Named after the acclaimed 21st-century Chinese science-fiction writer, the dynamic U.S.S. Liu Cixin starship performed a scout role for the Federation. Other vessels of a similar class during this era included the U.S.S. Le Guin- named after Ursual K. Le Guin, an Earth writer of speculative fiction. The U.S.S. Le Guin was commanded by Captain Bandra.