The Rookie (music)

The Rookie is the second track (Disc 1 Track 2) included in Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack. It is composed of Strong Silent Type (0:00-3:08), Postpartum (3:08-4:59), and Proceed with Caution (4:59-7:27).

Strong Silent Type (3:08) begins with low strings playing in ambiance. Muted percussion enters in a slow rhythm. Low strings transition to a flowing melody with single piano notes in accompaniment. The piano notes play in a short notes until heavy percussion enters slowly building up tension. With a cymbal clash, strings enter with a trembling melody before fading into the background melody. Winds take over in an echo of the trembling melody, followed by the percussion and low strings slowly build up and swell to a minor key. The piece ends with a high-pitched chord. This piece plays throughout the Halo 3: ODST campaign level Prepare To Drop, and the name alludes to Dutch calling the Rookie a "strong, silent type". The trembling melody returns in the piece Street Sweeper in the later track Traffic Jam.

Postpartum (1:51) begins with digital notes playing in a minor key. The electric guitar joins in often playing three notes with reverb. Strings enter and lead into the next piece. This piece plays in the campaign level Mombasa Streets, when the Rookie first wakes up and contacts the Superintendent. The "Postpartum period" refers to the time period after childbirth, so the name of the piece likely draws a parallel between postpartum period and the time immediately after Rookie exited his SOEIV.

Proceed with Caution (2:28) features rhythmic muted percussion and muted low strings playing the melody from Strong Silent Type. The percussion takes over for a short section before the low strings returns louder with the melody. The percussion takes over again before high strings fade in for a finish. The piece plays in the campaign level Mombasa Streets, when Rookie enters the building in Sector 5 overlooking Tayari Plaza. The name is a reference to the Superintendent using Mombasa's street signs to help the Rookie navigate.