After the loss of Epsilon IV the remaining two planets, Epsilon III and V began Evacuations. On August 9th. On August 11th Epsilon III's civilian transports were attacked by the covenant and destroyed. This massive act of genocide committed by the Covenant was known as The Massacre of Epsilon III. Unlike Epsilon III however the remaining ships from the Epsilon Battle Fleet were stationed above the planet useing it as a tempoary staging ground. By August 13th 70% of Epsilon V's civilians where aboard 7 of the 10 transport ships. On August 14th the Epsilon Battle Fleet picked up 7 Covenant ships exiting slipspace just outside of the planet. Fleet Admiral Vor knew he couldn't engage the Covenant ships without taking unacceptable losses. He was prepared to order the fleet and 7 transport ships