The Forerunners and Microsoft had a contract which would allow [i]Xbox[/i] to garner major success when faced with the fierce enemy of the period. The [i]Playstation 2.[/i] It was a stroke of genius, by containment, it would allow for the dynamic plot twist in Halo:CE and further sequels to be built around the external threat. Microsoft seized the opportunity and brought sequels upon sequels. The number of containment is vague to allow for new material. Thus the contract was healthy for Microsoft. The Forerunners in return were given recognition from the novels later on, as the race responsible for the inevitable events of Halo:CE [Wars] and so on. They would be remembered!. Both sides benefited greatly. Now they even have their own trilogy! Which is the sole reason they did it. Anyone else with a different response is just plain out lying.