Net Loss

*Video feed begins.

Celia leans back in her desk-chair, deftly flipping a fine-looking Matari combat knife from hand to hand. She spins the blade with each pass, its highly polished edge catching the light with a brilliant flash.

She stops abruptly, the hilt gripped in her hand as she examines a thin thread of blood on her finger*

So sharp...

*Her gaze shifts to the camera; her eyes flat, her expression neutral*

I was looking forward to the Skyhook relaunch party. The prospect of seeing Milo again, catching up with the Ghosts and meeting new contacts had me quite excited. Things didn't go to that plan though.

*she runs a hand through her hair, looking back to the blade*

Whilst at the party, I was informed of the death of Newt Rex, former PRELI CEO and a man I counted as a friend. An incident in the old Skyhook venue before the move, it seems.
It doesn't feel right, losing one of our own on home turf.

*Celia frowns in concern, chewing her bottom lip*

I don't know if anyone else was involved or responsible, but if they are... well, the Family will no doubt deal with that. Besides, I have too much on my plate right now for a diversion.

*She ponders a few moments, then nods to herself resolutely.
Holding the knife closer to the camera, she continues*

This is his legacy to me. It's rare to find such a well-balanced and sharp blade, even in the Republic. A thing of real beauty.

*Celia pauses as she lights a cigarette and sinks deeper into her chair*

I think I understood Newt. We both struggled with drink, for pretty much the same reasons - to forget. The man had his own demons he was trying to escape from and drink deals with all that, I know for a fact.

*she absently spins the blade on its point across the smooth black-marble desktop as her face darkens, grimacing*

Such a poison. It left my father lying in mud without a windpipe. Weak, spineless layabout... he got what he fucking deserved.

*Her voice grates with undisguised hatred.
She pauses to take a deep draw and exhales*

Newt was a better man than that. He knew the dangers and had tried his best to get himself dried out. The knife-fighting was his escape from the bottle. I was so impressed when he told me he was getting into it and fighting in the league; such adrenalin and excitement, not to mention the prize money!

*Celia smiles wistfully as she looks down at the blade again*

I'll miss you, Newt Rex. I'll honour your beautiful gift by putting it to good use; it won't sit on a desk like an heirloom, I'll carry and use it with pride. I know that's what you would've wanted.

And if all goes to plan, I'll have the ideal opportunity to test it...

*her warm smile twists, setting into a cruel grin as she runs a finger along the edge of the blade. She tilts her head, gazing adoringly at the fine alloy as it glides effortlessly through the top layer of skin*

So beautiful... so deadly...

Which reminds me...
I need to speak to Kimochi.

Camera off.

*Video feed ends.*