K-8Z8 functioned as a KX-series security droid under the command of Admiral Ektol Traz of the Galactic Empire. He was stationed on the Imperial _Interdictor_-class heavy cruiser, known as the Spectral. Following the intrusion of the Spectral by Rebel pilot Bak Rychuk from Shepherd Squadron, Admiral Traz elevated K-8Z8 to the rank of captain of the vessel. This promotion allowed K-8Z8 to evacuate via an escape pods prior to the ship's destruction. K-8Z8 managed to survive the initial impact when the Spectral crash-landed on the desert world of Jakku. However, he was ultimately destroyed when the ship exploded at some point between 28 and 34 ABY.