Absent Moon

Tonight's moon stays hidden, casting Air Force One's nighttime flyby into pitch darkness that blocks any ground-based visual check of the landing gear. Colonel Weiskopf cites this blackout directly to Bartlet, who snaps back with sarcasm at the mounting risks—no lunar light means no safe inspection from Andrews tower, shoving them toward a perilously low pass and midair refuel.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E19 · Angel Maintenance

Moonless Flyby — Low Pass and Midair Refuel

The absent moon is invoked as the critical environmental factor preventing ground crews from visually inspecting the plane's undercarriage; its absence converts a technical ambiguity into the need for riskier airborne maneuvers.

Before: Moon not visible; night conditions have poor ambient illumination.

After: Still absent; remaining a limiting factor that necessitates the Falcon flyby and refuel plan.

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S4E19 · Angel Maintenance

Order to Tell C.J. About the Refuel

The absent moon functions as an environmental 'object' that directly constrains operations—Weiskopf cites its absence as the reason ground-based visual confirmation is impossible, forcing riskier airborne options and shaping the tactical choices discussed.

Before: Not visible in the night sky, creating darkness that prevents ground crews from seeing under the plane.

After: Remains absent, continuing to limit ground visibility and sustaining the need for airborne inspection and refueling maneuvers.

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