As the curtains rise on the fifth chapter of "The Bombing of Pan Am 103," a press conference regarding the President's Commission sets the stage. Inside the legal chambers of Pan Am, Bob Monetti, alias Robert Jack, engages in a dialogue with a seasoned Pan Am attorney, Pippa Winslow, who is perusing the Commission's findings. Monetti expresses his desire for Pan Am to spearhead the aviation industry by implementing every safety recommendation put forth. The lawyer, in response, clarifies their primary objective: to devise a compensation package satisfactory to all involved parties. She presents Monetti with a proposed figure tailored specifically for his son, Richard Monetti, or Rick as affectionately known. To Monetti's astonishment, the offer hinges solely on Rick's summer employment. He can scarcely believe it, questioning if this is merely a joke. The lawyer solemnly explains that their compensation assessments must rest on solid, logical foundations.
Meanwhile, at FBI Quantico, Dick Marquise, portrayed by Patrick J. Adams, extends a warm welcome to DCS Stuart Henderson, played by Douglas Hodge. Stuart acknowledges the strained relationship between Dick and his predecessor, expressing optimism for a fresh start now that he is the SIO. A French investigator, Aurore Padenou, leads a briefing on the aircraft's movements preceding the bombing that claimed 170 lives. Stuart postulates that the attack bears the hallmarks of the same Libyan faction responsible for Pan Am 103. He meticulously outlines the similarities between the bombings, concluding that the motive stems from retribution against the US and France for supporting Chad in its defense against Libya's aggression. The quest to identify the manufacturer of "PT-35" continues, with Allen Feraday and his RARDE team believing a circuit board was part of the bomb. However, despite their efforts, they have yet to find a match.
Dick informs Stuart of his conversation with Tom Thurman (Eddie Marsan), suggesting they consider involving the CIA in identifying PT-35. Stuart, mindful of past CIA mishaps like Khreesat, expresses reservations. Dick argues that the CIA possesses expertise beyond their reach. Initially, the CIA would request photographs, but ultimately, they would seek the actual item. Stuart agrees to consult Allen Feraday on the matter.
Elsewhere, Kathryn Turman (Merritt Wever) reaches out to Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells), seeking his assistance. Ed reassures her that Witness Protection, though not Lockerbie, offers a safe haven. Kathryn reveals that Bob Monetti's family has prevailed in their lawsuit against Pan Am and seeks Ed's help with the memorial, Tundergarth. Ed confidently assures her that the local friendship group will lend a helping hand and vows to make the necessary arrangements.
Subsequently, Tom updates Dick, revealing that the CIA believes they have found a match for PT-35. The suspected circuit board resembles one from a timer discovered among a cache of weapons and bomb components seized in Togo, West Africa. These were confiscated from an ESO agent. Allen Feraday, who has been searching for this match for months, expresses his frustration at the sudden breakthrough within 48 hours. He joins Tom and Dick to scrutinize the Togo timer, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice.
They concurred that the tracking mechanisms were identical, with the circuitry routed in an equally unconventional manner. Despite its semblance of an error, it was a deliberate approach to craftsmanship. It became evident that both circuit boards were printed from the very same negative, suggesting a singular designer's hand. MST-13, inscribed on the board, was presumed to be the model number. Additionally, M580, scratched out on the surface, might offer a clue to the manufacturer's identity.
In the town of Tundergarth, Reverend Alan Neal (portrayed by Andrew Byatt) and a gathering of mourners commemorated the victims and unveiled the memorial. Georgia Nucci (played by Andromeda Godfrey) was hailed for her efforts in bringing the memorial to fruition. During her speech, Georgia invoked the spirit of Lockerbie, which she believed had now been blessed. Tom informed Dick of a breakthrough regarding the Togo timer. MI5 speculated that the scratched-out letters could spell MEBO, a name Swiss intelligence had previously encountered.
Inspector Peter Fluckiger (played by Kristian Wanzl Nekrasov) visited Edwin Bollier (portrayed by Dominik Tiefenthaler) at MEBO Communications in Zurich, Switzerland. Edwin anticipated their arrival concerning the Pan Am bombing. Meanwhile, Ed discussed with Steven Flannigan (played by Archie McCormick) his absence from the memorial, prompting Steven to ponder the number of times one can bid farewell. Steven announced his intention to leave at the end of the term and move in with David in Blackpool. Ed viewed a fresh start as beneficial for Steven and updated him on the civil victories of Kathryn and the American families against Pan Am. Steven contended that they weren't at fault for the disaster, asserting that they hadn't blown up their own plane. Ed countered that they were negligent, while Steven insisted that the perpetrators should face jail time. Ed assured him they would.
Stuart Henderson called Ed to relay that he had just spoken with the Swiss police chief, who had discussed the matter with Edwin Bollier, the head of MEBO. Bollier had confessed to manufacturing the MST-13 timers and selling them to Libya. Bollier had previously made the connection between Libya and Lockerbie and attempted to disclose it by leaving a letter at the US embassy in Vienna in January 1989. Dick recalled the CIA's disbelief in Bollier's credibility. A hearing was being held in Switzerland to ascertain whether Bollier would admit to these allegations in court. Stuart abruptly ended the call with Dick.
During the hearing, Bollier was grilled about his role. He recounted founding MEBO two decades ago with his partner Erwin Meister. Edwin Bollier affirmed that the circuit board fragment originated from MEBO and admitted to manufacturing the timers and supplying them to Tripoli. In 1985, he received a contract to produce these timers for the Libyan Army, insisting they were not sold to anyone else. Dick conversed with Neil Gallagher (played by Adam Rothenberg), who revealed he had been summoned by Mueller. Neil expressed his disbelief and confusion over how this had unfolded and why Bollier had been dismissed as insane. Dick conceded that he should not have relied solely on the CIA's judgment. He informed Neil that Bollier had admitted to manufacturing the timers and selling them to the ESO.
His business associate and the seasoned technical engineer have positively affirmed that MEBO was indeed the manufacturer of the fragment. Bollier, apprehensive about potential detention, is hesitant to travel to Scotland. Dick assures Bollier that, upon his arrival in the United States, he will be regarded as a witness rather than a suspect. If Bollier decides to come, it is suggested that Henderson should also be invited to participate in the interview.
On February 15, 1991, Ed Marshman, alias Mercer Boffey, conducts an interview with Bollier at Quantico. Bollier reveals that he has been supplying electronics to the Libyan government for numerous years but emphatically denies any involvement in bomb-making. He recounts witnessing bomb tests using timers at the Sabha airbase in Libya and mentions that an ESO agent once informed him that these timers were for bombs intended to be dropped from airplanes. Bollier's last business transaction with the Libyans dates back to December 18, 1988. When shown a sketch, Bollier recognizes the individual as Abdelbaset, who once rented office space from him in Zurich. Abdelbaset, who appeared to be a businessman, was actually connected to higher-ups in the ESO, as Bollier had also spotted him at the ESO headquarters.
During a break in the interview, Dick instructs that Abdelbaset's name should be forwarded to the CIA and seeks any other ESO names Bollier might know. Stuart expresses skepticism about Bollier's reliability, questioning what Bollier stands to gain from cooperating. Dick agrees to show Stuart a great running route the following day. At home, Pat Marquise, alias Lisa Caruccio Came, inquiries about Dick's running schedule. Meanwhile, Pan Am files for creditor protection, which June McCusker, alias Lauren Lyle, learns about on TV and informs Ed upon his return. They are concerned that this might affect the compensation for the victims' families.
Upon returning from his run with Stuart, Dick is approached by Gabe Lepley, alias Terence Maynard. In private, Gabe shares information about Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, a senior intelligence officer in the ESO. Unfortunately, they lack any leads on the bomb maker that Bollier mentioned. Subsequently, Bollier is presented with photos and identifies Al Megrahi as Abdelbaset. Stuart intends to share Megrahi's photo with the shopkeeper in Malta. Harry and Willie visit Godfrey in Malta and converse with Tony Gauci, alias Julian Calleja, to ascertain if he can recognize the man in the photo. Tony picks out the same photo, noting that while the man looks younger in the photo, he appeared older during his visit to the shop. Tony asserts that he is the only person who resembles the individual in the photo.
At the Department of Immigration, the team searches for al-Megrahi's name in the database and verifies his whereabouts in Malta during December 1988. They discover that he arrived on the 7th for a brief stay, returning from Libya. He came back on December 17 and departed on the same day, confirming he was not present on the 21st. They ponder whether he was part of the operation but not the actual bomber. Harry emphasizes the need to identify the individual who placed the bomb on the plane. Dick informs Gabe of his findings and concludes that al-Megrahi could not have planted the bomb. Gabe, however, possesses information about Badri Hassan, an associate of Megrahi whom Bollier also knew from Zurich.
Hassan and al-Megrahi cleverly concealed their collaboration beneath the guise of an officer position at a company named ABH, which served merely as a facade for the ESO. Hassan's dual role at Libyan Arab Airlines furthers the intricate web of the ESO's covert operations. Gabe reveals the existence of two additional figures, Ahmed Khalifa Abdusamad and Abu Agila Masud, but regrettably, they possess no photographs or detailed information on them as of yet. Speculation surrounds Masud, whom Gabe believes could be the bomb maker referenced by Bollier within the ESO's ranks. As for Abdusamad, his connections to al-Megrahi remain obscure yet intriguing.
In Malta, Abdul Majid Giaka, alias Khalid Laith, steps back into the comforting embrace of his home, greeted by Mrs. Giaka, played by Simone Spiteri, who eagerly inquires about the CIA's response. Abdul, visibly troubled, confides that the CIA is eager to obtain the information he possesses, promising protection if its value is proven. Until then, they must maintain a semblance of normalcy.
At the immigration office, the team uncovers a significant detail: Badri Hassan did not set foot in Malta in 1988. However, Masud and Abdusamad did. Masud arrived on December 7 and departed back to Libya on December 21. Unlike Masud, Abdusamad's arrival was delayed; he visited for just one night later in the same month, ultimately boarding his return flight on December 21. Intriguingly, both men were present at the airport on the fateful day the bomb was loaded onto the plane. Harry underscores the importance of processing the embarkation cards as crucial evidence for the Scottish courts. During his brief stay, Abdusamad resided at the Holiday Inn, adding another layer to this complex tapestry of intrigue.
In Malta, amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Holiday Inn, Harry, accompanied by Phil Reid (Parker Sawyers) and Godfrey Scicluna (Mikhail Basmadjian), engaged in an urgent conversation with the receptionist, Chris Dingli, concerning Ahmed Khalifa Abdusamad. Harry revealed that Abdusamad had once been a guest at the establishment in December 1988. However, the receptionist, citing strict privacy policies, hesitated to divulge any information. Scicluna, producing his identification, persuaded the receptionist to cooperate.
With a hint of reluctance, the receptionist retrieved a folder and scoured through guest records until he unearthed Abdusamad's stay on December 20, 1988. He presented them with Abdusamad’s final bill, which included a call made to the number 414570 at precisely 7:11 am on December 21, 1988. Harry, eyes gleaming with determination, insisted on tracing the mysterious number.
Meanwhile, across town, Stewart and Willie Armstrong (Andrew Rothney) stumbled upon evidence indicating that Masud and Megrahi had entered Malta on December 7, 1988. Stewart revealed that Masud was still present on December 21, whereas Megrahi had already departed. Intriguingly, Masud and Abdusamad shared the same flight out of Luqa Airport. Stewart speculated that they might be intricately involved in the bomb placement. Willie inquired whether Marquise had uncovered any photographs of the suspects, to which Stewart shook his head, hinting that perhaps the CIA or Marquise held crucial pieces of the puzzle.
In Switzerland, Bollier steadfastly refused to engage with Fluckinger, leaving the latter frustrated and disappointed.
Back in the United States, at Harry’s cozy pub, Ed approached Gabe with a grave request to speak with his asset. Gabe, maintaining a stoic demeanor, denied any knowledge of such an asset. Ed, his voice tinged with urgency, asked if Gabe could live with the consequences of the case collapsing, leaving families without answers.
In Malta, Scicluna imparted to Harry that Abdusamad had placed a call to Khalifa Fhimah, the former Libyan Arab Airlines Station Manager and co-owner of a travel agency. Unfortunately, Libyan Airlines was refusing them access to Fhimah's file. Shortly thereafter, Abdul Majid Giaka (Khalid Laith) stepped in, claiming Fhimah was in Tripoli. Scicluna revealed that Fhimah had been implicated in an attack that claimed the lives of approximately 300 people. In response, Giaka handed over Fhimah’s diary. Harry’s eyes widened as he discovered Fhimah’s active Luqa Airport security pass, valid at the time of the bombing, hidden within its pages.
Steven remains indifferent to the surrounding chaos, his sole focus being the pursuit of justice. Ed, however, maintains a steadfast belief in the team's steady progress on unraveling the case. The interruption by David Flannigan, portrayed by Andrew Marley, urges Steven to expedite his packing, while Ed bids him a heartfelt farewell.
In Malta, the translator concludes her work on the diary, revealing an entry dated December 15th, which reads, "Obtain tags for Abdelbaset." This discovery hints at a connection between Abdelbaset and Fhimah. Fhimah, accompanied by Abdusamad, is suspected of aiding al-Megrahi in their sinister plot. They theorize that these luggage tags served as a means to smuggle the bomb onto the plane.
Simultaneously, Harry and Phil arrive at the airport, scouting the area where Abdusamad and Masud would have checked in for their journey back to Tripoli. Coinciding with their arrival is the chaotic scene of passengers checking in for an Air Malta flight to Frankfurt, creating the perfect opportunity to slip the incriminating baggage unnoticed.
Gabe approaches Dick, requesting his companionship in his vehicle. He unveils their asset, Giaka, a low-ranking Libyan ESO agent who, although not directly implicated, possesses invaluable knowledge about the ESO. Gabe offers to share his insights in exchange for relocation to the United States, emphasizing that this arrangement must remain confidential between the FBI and the CIA. Dick, however, harbors reservations about this deal.
Phil Reid soon arrives to escort Giaka, while Stuart inquires about any updates from the CIA. Dick responds in the negative. The group meeting is disrupted by Peter Fluckiger's revelation that Bollier accuses Swiss police, the FBI, and the CIA of breaking into MEBO offices and stealing evidence. Bollier further alleges that the circuit board fragment discovered in Scotland did not originate from MEBO but was manufactured by the CIA and planted as false evidence. This accusation puzzles everyone present.
Dick receives an urgent call and excuses himself from the meeting. Phil informs him that the DOJ deems Giaka credible and desires safe passage for him and his wife to the United States. Although Phil admits uncertainty about Giaka's ability to provide concrete evidence for this specific attack, he does possess a keen memory of the ESO's internal workings. Dick concurs with the decision to bring Giaka to the United States.
Later, Dick joins Stuart Henderson and his family for dinner, where conversations revolve around the challenges of being away from home. In a private moment, Dick confides in Stuart that the CIA has yet to disclose any information. Stuart presses him for clarity before his departure, inquiring about the CIA's involvement. Dick expresses his dilemma, highlighting that revealing this information could jeopardize his career. Stuart reassures him of confidentiality.
Dick finally unburdens himself, revealing that the CIA possesses an asset who has infiltrated the ESO for years. This asset is being relocated to the United States and may serve as a crucial witness during the trial. On July 21, 1991, Giaka undergoes an interview, wherein he discloses his role as Assistant Station Manager at Luqa Airport for Libyan Arab Airlines.
He has been briefed on his tasks, among them the crucial mission of identifying individuals who had no business traveling to Libya. Assigned to this pivotal role by either the ESO or the Jamahiriya Security Organization, he found himself under the supervision of Fhimah for the majority of his tenure. From a lineup of photos, Giaka singles out Fhimah, disclosing that even he was appointed by the ESO. Fhimah's airport duties concluded in August 1988, after which he ventured into establishing a travel agency—a mere façade for the ESO's clandestine operations.
Giaka's memory takes him back to early December when he caught sight of Fhimah in the airport's customs area, engaging with some Libyan agents disembarking from a flight. It wasn't unusual for Fhimah to be around, admits Giaka. He identifies the agents as al-Megrahi, Head of Airline Security, and Masud, a technical officer. However, he fails to recall seeing Fhimah accompanied by a man named Abdusamad, whom he claims to be unfamiliar with. From a photograph array, Giaka positively identifies Megrahi. He recounts encountering Megrahi and Fhimah once more at the airport, and later that day, witnessed Fhimah exiting the customs area with an uninspected suitcase. Giaka describes it as a sturdy, brown hardshell case.
An embarkation card bearing Abdusamad's name surfaces, along with another for Megrahi. DS Gillan alerts Willie to a striking similarity between the cards—both filled out in identical block capitals, leading Willie to suspect a single hand at play. Stuart requests a handwriting expert's analysis, hypothesizing that Abdusamad is a pseudonym for Megrahi. Stuart informs Dick that Megrahi had arrived at Luqa Airport on December 20 using a fake passport under the alias Abdusamad, with Fhimah on the same flight. That evening, Megrahi checked into the Holiday Inn and reached out to Fhimah the following day. Somewhere along the line, Megrahi packed the suitcase with items procured from Mary’s House.
The prevailing theory postulates Masud as the one who armed the bomb and concealed it within the suitcase. At the airport, Fhimah, Megrahi, or Masud attached the luggage tags that Giaka had observed on Fhimah's suitcase on December 20. Megrahi and Masud boarded their flight back to Tripoli, but they checked the bomb onto Air Malta KM 180 bound for Frankfurt, using Fhimah's tags. They were fully aware that the bomb was destined for Pan Am 103 and timed to detonate within hours. Dick believes they've finally cornered their man.
