Bart

Also - (more on Ringworld) - it was later revealed that humans ARE the Protectors, but in a simpler form (humans can become Protectors by eating some plant - long story).

Just cementing my nerd status with more SF novel detail that none of you want.

Oh, come on, guys! Did you not know that Halo is a near 100% rip-off of Larry Niven's "Ringworld" novels? This article has got to be a joke, as in the Ringworld series, it was revealed in later novels that the Ringworld was built by an extinct race called the "Protectors".

If this isn't a joke, then Larry Niven probably isn't too happy right now. Or did Microsoft already pay him some royalties. Anyone know?