Object

Mastico's Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

One of the weapons systems aboard the Qumari cargo ship Mastico amid 72 tons of arms and explosives bound for the Bahji in Lebanon. It fired twelve warheads, each with 644 M-77 munitions, and carried a GPS device that pinpointed the ship's location. Fitzwallace brands this GPS a 'message in a bottle' during the briefing; Bartlet, Leo, and others react with urgency as it exposes the arms deal.

2 appearances

Purpose

Launches multiple rockets, firing warheads loaded with cluster munitions over long distances.

Significance

Serves as smoking-gun proof of Qumar's transfer of heavy weapons to militants, forcing Bartlet to order the Sixth Fleet to intercept and board the Mastico without firing, which escalates diplomatic pressure and tests civilian-military command.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E5 · Debate Camp

Mastico Revealed: Weapons Bound for the Bahji

The Multiple Launch Rocket System aboard the Mastico is identified as a particularly dangerous shipment; its presence explains the urgency and escalatory risk, and its GPS tracker provides the smoking-gun evidence used to lawfully justify interception.

Before: Secured within the Mastico's hold, intended for delivery to Bahji militants.

After: Remains aboard the Mastico pending interception and potential seizure; now a central piece of evidence in diplomatic and military deliberations.

View full event

S4E5 · Debate Camp

Stop the Mastico — Intercept, Don't Fire

The MLRS aboard the Mastico is singled out as the particularly dangerous weapons system on board; its presence raises the stakes and justifies immediate action to prevent delivery to the Bahji.

Before: Installed aboard the Mastico's cargo hold as part of the 72 tons of arms bound for Bahji militants.

After: Remains physically aboard the ship but becomes the principal justification for U.S. interdiction efforts.

View full event