Brunok labored as a construction worker, serving as a member of a team working on the Imperial superweapon called the Tarkin circa 3 ABY. While stationed on the world of Hockaleg, he and a fellow member of the construction team were captured by the Rebels Leia Organa, Chewbacca, and Luke Skywalker. The Rebels then appropriated the workers' attire to gain entry to the Tarkin, disguising themselves as a construction unit.