diff --git a/vacuum_gambit.p8 b/vacuum_gambit.p8
index d255e82..8dcd068 100644
--- a/vacuum_gambit.p8
+++ b/vacuum_gambit.p8
@@ -1533,7 +1533,7 @@ function flotilla:load(ulc_cx, ulc_cy, lvl)
      -- alternate is requested
      -- and we allow alternates
      -- for this type of ship
-     ship_t+=(uv>>ship_t&0x1)&(f&0x10>>4)
+     ship_t+=(uv>>ship_t&0x1)&((f&0x10)>>4)
      add(row, self.ship_bases[ship_t].new{col=cx-ulc_cx})
     end
    end