BECKY: But they were playing Doo-Dah, Hoss. They weren’t Matando. You’re a Killer, man. You’re in the Big Bang.

HOSS: So were they. Cold Killers. Jerry Lee was called “The Killer.” He even called himself that. Ask Meera. Go ahead, ask him. Ain’t that verdo Meera?

MEERA: (searching for a piece of equipment) What? Have you seen my loodo adapter? Little blue job. I’m lost without it.

HOSS: Pathetic.

BECKY: You’re rompin treason against the Game, Hoss. You could get the Carcel for less than that.

HOSS: Treason, shit. I know my power. I can go on Gypsy Kill and still gain status. There’s a whole underground swell going on. Lots a Gypsy Markers comin up. Ain’t that right Meera?

BECKY: Why do you keep consulting him? You just gave him the ax.

HOSS: I’m not consulting! I’m firmin up.

MEERA: (collecting his gear) I tell you what, Glib Man. This is free. Just before I hit the two-lane. I got nothin to lose by giving you the straight shit now. Shit you probably already got crawling through your skin. Reason you’re so damn itchy and hot to trot. Yer day is down booga. Yer day is already been stepped on.

HOSS: (to MEERA) I might just have your heels chained to a pickup and drag you to Tijuana my own self.

MEERA: That won’t stop it comin. The Game’s bustin up. Any wrench-head can see that. The Game’s too small now. Can’t contain true genius. Next genius is gonna be a Gypsy Killer. You sussed that down the middle. What you omit though, and for good dang reason, is the Mark itself. That, you left neatly clean outa the picture.

HOSS: (to BECKY) Get this dogmeat outa here!

MEERA: That Mark is you, booga. None other. It’s already in the jam. Done business.

HOSS: (to BECKY) I want a Dee Jay in here! One a the big ones! No standby. An original. Kidnap him if you have to! Get him here.

(BECKY goes to escort MEERA and his equipment offstage.)

MEERA: It’s been sweet, Hoss Man. A sweet run. Some dandy kills that I could trace my brand to. I can see me getting minced soon’s I cross the moat. That’s only natural. But it’s gonna be a waltz in daisies compared to what you got comin.

HOSS: Get him gone!

(BECKY escorts MEERA off. HOSS left alone.)

HOSS: (alone) Not premonition! Don’t get tagged in that key. Not suspicion! Shadow mode. Bring it back. Bring it home, Hoss. Murder. Just plain murder. Blood. It’s simple. Do the simple thing.

(HOSS goes into Song: “Make the Metal Scream.”)

MAKE THE METAL SCREAM

I see telepresence
Placeless space
Birdcage on a loop baby
Total waste

I feel greed infection
Tears of steam
It’s the Jesus channel baby
Make the metal scream