Eventually, in the 23rd or 24th century, a Starfleet ship discovers the system, and the peoples of the Alliance learn that they are not alone in the universe, and that other life forms that aren't human also exist.
This would have to be the 26th century at the earliest, because the Firefly TV series takes place in 2517. (OK, OK, assuming they didn't modify the calendar somehow...)
Interesting, but with STL ships, how could they get to a remote part of the galaxy by the 24th century?
Well, if it really is part of the Star Trek universe, we know this kinda thing happens all the time there!



Not enough time...
Since I happen to own a copy of every one of them (and have read all of them except the latest, Mentats of Dune), I guess it's evident that they're not going to "go away." But it's also evident to me that they're utter crap.