The Historian
Communication and fellowship across the solar system continued without issue for more than a century until disagreement surrounding the use of SCRIBES to record and transmit history and liturgy. SCRIBE units accompanied all missionaries in recording their findings, aiding their studies, assisting with services, and serving as textual repositories. Users could record information via speech, type, or external memory chips. Information could be transmitted on a small screen or as spoken audio. A precise description of SCRIBE units is impossible as accounts vary from simple metal boxes to fully human-like android beings that can move, talk, and function autonomously. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle of these extremes. Regardless of form, these SCRIBES were a crucial component in the fourth-millennium Church's recording, transmission, and practices.
One essential and non-controversial function of SCRIBES was synchronizing the Church calendar. The interplanetary church needed to remain unified by shared holy days. However, SCRIBES also served more controversial functions, which some historians generically call the Scribal Controversy. Others named it after the most prominent opponent of SCRIBES at the time, Bishop Elias Marlowe[5]. In the 33rd century, Bishop Elias Marlowe wrote to the Pope, expressing his concerns with SCRIBE units in liturgical practices.
[5] Miriam Kestrel refers to it as the Elisian Controversy. While, Silas Quinlan refers to it as the Marlowian Controversary. Here we will use the generic name wherever possible. See Appendix A.