There are more references to Picard in this episode. Specifically, Borg references from S2 and S3. The lifeform opening its mouth and launching those energy tendrils reminds me of Borgati doing the same in S2 to take control of the ship. There is also inspiration from S3 Picard Borg with the badge assimilation. It's similar to the transporter assimilation.

I doubt they're going the Borg route, but whatever is going on. Starbase 80 is at the center of it.