How the world works
Forming up
Every numbered ball is born with a four-digit form-up code. Unnumbered balls have none. Most numbered balls learn their code while growing up, and from then on they form up without thinking.
A formed-up ball is a plain sphere, like a real lottery ball. Nothing of its walk-around shape stays, not arms, legs, wings or hats. Its barcode isn't showing while it's formed up.
Before every draw, the team leader calls "Form up!" and the team rolls into the chamber.
Guessing at a code is dangerous. A failed attempt damages the body; Zero carries cracks and misaligned panels from his.
Under enough damage, a formed-up ball can lose its form and revert to its natural shape. A ball can't form up without its power core. A marked ball can still form up.
Appears in
The Shape Beneath the Silence · Season 1, Adventure 1