We could sell monkeymode as that instead, where the monkey's main goal is to eradicate the normal crew and replace them with antagonistic monkeymen/ashwalkers/beetlethings. With a initial weak starting form on contraction of the disease, and evolving forward more dangerously until the disease is cured or they die. Get so many on the shuttle to win akin to a borer victory.
- Humans: Monkeys - Gorillas - Ape like furred creature, probably bigfoot esque but will easily burn when lit on fire cant wear clothes
- Lizards: Kobolds - Raptors (strong simple creature with hands and/or can leap) - Ashwalkers digitgrade legs shoe disadvantage
- Flypeople - purple eyed spiders - giant scorpions (strong simple creature with hands, weak hand attack relies on gripping & using a stinging verb) - A many armed spiderperson still vunerable to flyswatters & can't wear clothes