The sphere hung suspended in the void - a ball of many hues in an infinity of darkness. Blue, green, brown and white. Even the Creator admitted that it was Their best work to date. It was the last of nine worlds, ready to take their places in orbit around a star also of Their creation. Yes, the other eight worlds were magnificent in their own ways: the molten rocks of Alpha; the deep gas oceans of moon-jewelled Epsilon; the frozen plains of Iota. This one, however, was special. It was, in the Creator's opinion, the perfect balance of the elements.

"Oh, I have such plans for you," the Creator whispered. "If only you knew what, you would weep at their majesty."

Helel, the Creator's favourite angel, had been hovering nearby, its wings barely moving in the aetheric currents. "Did you call, Creator?"

"Hmm? What?" For a moment of eternity the Creator was distracted, torn between contemplation of Their work and the mundane nature of the angel's question. They remembered Their dignity and composed Themselves. "I was carrying out an act of benediction. Please come here."

Helel did as it was told.

"Tell me," the Creator said, "have you ever seen such a world before? I intend for this one to be home to life in infinite forms and infinite diversity. And amongst that life I shall grant one the capacity for sentience. This one shall be My most beloved."

Helel felt a sense of - what? Disquiet? Anxiety? Jealousy? It could not put a name to the motion that was disturbing its usual harmony. "Your most beloved?"

"Oh, yes. I will also give them the capacity for love and worship. But I will also give them free will. When they adore Me, it shall be so much sweeter."

"And where shall these creatures stand in the scheme of things?" Helel asked.

"Second only to Myself," the Creator answered.

"But what of us who have served You faithfully?" the angel began, but the Creator silenced it with a gesture.

"You and the others will still be treasured, for you are good and faithful servants. Do not worry. Now - back! I must set this world in motion."

A sudden urge overcame Helel: a forbidden urge; an urge of rebellion. As the angel retreated, obedient to the Creator's command, it stretched its wings. As if by accident, a pin feather hit the nascent world and shattered it into a thousand-thousand tumbling rocks.

"What have you done?" The Creator aimed a blow at Helel - more in grief and shock than in anger. The angel ducked.

"Creator! Forgive me! It was an accident!"

The Creator looks at the angel and saw no signs of deception or malice. "Very well. You are forgiven." They turned their attention back to the void. The plan required nine worlds. Perhaps a replacement could be placed between Beta and Gamma? In the meantime ...

"Helel! Clear this away. That shall be your penance."

Helel bowed to conceal its smile. "At once, Creator."