This idea may not be new or original, but I have a sneaking suspicion the "Thalans" may actually be humans from the future in some sort of encounter suit or otherwise having modified their appearance. Why they would want to do so I do not know, but I find it a somewhat interesting idea. The bipedal look of the Thalan in the trailer only reinforced my suspicion as it is quite uninsectoid like to have two legs instead of six. Feel free to agree or disagree as this is purely speculation for speculation's sake.