Dreaming Beneath the Stars

On the Viewing Platform overlooking space on one side of the middle deck of the Mass Effect.

Yu Sheng let out a long breath, then sat cross-legged on the platform, gazing out at the vast, boundless darkness beyond the protective barrier.

The dark "Hollow Star" hung quietly high above. A light scout ship skimmed slowly across the surface of the black star, its silver-gray silhouette stark against the darkness as the light from its engine array traced a long, arcing trail.

"It's quieted down."

Yu Sheng sighed softly.

Footsteps came from the side. He saw several fluffy tails appear at the edge of his vision. Turning around, he found Huli ambling over at an unhurried pace.

When she drew near, she flopped forward and rolled in place, becoming a fluffy silver-white little fox. Then she crawled onto Yu Sheng's legs, nudged his belly with her head, curled up, and let out two comfortable little hums, drowsy and lethargic.

The little fox suddenly burrowing into his arms startled Yu Sheng. After a moment, he smiled and reached out to rub her head. "Full?"

"Full," Huli mumbled sleepily, curling her great tail around his arm. "Sleepy."

Yu Sheng smiled without saying anything, simply continuing to ruffle the soft fur atop the Nine-tailed Silver Fox's head.

Huli had expended a tremendous amount of energy during their operation on the Sacred Realm planet. Never mind anything else—even the single headbutt during the Orbital Air Drop had consumed roughly the equivalent of three ordinary meals for her. On top of that, she had fought the heretics, battled the Brass Knight guarding the facility, and fought the Holy Seat. She had not even had time for a bite to eat in between, burning through her ammunition reserves the entire time.

Such enormous expenditure came at a