Cosmic

The story’s rising action deepens the novel’s theme of Growing Up and Becoming Responsible, showing how Liam grows into his role as a leader and caregiver. Unlike the real dads, who rely on bribery, logic, or pressure, Liam understands what the kids need emotionally. He’s the only one who can get Florida onto the terrifying Vortex ride, not by coaxing or rewarding her but by believing in her and offering support. Likewise, he convinces Samson Two to participate, while Max’s father insults him and Hasan’s dad tries to get him excused.

Liam’s ability to inspire others helps develop the theme of The Importance of Fatherhood by showing that being a good father, or leader, requires emotional intelligence and empathy. At the same time, Liam learns that growing up means putting others first. He begins accepting his growing responsibility in earnest after he succeeds in inspiring others to follow his lead, especially in light of the challenge of each task. Liam continues to mature as he discovers that he can lead, and also that he cares deeply about the people he’s responsible for. Florida, too, begins to evolve, showing an unexpected interest in science. She begins by learning about buoyancy during swimming and then understanding gravity during the parabolas (zero-gravity simulations). This growth makes her more than just a side character; she becomes dynamic and multidimensional.

The other children reveal more complexity as well. Hasan shares a story about how his father bribed soldiers to keep him safe during a war, which explains his father’s obsession with money and safety. Liam’s moment of disappointment when Max votes for him only because he’s a “loser” who keeps things light suggests Liam’s desire for genuine respect. Though Liam repeatedly proves himself physically and emotionally capable, no one else seems to see it yet.

At the same time, the setting becomes more surreal and intense as the group undergoes physical and psychological tests in preparation for the space mission. One of the most vivid moments is the Vortex ride, wherein the trainees experience 15g, and Liam feels like a thought lasts forever. The strange, dreamlike nature of the experience emphasizes the line between thrill and fear. The setting amplifies the story’s tension, as the high-tech simulations, physically punishing rides, and secrecy surrounding the mission create a sense of suspense and unease. Dr. Drax, once considered eccentric, begins to show signs of manipulation and lack of empathy, especially when she refuses to let Liam withdraw consent for Florida to continue. Her denial of risk becomes sinister, hinting at a shift in the story’s tone from light and fun to morally ambiguous.

This section builds tension rapidly as it becomes clearer that the mission may not be as safe or ethical as it initially seemed. Liam is again the best performer during the parabolas, but he still doesn’t win the vote. He later excels in the flight simulator, managing the controls better than anyone else, but the children vote for Mr. Xanadu instead, fearing that Liam is too good and might hog the experience. These ironic twists deepen Liam’s frustration and isolation. The simulator itself foreshadows the actual space disaster: Max slightly misaligns the ship, causing it to bounce off Earth’s atmosphere and fly into deep space. This is exactly what happens later.

The novel continues to balance humor and dread through its distinctive narrative voice. One standout moment of dark humor occurs when Dr. Drax tries to comfort Liam by noting that the rocket is bulletproof. Liam responds with, “Bullet proof? Why would it need to be bullet proof? Does the man in the Moon have a shotgun or something?” (242). This line is both absurd and thought-provoking; it mocks the situation’s seriousness while hinting that danger is far closer than anyone is willing to admit. The use of irony and sarcasm, especially in Liam’s inner thoughts, maintains the novel’s playful tone even as the dangers increase. In addition, these literary devices convey Liam’s deeper anxieties and emotional conflict, showing the divide between his outward performance and inward fear.