Unleashing Khan: Exploring the Limitless Super Powers in Star Trek

Summary

Genetic augmentation in the Star Trek universe is illegal due to the dangerous powers displayed by Khan and his fellow Augments.

Dr. Bashir and Number One have experienced discrimination and faced consequences due to their genetic enhancements. The deadly plague caused by the Klingon Augments served as a powerful example of the dangers associated with genetic engineering, almost resulting in the annihilation of the Klingon Empire.

Genetic augmentation is prohibited in the Star Trek universe, and the extraordinary abilities exhibited by Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban) and his fellow Augments serve as a compelling illustration of why such laws are in place. The concept of the Augments was initially introduced in the classic episode "Space Seed" of Star Trek: The Original Series, wherein Khan was presented as the future adversary of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner). Khan, a product of genetic engineering from the 20th century, along with his fellow Augments, tyrannically dominated Earth until internal conflicts sparked the Eugenics Wars, ultimately resulting in the banning of genetic enhancements.

Even following Khan Noonien Singh's demise in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, his influence continued to loom large over Starfleet and the Federation well into the 24th century. The apprehension of others attaining Khan's exceptional strength and intellect inadvertently afflicted numerous characters in the Star Trek series, including Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. More recently, concerns regarding Augments and their substantial superpowers nearly led to the dismissal of USS Enterprise's Number One (Rebecca Romijn) from Starfleet.

10 Khan's Super Strength

9 Khan's Intelligence

Khan boasted about having "five times" the power of Captain Kirk when he assumed control of the USS Enterprise. Despite Kirk's efforts, he was unable to defeat Khan in direct combat and resorted to using a metal rod to subdue him in the engine room. Khan's superior strength was evident once more in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, as he effortlessly lifted Commander Pavel Chekov, who was clad in a bulky space suit, off the ground on the devastated surface of Ceti Alpha V. However, Khan relied more on his cunning in his pursuit of revenge against Captain Kirk.

Khan demonstrates his superior intelligence in "Space Seed" by rapidly absorbing centuries of history. This allows him to become caught up on all the significant events that have occurred since the Eugenics Wars in Star Trek, providing him with the necessary knowledge to orchestrate a takeover of the Enterprise. Khan proves himself to be an unparalleled tactician, which is why his Kelvin Timeline counterpart, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is entrusted with strategizing a war against the Klingons. In Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Khan quickly discerns how to utilize the USS Reliant and the Genesis device to exact his revenge on Kirk. However, due to his arrogance, he fails to anticipate his own downfall.

8 Dr. Bashir's Intelligence

In the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?", it was revealed that Julian Bashir had undergone genetic enhancement as a child. Concerned about his academic progress compared to other children, his parents took him to Adigeon Prime, a planet that allowed DNA resequencing and genetic enhancement. As a result, Julian's IQ significantly increased within two weeks, granting him superior intelligence. It was later suggested that Bashir purposely answered questions incorrectly during his medical studies at Starfleet Academy to hide his genetic enhancements from the organization.

Later on, in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dr. Bashir attempted to rehabilitate a group of fellow Augments by utilizing their superior intelligence to strategize an end to the Dominion War. However, this plan backfired when both the Augments and Julian himself realized that the only way to achieve peace without further bloodshed was to surrender to the Founders. Bashir eventually prevented his fellow Augments from executing this controversial plan, ultimately leading to the Federation's eventual victory, albeit with significant loss of life on both sides of the conflict.

7 Dr. Bashir's Coordination

Julian's reflexes and vision were greatly enhanced by the genetic augmentations, which significantly improved his hand-eye coordination. This may explain why Bashir initially considered pursuing a career as a tennis champion before ultimately deciding to study medicine. During his time at Starfleet Academy, he demonstrated his exceptional coordination by becoming the captain of the racquetball team. He often competed against his close friend Chief Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) in this sport. Presumably, Julian's superior coordination played a crucial role in leading his team to victory in the Sector Championships during his final year at the Academy.

6 Number One's Super Strength

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 1, episode 3 titled "Ghosts of Illyria," it was revealed that Number One had been genetically enhanced. Being an Illyrian, Una underwent genetic engineering before birth and later received additional enhancements during her childhood. The trial of Number One shed light on Starfleet's persecution of Illyrians, driven by their fear of another Khan Noonien Singh. One of the modifications Una had received significantly increased her physical strength. This enhancement proved useful when she effortlessly carried Hemmer, who had succumbed to the contagion that plagued the starship Enterprise in "Ghosts of Illyria."

5 Number One's Glowing Powers

Also, in "Ghosts of Illyria," it was unveiled that Number One possessed the remarkable capability of purging contagions from her body due to her enhanced immune system. The outcome of this purging process manifested as a radiant orange light, which facilitated her self-healing abilities. Unfortunately, the existence of such a power would inevitably attract unwanted attention in a society that both despised and feared individuals with augmentations. Consequently, Una faced a near-death experience from blood poisoning when her leg was fractured during childhood. However, she was able to employ her gifted abilities and mend the fracture while being safely sheltered within the confines of her family home.

4 Dal R'El's Multiple Abilities

Star Trek: Prodigy's Dal R'El (Brett Gray) always knew he was different. In the episode "Masquerade," his true nature was unveiled - he had been genetically enhanced. The scholars of Dr. Arik Soong (Brent Spiner) meticulously engineered Dal, incorporating the genetic code of 26 distinct Star Trek species into his being. In this captivating episode, Dal's previously dormant genes were activated with the help of an implant, granting him access to the remarkable abilities possessed by some of these alien races. He demonstrated psychic powers, unparalleled agility, and even manifested the curious ability to produce a peculiar, slimy blue substance. Furthermore, Dal's physical appearance underwent a striking transformation, as he sprouted Vulcan-like ears akin to Spock's, a Klingon beard, and Andorian antennae.

3 La'an's Alcohol Tolerance

2 The Klingon Augments' Plague Powers

: La'an Noonien-Singh's genetic enhancements were subtly teased in the season 2 premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. In a scene on Cajitar IV, she engaged in a drinking contest with Kr'Gogh (Kyle Kass), effortlessly consuming multiple mugs of Klingon blood wine without experiencing the usual adverse effects seen in other Humans. This remarkable ability to tolerate high alcohol intake can be traced back to her ancestor, Khan Noonien Singh from Star Trek Into Darkness. It is likely that La'an possesses other yet-to-be-revealed powers beyond her exceptional capacity to outdrink Klingons.

The genetically enhanced Klingon variants in Star Trek: Enterprise obtained the superior intelligence and strength of Augments such as Khan and Bashir. However, a flaw in the augmentation process unintentionally resulted in the spread of a deadly plague that nearly eradicated the Klingon Empire. By accident, Klingon scientists strengthened the Lenovian flu present in one of their subjects, transforming the virus into an airborne plague. In addition to respiratory issues, this plague also caused the loss of the iconic Klingon cranial ridges, offering a canonical explanation for the appearance of flat-headed Klingons in Star Trek: The Original Series.

1 Malik's Super-Strength And Ruthlessness

Arik Soong, taking into account the Eugenics Wars of Star Trek, believed that Humanity's misuse of genetic engineering caused these conflicts. To support his argument, he stole a group of Augment embryos. Unfortunately, doubts were cast on Soong's theory due to the rebellion led by Malik against the Klingon Empire. Captain Jonathan Archer sought Soong's assistance in persuading the Augments to prevent a war between Earth and the Klingons. Similar to Khan Noonien-Singh, Malik possessed immense strength, exceptional intelligence, and a merciless nature, making a peaceful resolution unlikely. After attempting to assassinate Soong, Malik was fatally shot by Captain Archer. As a result, the Federation remained unconvinced of the advantages of creating superhumans for another century.