in this version of Star Trek, science is magic
Science is magic in every version of Star Trek. TOS has Mind Melds and Greek Gods. Throughout the TNG era is the implication that evolution has a will of its own that can't (or mustn't) be subverted. DS9's main character eventually learns he's a demigod.
"Empire" generally implies "imperialism" which generally implies a racial hierarchy. Or at least that's one argument.
I woulda liked "four nostrils, but otherwise the TNG design" to become the standard.
Oh, what if it's a World War 3-era combat drug, like the stuff Q alludes to soldiers being addicted to in Encounter at Farpoint?
Also there had better be a good explanation in future episodes as to why the hell Dr. M’benga keeps a couple of vials of punching serum handy at all times.
He was a frontline doctor during a conflict with an enemy that considers medics viable targets.
Structural differences in their larynx, tongue, or lips seem likely.
I must say I'm already a big fan of Pelia.
I cannot speak to the internal decisions of /r/StarTrek, but I can speak to /r/DaystromInstitute's decisions.
As of yesterday, noncompliant moderation teams are under threat from /u/Spez and his lackeys. We reached the decision to reopen, in a limited capacity, to prevent the community from facing a hostile takeover by those who do not properly appreciate its use or its value, and to hopefully funnel traffic here, and we intend that soon those will be the only purposes of the subreddit. In coordinating this move I trust my collagues on the other subs to act in the best interests of the community first, this instance second, and the profiteering bastards last.