Either Bungie and Microsoft like to fool around, or this cryptic e-mail message that just went out this morning is a hint that something from the early Halo universe is coming back. What could come back that isn't already present in Halo 3? The old music?

It is well known that the only plot details that have been revealed so far are that Master Chief is back on a thoroughly conquered Earth, controlled by the Covenant. Cortana is still a prisoner of Gravemind, Covenant ships are hovering over an excavation site only a few miles from the ruins of New Mombasa, and The Covenant has also uncovered a large artifact on this site. The Arbiter, along with the remaining Elites, have allied themselves with the human forces, while The Flood has been set loose, or so says the official website.

"History winding back upon itself." Hmm! "Look for the signs, the keepers of the flame" doesn't say much either. It can't be Halo 2 all over again, can it? It is also well known that the game will not begin right where Halo 2 left off.

A memorable moment in Halo 2 (if this is the case), is in fact the beginning of the story, which is told through in-game dialogue as well as cutscenes, where Master Chief and Sergeant Avery Johnson are receiving awards aboard Cairo Station, a MAC gun platform orbiting Earth, alongside Miranda Keyes. Miranda is the daughter of Jacob Keyes, who died during the course of Halo: Combat Evolved. Se is now accepting a posthumous award for her father's bravery. However, the ceremony is juxtaposed with the judgment and torture of the former Covenant Elite Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Particular Justice, who is being punished for his incompetence. Both events are in response to the destruction of Halo during the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.

Could these "flashbacks" be coming back to haunt Halo fans and eager gamers of the third installment ending the trilogy? That's a question only Bungie can answer. Give us more Bungie... please!