Home Sick Part 2

Posted on Sat Nov 30th, 2024 @ 10:46pm by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami & Lieutenant JG Zai

1,200 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Stars Around the Well

Messages from the Baciami Family

Giovanni (eldest brother):
“Adrianna, cara, remember who you are. You're a Baciami– a force to be reckoned with. If you can handle eight brothers, you can handle anything out there. And when you're back, and we're both in Roma again, I'll take you to that coffee place– it's still there, believe it or not. So your apartment still smells like a coffee emporium. Stay strong, sorellina.”

“And please tell Vance that he is a moron… for the dance, but the rest of the family very much approve of this gift for you. They're really looking forward to meeting him… even if it's for nothing more than to make fun of his dancing or your incident with the video call,” he chuckled, shaking his head.

“If you can also let him know that I've been doing some thinking, but I have come to the same conclusion as what I told him previously: he needs to stop overthinking and allow nature to take over. He'll be happier if he stops people-pleasing.”

“As for him– listen– Adie, you've really landed on your feet with him. He's a really great guy– perfect for you. I hope it doesn't go to his head, but he's also a really great engineer. He helped with some renovations on the Augustus. Engineering are scary impressed. My CMO– she's normally a grump, but she has said that her workload has never been better,” there was something off about what he was saying, but Adrianna couldn't quite figure it out.

“When you almost got yourself killed to get back into Starfleet, I realised how much you actually loved this guy. I told myself to never question your relationships again– at least not to your face. I would berate any guy you brought home to make sure that they were even close to how Vance made you feel. I can see now that there would never have been anyone else. I can see why you fell in love with him and I will support you in all of this, however I can. I have never seen you as happy or settled, Sorellina. I'm proud of you.”

Giovanni paused, “this call is getting too sappy. I love you, Ade. Make sure you come home, or I'll find you, revive you and kill you myself.”

Franco (second eldest):
“You’re probably complaining about the ship’s coffee right now. Typical. When you’re back, I’ll make you a proper espresso, not that dishwater they serve on Starfleet vessels. Until then, keep your chin up and don’t let anyone boss you around, except maybe the captain. Oh, and look– mamma decided to set me up with who she thought was a girl…” he held up am image, “meet mister Jo Krina… gawd, that was a mortifying date!”

Marco:
“Adri, do you remember when you fell off Nonno's fishing boat and swore never to go near the sea again? Now look at you, practically living in space. Proud of you, little sis. Keep chasing those stars.”

Luca:
“Sis, don't forget to write down your adventures. One day, we'll tell your nieces and nephews about their crazy auntie Adie who braved the cosmos. We're all cheering for you here. Don’t forget, family is just a call away… well… maybe not… that's why Vance has us making these videos.” Suddenly two children came running into the shot, “say hi to aunty Adie!”

The children giggled and waved, “Auntie Adie!” They then proceeded to talk at a million miles an hour about what they had done at school that day, which somehow turned into a conversation about seeing a dog which then turned into something nonsensical.

Matteo:
“I don't know how you put up with those Starfleet uniforms; they don’t do your style any favours. Well, that's what the missus tells me. When you're back, she wants to take you shopping. Until then, kick some alien butt for me, Adri.”

He chuckled and added, “You still owe me for that time I covered for you when you missed curfew. Pay me back by not getting Vance to dance more so that we have someone to make fun of here. You’ve got this, Adri.”

Tanina (their mother):
“Figlia mia, I pray for you every night. Remember to eat properly and wear something warm when you’re off duty. A mother’s love reaches even the stars, Adrianna. Come home to us when you can.”

She turned the camera around and started showing Adrianna the family home, “in the meantime, some things for you to think on: Adrianna, figlia mia, I was thinking about your wedding—yes, yes, don’t roll your eyes at me– I feel it even though I cannot see you! I know– but you have only given me weeks to plan and you are not here to say yes or no, but indulge your mamma, eh? Here, wait.”

The camera wobbled as Tanina turned it around to face the sprawling vineyard. The sunlight filtered through the rows of heavy vines, their leaves a vibrant green and their grapes a deep purple, and the sound of birds filled the air.

“Look at this, Adrianna! Imagine it here, just as the sun sets. We can hang lanterns from the trellises– see, just there– and line the aisle with flowers from the garden. Your brothers can help set it all up. I’ll make sure they don’t get distracted drinking wine before the guests arrive.”

She walked toward the courtyard, where an old stone fountain bubbled, her father talking with some employees. He waved at the camera before returning to conversation.

“This, cara, this is where the reception will be. Long tables, covered with fresh bread, olive oil, cheeses– everything home-made. Can you see it? Fairy lights strung from the trees, candles glowing softly. Vance will sit at the head table with you, and I’ll make sure Giovanni and your father keep their toasts short so that we can get to the dancing. I was thinking we get a live band– I think Luca still knows that guy from the band we had for Giovanni's fortieth.”

The camera turned back to Tanina’s face, her expression glowing with excitement.

“So, what do you think, amore mio? Doesn’t it all sound perfect? Of course, you’ll have the final say—it’s your day. But I wanted to show you, to remind you that no matter where you go, this is your home.”

“We are going to start clearing the space anyway. Even if it is just for the reunion. I have already set your brother's to work. I will make this as special for you as I can.

“The week that you are here, it is supposed to be a harvest moon, so you will have a beautiful sunset and you can dance into the night– hopefully it will be a clear night. I know that the stars hold a special place for yourself and Vance. We will also set up the guest house for the pair of you, unless you wish to go back to your apartment in Rome on the night of the wedding.”

 

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