The VSS T'Ruda was a Vulcan starship of an alternate timeline in service during the mid-23rd century. The alternate timeline in which the T'Ruda existed was the result of the Romulan's Second History project, which interfered in the timeline at a key moment in human history. In this timeline the United Federation of Planets never came into existence, and the Vulcans were the major power in the Alpha Quadrant.

As of 2269, the T'Ruda was commanded by Captain Christopher Pike, one of the first humans of this timeline to be given his own command. In 2269, Pike and the T'Ruda met with Captain Spock and the VSS ShiKahr, on which Pike had served as first officer under Spock. In this meeting they discussed the growing instances of insanity which had resulted from the disruption brought about by Second History. Captain Spock and Ensign James T. Kirk were able to prevent the Romulan interference, and restore history to its original shape. (TOS novel: Killing Time)