 Why is Peter on the surface of this planet?
It may be useful to discover temporary sources in this area of natural foods." 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. Lack of complete loyalty to the state was likely to result in a siege of treatment that left the subject suitably "re-personalized." 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. Since the crew would be eating packaged rations during repairs, Yrtok could be spared to command a scout detail. Chief Slichow emphasized that the keepers of rations could hardly, in an emergency, give even the appearance of favoring themselves in regard to food. Only a sparse creeper grew along their way, its elongated leaves shimmering with bronze-green reflections against a stony surface; but when they topped the ridge a thick forest was in sight. Yrtok and Ammet paused momentarily before descending. 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. "Be a job to find anything edible here," grunted Ammet, and Kolin agreed. 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.