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This is a question that isn't outright answered in REV1. However, looking at the evidence, it's easy to see who it was. We'll look at four files in the game:
Virus Discovered in the Deep Sea Zone and its Research
It's clear that this file is not written by a member of the university that discovered The Abyss, since it refers to the university as an external entity. Take particular notice of the talk of expanding B.O.W. activity zones, whoever wrote this file was involved in B.O.W. development and is completely unapologetic about it. This means it was a TRICELL researcher, which we'll get to next.
New Virus Strain Development Progress Report
Again, more B.O.W. talk. However, the reluctance behind the mention of bioterrorism indicates that it can't be a TRICELL researcher either, since their research is primarily in favor of promoting bioterrorism for profit and this file references the company as an external entity. This hints that it is in-fact a researcher of the FBC, hence "top brass" and the fact that we know from Jessica and Raymond's reactions that TRICELL did not plan the Terragrigia Panic. We know from elsewhere in the game that the FBC was involved in B.O.W. development themselves, hence the Farfarello, Fenrir, Hunters and codenames of other B.O.W.s in the game and Lansdale's monopolization of t-Abyss. In regards to the research institute mentioned, its exact identity is actually in BIO5:
It's the research team of Excella Gionne, who is also the direct superior of Jessica Sherawat and Raymond Vester. These events take place in 2004, two years before Wesker and Excella become full-time partners. Thus, she'd still have only the one research team and facility at this point in time. On top of that, we know that it can't be another TRICELL research institute because the power of t-Abyss would completely undermine her, and someone else would've been in her position in BIO5.
About Completion of the New Virus Strain
This one varies quite a bit from the others. Rather than the guiltless aspect of the first file or the mild suspicion of the second, the third file is one of outright fear. This would indicate that the researcher that wrote this file belonged to the research department of the Montpellier University of Marine Science and Technology Laboratory, someone aware of the FBC's goal of preventing bioterrorism but completely oblivious to TRICELL's goal of promoting bioterrorism. If they'd known about TRICELL, the last line wouldn't even be a question.
Infected Subjects in Zenobia Observation Report
This file is by an FBC researcher since he transmits the research data directly to Lansdale.
In conclusion: t-Abyss was a joint project between Excella Gionne's research team, FBC researchers and the research department of the Montpellier University of Marine Science and Technology Laboratory. The background events of the game are essentially that the Terragrigia Panic was an act of betrayal by Lansdale in order to not only strengthen the FBC, but to develop a vaccine and keep the virus out of the hands of TRICELL, who would actively use it to fuel further bioterrorism. That is part of the "greater good" he mentions at the end of the game, since he knows exactly what TRICELL is capable of. Before becoming FBC Commissioner, he was an advisor to the Federation of Pharmaceutical Companies and by extension, TRICELL.
The rest of the game is an attempt by TRICELL to recover the virus by manipulating Lansdale into the open using the organization they themselves helped form, the BSAA. Not only do they seek to recover the virus, they also wanted to take revenge on Lansdale. It wouldn't be surprising if he was murdered in prison after the game's events, hence "take him out with the trash." He did know all about their illegal activities, after all. With Jessica pretending to be a mole to the FBC and Raymond pretending to be a mole to the BSAA, the involvement of TRICELL was kept under wraps. Part of the reason we the players are not told outright who the "international pharmaceutical company" (the localization team got it wrong as the "Global Pharmaceutical Consortium", which is wrong on so many levels) is because that would mean TRICELL was exposed to the BSAA long before BIO5. Thus the only direct confirmation is in Jessica's Report, since she has no such risk to the plot.
The only plot point in the game that requires further elucidation is the FBC's involvement in biological weapons, despite their implicit goal to oppose them. There are a few potential reasons, but it requires further material to make it concrete. It could be that Lansdale was a supporter of Derek C. Simmons and his belief that biological weapons would replace conventional weapons, given his past in the military. The Family developed biological weapons not only for this purpose, but to monopolize that industry so only they had control over proliferation of these weapons. That in itself is "anti-bioterrorism", and isn't far off from the real U.S. government's actions throughout history of backing the lesser evils of the world, at least the "lesser evil" in their eyes. It's an interesting avenue for the series to go down, but sadly I don't think it's CAPCOM's priority with the story despite the fact that it's there.
Virus Discovered in the Deep Sea Zone and its Research
VIRUS DISCOVERED IN THE DEEP SEA ZONE AND ITS RESEARCH
Through the fourth Kermadec Trench exploration with an unmanned deep sea probe led by the Montpellier University of Marine Science and Technology Laboratory, a new variety of predatory deep sea fish species was discovered at a depth of 9000m, within the hadal zone.
While this deep sea fish was in a high water pressure environment which has a huge influence on creatures, it had unbelievably high swimming ability and possessed specific features that made it ferocious.
As a result of research analysis, the cause of this phenomenal vitality wasn't something peculiar to the deep sea fish, leading to the conclusion that a new strain of pathogenic fish virus had been discovered. The virus bears an "unfathomable" name; secretly named "The Abyss", and it was decided to confidentially continue research.
Since "The Abyss" was originally suited under environments of low oxygen, high water pressure and low temperatures, it transformed the fat and juicy bodies of the deep sea fish and created a high density frame and muscular strength of a level impossible in the deep sea. If this works well, I'm sure B.O.W. activity zones will expand exponentially.
Regarding The Abyss' infectious capacity, it became clear when transmitted through blood that it possessed an infection probability of 99.76%. Although it's very rare, cases where it didn't infect individuals were seen in oral ingestion.
We continued research in order to make this breathtaking virus more powerful.
(It is worn and unreadable＿＿)
Through the fourth Kermadec Trench exploration with an unmanned deep sea probe led by the Montpellier University of Marine Science and Technology Laboratory, a new variety of predatory deep sea fish species was discovered at a depth of 9000m, within the hadal zone.
While this deep sea fish was in a high water pressure environment which has a huge influence on creatures, it had unbelievably high swimming ability and possessed specific features that made it ferocious.
As a result of research analysis, the cause of this phenomenal vitality wasn't something peculiar to the deep sea fish, leading to the conclusion that a new strain of pathogenic fish virus had been discovered. The virus bears an "unfathomable" name; secretly named "The Abyss", and it was decided to confidentially continue research.
Since "The Abyss" was originally suited under environments of low oxygen, high water pressure and low temperatures, it transformed the fat and juicy bodies of the deep sea fish and created a high density frame and muscular strength of a level impossible in the deep sea. If this works well, I'm sure B.O.W. activity zones will expand exponentially.
Regarding The Abyss' infectious capacity, it became clear when transmitted through blood that it possessed an infection probability of 99.76%. Although it's very rare, cases where it didn't infect individuals were seen in oral ingestion.
We continued research in order to make this breathtaking virus more powerful.
(It is worn and unreadable＿＿)
New Virus Strain Development Progress Report
NEW VIRUS STRAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT
When the gene analysis of the newly-discovered virus neared completion, a research institute of an international pharmaceutical company offered cooperation through the route of a certain national organization. They suggested a development experiment on an improved virus strain, incorporating a viral weapon named the t-Virus into The Abyss.
If the new virus strain is completed, it will become easy to create B.O.W.s which use the genes of marine organisms as the base. The door of Bio Organic Weapons development will be opened once again.
However, research on the new virus strain development has run into difficulties. The t-Virus gene enabled infection between different species to all organisms, including humans. But the body tissue of infected individuals collapses, unable to bear the powerful mutation speed derived from The Abyss.
This problem was solved by resolutely suppressing the activity of the virus in the early stages of infection, and it was able to adapt over time. Furthermore, an unexpected by-product was also produced. Although we avoided collapse, the flesh of individuals infected by the new virus partly liquefied, and even bone tissue mutated.
In this way, the infected body ensured characteristic soft flesh, and it is able to attack a target like a phantom, even from few gaps. Furthermore, when the bone composition began to melt and flowed into the outer skin, the hand and feet harden, and a type which turned into a sharp weapon was also confirmed.
Due to this characteristic, human bodies infected with the virus are named "Ooze", meaning "dripping thing." Although its appearance barely maintains a humanoid form, there is no remnant of their lifetime, and it is more appropriate to call them a bizarre monster.
In infection experiments with test subjects, completion of the virus approaches day by day. However, in the biological weapons business, if there is no development of a vaccine made as a pair with the virus, it is imperfect as a product.
For that purpose, a large amount of clinical data is required. It is left to luck to find antibodies from the small number of sample experiments, and it takes a lot of time. The top brass need an artificial pandemic. That seems to be a strong theory I've heard. Although these days, it sounds exactly like bioterrorism...
When the gene analysis of the newly-discovered virus neared completion, a research institute of an international pharmaceutical company offered cooperation through the route of a certain national organization. They suggested a development experiment on an improved virus strain, incorporating a viral weapon named the t-Virus into The Abyss.
If the new virus strain is completed, it will become easy to create B.O.W.s which use the genes of marine organisms as the base. The door of Bio Organic Weapons development will be opened once again.
However, research on the new virus strain development has run into difficulties. The t-Virus gene enabled infection between different species to all organisms, including humans. But the body tissue of infected individuals collapses, unable to bear the powerful mutation speed derived from The Abyss.
This problem was solved by resolutely suppressing the activity of the virus in the early stages of infection, and it was able to adapt over time. Furthermore, an unexpected by-product was also produced. Although we avoided collapse, the flesh of individuals infected by the new virus partly liquefied, and even bone tissue mutated.
In this way, the infected body ensured characteristic soft flesh, and it is able to attack a target like a phantom, even from few gaps. Furthermore, when the bone composition began to melt and flowed into the outer skin, the hand and feet harden, and a type which turned into a sharp weapon was also confirmed.
Due to this characteristic, human bodies infected with the virus are named "Ooze", meaning "dripping thing." Although its appearance barely maintains a humanoid form, there is no remnant of their lifetime, and it is more appropriate to call them a bizarre monster.
In infection experiments with test subjects, completion of the virus approaches day by day. However, in the biological weapons business, if there is no development of a vaccine made as a pair with the virus, it is imperfect as a product.
For that purpose, a large amount of clinical data is required. It is left to luck to find antibodies from the small number of sample experiments, and it takes a lot of time. The top brass need an artificial pandemic. That seems to be a strong theory I've heard. Although these days, it sounds exactly like bioterrorism...
However, despite how gifted she was and coming from the founding family, she was still from the minor Gionne's.
She was given only one of dozens of in-house research teams.
She was given only one of dozens of in-house research teams.
About Completion of the New Virus Strain
ABOUT COMPLETION OF THE NEW VIRUS STRAIN
We have created "t-Abyss." We merged The Abyss and t-Virus genes. Although I can't take pride after considering its threat, it's true we've opened up a new field: marine viral weapons. But I feel troubled handing down my name to future generations with this ultimate weapon...
The research data predicts that if a certain amount of the concentrated virus solution were released into the ocean, all marine life, including bacteria which live on the peripheral, will repeat a chain of infection and the entire ocean will be contaminated within a short time.
The sea being contaminated by t-Abyss would cause the ecosystem to change completely. I can't even imagine how much damage the human race and the entire global environment would suffer. Can it really be said that part of the research for this was to prevent bioterrorism?
We have created "t-Abyss." We merged The Abyss and t-Virus genes. Although I can't take pride after considering its threat, it's true we've opened up a new field: marine viral weapons. But I feel troubled handing down my name to future generations with this ultimate weapon...
The research data predicts that if a certain amount of the concentrated virus solution were released into the ocean, all marine life, including bacteria which live on the peripheral, will repeat a chain of infection and the entire ocean will be contaminated within a short time.
The sea being contaminated by t-Abyss would cause the ecosystem to change completely. I can't even imagine how much damage the human race and the entire global environment would suffer. Can it really be said that part of the research for this was to prevent bioterrorism?
Infected Subjects in Zenobia Observation Report
INFECTED SUBJECTS IN ZENOBIA OBSERVATION REPORT
Researcher Ryan
ID: 503321
Certain Day in 2004
At the same time the end of the Terragrigia Panic was declared, we recovered the ship.
The mission was carried out quickly and in secret.
Unnoticed by anyone...
That land vanished due to the "Regia Solis."
Now, this ship is an extremely valuable test site for observing the mutation and infection progress of "t-Abyss."
We can never afford to let it go.
But the ship is already a hotbed of t-Abyss infected individuals.
Gaining complete control was extremely difficult for us.
We were only able to establish a temporary research base in this place.
Here will soon be directly eroded by monsters.
There's little time left...
Certain Day in 2005
Progress observation on the virus went smoothly and the special pharmaco-vaccine has also been completed.
We have no business here anymore.
Today, we resolved to abandon the facility and withdraw.
We researchers incurred quite a few casualties, but we forgo them as necessary sacrifices.
Mr. Morgan Lansdale, with his always phlegmatic silver beard, should be pleased with the report of the vaccine's completion.
(There is something scrawled after an area where several pages of the diary were torn＿)
－－as soon as I transmitted the research data, all the doors of the facility were blocked and the B.O.W.s began to revive from their cryogenic stasis.
Why didn't I notice that Veltro wasn't the only disposable pawn... Funny in retrospect.
Thinking about this stage of the game, all of the events were in that man's palms...
He supplied the terrorists with t-Abyss and caused the Terragrigia Panic, securing extensive clinical data on human infection.
He brought hope for the eventual development of a vaccine.
On the other hand, he himself spearheaded the handling of the situation and, let alone the town, used the Regia Solis and finally irradiated the virus and Veltro, allowing all evidence of his involvement to vanish.
As a result, he won the consensus of the public who now knew the threat of the virus, obtaining the strengthening of the FBC.
An actor in his own play... Such an incident is unparalleled in history.
I'm astounded at Mr. Lansdale's capabilities.
And since our lives will perish, the truth will be completely hushed up in darkness...
(The rest of the scribble is illegible＿)
Researcher Ryan
ID: 503321
Certain Day in 2004
At the same time the end of the Terragrigia Panic was declared, we recovered the ship.
The mission was carried out quickly and in secret.
Unnoticed by anyone...
That land vanished due to the "Regia Solis."
Now, this ship is an extremely valuable test site for observing the mutation and infection progress of "t-Abyss."
We can never afford to let it go.
But the ship is already a hotbed of t-Abyss infected individuals.
Gaining complete control was extremely difficult for us.
We were only able to establish a temporary research base in this place.
Here will soon be directly eroded by monsters.
There's little time left...
Certain Day in 2005
Progress observation on the virus went smoothly and the special pharmaco-vaccine has also been completed.
We have no business here anymore.
Today, we resolved to abandon the facility and withdraw.
We researchers incurred quite a few casualties, but we forgo them as necessary sacrifices.
Mr. Morgan Lansdale, with his always phlegmatic silver beard, should be pleased with the report of the vaccine's completion.
(There is something scrawled after an area where several pages of the diary were torn＿)
－－as soon as I transmitted the research data, all the doors of the facility were blocked and the B.O.W.s began to revive from their cryogenic stasis.
Why didn't I notice that Veltro wasn't the only disposable pawn... Funny in retrospect.
Thinking about this stage of the game, all of the events were in that man's palms...
He supplied the terrorists with t-Abyss and caused the Terragrigia Panic, securing extensive clinical data on human infection.
He brought hope for the eventual development of a vaccine.
On the other hand, he himself spearheaded the handling of the situation and, let alone the town, used the Regia Solis and finally irradiated the virus and Veltro, allowing all evidence of his involvement to vanish.
As a result, he won the consensus of the public who now knew the threat of the virus, obtaining the strengthening of the FBC.
An actor in his own play... Such an incident is unparalleled in history.
I'm astounded at Mr. Lansdale's capabilities.
And since our lives will perish, the truth will be completely hushed up in darkness...
(The rest of the scribble is illegible＿)
In conclusion: t-Abyss was a joint project between Excella Gionne's research team, FBC researchers and the research department of the Montpellier University of Marine Science and Technology Laboratory. The background events of the game are essentially that the Terragrigia Panic was an act of betrayal by Lansdale in order to not only strengthen the FBC, but to develop a vaccine and keep the virus out of the hands of TRICELL, who would actively use it to fuel further bioterrorism. That is part of the "greater good" he mentions at the end of the game, since he knows exactly what TRICELL is capable of. Before becoming FBC Commissioner, he was an advisor to the Federation of Pharmaceutical Companies and by extension, TRICELL.
The rest of the game is an attempt by TRICELL to recover the virus by manipulating Lansdale into the open using the organization they themselves helped form, the BSAA. Not only do they seek to recover the virus, they also wanted to take revenge on Lansdale. It wouldn't be surprising if he was murdered in prison after the game's events, hence "take him out with the trash." He did know all about their illegal activities, after all. With Jessica pretending to be a mole to the FBC and Raymond pretending to be a mole to the BSAA, the involvement of TRICELL was kept under wraps. Part of the reason we the players are not told outright who the "international pharmaceutical company" (the localization team got it wrong as the "Global Pharmaceutical Consortium", which is wrong on so many levels) is because that would mean TRICELL was exposed to the BSAA long before BIO5. Thus the only direct confirmation is in Jessica's Report, since she has no such risk to the plot.
The only plot point in the game that requires further elucidation is the FBC's involvement in biological weapons, despite their implicit goal to oppose them. There are a few potential reasons, but it requires further material to make it concrete. It could be that Lansdale was a supporter of Derek C. Simmons and his belief that biological weapons would replace conventional weapons, given his past in the military. The Family developed biological weapons not only for this purpose, but to monopolize that industry so only they had control over proliferation of these weapons. That in itself is "anti-bioterrorism", and isn't far off from the real U.S. government's actions throughout history of backing the lesser evils of the world, at least the "lesser evil" in their eyes. It's an interesting avenue for the series to go down, but sadly I don't think it's CAPCOM's priority with the story despite the fact that it's there.
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