The U.S.S. Reliant is a Miranda-class starship devoted to science and scouting missions. In 2285, the genetically engineered tyrant, Khan Noonien Singh, commandeered the vessel in an effort to escape his imprisonment on Ceti Alpha V and then exact his long awaited revenge on James T. Kirk. In the midst of this plot, Khan stole the powerful Genesis device, an instrument capable of massive creative and destructive potential.