 Why is Peter on the surface of this planet?
The Planetary State of Haurtoz had been organized some fifteen light-years from old Earth, but many of the home world's less kindly techniques had been employed. The maintenance of a proper viewpoint was a necessity if the Planetary State were to survive the hostile plots of Earth and the latter's decadent colonies. Kolin found himself in a group with Jak Ammet, a third cook, and Eva Yrtok, powdered foods storekeeper. For all Kolin could tell, he and the others were isolated in a world bounded by the rocky ridge behind them and a semi-circle of damp trees and bushes several hundred meters away. As he reached her, whatever Yrtok was examining came to life and scooted into the underbrush with a flash of greenish fur.
 He ended up there because of an accident.
 His ship took a long turn and is waiting for supplies.  He ended up there because of an accident.  His ship is there to pass rations to the locals who are low on food.  He is part of an exploratory crew sent to investigate.