: A lot of these are just differences of opinions, but this point is
: thematically basically the whole thrust of the Reclaimer saga and isn't at
: all confusing or out of left field. The AI "magically" are the
: reclaimers because the Mantle is assumed by force.

But from what I remember, the Warden implies that it was "prophecy" or some such, and Halo 4's Librarian more or less said that it was "the plan all along". Elevating the MC to pretty much a Jesus figure, and Cortana as the next programmed step in destiny... It's pretty dumb either way, especially when you hold it in contrast to the story being told in the Bungie era where Mendicant Bias was pretty much the pinnacle of their AI, and the downfall of the Forerunners...