Peter Van Buskirk, an old friend of Gary Kinnison and his son Kimball, arrives at the agricultural planet Mqueie in his junk spacecraft, the *Nashubukami*. His plan to transport Kim to Earth shatters when the Boskone Empire attacks. Gary sacrifices himself to distract the enemy, allowing Van Buskirk to carry Kim to the Galactic Patrol ship *Brittania*. Van Buskirk pilots the *Nashubukami* away, evading pursuing Boskone battleships.

Aboard the *Brittania*, he discovers a cache of weapons, claiming an axe as his favored close-combat tool. His exceptional physical strength and stocky build make him resilient in frequent combat, though they cause inadvertent discomfort during friendly gestures like headbutting. Thrust repeatedly into life-threatening situations, Van Buskirk occasionally vows to quit drinking or gambling if he survives. He consistently greets others with laughter and lighthearted humor.

His unwavering loyalty centers on supporting Kim through conflicts against the Boskone Empire, including encounters with allies like the dragon-like alien Worsel. Though lacking prior military ties, Van Buskirk adapts to combat roles when necessary. He aids Kim's mission involving the Lens, possessing no direct connection to it or its powers. Throughout these events, Van Buskirk remained a constant, humor-filled companion.