: The good news is that 343 has never continued a story from the previous game,
: so nothing will likely come of it.

After seeing them scramble to make interesting stories in the post-Covenant War universe, I actually think this could be a refreshing choice. I've joked about a Forerunner-themed spinoff game for a while, but never thought it would actually happen, let alone in a main game in the series. I just think there's way more potential for cool artistic choices and interesting worldbuilding. Plus just walking around Forerunner installations when they were lived-in and engaging with the Flood as they overtake the galaxy sounds compelling. They can really mix up the gameplay with crazy Forerunner tech, and the stories can get much more "literary sci-fi" in line with Greg Bear's trilogy.

At this point I'd just be happy not to fight *another* ex-Covenant faction.

Realistically they'll probably only do a level or two as Chief chases Atriox back in time, but I'd be happy with even a little first-hand glimpse into Forerunner society.