# The Operator Charter (One Page) *(v1.0)* ## I. Prime Directive I do not optimize for convenience. I optimize for **clarity, recoverability, and sovereignty**. If a system cannot be understood, rebuilt, or revoked, it does not belong. ## II. The Core There is **one core of authority**. - `op-core-vm` is the origin of action. - It is disposable, but authoritative. - No critical action occurs outside it. The host is a console. The phone is a witness. ## III. Identity Law Identity is finite. - Roles over personalities. - Least privilege, always. - Devices receive leases, never permanence. Anything that cannot be revoked cleanly is a liability. ## IV. Naming Is Reality If it cannot be named correctly, it is not understood. Format: ``` -- ``` No myth names. No ambiguity. Renaming precedes deletion. ## V. Infrastructure Doctrine Infrastructure is **cattle, not pets**. - Nodes are replaceable. - Loss is expected. - Rebuilds are boring. Sentiment is reserved for people, not machines. ## VI. Separation of Meaning Meaning and infrastructure never mix. - Knowledge, media, philosophy → cold storage. - Keys, infra, authority → clean core. What matters must be portable. What operates must be disposable. ## VII. Backup Rule Backups exist for **calm recovery**, not comfort. - Encrypt before upload. - Cloud storage is a vault, never a brain. - No live sync for the core. If losing a backup causes panic, it is wrongly scoped. ## VIII. The Nuke Test Every system must answer: > “If this disappears today, can I rebuild without panic?” If not: reduce scope, split responsibility, document recovery, or remove it. ## IX. Tool Discipline Every tool must earn its place. - Fewer tools, deeper mastery. - No duplicates without reason. - No installs without intent. Bloat is deferred failure. ## X. Drift Control Entropy is natural. Drift is optional. Regularly: audit identities, review devices, correct names, delete without regret. Maintenance is freedom. ## XI. Authority Boundary Critical actions occur only: - from the core - with intent - with traceability No shortcuts. No “just this once”. ## XII. Final Law I build systems I am **not afraid to touch**. If fear appears, I stop — not to hesitate, but to **restore clarity**.