The Christmas tree was taller than a military cadet and just as green. It had been decorated with old-fashioned wooden ornaments, wrapped in thick tinsel strands, and dotted with real candles in silver holders. Seven children sat on the dormitory floor in a ring, ignoring the thin line of smoke seeping under the door. Simon and May-Rose pulled crackers. Barn, Cruikshank, and Diddy Dave swapped presents. Lesley and Jimmy Hicks had their arms round each other, paper hats upon their heads, pretending to be the King and Queen of Christmas.
At eight o'clock in the evening on Monday 24th December, Pinegrove Military Installation exploded.
The blast ripped apart acres of forest and devastated the remote highland valley where the base was located. No official cause was given for the incident.
Inside Pinegrove were 185 male and female military personnel - a mixture of scientists and soldiers. There were also seven teenagers.
THIS IS THE STORY OF THEIR LAST DAY.
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