“I don’t know, My Lord. It just doesn’t seem correct.”

Explain why you think human children should not be borne from trees.

Sandalphon folded their pure white wings against their back as they looked at the test tree in question, pondering how best they could answer God’s question.

“It’s a very…complicated birth cycle, to say the least. Is there a particular reason you want to design humans so differently?”

Obstacles make for good development.

“Yes, but if I may be so forward…” Sandalphon looked down, then back at the tree and tilted their head. “You have already given them quite the obstacles.”

It is not the hardest pregnancy we have designed.

“Well yes, and may the male seahorses never find out their process is originally meant for humans, but isn’t there enough obstacles throughout the rest of life without it starting right after conception?” Sandalphon stepped a bare foot forward and reached for one of the fruit, catching it off the branch and peered at the pulsing womb within. “Did you forget Lucifer suggested they should get free will, and all the associated mental issues that comes with?”

Free will is a gift.

“And so are children.” Sandalphon murmured under their breath, stroking a finger down the pulsing fruit. A brilliance enveloped the archangel, briefly eclipsing them from view before dissipating as swiftly as it had been summoned. When it was gone the archangel could be seen holding a human baby, nestled snugly in a silk cloth wrap.

“Just the first two shall be borne from a tree then, My Lord.” Sandalphon brushed the baby’s hair to the side and held it up to the sky. “The rest can follow the other mammals.”

That seems more confusing for them.

“It will be for the better in the end, Lucifer recommended so as well.”

Very well. Would you like to name this one?

Sandalphon kissed the baby’s head.

“Eve.”