Marcus Antonius Pius entered the tent of his superior officer, Lepidus, saluting his commander. "Sir, I ask your pardon for my recent absence. I tried to utilize what little time we have left to bolster the morale of the men and see to their condition and fitness." Marcus said sincerely to Lepidus. Then, after taking a big breath, Marcus started his report on Legio XII.

"Sir, the men are in excellent shape after training intensely for the last month. However, they are weary by the reports of the enemy army's size: while not to the point of breaking the ranks, our men need a good speech or a small victory in some skirmish to bolster their morale before the decisive battle, anything that could make our men more confident of themselves before the battle is initiated. Also, I have to report that our men are relieved from the presence of the Numidian army of King Massinissa since they feel that they will not have to do all the fighting -- or at least they won't be alone. Finally, Legio XII is fully equipped and fed; our men have no complaints about the ration provisions or missing any armour and\or ammunition. Legio XII is more than ready for this battle, if you exclude the psychological element -- our men need some motivation to fight this battle."

"Having said that, I fully support your plan of battle; I have no additions to make regarding our strategy as it utilizes all the advantages of Roman military and terrain."