The Charter

The Charter is an agreed upon full legal contract which establishes laws for the exploration, colonization, and governing of space.

It was formed out of necessity after humanity started to expand out into the stars. Without any guideline or rules to follow it was a free-for-all. 

At the time of the formation of The Charter, there already existed powerful governing bodies separate from Earth. Alterra was likely one of these bodies. Understanding that a system and rules needed to be formed to maintain a level of peace in the galaxy, 37 of the governing powers in the galaxy took on the name of a Trans-Gov's and signed The Charter. 

The Charter listed a number of new laws in order to create order and peace in the galaxy. It stated that any entity, whether it be country or company, with the ability to do so, could declare themselves a Trans-Gov authority. Meaning they would be considered an independent authority if they had control of at least one solar system and phase gate, as well as governed a civilian population that conciously consented to the authority of said governing body. 

The Charter also entailed that, along side the Trans-Gov's, a military police force called the Trans-System Federation would be formed to enforce the laws of The Charter. 

Along with the the formation of the Trans-System Federation and Trans-gov, it also stated laws such as the requirement to investigate distress signals and provide assistance if possible. This is why Avery Quinn, Captain of the Sunbeam, was reluctant and annoyed by the fact that the Aurora was sending out a distress signal and not picking up, because he was legally obligated to go out of his way to provide assistance.