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What if, upon the Rebel attempt to switch on the shield generator after detecting the Imperial fleet, the shield generator fizzled out and failed completely?

How would the Imperial attack proceed, uninhibited by a shield?

What would happen would be BDZ.

God Emperor wrote:What would happen would be BDZ.

No, Vader wants Luke alive.

Instead, they'd destroy the ion cannon from orbit, while deploying ground forces in a simlar nature. They'd capture all ship leaving Hoth, for the possiblity that Luke is aboard one. If not, they'd capture him down on Hoth. Meanwhile, all of the Rebel leaders and all theri equipment is captured. The Rebel Alliance would have practically fallen apart. Too bad.

Darth Garden Gnome has it right. A limited orbital bombardment would take out any significant asests including the ion cannon, shield generator and the primary power generator. A net of Ties and ISDs would encircle the planet disabling and capturing every ship that tries to leave the surface. And the base would be quickly captured and neutralized by the Stormtroopers. The rebels would suffer an almost 100% loss of men and material.

However Luke may still escape. A lone X-wing is likely to be ignored by the ISDs. And no Tie pilot is likely to be able to disable an X-wing flown by Luke. If he tries to escape he can probably burst through the blockade and go to Hyperspace before anyone can stop him. However he is probably more likely to try to make a last stand with his friends and be captured and eventually turned to the dark side.