19. The Logic Behind Bat Bombs
Adams had recently returned from a trip to New Mexico, where he was impressed by the clouds of migratory bats that visited the state each year, roosting by the million in Carlsbad Caverns. He was particularly impressed by the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats – a smaller but hardier species than common bats. So the dentist, who apparently had as much free time as he had initiative, returned to Carlsbad, and captured some bats to study.
Between reading, observation, and experimentation, Dr. Adams realized that his nebulous idea of weaponizing bats was feasible. Bats – particularly Mexican Free-Tailed Bats – were hardy, could travel long distances, were capable of surviving in high altitudes, and best of all, could fly while carrying loads greater than their own body weight. Loads such as tiny, incendiary bombs. In theory, if bats with incendiary bombs were released over Japanese cities, they would naturally fly into and roost in the nooks and crannies of the mostly wooden buildings. Then the incendiaries would go off, starting numerous fires that would overwhelm firefighters, and cause widespread devastation.