97766 looked down at his bowl. He had learned in re-education what meals at the Unity Center were like: flavorless, nutrient-rich paste. The nutrient paste, he had learned, was an efficient means to providing every brother the nutrients he needs to be an effective brother of Unity. The lack of flavor was purposeful; it reminded brothers that true joy came through service.
As a new brother, 97766 had not yet shared in a communal meal cycle at the Unity Center. The sight of the paste was certainly unusual for him. He thought of the rich flavors he used to infuse in his own cooking. How foolish he was! All those flavors were mere distractions, wasteful sensations that moved him away from finding his true place. And yet, the nutrient paste loomed before him. 97766 had pledged to obey Unity, and he was even told that some changes would be harder than others. He readily accepted the uniform and abandoned his name in favor of his designation, but he had not reckoned with the fact he would never eat anything else besides the paste ever again.
Fortunately for him, another brother, 20166, noticed 97766's hesitation. He approached his brother and placed a kind hand on his shoulder.
"It takes time, brother," said 20166. "The person you were before craved distraction and frivolity. The society outside the Unity Center tells us food is culture, but that is a deception."
"This brother knows," replied 97766. "But he has to admit that his lingering selfishness has formed doubts. Perhaps 97766 was too hasty in taking the oath." The new brother looked downtrodden at his own uniform coveralls.
20166 shook his head, "No, brother. You belong to Unity. You are where you are supposed to be. Look around you," 20166 gestured to the hall, filled with scores of men in identical uniforms. "You fit right in here. You do not need the frivolity of flavors. Our shared meals are a commitment to each other. By partaking in our nutrient paste, you are making a promise to every brother here, just as they are making a promise to you. You are one of many. Together we are Unity!"
20166's words broke through 97766's lingering doubts. His face turned to a purposeful smile. Every brother was indeed eating the paste, as it provided them the energy needed to serve their community. That commitment to service was what drew 97766 to Unity in the first place. He lifted his spoon without another words and had his first taste of the nutrient paste. It was smooth, almost textureless, and truly devoid of flavor. But rather than recoil, 97766 smiled even wider. He realized that he was sharing in experience with his fellow brothers. Every spoonful not only fueled his body, but brought him closer to his brothers.
"Thank you, 20166," said 97766 after another spoonful. "Your words have uplifted this brother. Now he sees the purpose behind the Discipline."
"That's the Clarity we all strive for, brother," replied 20166, preparing to return to his seat. "Hail Unity!"
97766 put his spoon down before placing his fist to his chest.