The Galra's invasion of Earth had been devastating. And, since Admiral Sanda had sent their seniors flying to their deaths in jets they weren't experienced in flying, James Griffin and his team were one of their few defenses. With the MFE jets being built through integrating Altean and Earth technology, they were one of the few weapons (other than the laser cannons and the particle barrier protecting the Garrison) that could match the Galra's own weaponry.

So, James and his team — still cadets despite deserving promotion to officers — were sent out on missions regularly. This time, they were being sent on a collection and extraction assignment for supplies; they were running low and they'd still heard nothing from Voltron.

"Ready to depart on your mark, Commander Iverson," James said into comns, his right hand gripping the throttle tightly.