John "Blackjack" Harriman

John Jason "Blackjack" Harriman was a human Starfleet Officer who held the rank of Admiral at the time of his death in 2311. He had one son, John Harriman, best known for his tenure as captain of the USS Enterprise-B. Physically speaking, he resembled his son, but had a broader and more rugged appearance.

Blackjack's father fought in the Earth/Romulan War and often reminded his son that romulans don't take captives. Years later Blackjack would tell these stories to his own son, passing down an interest in romulan history and culture as a result. (TLE novel: Serpents Among the Ruins)

Blackjack held the rank of Ensign on the USS Allegiance when the ship visited Alonis. It was here that he met Los Tirasol Mentir for the first time, and over the years they two would develop a close friendship. Later when Blackjack had earned the rank of Captain, he sponsored Mentir's application to Starfleet Academy, making Mentir only the second Alonis accepted. (TLE novel: Serpents Among the Ruins)

Blackjack was often accused of wearing his son's career as a medal. The two spoke on offical terms only after an incident where he attempted to seize control of the Enterprise and fire on the USS Excelsior. Harriman had Blackjack beamed directly into the brig, causing their relationship to deteriorate even further. (TLE novel: Serpents Among the Ruins)

In 2311, Blackjack was observing the USS Universe trials from the USS Ad Astra. When the Universe exploded, the force sent Blackjack flying into a bulkhead causing subdermal hematomata. Blackjack was critically injured and died a few weeks later, refusing to see his son for the duration of that time and still referring to him as weak, undisciplined, and ungrateful. (TLE novel: Serpents Among the Ruins)