diff --git a/similar/main/laser.cpp b/similar/main/laser.cpp
index 49c24dbab..894ca477b 100644
--- a/similar/main/laser.cpp
+++ b/similar/main/laser.cpp
@@ -2403,7 +2403,8 @@ void do_missile_firing(int drop_bomb)
 
 		if (Game_mode & GM_MULTI)
 		{
-			multi_send_fire(weapon+MISSILE_ADJUST, laser_level::_1	/* unused */, gun_flag, objnum == object_none ? object_none : objnum->ctype.laser_info.track_goal, weapon_index_is_player_bomb(weapon) ? objnum : object_none);
+			const object &obj = *objnum;
+			multi_send_fire(weapon+MISSILE_ADJUST, laser_level::_1	/* unused */, gun_flag, obj.ctype.laser_info.track_goal, weapon_index_is_player_bomb(weapon) ? objnum : object_none);
 		}
 
 		// don't autoselect if dropping prox and prox not current weapon