Hazar tries to argue with Viceroy Throk that the S.S. Explorer is on a peaceful mission and no threat but Throk calls Hazar a weakling, and orders Captain Mongo in charge of the Emperor's fleet and threatens to have Hazar demoted to a tug ship captain. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Garrison has ordered the Explore not to use Voltron as they want to attempt to make peace with the Drule Empire. A backup squadron led by Captain Kieo is sent to support them in their mission.