Episode 3 of "Prime Target" kicks off in 1994, granting us a deeper glimpse into Safiya's world. She has fine-tuned her internal body clock to accommodate a grueling 21-hour workday, shrouding herself in solitude and dedicating herself relentlessly to her thesis. Yet, similar to Ed's experience, Robert tears apart Safiya's efforts, urging her with all his might to abandon her research on Prime Numbers. What sets this scenario apart is that Robert, in this instance, is not acting as her professor but as the object of her affections.
A few days leap forward, and Safiya finds herself confronted by a menacing solicitor's letter, threatening her life unless she surrenders her thesis. Plagued by paranoia and worry, Safiya devises a desperate plan: she intentionally tampers with her answers, converting correct ones into incorrect, in a bid to obscure her trail.
Shifting back to the present, the narrative shifts to France, where Taylah narrowly escapes the sniper's crosshairs and flees to their hideout. However, her respite is brief; gathering her belongings, she sets off for Denis's place, seeking refuge with the sleazy, wealthy individual who has been flattering her since her arrival in the country.
While at Denis's, Taylah dials Alex, warning him that their operation has been breached. Tragically, it's already too late; a scuffle ensues on the other end of the line, plunging everything into darkness. Panicked, Taylah dashes out, seizing Denis's car and racing towards Calais. Though unstated, it's reasonable to infer she's boarding a ferry to cross the channel, bound for London.
Elsewhere, Ed discovers Stephen from The Institute, who has been patiently awaiting him outside his door all night. Upon emerging, Stephen persists in extolling the virtues of joining his company. He hands over a Kaplar brochure, pledging that the company will provide for him should he choose to embark on this new path. Will Ed seize the opportunity?Presently, defying his expulsion, Ed makes his way back to the university, steering straight towards Professor Osborne's office. He comes to the realization that Safiya's research is replete with inconsistencies, almost as if she deliberately obscured the correct answers by crossing them out. But what of the numerals she struck through? Osborne postulates that they could very well constitute some form of code. Undeterred, Ed vows to uncover the truth, come what may. That very night, however, he finds himself being chased by a pair of ominous figures who knock him off his bike and make away with his backpack.
Meanwhile, in Baghdad, Dr. Nathoo arrives to meet Akram Nizar, a representative of the Baghdad Department of Culture and Antiquities. Standing in for Andrea, Dr. Nathoo personally inspects the underground chamber. Andrea is also en route, but Nathoo has the advantage of a head start. The actual explosion remains a contentious issue, and Nathoo marvels at how miraculously it spared the main structure, leaving the entire site unscathed. It almost seems as though the explosion was orchestrated with precision, doesn't it? That evening, structural engineer Hassan Kasem warns Nathoo, leading him to a gay club and disclosing his findings. Alas, we, the viewers, remain in the dark about this conversation.
Whatever secrets Hassan unveiled, Nathoo appears visibly agitated when he arrives at the site the following morning. The other men, particularly Akram, sense that he knows something they don't. And to add to the intrigue, Hassan too seems to have vanished without a trace.
Days later, Ed finds himself at the bar, drowning his sorrows in the depths of liquid solace. It is there, amidst the dim lighting and clinking glasses, that his path crosses with Taylah once more. She inquiries about his recent endeavors and, sensing his plight, gently suggests that he could use some assistance. Her mention of a sequence of eleven digits—the answers struck through with uncertainty—piques Ed's curiosity and leads him to the serene confines of the library. There, he uncovers a striking coincidence: the digits correspond to the shelf number of a particular book, prompting him to retrieve "Sophie Germain – The Unsolved Riddle."
Inside its worn covers, Ed discovers a handwritten note from Safiya, a poignant testament to her thoughts and research. However, their quiet introspection is abruptly shattered by the blaring sound of the fire alarm. It transpires that the shadowy figures from their past have returned, casting a pall of fear as they chase the duo through the labyrinthine corridors of the university.
With adrenaline surging through their veins, Taylah and Ed manage to elude their pursuers and seek refuge in the sanctity of a nearby church. In the hushed ambiance of the church, Ed unburdens himself, revealing the depth of his work on prime numbers. Taylah, too, opens up, sharing her insights and revealing that the very foundation of digital locks relies on the seemingly random selection of prime numbers. She posits that if Ed could disprove their randomness through his research, it would be a revelation of immense value—yet fraught with peril. Ed ponders the implications, grappling with the notion that, despite his genius, he may be on the brink of unraveling the very fabric of society.
As for Safiya, the pair now possesses undeniable proof of her untimely demise. Her letter, tinged with a somber finality, hints that if these words are being read, it is a testament to her absence. Found deceased in her bathtub, Safiya left behind a summary of her thesis tucked within the pages of the book. Ironically, her research aligns perfectly with Ed's own. Moreover, a torn fragment of paper, bearing the name Kaplar, adds another layer of mystery to the equation.
