The Charter of 13 October 2828 recognizes a self-governing armed order of mercy, escort and defence, independent of UEE command.
The account
1. Independence: the Templars answer to their own Chapter-General and Grand Master, not to the Imperator, Navy or Advocacy; not part of the UEE government.
2. Neutrality of mercy: hospital and relief ships may carry the sick, wounded and refugees of any species or faction through any space, protected as such.
3. The Charter Fleet: may build, buy and crew hospital, escort and war fleets at their own expense under their own Chapter; may defend themselves, their wards and charges with force; may act with the Navy and CDF by agreement, never under their command.
4. Audit: finances, including the Silent Ledger, open to a neutral human and Banu commission.
5. Rule of Law: bound by UEE law and triable in UEE courts; members may refuse unlawful orders and must refuse any order that violates the Creed.
6. No arms trade, no coinage, no taxation, no hire: may not sell weapons, issue currency, tax anyone or hire out their ships as mercenaries.
- 'A bank that gives its money away, a fleet that answers to no admiral, and a church with a gunship' (a senator's joke the Templars embroidered on a flag).
