All the Good News

Posted on Wed Nov 27th, 2024 @ 9:55am by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami

1,066 words; about a 5 minute read

Adrianna shifted nervously as she waited for the call to connect with her full family. The majority were in Rome already, but both Franco and Giovanni were connecting in from their respective ships. Calls like this were rare, but it technically wasn't Adrianna who had assembled everyone, it was just good timing. There was much news to tell them and very little time to do so before they lost all Comms.

As the call connected, she beamed with delight seeing everyone flash up. Her brothers and, for those that had them, their wives or girlfriends and their children filled the screen with her parents sitting in the middle. It was comforting to see everyone. Seeing some of the children, Adrianna waved and smiled. She hadn't seen some in a while, but everyone knew everyone.

Dario, Adrianna's father, raised his hand, silencing the roudy call “thank you, everyone for joining us on this call. I know that it is hell getting us all in one place, but this cannot wait until we all meet in a few short weeks for your mother's birthday. Marco– the floor is yours.”

It was clear that everyone shifted focus to the box on a screen that Matteo and his wife, Lenore, were in.

Matteo looked at Lenore in pure adoration, before looking back into the camera, “so, we have some news. My work at StarFleet R & D has just been approved. We start ‘human’ trials in a few months. This means that I– we– will be moving to a StarBase.”

Everyone seemed to look impressed, but it was clear that Matteo was holding back, “we've chosen the base near Earth so that we have easy access to home so that you can all visit your new niece when she is born in a few months.”

There it was.

The family erupted in applause and congratulations. Everyone knew they'd been trying for a short time, but to hear the actual news that the family was expanding was something else. Adrianna came from a big family and it appeared that they couldn't help but celebrate whenever it got bigger.

“So, Lenore won't be drinking at mamma’s birthday, but I will be drinking her share– don't worry!” Matteo cheered.

Adrianna didn't want to take away from the moment and so remained quiet about her news. Giovanni noticed the smile not quite reaching her eyes and dropped her a private message simply saying: Everything ok, Sorellina?

Adrianna quickly replied, “yes. More than ok. Vance followed in tradition. We're tattooed and he's moving in! We'll get married when we are back on Earth.”

Giovanni cleared his throat, causing the call to go silent again, “it has just been brought to my attention that we will be having another person also joining the family soon. An adult though– sorry, Mamma. Adrianna?”

Adrianna could feel her cheeks go bright red as she heard her family whispering. Her mother and father grinned, having a feeling that they knew what was happening. Adrianna raised her hand showing her tattooed finger. “If you would help plan everything, we would love to make it official when we are all together in a few weeks. If that is not too soon,” she finally smiled.

The call erupted in further screaming and clapping. Gio seemed to look like a proud father, even though they were siblings. Tanina and Dario looked at each other– clearly a shared memory of their own tattoos going through their minds in a silent conversation. Their love had only grown with age and it showed in the mere way they looked at each other and in the subtle moments of affection.

Tanina suddenly piped up, “Adrianna, give me a list of what you want me to do and I will have it done!”

Adrianna smiled, “everything but the dress, mamma. I will talk to Vance too. I need you– well, everyone to know two things: one, Vance has been alone for some time. His concept of family is substantially different to ours. He will inevitably be overwhelmed. Please be patient with him. Secondly– we are heading into a potentially dangerous mission where we will not have comms. I cannot discuss in full, obviously, but you will not be able to contact me from tomorrow onwards. I promise you– I am fine. Many people are looking out for me– inclusive of Vance. This is purely a mission and I will be home as soon as I can. When I have Comms back, I will let you all know that we are safe.”

Everyone seemed a little on edge, but understood. “My baby girl is getting married,” Dario, a man of few words, finally broke the silence, “what will your name be?”

“Adrianna Nani Baciami-Adams,” she replied simply.

Dario looked confused a little, “you are keeping your name?”

“I am proud of my name, my family and what that means,” Adrianna clarified, “Vance wants to be part of this family. So, we are meeting in the middle when it comes to names. It will be the meeting of families and we will show him what it means to not be alone.”

There was a look of pride in Dario's eyes. He had raised a daughter that cared for others and put everyone else first. She had grown into such a beautiful young woman– gone was his little girl who used to try and keep up with her brothers. Now she was a woman who could stand her own and protect those that she loved. And, she'd found love.

“Then, so be it, we look forward to your wedding, Missus Baciami-Adams,” he smiled before taking a breath, “what a day– our family is expanding by blood and by marriage. I do not think it could get better.”

The call seemed to go a bit staticy and Adrianna knew her time was limited, “I am going to lose connection soon. I love you all. I will return as soon as I can, and you can all meet Vance and we can celebrate in true Baciami style– well, except for you Lenore. Congratulations, I am so, very, happy for you! Another niece! It's about time we started evening the playing field by adding girls to the family!”

There was some chatter, but the static overwhelmed the call and cut out.

Adrianna sighed, she was going to miss everyone, but at least she had Vance.

 

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