Given the steamer's been sitting abandoned in the sand for possibly months, it's not a good idea to wonder too much exactly where he found even remotely fresh ingredients. "I dropped one once, out by the cave system near New Utah. Found it again a year later on accident, and it tasted exactly the same as one brand new off the shelf." Meal bars did what they needed to do, keep a body alive. FLAVOR was optional.

But by the sound of it that's a memory to be mourned. He'd heard twinkies were nearly as indestructible, but those were much harder to get. And less healthy. "One day I'm going to get the nerve to actually find out what's IN those things, but it might also scar me for life." They may be better off not knowing. He's faced countless tragedies and horrors, but the possibility of a protein bar likely being ninety percent sawdust or something is not something he's prepared for!

He wiggles socked toes thoughtfully. No, maybe he WOULDN'T ask one day. "Probably worm powder or something. Sawdust. The sludge that comes up from a mostly dry well."