INTERNATIONAL PEACE THROUGH SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM

The International Peace Through Science Symposium was a large, formal, black tie reception, organized by the Committee for Peace and Progress Through Technology and held at the Exhibition Center in Los Angeles, to promote international relations and the peaceful use of technology. A huge Soviet delegation was expected to attend, and DXS representatives were also requested to be present. Although MacGyver dislikes formal events and attire, he reluctantly agreed to attend the gala in a rented tuxedo as a favor to Pete Thornton. Pete attended with Viktoria Tomanova, a Russian defector whose presence made her a target of Soviet agents who had planted a mole within the DXS. Also attending where MacGyver's friend and coworker, Craig Bannister, and his wife Ingrid. Guests could mingle and explore various exhibits of cutting-edge technology on display, such as an ultrasonic beam used in mining and excavation, while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and champagne served by a robot whom MacGyver addressed as Robert.

One of the keynote speakers at the gala was Reverend Mather, a highly respected clergyman. However, Mather had been programmed by Soviet agents to assassinate Viktoria Tomanova. As Mather began to deliver his remarks, Anton Lem, a known Soviet agent, activated a small remote device that triggered Mather's programming. His words became uncertain and confused, then he suddenly reached for a gun that had been concealed at the podium and began firing toward Viktoria. MacGyver pushed Viktoria out of harm's way and used the ultrasonic beam to shatter Mather's glasses before disarming him. Mather was still disoriented and unaware of what had happened, but his programming had failed, prompting Lem to activate a second remote signal which triggered a heart attack by creating a magnetic field that caused chemicals previously introduced into his bloodstream to form an artificial blockage in his arteries. MacGyver and Bannister attempted to administer CPR, but they were unsuccessful, and Reverend Mather died.

Cross Reference: Craig Bannister, Ingrid Bannister, Anton Lem, Reverend Mather, Robert, Viktoria Tomanova

Episode Reference: The Enemy Within