Order of the Black Knights

The Order of the Black Knights is the Asgard Station's unavowed black ops special forces unit. They were formed when Asgard had to make moves against allies of a questionable nature and operate without damaging its reputation, by the founder of the original Order of the Black Knights, Zero.

History

The original Order of the Black Knights was formed as a rebellion against the decadent and oppressive Britannia Empire. However, as Asgard's motives have always been to protect worlds from their enemies' oppression, there was no call for the Black Knights as anything but a name in Asgard. However, when news came that factions within its allies were in league with some of their enemies, Asgard could either keep its important contacts and allies and risk their infiltration or corruption, or make a move and jeopardize their ability to operate in this world. After having to enter a risky battle and infiltration on the Asteroid Pezun, the need for a black ops squad became obvious, and those pilots who assisted in the battle against New Desides were clearly willing to risk themselves for their goals, which was noticed by Zero.
Zero organized the new iteration of the Order of the Black Knights as a black ops squad within Asgard to deal with the threat of Ribbons Almark infiltrating ZAFT. Having been longtime allies to Chairman Durandal, and having many pilots from ZAFT in its ranks, Asgard could not investigate openly without risking a war between ZAFT and OMNI escalating and being forced to pick a side. As such, Asgard needed plausible deniability.
Assembling uniforms and pilots, Zero organized to have a Sleipnir, officially listed as MIA, renamed and repurposed into the Helhest, and dubbed those who joined him as Black Knights, 'traitors' to Asgard who'd stolen one of their ships and were acting rebelliously, giving Asgard's command the ability to claim they were not aware of what was going on if the Black Knights were to get into direct conflict with ZAFT, which they did.

Purpose

The Order of the Black Knights is the Black Ops squad of the Asgard station. If they fail in their mission, usually involving risking a potential ally or engaging an enemy with express disapproval of the local authorities, the station's Command Staff is to deny their association with them. For this reason, the Order of the Black Knights disbands and reforms as these missions come up.
Infiltrations in potentially friendly territory, skirmishes with ostensibly allied forces, acts of deliberate terrorism and even, if necessary, assassination, is what the Order of the Black Knights exists for. Missions which Asgard cannot be associated with but which may need to be done. Thankfully for now, assassination and terrorism have not been an issue but judging by its members, the potential for them is quite high.

Known Members

• Zero, Leader of the Black Knights, Captain of the Helhest
• Kallen Kouzuki
• C.C.
• Amuro Ray
• Heero Yuy
• Duo Maxwell
• Lockon Stratos
• Setsuna F. Seiei
• Garrod Ran
• Graham Aker