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Character
Ensign
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Dern

professional competent dutiful observant alert reliable
Ensign Dern mans bridge stations on the USS Enterprise-D under Captain Picard. He reports pending Starfleet communications to Commander Riker and stands watch during weapons tests and routine shifts. Dern interacts with senior officers like Worf, Data, and Picard, maintaining operational readiness. Observant and professional, he prompts command responses during cognitive lapses and embodies junior officers who sustain bridge functions amid crises.
9 appearances
USS Enterprise-D Bridge Operations
Also known as: Ensign Dern

Dern's Journey

A timeline through the narrative

11 moments
Season 6 (3) Season 7 (8)
S6E2 · Realm of Fear
Barclay proposes transporter bridge workaround

Determined and focused, with a hint of frustration at Barclay’s reluctance. He respects Barclay’s skills but sees the mission as paramount, and his insistence on Barclay joining the away team reflects both his trust in Barclay’s abilities and his refusal to indulge personal fears in a high-stakes situation.

Geordi stands at his console in Engineering, exuding calm authority as he assesses the transporter dilemma. When Barclay proposes the bridge solution, Geordi listens intently, then quickly approves with a …

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S6E2 · Realm of Fear
Plasma sample erupts into sentient energy

Not applicable (off-screen).

Ensign Dern is not physically present in this event but is implied to be part of the broader Engineering crew supporting Geordi and Data. His absence highlights the focused, high-stakes …

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S6E2 · Realm of Fear
Barclay absorbs alien energy particles

Not explicitly depicted, but inferred to be alert and focused, given the high-stakes nature of the scene.

Ensign Dern is present in Engineering during the event but does not actively participate in the actions depicted. His role is implied through the broader context of the scene, where …

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Affiliations

USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)
member
Starfleet Starship Command; Shipboard Governance, Tactical Operations, Crisis Response, and Personnel/Logistics Support in Deep Space

As an ensign manning bridge stations, Dern is part of the crew of the USS Enterprise-D, fulfilling duties under Captain Picard.

Starfleet
member
Federation Starship Command, Classified Intelligence, and Hierarchical Operations

Dern mans bridge stations and interacts with senior officers, indicating his role as a Starfleet member fulfilling duties on the USS Enterprise-D.

Across the Seasons

How this character reads at season scale

Season 6 · asteroid

Named individual junior engineer aboard the USS Enterprise-D, distinct from the broader N.D. Engineers collective. Directly interacts with senior officers (e.g., Barclay, Data) and performs specific technical tasks (e.g., transporter configurations).