After speaking, Ma Qiu gave the Rickshaw Driver a push. The driver took the cue and ran off into the distance, only confirming somewhat sluggishly after several steps, "Atlantis University, and I'm to say you're Ma Qiu from Spell Linguistics, right?"
"Spell Linguistics, Ma Qiu!"
"Oh, got it." The Rickshaw Driver broke into a long stride and soon vanished down the street.
Watching the Rickshaw Driver leave, Ma Qiu hailed another rickshaw, beckoned Tang Na aboard with him, and said to the dark-skinned Rickshaw Driver, "To the Magistrate Tribunal on Eleventh Avenue, hurry!"
"The fare...?"
"Charge by time."
"Got it." The Rickshaw Driver took out an hourglass and hung it from the side of the rickshaw, then began running hard.
Late afternoon, nearing dusk.
In the center of Atlantis City, on Eleventh Avenue, stood a five-story Stone Tower—the Magistrate Tribunal.
The first, second, and third floors of the five-story Stone Tower handled public trials for public security cases. During trials, they were open to the public, allowing spectators to observe.
The main courtroom on the first floor was now gradually filling with onlookers. The criminal suspects had already entered and were waiting for the presiding judge to arrive. The scene looked somewhat noisy and chaotic. Several personnel responsible for maintaining order frowned from time to time, considering whether they needed to shout a few reprimands to bring the situation under control.
Ma Qiu, who had arrived by rickshaw, squeezed through the crowd and stood very close to Tang Na, pointing around the courtroom as he introduced everything to her.
"See those people? They're the tribunal security officers and tribunal bailiffs. They're not short on either temper or strength. If any spectators get too excited, they'll throw them straight out, saying it's to preserve the tribunal's dignity. So when we