Cross on Cross incident [REDACTED]

Reports received of Cross on Cross action, between 18th legion and 9th legion forces.
  All witnesses to report to their nearest Prefectus discipline master immediately for questioning.
  Rumour are the enem of Truth.
  File Sealed, Vermillion Level Clearance.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++ COMBAT ASSESSMENT REPORT ++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++ REFERENCE: TAC-29/SR-448-β ++ ++ CHRONOLOGICAL: 065.014.M31 ++ ++ CLASSIFICATION: THETA-LEVEL OPERATIONAL DEBRIEF - RESTRICTED ++ ++ OPERATIONAL THEATRE: HIVE HEPHESTUS ++ ++ SECTOR: RAD WASTES - NORTHERN APPROACH ++ ++ ENGAGEMENT DURATION: 2.3 STANDARD HOURS ++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++ ORIGINATOR: BATTLE-CAPTAIN DA'ZEL RHOSHAN ++ ++ RANK: BATTLE-CAPTAIN, 29TH COMPANY ++ ++ RECIPIENT: COMMAND STAFF, LOYALIST DEFENCE FORCES ++ ++ AUTH CIPHER: OMEGA-NINE-EPSILON ++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  Whilst coordinating defensive preparations within Hive Hephestus, tactical assessment indicated a significant blind spot in our northern approaches through the rad wastes. Taking personal command of a reconnaissance detachment, I initiated an impromptu survey of the terrain to better position our flame corridor defences.
  During this defensive assessment, we detected rapid movement from what initially appeared to be friendly elements of the Blood Angels Legion. It became immediately apparent that these warriors were in the grip of the Red Thirst, having lost all semblance of tactical coherence or battlefield discipline. Initial attempts at vox communication were met with incoherent responses interspersed with battle-cant and feral growls.
  Our opening response proved decisive. Concentrated lascannon fire disabled their Spartan assault tank before it could close to effective range, denying them their primary transport and forcing them into a protracted ground engagement. This tactical success—which our ever-cautious Primus Medicae will no doubt categorise as "unnecessarily aggressive"—prevented what could have become a far more devastating close-quarters battle.
  Making a tactical decision to minimise casualties among our brother legion, I deployed our Pyroclast teams in an aggressive deterrence pattern. The psychological impact of concentrated flame weapons proved effective against even their blood-maddened state. The searing heat and walls of flame created a powerful psychological barrier, forcing them to break their charge multiple times.
  During the engagement, their leader Araphael suffered severe injuries from redirected flame protocols. Whilst regrettable, these wounds were an unavoidable consequence of containing their berserker advance. Medical assessment suggests full recovery is possible, though lengthy. I trust our Apothecarians will note that I prioritised non-lethal methods, even at the cost of tactical advantage.
  Our casualties were minimal—three wounded, none critical. The effectiveness of flame-based deterrence suggests that even in their afflicted state, our brother warriors retain some instinctive recognition of superior firepower. Venerable Brother Vosvan suffered significant servo-damage to his left leg assembly. Tech-priests estimate three days of repairs will be required. The display of overwhelming force through non-lethal means achieved our objective of driving them back without requiring terminal force against fellow loyalists.
  This encounter has proven the tactical necessity of our northern defensive preparations. I formally recommend increased flame weapon deployments along this approach. Should we encounter similar situations, the ability to create immediate fire barriers may prove crucial in managing such delicate engagements without unnecessary loss of loyal warriors.
  And for the record, should Fugean review this report—the minor burns sustained during this operation required absolutely no medical intervention. Some of us can actually avoid the Apothecarion when appropriate.
  Into the fires, unto the anvil Signed, Da'Zel Rhoshan
  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++ AUTHORISATION PROTOCOL ++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++ ENDORSEMENT: VALIDATED - COMMAND AUTHORITY ++ ++ SECURITY LEVEL: THETA-CLEARANCE ++ ++ BIOMETRIC SEAL: [VERIFIED] ++ ++ TRANSMISSION: SECURE COURIER - HAND DELIVERED ++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++ AUTHENTICATOR SIGNATURE ++ ++ ++ ++ [OFFICIAL COMMAND SEAL IMPRESSED] ++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++