“The Cold Equation” by Tom Goodwin reveals that often a simple mistake can have dramatic consequences. This theme is developed by the simple mistake of a young teenager named Marilyn. She recently snuck onto an EDS in attempt to find her brother. Little did she know that the pilot Barton has been ordered to kill any stowaway. Any stowaway increases the mass of the EDS meaning that the plane will use more fuel. Barton tells her that there is absolutely no way she can live without risking the lives of others, she reacts and says "No! You're joking - you're insane! You can't mean it!" (Goodwin 5). Knowing this, Marilyn regrets the mistake she has made. As she continues to panic about the consequence, Barton tries to tell her that no one can change
