Cybergate 2027 - A Baldur's Gate 3 / Cyberpunk 2077 Crossover

XV

"I thought Selunites are an urban legend," Astarion said to the blonde, who responded with a cynical glance.

"Because no one would risk their lives to oppose Shar?"

"Yes, first because crime never goes away, and second, it's a losing battle."

Vhonthra turned the aerocar left, overtaking a yellow air-taxi. "We do it out of our belief in Selûne."

He couldn't help but snort at the name. "A myth?"

"As an aspiring councilman, you should know that myths influence people's behaviour."

"What is the myth, exactly?" Shadowheart asked, raising a hand. Her other arm lay firmly around Muffin's container.

Vhonthra thought for a moment. "We can talk about that for later. I need to stay alert now in case there are Sharrans following us."

Indeed, dozens of aerial vehicles were flying around them, and each could've been a threat. "How can you even tell?" Astarion asked.

"I've infiltrated their comms channel, so if they speak about us, I will know."

"Impressive." He added a smile. "Then may I assume you're an experienced netrunner?"

"I know a bit about the subject," Vhonthra said, winking at him through the rearview mirror. The casual downplay of her skill suggested she was even better than he'd assumed... a reason to remain on guard.

"Where are you taking us?" Shadowheart said.

"A coworker's apartment. She's on a business trip."

"Is it safe? I mean, someone might notice us."

The blonde chuckled. "Not even she will know you were there."

"What's in it for you?" Astarion asked. "Why bother saving us from Shar?"

"The answer is in the question, Mister Ancunin. If Shar wants you, I want the opposite."

"Then you don't know why she's after us?" That was particularly important considering Shadowheart's secret abilities other factions would undoubtedly also be interested in her.

"I wouldn't mind hearing about it," the blonde said. "You can tell me after we get settled." She lowered the sporty aerocar's nose, taking it toward a nearby skytower. Elaborate gardens covered its roof and sprawled down across the floor—a green oasis among the city's metal, glass, and concrete. When the aerocar was near it, a steel gate opened and revealed an internal landing bay. Vhonthra landed gracefully inside among other private vehicles and turned to them with a smile. "Time to go."

Before they stepped out of the vehicle, a whiff of lavender reached Astarion's nose—a fitting scent for their elegant rescuer. A far better company than the Sharrans, not to mention Wulbren and his stocky Ironhanders. He mentioned them while they walked to the apartment.

"Ah, the self-styled revolutionaries," Vhonthra said with a smirk. "We've tracked their recent activities—they're collecting explosives."

"They double-crossed us, and I tend to hold grudges. Any idea what's their goal?"

Vhonthra shrugged. "Based on their leader's rambling—he's on a vendetta against society for some reason."

"Delusions of grandeur. Wulbren thinks the world owes him a better place."

"I hope he dies," Shadowheart said, cradling the carrier. Muffin let out a supportive bark.

A short elevator ride later, they reached the apartment. The sizeable living room, about a dozen metres across, contained a sepia marble floor and cream-coloured couches, facing a grand telescreen. A miniature cherry tree sat on a coffee table, adding pinkish-red colours to the place. A tall window provided a view of the Chionthar River, hugged by Baldur City's bustling streets. All that splendour rivalled Astarion's own apartment. Hopefully, whoever owned the place wouldn't get miffed about them using it.