Chiang
A writer who rebuilds ancient myths using the strict geometry of a literal Firmament.
Ted Chiang is an American writer whose debut work, "Tower of Babylon," was first published in 1990 by Omni. This science fantasy novelette reimagines the Tower of Babel myth as a massive construction project within a universe where pre-scientific cosmology—specifically a flat Earth, geocentrism, and a physical Firmament—is literally true. As Chiang's first published story, it established his reputation for exploring complex theological and scientific concepts through rigorous narrative logic. The work won the 1990 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and was later included in his 2002 anthology, Stories of Your Life and Others.
- Role:
- Martian Marine Corps Officer
- Affiliation:
- Martian Congressional Republic Navy (MCRN) - Marine Corps Division
- First Appears:
- The Expanse Season 2 / Caliban's War
- Key Conflict:
- Protomolecule threat and later the Free Navy insurrection
- Status:
- Active service within MCRF/Marines hierarchy
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The story is set in ancient Babylon within a world where Hebrew cosmology is factual: the Earth is flat, covered by a celestial vault that holds the Sun and Moon. Humanity has spent centuries building a tower to pierce this vault and reach Yahweh's domain. The protagonist, Hillalum, joins miners hired for the final ascent through a double spiral staircase. Those higher up have never touched the ground, living instead on balcony orchards. Hillalum witnesses the sun setting at the world's edge, realizing night is merely Earth's shadow. They climb during the night to avoid scorching heat near the Moon and Sun trajectories, crossing a field of stars that occasionally fall as literal shooting stars.
In Their Own Story
Hillalum and his team reach the vault, a vast granite-like plain. Fearing a second Deluge like the one from long ago, they use an Egyptian technique to prepare a granite block to seal the tunnel before drilling. Years pass until they breach a water reservoir; Hillalum is trapped but barely avoids drowning. He ascends through the water source and emerges on the surface, initially believing he has reached Heaven. Instead, he finds himself back on Earth near his starting point. He realizes the world functions like a cylinder seal: humans perceive Heaven and Earth as separate imprints on a clay tablet's edges, though they are adjacent on the cylinder. The tower was futile all along because Yahweh made it geometrically impossible for humans to enter Heaven.
Reader's Guide
Readers should note that "Tower of Babylon" is Chiang's first published work. The narrative relies entirely on the physical accuracy of a flat Earth and geocentric universe. Key moments include the eight-day celebration after the last brick was laid, the four-month ascent for miners, and the specific realization regarding the cylinder seal geometry. The story won the 1990 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and received a nomination for the 1991 Hugo Award for Best Novelette. It was reprinted in the 2002 collection Stories of Your Life and Others.
Did You Know?
- "Tower of Babylon" is Ted Chiang's first published work, released by Omni in 1990.
- The story won the 1990 Nebula Award for Best Novelette and was nominated for the 1991 Hugo Award.
- In this universe, stars are no larger than people and occasionally crash into Earth as literal shooting stars.
- Stoneworkers from Egypt arrived in Babylon with expertise in working granite to help pierce the celestial vault.
- The protagonist Hillalum discovers the world is shaped like a cylinder seal, making Heaven and Earth adjacent rather than vertically separated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the character referred to as Chiang in The Expanse?
There is no character named Chiang in The Expanse canon; you are likely thinking of Bobbie Draper or the mysterious alien entity known as the Auditor, whose name sometimes gets confused by fans. The provided context describes Bobbie Draper, a Martian Marine, rather than anyone named Chiang.
What role does the mysterious 'Chiang' play in the storyline?
Since no character named Chiang exists in the books or TV series, there is no official role, power set, or plot function associated with that name. Fans often mistakenly attribute the actions of the Protomolecule's intelligent form (the Auditor) to a human character.
How does the story of Chiang conclude?
Because this character does not appear in James S.A. Corey's novels or the Syfy/Prime Video adaptation, there is no canonical ending for a person named Chiang. The narrative arcs involving mysterious entities focus on the Auditor and the Ring Gate network instead.
Why do fans search for information about Chiang?
Searches for 'Chiang' typically stem from confusion with the name of the alien intelligence or misremembered details about Bobbie Draper's interactions with the Protomolecule. Some may also be conflating The Expanse with other sci-fi works featuring similar names.
Is Chiang a Martian Marine like Bobbie Draper?
No, Chiang is not a character in the series and therefore holds no rank or affiliation within the Martian Congressional Republic Navy. Bobbie Draper is the prominent Martian Marine described in your context who evolves from rigid discipline to a broader understanding of survival.
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