The allied commander presses the attack after seeing the destruction of Earth's cities and orbital defences. The invaders conclude that their weapons cannot break the opposing shields and order the surviving ships to withdraw. More than 200,000 troops remain on the surface. Their commander expects them to be destroyed once human forces regain control of the space above Earth. His decision saves the surviving fleet while abandoning the army it was supporting. He also expects disgrace and demotion at home and intends to take his own life rather than face them.
Notable Point · 3:28:50-3:31:10
An orbital retreat abandons the invasion army
In Earth Fall to the Stars, the fleet's withdrawal leaves more than 200,000 troops exposed on a planet whose defenders have regained orbital control.