Sharks | Fabula

Description

Sharks form one faction in a Pentagon rift, standing opposite the Jets amid leaks from a U.S. foreign intelligence officer to reporter Danny. This split drives internal conflicts over White House directives, including insinuations that President Bartlet rescinded Executive Orders. C.J. faces pressure to address the factional divide during a tense post-briefing exchange, exposing institutional turf battles tied to policy on genocide declarations and military responses.

Event Involvements

Events with structured involvement data

2 events

S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

C.J. Calibrates 'Genocide' — Legalism as a Shield

The 'Sharks' are referenced as one side of the Pentagon split; invoking the factional label personifies internal resistance and simplifies complex military politics into a digestible dichotomy for the press and White House.

Active Representation

Mentioned by name as part of the 'Jets and the Sharks' shorthand used by reporters and staff.

Power Dynamics

Represents one pole in a contested power dynamic inside the Pentagon, ostensibly challenging or negotiating with the White House.

Institutional Impact

The label dramatizes military cleavages, making civil-military tensions politically salient and complicating the White House's efforts to present a unified national security posture.

Internal Dynamics

Part of a two-sided factional dispute (with the 'Jets') that implies competition for influence and control over policy and narrative.

Organizational Goals

Protect its strategic and institutional interests within defense policy debates. Shape public and presidential perception via internal signals.

Influence Mechanisms

Factional narratives leaked to media. Internal alliances and messaging within the defense establishment.

S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

Danny Forces C.J. to Name the Rift

The Sharks (named faction) are part of the Pentagon's internal split and are referenced to map loyalties; they are narrative shorthand for one pole in the Jets/Sharks binary Danny and C.J. discuss.

Active Representation

Evoked by name in conversation, representing one faction within military leadership.

Power Dynamics

Competes with the Jets faction for influence over policy, using internal messaging and allegiances to pressure civilian leadership.

Institutional Impact

Personifies the military's fractured response to civilian directives, increasing the risk of incoherent national-security policy.

Internal Dynamics

Factional rivalry, competing chains of influence, and tactical use of media to send messages.

Organizational Goals

Assert their doctrinal approach to foreign engagements Counter rival faction influence within the Pentagon

Influence Mechanisms

Internal coordination among officers Information leaks as signaling tools

Related Events

Events mentioning this organization

2 events

S1E1

Clinging to the Periscope

Alone on the dark Mediterranean, Indiana Jones clings to the submarine periscope as circling sharks track the floating wreckage. Exhausted, his eyelids droop: there is …

S1E1

Helpless at the Periscope

After the Ark's apocalyptic release, Indy lies half-conscious at a periscope, watching sharks streak alongside the surface. Physically exhausted and spiritually hollow from the divine …