For some reason I was able to reprogram the HK-51's in one game and not another... Forgot exactly what I did right the 1rst time to make it happen, something about activating the HK-51's from a console somewhere that I must have skipped the 2nd time.
It's a pity you can't take this earlier in the game. Equipment you find in here for HK make him actually worth putting in your party. (Don't know if it's random but I found 2-3 items that made him tear through the enemy droids and HKs) As it is, this is the last time you get to use him at all.
Also wondering if Bao-Dur was supposed to be down here with him? I read somewhere he was intended to be and that he dies while on this mission(reason for remote & his holo-recordings during Malachor part).