His expression was blank. Detached. No trace of a smile or any emotion. Watching him felt like looking at an empty room -- the walls and furniture were all perfectly in place, but it had no life.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph Page 5, Paragraph 5)

Importance: This passage describes Zoe's brother Markan. It paints a picture of what everyone who lives under the Link is like.

The Link News had ended and another three rising tones sounded to initiate the Community Creed. I took a deep breath and mentally repeated along with it: The Community Link is peace. We are Humanity Sublime because we live in Community and favor above all else order, logic, and peace. Community first, Community always.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph Page 9, Paragraph 2)

Importance: This passages describes the kind of world that has been created by the Uppers and the values the people of the Community live by.

But still, I wanted color. I wanted to soar with happiness even if it meant...
-- Zoe (Chapter 1 paragraph Page 16, Paragraph 3)