Copernicus Mission Charter
Chapter 5 - Political Organisation
1.0 - The Copernicus Mission, her crew, her passengers, and all their descendants, shall commit themselves to the following fundamental guidelines and rules.
1.1 - Freedom of Assembly is guaranteed for all citizens, beyond those lawfully incarcerated for crimes or those elsewise detained for medical reasons. Associations, organisations, and peaceful political movements are not to be infringed upon by the Copernican authorities.
1.2 - Freedom of Speech is guaranteed for all citizens, and the publication and consumption of comment, news, literature and all creative materials is the right of all citizens in whatever language they so choose. Both printed and digital materials are covered, and the authorities shall make no moves to limit these rights, not impose an informational monopoly.
1.3 - Freedom of Thought is guaranteed for all citizens. Religious freedom is hereby guaranteed; and the Copernicus Mission shall abstain from the use of mind-altering medications, AI-imposed manipulation, or other limitations on free thought.
1.4 - Freedom of Settlement is the final guarantee, as the right of the men and women of the Copernicus to choose their own spouses, residences and habitations.
2.0 - The Copernicus Mission shall be bound by the following laws as to the governance of the colony.
2.1 - The Captain is the master of his ship, and in his place in case of death or incapability, the first officer, following the normal process of rank thereafter. While the Copernicus is in space, his is mastery of the vessel, within the limitations hereto mentioned. Upon landfall, his authority continues until the appointing of a Magistrate.
2.2 - Upon arrival on a suitable colony site, the Captain and his crew shall make good on providing information and clarification to the passengers, that they shall be as informed as possible before landfall, if applicable.
2.3 - Before landfall, procedures shall be put in place for representatives to be chosen from among the colonists, to advise the Captain and look after their interests.
2.4 - Upon landfall, not more than one Earth year may pass without a Magistrate being elected from the free citizens of the Copernicus. It is envisaged that, bearing in mind the four freedoms guaranteed to the colony, a proper constitution and method of governance may then be settled.