One Way Ride

One Way Ride is the thirteenth track included in Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack, and plays in the Halo 3: ODST campaign level NMPD HQ. It is composed of Borrowed Time (0:00-1:49), Anywhere But Here (1:49-3:18), The Calm Before (3:18-4:36), and Let It Burn (4:36-6:48).

Borrowed Time (1:49) is a soft and slow-tempo rhythmic percussion with twinkling effects. It plays in repeat The piece plays during the opening cinematic, as Alpha-Nine arrives at Kikowani Station to find it flooded.

Anywhere But Here (1:29) opens with synth notes and digital chimes before percussion enter. The percussion is subdued and muted, then slowly builds up in higher tempo, joined by snare drums and high strings. The piece plays when Alpha-Nine first acquires the Type-52 Phantom and continues into the first tunnel section. The in-game version features louder percussion near its end.

The Calm Before (1:18) features synth notes playing the brass melody from Street Sweeper (from the earlier track Traffic Jam), albeit at a much slower tempo. High strings fade in near the end. The piece plays when Edward Buck enters a tunnel on-foot because door had lost power.

Let It Burn (2:12) features the crisp and rhythmic percussion (first heard in Block by Block from Neon Night) gradually getting louder. Strings enter with a two-part heavy melody. The percussion and strings continue to hold the melody until the end, where strings fade out and are replaced by synth effects. The section with strings plays when Alpha-Nine encounters a Type-47B Scarab at the final door, while the section with synth effects play in the ending cinematic.

Trivia

 * Unlike other day time level soundtracks, this soundtrack has a quieter mood as the level it plays in takes place at night.
 * The name Borrowed Time alludes to Romeo's critical condition in the opening cinematic, during which the piece plays.
 * The name Anywhere But Here is a direct quote from Mickey in the opening cinematic of the level NMPD HQ.
 * The name Let it Burn, is a direct quote from Dutch when the player chooses to destroy the Scarab guarding the final door in the level.