Black Knight Armada / BLKNAR

Origin and UEE Military Roots (2791–2856)
The Black Knight Armada traces its origins to the 75th Naval Interdiction Squadron, an elite strike unit within the United Empire of Earth Navy (UEEN). Formed in 2791 during the height of tensions with the Xi’an Empire and ongoing Vanduul incursions, the 75th earned a reputation for surgical strikes, deep reconnaissance, and rapid interdiction missions far from supply lines. Their signature tactic—“Cut the Throat”—involved disabling command vessels and transport ships to cripple enemy formations.
Based out of Jericho Station near Vega, the 75th played a key role in multiple Vanduul border skirmishes. The unit was composed of a mix of high-speed corvettes, stealth-equipped fighters, and command frigates, often flying under blackened IFFs for deniable operations.

The Fall and the Exodus (2856–2858)
In 2856, following a failed deep-space operation into Vanduul-held systems (later classified as Operation Scorch Fang), the 75th was declared MIA. Most of their ships were believed lost, and command quietly decommissioned the unit to avoid political fallout. Unbeknownst to UEE High Command, several vessels survived—crippled, leaderless, and stranded beyond friendly territory.
For nearly two years, the remnants of the 75th operated as a self-sufficient flotilla, scavenging derelicts, bartering with fringe settlements, and fending off Vanduul and outlaw threats. Cut off from official support, the remaining officers debated their future—return home in disgrace, or forge a new path.
They chose the latter.

Rebirth as the Black Knight Armada (2859–2910)
In 2859, the survivors resurfaced in the Pyro system under a new banner: Black Knight Armada. Originally a tongue-in-cheek name for their black-hulled ships, the title became a symbol of unity and rebirth.
Though technically outlaws, they initially operated as mercenaries-for-hire in fringe systems—guarding convoys, hunting pirates, and escorting miners through jump points. Many original members retained military discipline and a strict code of honor: no civilian targets, no slavery, no blind contracts.
Throughout the late 29th century, the Black Knights established hidden depots, forward bases, and informant networks across Nyx, Cathcart, and even Stanton. They became known for their silent professionalism, rarely revealing identities or ship transponders unless necessary.

Modern Era and Shadow Legitimacy (2910–Present)
Today, the Black Knights operate as a privateer consortium, maintaining neutrality in major conflicts while selectively accepting UEE-sanctioned black ops and corporate contracts. Many members are ex-Navy or Marines, and recruitment requires proof of service or sponsorship.
Their fleet includes heavily modified Retaliators, aging Hammerheads retrofitted for stealth, and a small but lethal group of F7A/C and Gladius squadrons known collectively as the “Veiled Wing.”
Their base of operations—“The Crucible”, a hidden asteroid fortress rumored to be in the Leir system—serves as a hub for repairs, intelligence, and strategy.
Though some call them mercenaries, smugglers, or pirates, Black Knight Armada sees itself as a necessary shadow in the galaxy: protecting trade lanes, punishing the truly corrupt, and reminding the UEE what loyalty looks like when the stars forget.

CLASSIFIED UEE NAVAL ARCHIVE
Subject: Black Knight Armada Designation: Ex-Military | Unauthorized Combat Entity Status: Active – Monitored (Level 6 Threat Index)
Background: Black Knight Armada (BKA) originated from the 75th Naval Interdiction Squadron, a deep-strike and interdiction force presumed destroyed during Operation Scorch Fang in 2856. Surviving assets—ships, personnel, and command—went dark beyond the Vanduul Line.
Two years later, encrypted comms intercepted in Pyro confirmed the presence of a fleet using 75th-level tactics, now under the name “Black Knight Armada.” UEE High Command initially dismissed them as rogue deserters, but later field reports suggested a more complex evolution: a disciplined and self-governing privateer faction maintaining military-grade operations and a strict code of conduct.
Leadership: Believed to be under the direction of former Lt. Cmdr. (Status: Officially KIA, 2857), now using the call sign CaptWitchDoctor and Lt. Cmdr. , call sign Totes_McGoats
Activities:
Coordinated convoy rescues (Pyro, Nul, Nyx)

Elimination of high-value pirate targets (Odin Drift, Banshee)

Recovery of UEE-classified technology under contested conditions

Despite operating outside UEE jurisdiction, BKA has demonstrated restraint and strategic alignment with UEE interests although exhibits a perverted sense of justice. Direct confrontation not advised unless provoked.
Note: Do not confuse with outlaw factions. BKA follows an internal honor code and has shown hostility toward slavers, smugglers, and unaligned pirate forces.
— Filed: Lt. Cassandra Rell, UEE Naval Intelligence, 2949