With the completion of the custom sandcrawlers and specialized droid units, Malcolm stood at the precipice of transforming the uncharted planet into a thriving hub of industry and innovation. The towering sandcrawlers, reminiscent of the massive treaded fortresses used by Jawas on Tatooine, were now equipped with advanced technology tailored to the planet's diverse terrains. These vehicles, each measuring approximately 45 meters in length and 20 meters in height, were designed to traverse vast distances while housing and transporting various droid units and extracted resources. citeturn0search0
**Deployment of Mining Operations**
Malcolm initiated the deployment sequence, sending the sandcrawlers and their accompanying droid units to the resource-rich zones identified earlier. The KM1 Mining Droids, now numbering 500, were programmed to commence extraction immediately upon arrival. Each sandcrawler served as a mobile command center, overseeing operations and ensuring seamless communication between units.
The Heavy Lifter Droids (HL-77 models) were assigned to transport the mined materials from extraction sites to the sandcrawlers' storage bays. Their hydraulic arms and magnetic grip pads allowed them to handle heavy loads with precision, ensuring efficiency in resource collection.
**Establishing Command Hierarchy**
Understanding the importance of structured leadership within the droid workforce, Malcolm implemented a ranking system among the Mining Trooper Droids (MT-22 models):
- **Commander Units:** Oversaw large-scale operations, coordinated between different mining sites, and reported directly to Malcolm.
- **Lieutenant Units:** Managed specific mining sites, ensuring that daily targets were met and addressing any operational challenges.
- **Sergeant Units:** Led squads of Trooper Units, providing guidance and ensuring safety protocols were followed.
- **Trooper Units:** Executed mining tasks, operated equipment, and reported to their respective Sergeants.
This hierarchy ensured that operations ran smoothly, with clear lines of communication and accountability.
**Resource Transportation and Logistics**
To facilitate the movement of extracted resources, Malcolm deployed the Transport Drones (TD-99 models). These drones, each capable of carrying up to 500 kilograms, shuttled materials from the mining sites to the sandcrawlers. Once the sandcrawlers' storage bays reached capacity, they would transport the resources back to the central processing facility near Malcolm's base of operations.
The Ground Resource Transport vehicles, now numbering ten, played a crucial role in this logistics chain. Equipped with dual-repulsorlift systems and heavy-duty treads, they ensured that resources were moved efficiently across the planet's varied terrains.
**Monitoring and Optimization**
From his command center, Malcolm utilized the Tech System's advanced monitoring tools to oversee operations. Real-time data on extraction rates, resource quantities, and droid performance allowed him to make informed decisions. He noticed that certain mining sites yielded higher-quality materials, prompting him to allocate additional droid units to those areas.
To further optimize operations, Malcolm initiated regular maintenance protocols for all droid units and vehicles. The sandcrawlers' onboard workshops facilitated these maintenance routines, ensuring that equipment remained in peak condition.
**Addressing Challenges**
Despite meticulous planning, challenges arose. Some mining sites presented unforeseen obstacles, such as unstable ground or hidden subterranean hazards. In response, Malcolm deployed specialized reconnaissance droids to survey new areas before commencing extraction. These droids provided detailed geological data, allowing for safer and more efficient operations.
Additionally, the vast distances between mining sites and the central processing facility posed logistical challenges. To address this, Malcolm established intermediate storage depots equipped with security measures to safeguard the collected resources until they could be transported to the main facility.
**Reflecting on Progress**
As the days progressed, Malcolm observed the fruits of his labor. The once untouched planet now buzzed with activity, a testament to his vision and the capabilities of the Tech System. The droid workforce operated with precision, and the infrastructure he had put in place functioned seamlessly.
Standing atop a ridge overlooking one of the primary mining sites, Malcolm felt a profound sense of accomplishment. He had transformed an uncharted world into a burgeoning center of industry, laying the foundation for future endeavors in this vast galaxy.
A few days passed on the uncharted planet, and in that short time, Malcolm had gone from an accidental time-traveling bystander to the head of a rapidly growing industrial powerhouse.
Each sunrise brought new developments. What began as an initial production run of 500 KM1 Mining Droids and a few custom sandcrawlers had now ballooned into a full-scale mining operation.
Current Workforce Status:
KM1 Mining Droids: 4,868
Heavy Lifter Droids: 2,843
Transport Drones: 1,948
Mining Trooper Droids: 1,494
Custom Sandcrawlers: 38
The landscape had transformed. What was once untouched wilderness now pulsed with activity. The buzzing of droids, the rumble of treads, and the occasional hum of mining lasers echoed across valleys and plains. Tall mountain ranges had paths carved into their sides, glowing faintly where minerals were being extracted. Riverbeds were carefully sectioned and redirected for hydraulic mining. Even underground caverns were lit up by flickering plasma torches, where KM1 droids dug deep for rare alloys.
Sandcrawler Command Unit 01 – Primary Mining Zone Delta
Malcolm sat inside the command pod of the lead Sandcrawler, scanning the holographic map of all mining operations across the planet. Red and green dots blinked, each representing a worksite or resource hub.
"System," Malcolm said, folding his arms as he studied the data, "give me an overview of resource intake over the last 72 hours."
"Analyzing… In the last 72 standard hours, all operations have yielded approximately:
6,200 tons of refined durasteel
3,800 tons of hyperdrive-compatible ores
1,500 tons of energy crystals
400 kg of rare minerals (Kyber trace elements included)
Mining efficiency is currently at 87.3%. Recommend expanding Trooper command units to maintain order across widened extraction fronts."
Malcolm rubbed his chin. "Yeah… the more we grow, the harder it'll be to manage without central command hubs. Start blueprinting local site HQs that Mining Trooper Commanders can oversee. Full connectivity to the Tech System."
"Acknowledged. Beginning designs now."
Security Measures and Military Integration
Malcolm had learned quickly—resources drew attention. If anyone discovered this planet, his operation would be a goldmine for pirates, smugglers, and possibly the Republic or Separatists, depending on the era's unfolding politics.
To combat this, the Mining Trooper Droids had slowly been outfitted with more than just mining tools. Some were now equipped with retractable blasters, cortosis-plated arms for deflecting strikes, and personal shield generators for battlefield survival. While their main purpose remained industrial, they could now hold the line if things turned south.
He'd also introduced specialization ranks beyond the basic Commander–Trooper hierarchy:
Warden Units – elite Mining Troopers, trained for combat and security.
Technician Units – focused on engineering and site maintenance.
Recon Units – used scout drones to patrol outer mining territories and identify new deposits.
Expansion of Sandcrawlers and Mobility
The 38 Sandcrawlers he now had under his command were each their own fortress. Outfitted with anti-air turrets, mobile shield generators, and maintenance bays, these titanic transports doubled as moving cities.
Each crawler could house up to 200 droids and had modular bays for repairs, command uplinks, and emergency evacuation drones. They moved slowly but relentlessly across the land, acting as mobile HQs, hauling precious materials from deep excavation zones to centralized refineries that Malcolm had started to construct near the largest mountain range.
Malcolm oversaw the deployment personally. "Crawler 19, route through Sector Theta. There's a new vein of rhydonium deposits there. I want a full dig team set up within the hour."
"Confirmed," a Mining Trooper Lieutenant droid replied, its voice metallic but disciplined. "Recon confirms the area is secure. ETA: 46 minutes."
"Good. If we're lucky, that'll fuel the next batch of hyperfusion cores."
Command Center Construction and Droid Intelligence Upgrades
To manage the massive growth, Malcolm began construction of a central Planetary Command Nexus, a towering structure at the heart of the first Sandcrawler deployment zone. This would serve as the brain of all operations—a place where all droid activity, logistics, and future defenses could be monitored and directed.
The Nexus also doubled as a research center. Malcolm had started testing droid intelligence upgrades—more advanced neural code that allowed droids to learn, adapt, and even give tactical suggestions.
"Guide AI," Malcolm said as he watched the central dome being built, "run simulations for a scenario where a Republic scout ship lands nearby."
The Guide AI responded instantly. "Simulating... In the event of detection, success rate of concealment: 45%. Recommend implementing planetary camouflage grids and increasing Mining Trooper patrols near potential landing zones."
"Then do it. Upgrade 200 Transport Drones with stealth capabilities and assign them to the perimeter."
"Confirmed. Upgrading now."
Future Thoughts
As Malcolm stood at the observation deck of the primary Sandcrawler, he couldn't help but marvel at what had been built in less than a week. From a confused Earth-born time traveler to the de facto leader of an industrial force that rivaled major systems, the transformation had been fast—and a little terrifying.
And yet, this was only the beginning.
There were entire regions of the planet left untouched. Caves unexplored. Skies uncharted. He'd seen no intelligent life yet… but that didn't mean they wouldn't come. There were whispers in the Force—something he could faintly feel now, ever since the Tech System had mentioned his midichlorian count: somewhere between 11,000 and 27,000.
Not just a builder. Not just a strategist. A potential Jedi... or something else entirely.
"Guide AI," Malcolm said, eyes fixed on the horizon. "Tomorrow, we begin starship research. We're going to need to get off this rock eventually—and if the galaxy's still out there… I want to meet it prepared."
"Understood, Malcolm. Initiating shipyard schematics."