Extract from 'The Corporate Reality' by Cassdy Straum, Section 4: Grant & Glukhovsky Files
CS: I've decided to jot down my own thoughts and opinions on the files you'll see in this particular article where I deem appropriate. I confess though that much of the jargon and terminology used escapes me, as such, please excuse my ignorance where biology, virology or chemistry are concerned.
Subject: TG&G-01b 'Akula'
Biology: The 01b (or as Mr. Glukhovsky himself dubbed it; the 'Akula' which Bartlett tells me is Russian for 'shark') has a unique physiology. It stands at roughly three metres tall. Most subjects appear to take on a pallid, almost corpse-like skin tone, though my associates in other institutions on the island tell me that they have observed specimens who take on a crimson appearance. (CS: The specimen we fought at the airport was crimson and also bled profusely when we shot at it, perhaps this appearance is caused by an excess of blood pumping through its body?)
The model's most distinctive feature would be its aquiline head. Sharp, angular until you get to its maw, which is lined with tiny, razor sharp teeth; it looks almost like a lamprey mouth. (CS: and we witnessed exactly how sharp these teeth are first-hand – It chewed and grinded its way through sheet metal in mere moments) In concordance with its large size it possess extraordinary strength, able to pummel through concrete, most sheet metals and even bend steel with little noticeable effort. The beast also possesses astoundingly competent vision; water and the night hold no secrets before its eyes, though the trade-off appears to be extreme photosensitivity – exposing it suddenly to bright light can potentially blind the Akula. (CS: Extremely valuable information to any who encounter the creature; we led it outside as we fled the airport and upon bursting into the sunlight the creature behaved strangely, as if it were blinded.) Further sensory data shows that the beast – unfortunately – possesses no great sense of smell, so I believe we will not be using this model as a hunting beast as Mr. Glukhovsky wished. Hearing appears only mildly above human, and it seems to have no sense of touch – meaning no pain in all likelihood.
Within the 01b's innards, organs reside in a similar layout to that of a regular, healthy human being, though all these organs – save the heart – are practically redundant, and the Akula can function perfectly well without them. What appears like a tumour at first glance just below the creature's ribcage, sitting just above the liver and next to the stomach, is actually a secondary heart. The development of this organ is most likely due to the modified strain of the Umbrella Corp. T-Virus. Unfortunately no experiments or tests we have conducted have confirmed whether or not this organ can take over should the primary heart fail or be destroyed.
A tail – much akin to a Great White Shark's (which I'm sure is where its moniker came from) albeit lacking in scales, instead covered with the model's skin – extends just a little over eight feet in length. The model uses it for balance, but two long spines can extend from the 'rear fins' of the tail. These spines are coated with a paralyzing toxin, it's incredibly fast-acting and long-lasting – why just yesterday one of ours stung Meadows and the poor sod dropped within a minute… we were lucky to get him out alive. (CS: What the researcher fails to note is that said toxin is also fatal should it find itself too close to the heart upon infection. Like the paralysis, this comes incredibly quickly, much too fast to be able to feasibly counteract the toxin in any meaningful way)
Behavioural pattern: The Akula is – as with most of the specimens – a very temperamental beast, attacking both human targets and even other BOWs such as the Umbrella lickers or the undead created by the T-Virus. We've managed to reel in the actions of a couple of the creatures with the use of a special device but the parts and manufacture cost… well… let's just say that I could retire and live in luxury for the rest of my life off the money it takes to create half a dozen such machines. Generally the beast lunges for its target with its sizeable forearms, grabbing them before grinding them in its lamprey mouth, or simply slashing them with its claws.
Prey that lodges itself in positions that are difficult to reach will find themselves on the business end of its wicked tail, which slithers like a snake through nooks as if it has a mind of its own; disgusting to be sure, but useful. The Akula feels no pain, meaning it could be used as a shock trooper for an invading force, sowing chaos and confusion while the troops move in to clean up. However modifications to future specimens will need to focus on its optical receptors as its photosensitivity represents a severe problem as is.
Counter-measures: Currently the Akula is – in essence – a walking tank. It feels no pain, is immensely strong and very suited to shock attacks. However bright light blinds it and the specimen has merely average hearing and next to no sense of smell. When dealing with a rampaging specimen; the best course of action I would recommend would be to blind it by shining a flashlight into its eye – and I do not recommend such a dangerous course of action unless the specimen is distracted. Failing that, luring it into bright sunshine should do the job satisfactorily, or – if the guards you sent our way are sufficiently equipped – one could simply toss a flashbang or stun grenade in its path. You would of course, need to make sure the creature is watching though…
End of excerpt