Here,thread of one of SB authors - his stories with Starschip troopers include other alien races,like Coven.Which supposed to be canon.At least in some games.
https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/l4s-snippet-one-shots-and-index.997488/#post-82395366
I read some fanfictions,and apparently there existed also so called Coven/alien womans who cbrainwash people - stronger Asari basically/ and Fourth - aliens with lot of Mechs.
In books they existed - and never fight.That is why Rico knew that their attack was distraction,becouse they do not schoot at him.
Yep,book bugs have laser rifles,and they have mechanical cyvilization - not bioweapons from movie.
Indeed.Only in book we have Happy End with military taking power and creating meritocracy,when in reality we have Biden.
Well,good ending always was part of fairy-tales,not reality.