Within the last 4 weeks Auggie had become well acquainted with his surroundings but the search for a new job was still difficult. As soon as someone heard that he had a disability his request for a job interview was rejected. That was frustrating and discouraging. And one day even his newly acquired self confidence as a blind man was shaken. He had just bought a new audio book at the book shop and was leaving, when suddenly a rude young man on a bike approached. He was riding on the pavement. That was not only forbidden, he was also too fast. Auggie was about to step out of the door onto the pavement when he was run over by that bike. He lost his balance and found himself sitting on his butt. He was a bit shocked because he had not seen that coming. The young man with the bike did not care about Auggie, he just continued riding and disappeared.

The worst of all was that his cane was broken. The young man with the bike had just ridden over the cane and that had caused the cane to break into two pieces. Auggie got up, felt on the ground for the cane and noticed that he could not use it anymore. He would have been able to find the way home, that was not the main problem, but he would not be aware of any obstacles without a cane in his hand.

Had he refused to use a cane about half a year ago during his first days in rehab, he was now devastated by the idea to renounce to the cane. He finally realized how much his personal mobility and independence depended on this helpful tool. What now? He thought. He could call a taxi and go home but what then? He had no spare cane at home and if he wanted to go out the next day, he would be pretty lost. So he decided to call a taxi and have the driver take him to the Lighthouse for the Blind in town. There, he would be able to get a new cane and maybe even a spare cane for cases like this. Auggie collected the broken cane, put it into his messenger bag and fished his phone out of his pocket. He dialed the number of the taxi company he frequently used and waited for the car to arrive.

Five minutes later a taxi stopped and the helpful driver, who already knew Auggie, helped him into the car. Ten minutes later they arrived at the Lighthouse for the Blind. The taxi driver accompanied Auggie to the building and Auggie asked him to wait. After 15 minutes Auggie emerged sweeping a brand-new cane in front of him and with a spare cane in his bag. He was relieved that he had been able to solve the problem so fast. Arriving at home, he checked the mailbox and found a letter. In his apartment he started the document reader and put the letter on the scanner. And then he was surprised when he heard where the letter was from .

"Dear Mr. Anderson,

As we have learned, your rehabilitation process was concluded a few weeks ago. We would like to invite you for a personal interview at the DCI office to discuss your professional future at the CIA".

Please present yourself at the DCI office on October 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Should you wish to arrange for an appointment at a different time please let us know.

Best regards

Arthur Campbell "

Auggie was surprised. He had been oblivious of the fact that he was still a CIA member even if he was blind now. It was CIA policy not to dismiss operatives when they were sick. Only when the rehabilitation process was concluded the CIA would discuss the professional future and whether an operative could go to the field again or take over another job in a different department. Auggie was nervous and excited. Was there still a chance for him to get back to Langley? Of course he knew that he could not go out on a mission anymore but maybe there would be a chance for another job in a different department.

A week later

Auggie had called a taxi and was waiting for the car to arrive. He had chosen a grey suit, a light-blue shirt and a dark-blue tie for this occasion. He opened the lid of his Braille watch and checked the time. The taxi should arrive any minute. A moment later he heard a car stop and heard the driver called his name "Taxi for Mr. Anderson" Auggie made his way towards the sound of the car engine, found the back door and settled into the back seat. He was nervous because he had no idea how the interview with Arthur Campbell would turn out. Up till now he had worked closely with Joan, Arthur´s wife and he had not even been to the DCI office before. He would need some help to get there when arriving in Langley.

Fifteen minutes later Auggie arrived. He paid the driver and asked him to come back in an hour and a half to pick him up again. Auggie swept his cane and found the main entrance. It was strange to come back to a place he knew so well without seeing it. He found the elevator and heard that someone was standing next to him. "May I ask you to help me?" Auggie said "Of course" the young lady replied "Do you know how to get to Mr. Campbell´s office?" The lady smiled and said "Yeah, I know where that is." And then she offered "Do you want to take my arm?" and touched the back of his hand with hers. Auggie looked puzzled and the young lady realized that because then she explained "my Dad is blind, I am a bit acquainted with the needs of blind people."

In the elevator the young lady said "May I ask you something Sir?" Auggie turned towards her voice and replied "Yes" and then the lady continued " Are you the Special Ops soldier that was blinded in Iraq and who was the only one to survive an IED attack?" Auggie swallowed because the question had brought back memories and then he said "Yes, that would be me, but how do you know that?" "Well, this news spread immediately after the attack and Langley was shocked about having a traitor in its own unit without knowing. Nasir however is still on the run and cannot be traced" and then she added "By the way my name is Betty Nichols." Arriving on the 7th floor Auggie took Betty´s arm again and she led him to the office of Arthur Campbell. Auggie counted the steps to make sure he would find the way back without assistance. "Thanks Betty" he smiled before he knocked on the door of the DCI office. "Come in" Arthur Campbell called and Auggie swept his cane searching for obstacles in the room. Arthur got up from his leather office chair and led Auggie to a chair. He was also a bit nervous because he had never been around a blind person before.

" It was nice of you to come Mr. Anderson" Arthur started. "I would like to discuss your professional future at the CIA with you. Given the special circumstances and your….your…." Arthur hesitated a bit "your…. visual disability… it is out of question that you can resume your job as a field operative" Auggie had listened and tilted now his head into Arthur´s direction.

"Of course I am completely aware of the fact that I cannot be in the field anymore" Auggie answered. And then he added "By the way Mr. Campbell you may also use the term BLIND because that is what I am now." Arthur had watched Auggie with curiosity. Knowing that he was blind was one thing, but realizing that he did not make eye contact for his lack of vision was something else. It was an awkward feeling for Arthur. He had to get used to that. "I have been thinking about how to incorporate you again into our team" Arthur started "And what is your conclusion?" Auggie asked with curiosity in his voice. "Well… I thought you might try to work as the head of the Tech Ops office. I heard that your Braille skills are pretty good right now and that you have learned to manage a computer with special equipment. In addition, your knowledge of field operations and technology is extremely valuable for us. You would be the perfect candidate for that job." Auggie had listened carefully and was astounded about that offer. "I really appreciate your offer" he replied " And I would be glad to take over that position. You can be assured, that I will give my very best not to disappoint you." And then Auggie added "How do you know about my Braille and computer skills?" Arthur smiled and said "Remember you are at the CIA and we have a file on everyone." Now Auggie smiled as well and said "Of course, how could I forget about that".

"Welcome back to the CIA Mr. Anderson" Arthur said and extended his hand but then he remembered that Auggie could not see that. Instead he said "Maybe you can tell my now what kind of adaptive equipment you need for your office." Auggie hesitated for a while thinking about all the details he needed and then he answered "I need a document reader, a Braille printer, a computer with a speech control program, a Braille keyboard, Braille paper for the printer, a phone with larger keys and headphones. I would also appreciate a round desk to minimize the risk for injuries and there should not be any cables or wires I might accidentally trip over in my office.

"Done" Arthur replied. I will take care of it and in about a month everything should be installed and prepared accordingly. Auggie rose from his seat and extended his hand. Arthur took it and reciprocated with a firm handshake. Auggie opened his cane, tapped it on the floor to make sure that the cane elements were firmly locked and made his way to the door. Then he turned again and said "Thanks again Mr. Campbell to give me that chance." That could not have gone better Auggie thought when he sat in the back seat of the taxi on his way home. He finally had a job and he was still a member of the CIA.