M-Class Planet Otoko, on the edge of Drule Empire controlled space, is discovered by the elite Derringer Armada led by the Grand Deram under direct orders from President Azzha. Otoko happens to be home to one of Galaxy Garrison’s top robotics institutes and officer-training academies.
Secure in the notion that Otoko is too remote for either of the existing Voltrons to reach in time, the Derringers begin an invasion that results in three of the top Alliance cadets intervening with their Gladiator Frames.
When these are quickly destroyed by the superior Derringer firepower, the facility’s top engineer, and Hailey’s father, Doctor Kenneth Grubauer, intervenes, rebuilding their Gladiators with the ancient secrets of Doctor Loring himself - allowing them to assemble Voltron.