Marcus was skeptical while the Consul was speaking his mind; surely, a camp would give the Roman army some security in the case Mago outnumbered them. But that didn't mean that Mago wouldn't try to attack their fort, nor that he wouldn't simply starve them out if he had an excess of men to do so. Yet, it was true what the Consul said, the legions were on their way. But they were fresh men, they haven't seen a signle battle; any hard situation might demoralise them greatly and as any man with decent military knowledge knew, the men's morale is that thing that can persuade Goddess Victoria to join either side.

Nevertheless, since there was still no word from the scouts, Antonius thought that his appraise was dictated by his usual grumptiousness and cautiousness.

"Marcus Antonius Pius, what is your appraisal of the situation?" the Consul's voice was heard, bringing back to the Consular tent Marcus's mind. Marcus hesitated a bit, as he was not sure whether he should share his doubts with his superior officer or not.

"Well?" the pressing voice of the Consul made Marcus take a hasty desicion and speak outright. Whether that would be to his best interest, was still to be seen...

"Permition to speak clear, sir?" asked Marcus anxiously. When Lepidus confirmed by nodding, he begun:

"In my hummble opinion, sir, and I do beg you not to mind me saying so, your plan seems a bit 'careless', judging from your speculation on Mago's army strength." Marcus stopped to check on Lepidus expression. The Consul showed neither anger nor sympathy, only curiosity;

"Explain your self." said Lepidus, allowing Marcus Antonius to continue.

"Sir, if the fresh recruits delay and Mago has the numbers on his side, setting a camp close by him is not by my judgement, the best choice. It is true, you may very well be able to lure Mago on attacking with slightly negative odds for his host but if we are outnumbered severely, as your hypothesis dictates, we will be in a damned difficult position and victory will come, unfortunately, at too high a cost. And what if Mago decides to starve us out or force us to break camp and attack him first out of desparation?" Marcus halted again; still the Consul had no clear disposition on his expression. Marcus continued:

"If the reinforcements are in fact late and Mago indeed outnumbers our men severely, I would propose with all respect to avoid a direct confrontation for as long as our forces are outnumbered more than 3 to 1. Let him loiter the land, while we build up our strenght. When we will are ready to attack and win, then we should strike him - and strike him hard." Marcus completed. After a split second though, a split second of silence in the tent, Marcus thought best to add:

"Of course, as long as we lack the reports from the scouts, we cannot have a clear view of the situation, so forgive my bold response. I am sure that as soon as you have the report in your hands, you will make the best decision for the army... as have you done in the previous battle, sir."