Battlefield by J. F. Jenkins

efficient as you are. They have a lot to learn,” she replied stiffly.
    â€œObviously.”
    â€œCan we still rely on your assistance with this next assignment?”
    â€œThis time I’ll let it go, because like I said, I’m generous and forgiving. Next time this happens though, that will change. I don’t let people take advantage of me more than once.”
    â€œUnderstood.”
    It was quiet for a moment, and Alan waited off to the side, wondering if he should move away or move closer. Footsteps left the room, and a door closed.
    She muttered quietly. “Pathetic Earthling.”
    â€œThey’re just like us,” Alan said softly, taking the risk to enter the room.
    â€œYou're here,” she breathed out, turning to face him. He hadn’t seen her in what could be compared to as months, but she still looked the same. Her blond curls were kept close to her head, pulled into a small bun, and she wore the same simple, light blue dress he often saw her in back home. All he could see different was the tired look in her pale grey eyes. Usually they were filled with life and energy.
    He stepped behind her and put his arms around her waist. “Alonauxoonamondae.” Hesitantly, he placed a kiss on her cheek. “I knew you were here.”
    â€œI’m aware of what you do and don’t know. I told you not to get involved and find me. You’re not going to change my mind. You know I can’t do anything about this,” she said.
    â€œI can protect you. Let me, before too much happens, and I can’t anymore. If you came back with me to my ship now, you won’t be punished when all of this is over,” he whispered.
    Alona faced him and put a finger against his lips. “It doesn’t work that way, and you know you’re in the wrong. This isn’t your tribe’s fight anyway. You can’t make the world better for everyone. Don’t get involved. I told you not to.”
    â€œI have to if we’re ever going to—”
    â€œThen maybe you should come over to my side instead of trying to get me to do something I don’t believe in.”
    â€œI do not believe that what you’re doing is right either. How can driving someone out of their home be good? Destroying another planet even, and involving them in a battle that isn’t their business either? That sounds rather hypocritical don’t you think? I know you don’t agree either.”
    â€œI have to. That’s the difference between you and me. You choose to. I have to. You shouldn’t be here.” Alona pulled herself from his arms and left through the tunnel.
    It didn’t take long for him to catch up with her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him, kissing her fiercely. Doing so would no doubt make her angry with him, he was sure of it, but he had to be close to her again just one more time. There was no way he could keep surviving without his fix. At least she reciprocated his advance.
    After their lips parted, she stared up into his eyes. “You know you just sacrificed your abilities by doing that, don’t you?”
    â€œHow could I forget? I’ve lost them for much longer by doing other things with you. I’m hardly worried,” he said with a coy smile. A small price to pay for being near her. She had the power to negate the abilities of others temporarily through touch. The stronger the touch, the longer the ability was gone.
    â€œYou should be.” But she kissed him again anyway, pushing him against the wall for support. “I will change your mind, and you’ll want those powers for later.”
    â€œDoubtful, but I will indulge your fantasy for this moment in time. Please, persuade me,” he said with a smirk. All logic told him he should avoid this at all costs. The agonizing feeling inside, however, told him he had to be near her for as long as possible. He might not see her again.
    â€œThat isn't fair. I