Episode 2 of "Prime Target" unfolds four days after its thrilling premiere, shifting our focus to Taylah Sanders, another pivotal character in this narrative. Like Ed, she is utterly engrossed in her professional endeavors, albeit her workplace involves keeping a watchful eye on university professors. It transpires that she is the one who has been covertly observing Robert and his peers. As an NSA surveillance officer, she soon finds herself in the familiar role of orienting a novice recruit who has arrived to lend a hand in their mission. They belong to the "European unit," dedicated to uncovering the next generation of digital weapons. Their operation spans across Europe, focusing on fifteen key mathematicians, among them, Robert Mallinder.
Armed with the ability to install or access cameras at will, their surveillance methods, however, remain rudimentary. They lack audio capabilities, restricted solely to capturing visual images. Their task is to upload photos of whiteboards, rather than delving into the intricacies of mathematical equations. Given that our digital realm is intrinsically woven with numbers and patterns, the correct combination could theoretically dismantle the entire system. This elucidates the significance of their mission and underscores the importance of the Cipher.
Returning to the present day, Andrea is overwhelmed with grief following Robert's untimely demise, while Ed's priorities lie elsewhere—specifically, in procuring his research from the deceased professor's office. Though currently forbidden from entering, Ed ignores the ban and breaks in under the cover of night. His search proves futile, but his meddling does not go unnoticed. Confronted by faculty members, Ed receives a stern warning from his fellow professors that his actions could lead to dire consequences.Rebuked by the governing authorities, Ed steadfastly refuses to apologize for his actions, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the university. Nevertheless, amidst the turmoil, he stumbles upon an intriguing clue: an icosahedron etched onto a mirror. This geometric figure holds significance as the Greeks once believed it mirrored the shape of the universe, hinting that Ed might be onto something profound. Driven by curiosity, he sets off to consult Andrea, who reminds him of an earlier incident where Robert incinerated a tablecloth covered in his scribbles during the first episode. Andrea senses that Ed has uncovered something substantial, and together, they are determined to uncover the truth despite numerous warnings.
Recall the enigmatic mathematician named Safiya, whose story resonated deeply with Ed in the past. Their bond remains shrouded in mystery, but a revelation unfolds: Safiya took her own life three decades ago. This sorrowful truth deeply unsettles Ed and Andrea. That evening, as Ed returns home, an unusual visitor seeks him out, expressing interest in collaborating on his work. This stranger is an employee of Kaplar Corporation.
Meanwhile, Taylah suspects that Ed and Robert hold pivotal roles in this intricate saga. Her suspicions deepen when she witnesses Robert burning his work and subsequently taking his own life in the parking lot. Alarmed by these events, she urgency brings her boss, Olson, to review the security footage. Despite the official narrative branding it a suicide, Taylah remains unconvinced. She senses a deeper conspiracy and soon realizes their focus has been misplaced; they should be investigating Ed instead.
Taylah is convinced that Robert's suicide note was a synthetic creation, its background an obvious loop, underscored by repeated coughing sounds. She believes they are witnessing a meticulously orchestrated cover-up. Olson agrees to delve further into the matter and reaches out to his superiors for insights. Regrettably, their inquiry is met with resistance and abandoned.
When Taylah discovers the truth, her mood sours, and she storms outside by the dock, insisting that Olson grant her access to speak with those in power. However, her inquisitiveness proves to be her undoing as Olson is suddenly gunned down by a sniper's fatal shot. In a panic, Taylah attempts to flee, but a motorcycle-riding pursuer hot on her trail forces her to make a desperate dive into the water. As she struggles to find refuge, dodging the clutches of sinister mercenaries, our focus shifts momentarily to the sniper, whose rifle bears a chilling wolf insignia, marking him as a figure of dread and danger.
