the world back, drain resources, then resent your betters and lash out in envy. No one should miss you... yet somehow... they always do! It's not fair! Ah — my vision is getting clear again.

And objective scrutiny does not hold up the worth of your existence.

Ace leaps in front of Jackie, holding out Rae's mirror and reflecting Greeneye's lethal eye beam back to him.

Ace throws himself over Jackie as a dramatic explosion ensues, sparks fly, and smoke obscures the room.

End Chapter 020

See Next — Chapter 021 (1/3) →

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 020 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-020-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-020-23Wed, 13 May 2026 15:03:30 GMTWhile Jackie stays behind with the overwhelmed Ace, the other three — Mouse, Ruff, and Rae — go to the TV station’s hallway to fight back the hordes of henchmen.

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 020 (2/3)

There's more of them! And no flower or plants to— Try this!

Ruff catches the flower, powers up, and overwhelms the henchmen in smoky haze.

Alexander Shuffle! You've been one of our targets for a long time—

Rae jumps between Ruff and Rake Deadhand, freaking out the latter with her big-eyed stare transformation. Ruff punches the startled Deadhand.

That's Dr. Greeneye!

Crash! Studio

I'm not here to kill you, Agent Rocket.

See Next — Chapter 020 (3/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 020 (1/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-020-13https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-020-13Wed, 06 May 2026 15:05:46 GMT

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. Chapter 020: Who Needs The Darkness

The story so far: C.A.R.D.S. has finally assembled: Ace Rocket, Rae Misere, Ruff Shuffle, Jackie LaHire, and Mouse the Joker. It all started when mercenary Rae tried to steal a briefcase from government agent Ace. Neither of them realized that both their bosses were in on a doomsday plot with the mysterious villain Dr. En V. Greeneye, who has the power to kill anyone with just a look — and plans to harness this power to launch a missile that will kill a majority of the world’s population. Having recovered the briefcase and aired a recording exposing Greeneye’s plans, causing alarm to the newly aware public, the five C.A.R.D.S. anticipate a retaliatory attack…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 019 (3/3)

Hey, it says here in the news bulletin that Tom Trebleton survived after all! You mean the racecar driver? What happened? So he's a talented swimmer too. Made it to shore! And whoever attacked him is also at large.

Won't matter any more once that missile launches. We can't just give up like that! The strength and will of Excalibur will set things right. As long as we... as long as we...

Oh noes — they caught up to us!

If they're going to kill me anyway, I might as well hold them off! Don't go alone, Ruff! Wait for me too!

Rae turns back momentarily, switching her purse with the briefcase once again. She giggles to herself and leaves. Ace and Jackie don't notice.

While a bunch of henchmen pound on the door, Rae and Mouse drop from an air vent opening behind them, and Rae shows off the briefcase to get their attention.

As henchmen approach Rae, Ruff riding the motorcycle crashes in through a side door between them. He jumps off and shields Rae as an agent shoots the motorcycle down.

Mouse kicks and disarms the agent from behind in an explosion of confetti and confusion, and Rae hits an Avarus minion with the briefcase while powering up with her knife.

Ruff takes on two henchmen with his bare fists, and Mouse kicks an Invidius minion through the side door. Another agent aims her handgun at Mouse, but a powered-up Rae disarms her with a quick swipe of her knife.

See Next — Chapter 020 (2/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 019 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-019-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-019-33Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:06:48 GMTFinally together as a group, the five C.A.R.D.S. air the contents of the briefcase live, hoping to warn the public. It doesn’t go as expected…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 019 (2/3)

Saturday morning cartoons? This is what I had to deliver to Rake Deadhand?! What?! That was the big dramatic Cloverwood connection?!

1:29:12. Excalibur City — Elsewhere

On air. Maybe we should take this off the air, get out of here while we still can, and figure out how to stop that missile. For all we know, he could launch it tomorrow already!

On air. And that's enough of your favorite children's cartoons — custom made for you, Mr. Deadhand. But stories have power — and no aspect of life is too trivial to escape our vision of the world as it should be.

The reels personally hand-delivered to you by our target no less — the cargo carrying the cargo! And I hope you appreciate Beezle Forentula's efforts in kidnapping the animators to make them just for you. And while I'm here with the cameras rolling at the Cloverville branch, here is how the vision of a better world will become reality... On air.

And the citizens of Excalibur City and Southlands at large must be kept in the dark

On air. About the plan to annihilate the majority of the world's population.

0:57:49

I will deal with them personally.

End Chapter 019

See Next — Chapter 020 (1/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 019 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-019-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-019-23Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:03:39 GMTRuff and Rae step out of the mall after escaping Invidius Headquarters. Meanwhile, Mouse, Jackie, and Ace recapture a television station from Invidius staff.

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 019 (1/3)

Does anyone know how to operate the telecine? Ruff Shuffle used to work in Cloverwood. Summon him again!

Rae notices several armed agents running and nudges Ruff.

Ruff and Rae break into a run toward the motorcycle as the agents start shooting at them.

Fleeing the agents, Ruff and Rae get into the motorcycle and take off.

1:56:28. What? There was a break-in at a news station?!

We lost them — I think.

Oh hai! You made it! Who's this cat? You cad, you haven't even learned her name? 1:44:37

So that was Greeneye's plan then. Recorded on the reel. It was you inside that Invidius capsule, right? Yes...

9. They'll find us here soon — so this may be our only chance to warn the public. On air. 5.

On air. 4. 3. 2. 1. Wacky Funnies

See Next — Chapter 019 (3/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 019 (1/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-019-13https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-019-13Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:05:41 GMT

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. Chapter 019 The Ticker

The story so far: Feline corporate spy and Queen of Diamonds Rae Misere stole, and subsequently lost, an Excalibur Intelligence Agency briefcase in an attempt to impress her employer — who secretly had made a deal with Dr. Greeneye of Invidius Industries and Commander Deadhand of the EIA. Rae is captured by Greeneye, who plans to set off a missile that will spare the world’s “worthy” and kill everyone else. She is rescued by the King of Clubs, Alexander “Ruff” Shuffle, before Dr. Greeneye starts the doomsday countdown. Meanwhile, EIA agent Ace Rocket reunites with Jackie LaHire and Mouse the Joker — and has finally recovered that briefcase…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 018 (3/3)

Nope, that whole time I was being held as bait for you, they never figured out I was the Joker. Looks like Vana didn't tell them either. I don't think they knew about the "Scurra" at the end of the C.A.R.D.S. acronym at all! I was just your insignificant sidekick, they assumed. Let me guess — they tried to question you and you ended up irritating them instead? How did you ever know?!

At any rate, I'm not that good at being annoying. You found the Jack of Hearts and the briefcase without me — and yet here you are! You still helped to rescue me.

It's a film strip! But where can we play it? If we could get to a television station...

Under New Management. Invidius Industries.

Excalibur City — TV Station. Studio Control. Yes, Commander Deadhand, we have now taken over all broadcast stations.

Spacedale Shopping Center. So, Rae, let me get this straight — that whole time, Dr. Greeneye never recognized who you really are? So obsessed with global conquest, he never saw what he had right in front of him!

So when does this missile get launched? Oh hiss. He never actually mentioned when. 2:20:34

See Next — Chapter 019 (2/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 018 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-018-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-018-33Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:03:04 GMTRuff goes to rescue Rae from Dr. Greeneye at the Invidius headquarters building, having fought his way through the parking garage…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 018 (2/3)

Continuing the motorcycle chase, Ruff corners the third Invidius minion and kicks him down.

All right... now how do I get into the main building? You don't! I already escaped! Wha— aren't air vents, like, impossibly small?! Not at all!

You won't believe it...

Just before I sneaked out, I disguised myself — and got Dr. Greeneye to tell me his entire evil plan! What kind of disguise? Oh, shut up!

Long story short, I need a therapeutic shopping break! My purse is still in the compartment, right? Can you take me to the mall? Kitty please??? Capitalism... kitschy... establishment... the man... commercialism...

What?! My new Stressball just escaped?! Don't just stand there!

Get back to work! Nobody should miss them!

Doesn't matter anyway — my plan must commence on time. 4:00:00. 3:59:59. End Chapter 018

See Next — Chapter 019 (1/3) →

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 018 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-018-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-018-23Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:03:15 GMTAce and Jackie land on a rooftop where they are ambushed by Invidius henchmen, and Jackie finally spots Mouse held hostage by Vana Gloria…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 018 (1/3)

While Ace faces the henchmen, Jackie chases after Vana Gloria carrying the unconscious Mouse and starts to power up.

Jackie finishes her power-up sequence and poses as Vana looks on, agitated.

Before Jackie can catch up, Vana throws Mouse over the edge of the building. Jackie and Ace watch in dismay.

Jackie jumps off the edge and flies down in a streak of red light toward the falling Mouse.

Flying faster than Mouse falls, Jackie catches him in midair.

Vana flies back up to the roof, carrying the unconscious Mouse and meeting a panting, relieved Ace who has left the entire crowd of henchmen hurting and defeated.

Ace and Jackie notice Vana, who glares at them resentfully and then disappears into thin air.

Good riddance, I suppose. That woman — maybe she lacked a voice for so long, she thought the only way to have one was to silence others.

Ace, look out! Vana Gloria is a mole! Ah, never mind. I see you've met.

See Next — Chapter 018 (3/3) →

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 018 (1/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-018-13https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-018-13Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:03:44 GMT

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. Chapter 018 The Power of Hearts

The story so far: During a simple field mission gone wrong, Ace Rocket of Excalibur Intelligence Agency meets the eccentric recluse Mouse the Joker and watches him get kidnapped. Ace has no idea how to find and rescue Mouse until meeting Jackie LaHire, whose card tracking power points to his location in the city.

Meanwhile, Rae Misere is also being held captive by Dr. Greeneye at the Invidius Industries headquarters. Ruff Shuffle rides over to save her, and Greeneye detects him and alerts his security…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 017 (3/3)

No clovers, no green plants anywhere! I can't power up like this!

Ruff turns into a parking garage, followed by Invidius minions. Two try to trap him from behind and in front. Ruff meets and punches the first guard off his ride.

The second guard catches up from behind. Ruff blocks the second guard's punch, then throws him down and eyes the approaching third guard.

Jackie and Ace follow the Joker card as it points up to a high-rise building. Jackie holds onto Ace as he activates his wings.

Ace and Jackie land on the rooftop, and are met by an ambush of several Invidius minions.

Jackie shrinks back as Ace squares up to fight the henchmen. Ace dodges one minion's punch, then strikes him.

I... I can't power up for some reason! Power what?

Try to find Mouse — I'll handle them!

See Next — Chapter 018 (2/3) →

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 017 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-017-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-017-33Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:06:16 GMTDr. Greeneye begins to confide his plans to Rae. Meanwhile, Ace realizes Jackie might have had something to do with his sudden rescue at the Invidius laboratory…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 017 (2/3)

I think you saved... How did you... It was complicated all right, almost didn't beat the countdown, but yes. Yes, I was the one who destroyed the lab. You were my ungrateful damsel first. You see, I knew you were in trouble as soon as you left with Vana.

I had planned to infiltrate Invidius Industries anyway, so I went to a satellite branch and was transported to the experimental auxiliary lab in Excalibur City, knowing you would probably be taken there too. And don't ask for any more details than that. Okay, I won't then. But... did you cross paths with anyone you knew in Cora Zone? Say, a green chelonian man?

Yes, I ran into an old friend who happened to be in the area. Vana and her ilk don't know what my real appearance looks like, but Tom does — and he recognized me even in disguise. Too bad I was literally speechless. That was when I flew out to Clover Forest Quadrant, met up with the King of Clubs, and nudged him in the direction I wanted to go. All the way to the next quadrant — that's interesting. How fast can your wings go? Wait — how would you know about Tom Trebleton?!

Listen, I'm sorry, I should have waited to tell you later. We should leave — the E.I.A. has spy cameras everywhere! I'll pause here...

This is the beauty of my missile's formula. As I explained in my recorded message to Mr. Deadhand, I have harnessed the power of my eye. This is no ordinary indiscriminate weapon. Set to detonate in midair, it is designed to spare those around the world who have been found worthy — the rational and productive and civilized. Oh, Ace Rocket, most elite and worthy card-wielder, Decedo from Excalibur — you will fulfill my vision yet!

But all the others, those who serve no purpose — the useless scum I despise — the missile will run its course.

More surveillance photos of random citizens appear, showing who among of them would be spared and who would be erased.

Wait, go back — what's that dirty dog doing so close to headquarters?!

I'll have a talk with my security... End Chapter 017.

See Next — Chapter 018 (1/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 017 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-017-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-017-23Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:03:57 GMTAce Rocket unexpectedly gets the briefcase back from a mysterious figure who looks like the late Una Solitaire. But Mouse the Joker and Rae Misere are still held captive…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 017 (1/3)

Anyway, where was I? Ah, yes. Maximizing happiness and efficiency. I suppose I should get to the point.

I see so many riches, so many lands all over the globe, all occupied by useless eaters in their mindless bliss. So much beauty, so many resources—

— and they only deserve to be in the best hands. So in partnership with these most worthy gentlemen, I have achieved my greatest contribution toward a better future.

Carrying the briefcase, Ace flies over the gray city and spots Jackie in her red dress. He flies down to catch up with her.

Oh, got the briefcase already? I found you so easily. You have to work on that whole undercover business. I can tell you how— Trust me, I need no explanation on being undercover.

I know, I stand out. It's different back home. There's no place like Cora Zone. I wasn't expecting to be out from the lab — out here. So I'm still taking it all in.

Well, you can have Cora Zone. Nothing strange happens in Excalibur City. Nothing at all. The U.F.O. incident wasn't strange? I'm certain there's a technological explanation for that, as opposed to... never mind.

Fair enough. Excalibur City isn't perfect. We've always had our share of corruption and ignorance, just like the lesser quadrants. So many mediocre and shallow nitwits here who only have the high life going for them. Most people are brutish and weak-minded and need to step away and respect real intellect. If people like me were in charge of things... You divide the world into two types — so am I someone who needs to worship you, or am I too smart for that? Hey, now! You're more brutal than you look.

Anyway, don't tell me about strange! Why would you purposefully volunteer yourself to some crazy experiment at Invidius? I mean, what good would that do to... Wait... did you cause the complicated automata back in the lab? With help from an unexpected power boost from the Queen of Diamonds showing up. But, yeah.

See Next — Chapter 017 (3/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 017 (1/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-017-13https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-017-13Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:04:03 GMT

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. Chapter 017 Veni Vidi Vici

The story so far: It all started with a briefcase that Ace Rocket was supposed to take to his boss at Excalibur Intelligence Agency headquarters. Ace is lured into a trap and brought to Dr. Greeneye, a mad scientist who may have something to do with the contents of the now missing briefcase. A mysterious malfunction frees Ace, who escapes the laboratory with Jackie LaHire the true “Jack of Hearts.” Mouse the Joker has also been kidnapped, and Jackie goes to find him with her perception ability. Ace searches for the briefcase with his repaired tracking device, and Ruff sets out for Rae, who has been mistaken for an actual cat at Greeneye’s lair…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 016 (3/3)

Doctor Greeneye! This looks suspicious! A cat with wings?! Come now! The poor thing...

Meow? Looks like a rare condition called feline cutaneous asthenia. Aww. Henchmen, I need to be alone. But sir, I still think...

Rae watches in horror as a bright green ray shoots from above Greeneye's neck and vaporizes the minion. The other henchman runs away scared. Rae shivers.

Ace follows the briefcase tracker to an alley. It beeps louder, and he steps into the alley, drawing his gun.

An ethereal, cloaked female figure drops from the sky behind Ace as the beeping gets louder and turns to a screeching monotone.

In the midst of the tracker's screech, Ace turns to the mysterious stranger. She leaps and dodges, then drops a gray rectangular object to the ground.

We're all alone together

Thanks...

See Next — Chapter 017 (2/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 016 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-016-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-016-33Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:06:10 GMTThought dead in the lab explosion, Rae has been detained by Dr. Greeneye after she and Ruff split ways. Meanwhile, Jackie tests out her card summoning power…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 016 (2/3)

What's this in my pocket?! My playing cards...

One of them is... It's moving on its own, pointing to... downtown.

You look trippy familiar. Because I am. Thanks for the lift. Back then, I sensed you approaching on your motorcycle and held out my thumb — just as I can sense the Queen of Diamonds now. Rae! Where is she?!

I can't place it yet but she is in danger... She's also very annoyed and hissed off. Oh, Stressball Number Two, it's such a relief having a listening ear. No one else wants to hear me prattle on about my vision for implementing modern efficiencies in the world...

There's something I don't like about the look of you, Stressball Number Two. I know. Henchmen! Bring the diamond necklace! Oh no. Oh no no no... Oh hiss...

Rae winces as one of the assistants puts a diamond collar around her neck. To her dismay, she powers up and sprouts her wings. The assistants brandish their weapons at her.

Thank you for telling me, Jackie — is it okay if I use your first name? See, I knew you were all right behind that mask. The pleasure is all mine. Look — we really shouldn't be seen together. And I don't trust this out-quadrant radical. Well, I don't trust this murgatroid either. We'll just have to split up then.

I'll track down Mouse, the Ace of Spades can track that briefcase, and the King can find the Queen — who is being held at Invidius Headquarters. End Chapter 016.

See Next — Chapter 017 (1/3) →

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]]><![CDATA[Chapter 016 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-016-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-016-23Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:03:05 GMTAs Jackie returns to her senses and tells her side of the story, she and Ace realize Rae had been trapped inside Dr. Greeneye’s destroyed laboratory building…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 016 (1/3)

Oh no you don't. We can't let you get away. Priority Code: Highest Urgency.

Doctor Greeneye, we believe this is the one. Excellent, excellent.

Despite the need to evacuate the auxiliary lab, there is a silver lining. Life hasn't been the same since my Stressball ran away in the middle of the recording! This here is a strange cat. Way too large. Not very cute. Positively deformed.

Yet, I suppose this will do. Come here, Stressball Number Two! But Dr. Greeneye, we believe this might be the intruder. What intruder? This creature?! But, sir! Are you questioning your leader? N-no sit. You are deluded fools, then. Seeing only what you want to see. Undermining our project with false information. Mind — you are disposable. No one should miss you.

Yes, Dr. Greeneye. I deeply apologize and will do better. You're always right. This is Stressball Number Two. Wait, he thinks I'm an actual... Meow?

That briefcase is somehow still here in the city — just not with the E.I.A. Now that I finally got this tracking device fixed, we can find it and figure out what the big deal was. We? Don't get me wrong. I'm not part of your C.A.R.D.S. That's all bunk.

Your group is nothing special. If you're supposed to be these great cosmic heroes, then why did Rae die for nothing? Why did they all die for nothing? Forget what Vana told you. We aren't just heroes to the down and out. Sometimes we are the down and out. We can't control what destiny has in store for us. Well if you're going to fold to destiny, then of course you'll lose. You have to put up a fight.

Me, I'm in charge of my own fate. Well... Anyway, I feel the Queen of Diamonds is still alive. How would you know?! I'm still getting used to my powers, but somehow I can sense these things. Like I'm connected to the rest of you. The King of Clubs is somewhere with the getaway vehicle. He's been looking for her.

They had gone to save you together. And even Mouse the Joker is here in the city somewhere. And I think Dr. Greeneye has captured the Queen! We'll need help.

See Next — Chapter 016 (3/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 016 (1/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-016-13https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-016-13Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:06:28 GMT

Agent of C.A.R.D.S. Chapter 016 Damsel In Stress

The story so far: Ace Rocket of Excalibur Intelligence Agency was given his first field mission, not realizing he himself was the target of his supervisor’s corrupt faction within the EIA — one of whom was the mole Vana Gloria, who had claimed to be the “Jack of Hearts” trying to recruit Ace to C.A.R.D.S. Ace is captured and taken to the laboratory of private collaborator Dr. Greeneye, not knowing that “Queen of Diamonds” Rae Misere had also infiltrated the building. But something goes wrong with Greeneye’s machinery, and as the laboratory building starts to catch fire, Ace escapes with a mysterious woman he had seen earlier in Cora Zone…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 015 (3/3)

Ah, it's good to be back to myself again! You aren't. You're still delirious. Easy there!

Wait, we're out of there now? Thank heaven! Thank me!

Who are you?! And why do you look like... never mind. Who?

And why does your voice sound exactly like... The Naked Mole Rat? It's the other way around. You see, Vana Gloria wanted to speak for all of us in Cora Zone — and decided to steal my voice in particular. Everyone was silenced — and brainwashed. Then I had to cover my face to disguise the fact that I was still lucid, though I was otherwise still voiceless like the rest of them.

But it's finally over! The curse is broken — and there's nothing like a series of tubes to give a voice back to the people! Wonderful. Only Dr. Greeneye could kidnap a denizen of Cora Zone and render her even more insane.

Anyway... You asked me who I am. I don't need to hide now. I am Jackie LaHire. Nice to meet you.

So the real Jack of Hearts is also a girl... you are the real one, I hope? Shh. You didn't hear that. I'm just an undercover journalist. She's still in there! Wait—!

Ace pulls Jackie away from the explosion.

I felt it — she was in the building — the Queen of Diamonds! Rae...

See Next — Chapter 016 (2/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 015 (3/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-015-33https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-015-33Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:05:19 GMTRae Misere can’t quite get through the door of the laboratory, and the mind control progress on the captured Ace Rocket is almost complete…

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 015 (2/3)

Ninety-seven percent. Ninety-eight percent.

What?! Ninety-nine percent.

The whole machine explodes. Ace snaps out of it.

Dead-eyed and gray Cora Zone residents flicker back to life and return to color as they get their voices back. Vana Gloria, on the other hand, gasps silently as she feels the voice escaping her.

Taking advantage of the confusion, Ace runs into the next room and is startled by what he sees.

It's you. Help me... She has the same voice as Vana...

Let's get out of here before this whole place blows up!

End Chapter 015

See Next — Chapter 016 (1/3) →

]]><![CDATA[Chapter 015 (2/3)]]>https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-015-23https://agentofcards.substack.com/p/chapter-015-23Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:06:31 GMTRae and Ruff try to find and rescue Ace, who wakes up in Dr. Greeneye’s Invidius Industries laboratory strapped in front of a mind control machine.

←← Start From Beginning

← See Previous — Chapter 015 (1/3)

Twenty percent. Twenty-one percent. Twenty-two percent.

Avarus corp. I don't think this is it, but I'll check the other building and pick you up. Told you there was something to that letter. Hiss off.

Forty-four percent. Forty-five percent. Forty-six percent.

Rae fights the Invidius minions in the parking lot.

Rae fights off one more Invidius staffer, then breaks into the building.

Seventy-seven percent. Seventy-eight percent. Seventy-nine percent.

Rae swats down another Invidius employee, then takes the elevator down.

Eighty-five percent. Eighty-six percent. Eighty-seven percent.

Rae runs down the basement hallway to the door at the other end, but is unable to force it open with her knife.

Ninety-three percent. Ninety-four percent.

Ninety-five percent. Ninety-six percent.

See Next — Chapter 015 (3/3) →

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