We starting up around the same time as SEED but just to keep things linear and easy to follow. The others are being introduced for ZAFT to steal because we are indeed keeping the suits more or less foiling the attack ZAFT is going to launch. A few important ZAFT characters will be introduced and along with the local Char Clone patented by gundam. ORB's leaders will not approve of the war for the most part in order to keep ORB itself safe but a ORB general will send us to fight with the Earth Alliance due to the standard we set on fighting back against the sudden attack. It's trying to keep with the canon ORB while still fitting us into the war. Think of us as an independent force like the three ships alliance but allied with Earth against ZAFT. In other words we're 'The Expendables' in a way.