T’Aria awoke earlier than usual with a plan to meditate before running ‘wild’ as some of her less-than-enthusiastic gym partners had called it before. They were not entirely incorrect. T’Aria found meditation worked as a mental and physical ‘stretch’ that eased her into wakefulness. Her workouts (usually some form of cardiovascular exercise) released endorphins that stabilised her mood and allowed for ease of control throughout the day. It also prevented the restlessness that kept her up on nights her body demanded rest. T’Aria found it an effective combination that kept her healthy, and she rarely missed a session (when time allowed).

Scooting to the edge of her bed, she rose and wandered to the corner of her quarters dedicated to meditation. She settled onto an a mat and lit an insence that smelled vaguely of sandalwood. It wasn’t long before her mind drifted with the wisps of velvety, grey-white smoke.

T’Aria emerged from the turbolift at Deck 6 an hour later, aiming for the aft section that housed the gym. She paused by the doors when they swished open, revealing a charismatic person whose crooked grin hinted at victory. Another trailed behind them with a soaked towel hanging around his neck and an annoyed look in his eyes. T’Aria suspected they engaged in some ‘friendly competition’ where the latter lost his winning streak. Quirking a brow, she offered a cordial nod and slipped past them into the hubbub beyond.

The gym was packed (at least more than usual), but T’Aria had no trouble finding the treadmills that lined the back wall. She selected one near the end and tucked her water into the nook to prepare for a brisk walk. Although she’d ease into a sprint from her walk, T’Aria kept it leisure to focus on the events around her.

— T’Aria