The novel “The Falling Torch” by Algis Budrys was published for the first time in 1959 incorporating three previously published short stories. A revised and slightly expanded version was published in 1991 under the title “Falling Torch”.

In the Alpha Centauri system, the Earth’s government in exile is having a reunion as it has for twenty years, since the Invaders have conquered their planet and some Earthlings fled to the human colony established long ago. This time, however, there’s something that goes far beyond the usual chatter because there’s a real possibility to obtain weapons to provide the resistance on Earth with a hope of victory.

Michael Wireman, the son of the President in exile Ralph Wireman, is chosen to lead the group of humans who are tasked with returning to Earth with the weapons. Upon arrival, he comes into contact with Franz Hamill, the self-appointed general of the United Terrestrial Army of Liberation, who, however, turns out to be an inept leader from a military point of view.