More commonly known as the Massacre of Hyacinth ε, this engagement followed the complete genocide of all 443,000 colonists and its Army garrison. Instead of sending down ground forces, Zhar 'Nebal focused what was left of the Fleet of Serene Purity and glassed known human settlements from orbit. 'Nebal had hoped this would provoke a response to drive away the human defence fleet to attack his fleet, so that the incoming Covenant invasion force would have an straight shot at Jacinto. However, no response came and 'Nebal moved his fleet to await the arrival of Lod Rumnt's fleet.