A few small steps from the planetarium, old but frequently rejuvenated feet would enter the greenhouse. Greaves only went in here when his planets needed bio-matter and only with the permission of Ms. Davies. It was the same if he needed life-forms. He tended to stay away from the menagerie. McGinty scared the shit out of him. It wasn't too bad though as once his planets were formed McGinty could stick his 'things' wherever he wanted. All three of them only ever had to get together if environments went haywire and adjustments needed to be made. It was an incentive to 'get it right first time' as The Warden often said.

Today, most of the 'retirees' were in the greenhouse helping Ms. Davies put the finishing touches to the flora of 'B105'. All the seeds, corms, tubers and grafts sorted into boxes, and all the boxes labeled with coordinates. Server bots were carrying the boxes from the greenhouse to the planetarium where Greaves lined up the planet to the coordinates and emptied the containers into the shute. It was all done with military precision. It had to be finished by mid-afternoon as then it would be time for afternoon tea, backgammon or a nap.

"Some of these plants are really cutting edge, don't you think Godfrey?" Waldorf nudged his friend in the ribs to wake him up. Godfrey was snoozing more than usual, and Waldorf was beginning to worry. Packing seeds, however, wasn't one of their favorite things to do and Waldorf himself was looking forward to that afternoon nap. Maybe, grabbing a jam scone on the way.

"What!" Godfrey jerked awake and wiped the well-congealed drool from his chin with his loose fitting overall sleeve.

"I really like this peony. Its beauty offset by its accuracy at shooting darts at its prey." To demonstrate Waldorf lifted the container he had been filling with corms in front of the single peony. Ms. Davies had thoughtfully left an example of each plant above the pile of seeds that needed packing. The flower shot a dangerously pointy seed right through the box, and it thudded against the greenhouse glass.

"Put that flower guard back in place!" Ms. Davies had caught him. "I have told you before Waldorf. I am not happy with you disregarding health and safety in my greenhouse. I will be speaking to the Warden about this. If you don't want to help, then I am sure McGinty could do with your help feeding the very impressive giant scorpions in the menagerie."

"Flower guard? Oh, I am sorry Ms. Davies I have been using it as a tray for our tea and biscuits. I thought that was what it was for. Apologies again." Waldorfs' tone almost made him sound sincere. It seemed to wind her up so much that her face reddened and hands balled. As she was about to explode, a server bot crashed into her wellington boot. She took a breath. "What is it?" The bot made a noise that only she could understand. Her body relaxed. She gave a wry grin. This scared both men more than the shouting. "It seems you are deeper 'in it' than you thought. The Warden has summoned you both."

As they both meekly left the greenhouse following the bot, she had difficulty restraining the glee in her voice as she shouted: "Next time wear your gloves."

"I reckon her and McGinty have a thing," Waldorf whispered to Godfrey.

They were glad to be out of there. But apprehensive as to why the Warden wanted to see them.

They followed the bot to the West side of the castle. The Warden was trimming the hedge with a shiny new pair of shears. He was halfway up a stepladder that was being safely held by the distressed looking Greaves.

"Ah, gentlemen. We need to discuss A6105."

"As you can see I do have some influence in this Universe." They were all suddenly comfortably seated in one of the Wardens ante-rooms. A large tray of bourbons and tea in the best porcelain. "You guys are the best of the best. We must have some rules to go by, and I am afraid on A6105 the rules have-How shall I say-Become blurred." The Warden's blue eyes sparkled. He was looking extremely smart in a dark blue business suit.

Godfrey leaned forward and dunked a bourbon into his tea. Just long enough so that it didn't break off as he stuffed his mouth with it.

Waldorf Checked out the painting above the mantle. It was a landscape. It reminded him of home. He couldn't remember in which life it had been home. He had seen the picture before and could vaguely remember sitting here before. His own indistinct memories annoyed him.

He felt like he was back at school in the headmaster's office. He had had quite enough today. First Ms. Davies. Now the Warden. He could only be wound so far.

"We are not children. We are not your toys. We have lived many exemplary lives, and it seems our reward is to be treated as inferior beings in a place where everyone waits for a never approaching death. If this is our prize then maybe death is more becoming. A better reward for all the past heroes that gather at these halls."

The warden stood up. He motioned towards Greaves who instantly disappeared, presumably back to his seed sewing.

"Are you not getting your medication, Waldorf? This is purely a discussion about A6105. I need your help to plan a strategy to minimise the long-term effects on the universe. Your meddling in the planetarium and the ghostly intervention you orchestrated are not helping matters."

"And what effects are we trying to minimise here warden? We, or rather your brother has failed to keep some serious underachievers under guard and let them loose on a fresh, innocent planet. We have been unable to recognise the effects of migrating dragons on the population. My 'meddling' as you call it has given those poor people a chance to put right the wrongs in a more organic way. To make a history for themselves, full of heroes and villains. How can that be meddling? How is that 'not helping'?" Waldorf was on the edge of his comfy seat. His hands were waving to emphasise his words.

The Warden materialised a pipe and puffed on it to underline his thoughtfulness. After a moment he pointed the mouthpiece end at Waldorf.

"I do not argue with you there. You meant well. I can see that. It is the poor execution of your plan that I must point out to you." He turned to the mantle and awaited the expected tirade.

Waldorf nearly rose, but he decided that the chair was so comfy and it would be better not to trust his knees in this situation.

"Poor execution! Poor execution! We achieved great things. We have set the boys on a quest. They have extraordinary potential for success. I say we did well."

Letting the air cool, the Warden poured them both another cup of tea. He had been in similar positions before. It was the hardest part of being omnipotent. This was the crux of what he and his brother had been trying to achieve in this universe. He wanted to pick his words carefully. Stuffing his pipe into the pocket of his oversized winter cardigan, he became more fatherly and less businesslike.

"My brother and I came here hundreds of cycles ago. Our parents had botched up the worlds they had presided over. We vowed to do things differently. I could have simply eradicated Deller, his cohorts, his acquaintances even the dragons on Agios I could wipe the minds of anyone or anything that would lead this universe down 'the wrong path' as it were. Power has its place. We vowed never to abuse our power. We have to have some rules in our omnipotence."

He studied his painting and continued. "Deller has been on the planet too long. He has a harem of wives. He has thirty-seven children! For goodness sakes. He has become part of the history of Agios. We must live with our mistake. We could not foresee the effect of dragon crystals on people. We are only just researching this ourselves."

"We did the right thing then?" Calmer now.

"You did! But there was one massive error. One that I am not sure how to rectify. You intervened. Your voice was heard from above. There is no such thing as ghosts. How will the people of Agios live with this knowledge?" Answering his own question he continued. "I fear that the people will hear this hero's tale and believe in Gods! And Ghosts. This is not the way forward. My brother and I have sworn to keep the universe free of religion. We will not repeat the mistakes of our parents. We will not become Gods."

"Ah. Well if you put it like that I can see our error. But surely there is a religion there already?" Waldorf finished his biscuit. Feeling a little less like a naughty school child.

"No. At this moment in time, they believe in themselves. They do not worship a higher being they do not build altars. They are at one with the land. You must help us make sure this simple faith continues." His brown eyes, bringing forth a wise wrinkled smile.

"It will be a very difficult task Warden. I had no knowledge that this kind of religion existed. It will need some deep thought."

During this conversation, Godfrey had fallen asleep. He was unaware of the debate. The Warden looked worriedly at him and then turned to Waldorf.

"It occurs to me that Godfrey's rejuvenation periods are becoming more frequent. It may be time to renew him completely. How is he in himself?"

"Oh, he is fine warden. I have become quite used to him in this form. He is at peace with life here. I would miss the old him very much." Concern for losing his friend showing on his face.

"He would be able to walk again. Maybe it would be better to renew. He would still be himself; after a while. I will rejuvenate him one more time. I think you should talk to him and get him used to the idea of renewal?" Smoke was coming from the Wardens cardigan pocket. He took the pipe out and instantly changed into a roll-neck sweater and continued. "Of course if he is happy to stay as he is then that is fine too. It is his decision. Now, what about you Waldorf?"

Waldorf looked a bit taken aback. "I am very well thank you. I don't need rejuvenation, I recovered very well from the mind scooter accident and had been feeling as fit as a fiddle." He 'almost' leapt up out of his chair and touched his toes just to prove his fitness. "No creaks here."

"No, no, Waldorf you are physically in good shape. I know this. But this is not the first time we have had similar conversations. I am worried that you are restless and feel undervalued here. Maybe you would like to go back into the worlds and live another life. It may be that you have retired too early to 'Evans'?" He sat on the sofa between the sleeping Godfrey and Waldorf and looked quizzically at Waldorf.

"I thank you for your concern. I feel I have earned my place here. I may get frustrated from time to time, but this is my home now. Maybe I could take a little bit more responsibility, but I am happy."

"Well, the options are open to you. As you say, you have attained your place here as a hero, statesman, and friend in the worlds. You can go back and live anywhere you wish. You can go back and be anything you want to be. I have another option though."

Waldorf raised his eyebrows at that.

"As I have said A6105 has raised some issues that I; we need to address. It is an office job here at Evans, but at the moment there will not be too much to do, hopefully."

"I may be interested, but I am not sure about sitting in an office. What is the job?"

"Well, we have the world-building under control, but it seems the development of inhabitants is our next concern. Both jobs may entail some world visiting, but it must happen without the resident's knowledge; As you can now understand. I am looking for someone to be in charge of the development of faith! Or if that isn't 'Up your street' then the development of magic is also an issue. Although, I had Godfrey in mind for that one. I have to say that there is a small problem with these job offers. If you do not immediately accept the offer, then I will have to wipe your memory of the whole of this conversation, and we will be back to the west wing trimming the hedge. I also must let you know that this is not the first time I have offered you this job. Or the first time we have had a similar conversation. On that occasion, you turned me down. Well?"

It was a good life here at Evans. The Warden was a good man. Waldorf had the run of the place and enjoyed his retirement. Godfrey was a big part of his happiness World-building was very rewarding, and you could be as involved as you wanted to be. This job would give him a little bit more responsibility and a bit more input. Godfrey presumably would be in the next office and keep similar hours to himself. It was very flattering to be asked. So why had he turned it down before? Perhaps he had not felt ready. Maybe he thought he would miss Godfrey.

"I have not got much time to think then. I accept. Thank you."

"Good. Now as I have said your job will be to monitor faith in all our worlds and to stop the worship of Gods. Only self-belief is acceptable. This will involve halting the notion of life after death and ghosts as well as the building of altars. I have some examples of religion from my parent's universe. I want you to study it carefully and see where they went wrong. The number of wars and genocide in their realm should show you the folly of the worship of Gods.

I will speak to Godfrey and offer him the development of magic position. I would rather you didn't talk to him about it beforehand."

The warden's brown eyes watched Waldorf's acceptance joyfully. It would be a difficult job. He was sure he had the right man for it.