<a class="postlink" href="http://i.imgur.com/LoTLX8e.jpg">[ img ]</a><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">The Ugly Lady</span></span><br/><br/>Tarrok opened the door from the high gravity chamber and patted at his brow. He was finally starting to get used to the new regime at enhanced heaviness. Last week, this same routine left him feeling almost dead. Now, it was nothing a cold drink and ten minutes wouldn't solve. At some point the next week would have to become even more rigorous, or he'd never improve. Until then, he had a quick break to enjoy.<br/><br/>His meaty feet padded along the corridor dully. Ambling into the kitchen, he fished into the fridge to find a cold bottle waiting for him. Back into the common room, he slouched against the couch and took a deep gulp. Let the cool liquid seep down through his chest, and the dull throb in his muscles to subside. Around him, the ship thrummed with the sound of life support, of air being pushed through the ducts and lights buzzing above him. A constant, low rhythm that was soothing by virtue of how familiar it had become.<br/><br/>It was missing something, though.<br/><br/>Typically, Aiko was padding along somewhere not too far. She didn't like to be alone too long, so it was honestly sort of surprising she hadn't jumped him by now. He wondered where she'd gone off to for a moment. Then he dismissed it, albeit hesitantly. If anything was the matter, she'd let him know.