Object

Toby's NEA Briefing Notes File

Toby admits over the phone to C.J. in the Northwest Lobby that he misplaced this file containing the NEA briefing notes. The absent container forces him into a flustered rush toward the Outer Oval, where Josh and Leo wait amid reporters. C.J. responds with clipped triage, ordering him to clear anxious press first and dodge tough questions without the documents.

2 appearances

Purpose

Holds NEA briefing notes for Toby's press briefing with reporters

Significance

Its loss exposes Toby's fallibility, compresses public duty against private strain, and triggers C.J.'s no-nonsense instructions that pivot the team into controlled damage management

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E13 · The Long Goodbye

Containment and Compartmentalization

Toby admits he has 'lost' the NEA briefing notes file—this object functions as the missing information that triggers the tactical phone coaching. Its absence creates operational vulnerability and forces C.J. to rely on interpersonal tactics rather than paperwork.

Before: In theory in Toby's possession or on his desk as the designated file containing NEA notes; its exact location unknown.

After: Unlocated and therefore absent from the briefing preparations; Toby continues searching or will attempt to recreate its contents.

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S4E13 · The Long Goodbye

From Call to Oval: Toby's Bad Notes, C.J.'s Briefing Orders

Toby names the missing NEA briefing-notes file; its absence creates the operational problem that drives the exchange, forcing C.J. to substitute direct briefing rules for missing material and raising the stakes of Toby's reentry to the team.

Before: Expected to be in Toby's custody or the West Wing briefing materials, prepared to be used to polish or run the briefing.

After: Unlocated/missing—its absence is acknowledged and becomes an unresolved operational gap Toby must address.

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