Setting aside the halo of the Marvel Universe and considering his understanding and assessment of this world, Lier was reluctant to take this job. Natasha's boss had shown a certain kind of cleverness at every turn:
I've set plenty of lures for you and carefully planned this job. You're bound to take it.
But what exactly was on the ship?
There was no answer.
To put it bluntly, this boss was selfish and arrogant. His attitude toward managing his subordinates and dealing with partners was: I trust you, but don't ask what we're doing. Just trust me.
There was a lot riding on a gamble, so Lier could only bet that Nick Fury wasn't trying to screw him over and that the cargo really was important.
"Tanzania?" Black Widow didn't understand.
"Yes. My people set out for Africa two days ago and are expected to reach Tanzania in a month. I'm guessing that's why your boss came to me.
"Your ship was originally supposed to leave the United Kingdom, cross the Atlantic, and reach the West Coast, right?"
"I don't know."
"That's definitely what he planned. Then he cut off communications near the United Kingdom, concealed the ship's whereabouts, changed course for the Mediterranean, crossed the Suez Canal, and headed south around the Cape of Good Hope. That would put it right on course to meet my ship.
"And I'm guessing the ship has already set sail. It left port before you knew for sure that I'd escort it, because this is already an emergency."
Lier walked over to the world map on the meeting room wall and traced the whole story with his finger.
"Why?" This time, Natasha was genuinely puzzled.
"Your boss went to a lot of trouble to steer me into taking the job, but you don't