Nick Keller

Nick Jacob Keller was a human Starfleet officer in the late 23rd century. He was born on Earth in Santa Fe, New Mexico and grew up in Nevada.

History
As a lieutenant commander in 2280, Nick was second officer aboard the USS Peleliu when it was attacked en route to Belle Terre. To defend the colony from the Kauld, he constructed the USS Challenger from the wrecks of the Peleliu and other vessels. When the Enterprise departed for Federation space, Captain Kirk promoted Keller to commander and left him in command of the Challenger on picket duty at Belle Terre. (Star Trek: New Earth novel: Challenger)

Keller spent years aboard the Challenger in defense of Belle Terre, forging alliances with the Blood and other local species, while weathering Kauld attacks, new threats, and his own court-martial.

Personal life
His friend Savannah Ring gave him the nickname "Sheriff," after his southwestern mannerisms and the cowboy boots he habitually wore while on duty. (New Earth novel Challenger)

Legacy
He became a folk hero on Belle Terre, one of the three most important in the colony's early history, alongside James Kirk and Governor Evan Pardonnet. A solid olivium statue of the three, with Keller most prominent, was erected in the capital city of Eau Clare. Many other new settlements and cities on the planet were named for him, including Kellerton and Nicksville.

Among Nick's descendants in the 24th century was a great-nephew, Ben Bartholomew, who bore a striking resemblance to him.

Official

 * Star Trek: New Earth novel: Challenger
 * Star Trek: Gateways novel: Chainmail
 * Star Trek: Gateways anthology What Lay Beyond short story: "Exodus"

Background

 * The character's full first name is "Nick," not "Nicholas."
 * According to an interview, author Diane Carey based Nick Keller partially on Scott Bakula, also "cast" as Ben Bartholomew in, and who would later play Jonathan Archer on Star Trek: Enterprise.