an ODST among Heroes.

S2-9

The ancient systems of Installation 03 hummed to life after a silence spanning 100,000 years. Dormant subsystems flickered as power coursed through the Forerunner constructs, reactivating long-slumbering circuits. The dormant ring, a masterpiece of engineering and an artifact of a bygone era, slowly awakened to the faint intrusion within its space.

At the heart of the installation, Monitor 049 Abject Testament, floated within his control hub. The diminutive Forerunner construct, a shimmering sphere with a single glowing eye, processed a deluge of data pouring in from newly-activated scanners. His singular optic blinked as he focused on a peculiar signal.

“Reclaimers… here?” his voice echoed softly, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

Through the installation's vast sensor network, Abject Testament observed a lone human vessel—the UNSC First Reverie—hovering in orbit. Its hull bore signs of recent combat, and its systems radiated the electromagnetic signature of human technology, primitive yet unmistakably derived from Forerunner designs.

The Monitor tilted slightly, his thoughts whirring. “How curious. This installation has remained undisturbed for millennia. What brings them here now?”

Despite his curiosity, Abject Testament knew better than to intervene immediately. The Forerunner's ancient edicts regarding the Reclaimers required patience and observation.

He activated a series of surveillance drones, deploying them to orbit the ship at a safe distance. Their cloaked forms would allow him to gather more data without detection. From their vantage points, they relayed intricate details: the human crew’s frantic repairs, their analysis of the installation, and their heightened state of alert.

“A damaged vessel, yet they linger,” he mused. “Do they understand what they have found?”

For now, Abject Testament resolved to watch and wait. The protocols dictated vigilance, but his core directive—to protect and preserve the installation and its secrets—remained paramount.

Deep within the ring, dormant defense systems began their own processes of awakening, awaiting commands. The vast archives of Installation 03 stirred, ancient records whispering of its true purpose—a weapon of unspeakable power, one these humans could not be allowed to misuse.

“Reclaimers,” Abject Testament muttered, his tone laced with both respect and suspicion. “Your presence here is unexpected… and intriguing. I shall observe and assess. But should you prove unworthy…”

The Monitor’s optic brightened ominously. “…this installation will remind you why it was built.”

And so, the silent vigil began.

---

The Pelican’s engines roared as it descended through the atmosphere of the mysterious ring world, the craft slicing through clouds to reveal a sprawling and alien landscape. Below, the terrain was a mesmerizing medley of deserts, dense jungles, and volcanic fields. Each biome seemed impossibly juxtaposed, as if designed by an artist with little regard for natural order.

Inside the troop bay, the squad prepared for their mission. Katsuki adjusted his Yggdrasil Mark II suit, its sleek armor gleaming under the craft’s internal lights. Unlike the standard-issue models, his suit had been specially modified by Mei to accommodate his explosive quirk. Steam hissed as the hydraulics shifted to compensate for his movements.

Katsuki glanced out the viewport, his face scowling beneath his visor. “Halsey. What the hell is this place?” he growled.

Izuku, standing by the cockpit entrance, kept his gaze on the horizon. “First time I’ve seen anything like this,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t change our mission. Our objective is to survey the area and establish an F.O.B.”