05x21 - The Perfect Mate

Episode transcripts for the TV show "Star Trek: The Next Generation". Aired: September 28, 1987 – May 23, 1994.*
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Series is set 78 years after the original series -- in the 24th century.
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05x21 - The Perfect Mate

Post by bunniefuu »

Captain's log, stardate 45761.3.

In an effort to end
their centuries-long w*r,

Krios and Valt Minor
have agreed to a reconciliation

to be held aboard the Enterprise
between their two systems.

I apologise for the delay,
Ambassador Briam.

We had to pick up
a group of stranded miners.

Please, we are grateful

the Federation
has taken an interest in the matter.

Did Cmdr La Forge provide
the cargo-handling provisions?

Indeed.

However, until we reach
the rendezvous with the Valtese,

may the cargo bay be off limits
to all but essential personnel?

I trust
that this cargo is not dangerous.

No, nothing of the sort.
It's quite fragile.

- And quite irreplaceable.
- Bridge to Picard.

Go ahead.

We picked up a distress call
from a Ferengi shuttle.

- Set a course to intercept.
- Aye, sir.

Captain, the timing
of our ceremony is critical.

It cannot be delayed.

We'll be on schedule, don't worry.
Excuse me.

The Ferengi containment field
is collapsing.

- Within visual range.
- On screen.

Their reactor core is unstable.

- How many on board?
- Two, sir.

Bridge to transporter room three.

Boost your output and lock on.

We may need a long-range transport.

Standing by.

Energise.

Got them, sir.

Mr Worf, escort our guests
to quarters, not too close to mine.

Understood.

Unless you can arrange transport,

you have to remain on board
until we complete our mission.

- No problem.
- We are in no hurry.

We look forward to enjoying
the comforts of your fine ship.

Quite acceptable.

It's not what we're used to,
you understand, but it will do.

Perhaps your Captain would
invite us to dinner this evening?

The Captain dines alone.

A pity.

That was too easy.

Space, the final frontier.

These are the voyages
of the Starship Enterprise.

Its continuing mission,
to explore strange new worlds...

...to seek out new life
and new civilisations...

...to boldly go
where no one has gone before.

We worked from your drawings.
I hope we're in the ballpark.

- Ballpark?
- That's an old human expression.

Mr La Forge hopes we're close
to achieving what you want.

Computer,
run holodeck program Krios One.

Enter when ready.

Astonishing.

It is the ancient Temple of Akadar.

It is this temple that bonds
Krios and Valt, gentlemen.

Two brothers
ruled a vast empire from this site,

until they were torn apart by their
love for an extraordinary woman.

This is where the wars began.

And this is where they shall end.

There are some details to be added.

Cmdr La Forge is at your disposal.

- Let me know what you need.
- Of course.

I must consult
several historical volumes.

- Perhaps we can reconvene later.
- Excuse me!

Is it true? Is a Kriosian ambassador
aboard this vessel?

Yes. Can I help you?

The Ambassador's busy.

Do you schedule his appointments?

I'm the Captain. What do you want?

Allow me to present myself.

Par Lenor
of the Ferengi trade mission.

We are pleased you're here,

that you have at last
negotiated peace with the Valtese.

Peace is good for trade,
unless you're an arms merchant.

Excuse us.

Arms merchant!

In exchange for exclusive rights
to transport all Kriosian products

to the Valt system...

May I suggest that you meet
after the ceremony?

- Perhaps that would be best.
- Listen!

Have you seen the dolphins yet?

Deck seven.

- Picard to Worf.
- Worf here.

A Ferengi
just waylaid Ambassador Briam.

Keep them under a tight leash.

Don't let them
disrupt the conference.

Aye, sir.

Security to cargo bay one.

- Lieutenant?
- One of the Ferengi.

Riker to Capt Picard.

What are you doing?

This is a misunderstanding.
I was looking for a barber.

- I made an incorrect turn.
- Mr Worf?

Get him out of here.

Confine them both to quarters.
Put a guard on their door.

- What is happening?
- Emergence.

I am for you, Alrik of Valt.

No, Kamala. This is not Alrik.

This is Capt Jean-Luc Picard
of the Starship Enterprise.

That's why you don't look
like your holographs.

I apologise. As an empath,
I sensed your authority.

I assumed
you were Chancellor Alrik.

I require an explanation.

As do I. Why have I been
brought out of stasis?

An accident.
This is quite complicated.

- Perhaps you and I...
- It is not complicated.

The Captain has no tolerance
for prevarication.

I'm a gift. To Alrik of Valt.

You're using this ship to transport
a sentient being as property?

Not as property. As a gift.

I was concerned
that you might not understand.

Your concern was well justified.

You're angry. Why?

There is a provision
in the Federation Constitution

that protects an individual's rights.

- Once aboard...
- You're coming to my rescue.

What a kind and generous purpose.

But I do not need to be rescued.

Kamala is the key to peace
between our worlds.

Why?

In our history, the woman Garuth
was loved by Krios and Valt

with such passion
that an empire fell.

The wars began when Krios
took her to our planet.

Like her,
I'm an empathic metamorph.

The first female metamorph
in my world for 100 years.

A metamorph?

A mutant.
A biological curiosity, if you will.

With the ability to sense
what a potential mate wants.

What he needs.
What gives the greatest pleasure.

And then to become that.

You change for the man you're with?

Until I reach final bonding,

when I imprint upon myself
the requirements of one man.

To serve as his perfect partner
in life.

You see, male metamorphs
are somewhat common,

but females are born
only once in seven generations.

Obviously, they are greatly
sought after as mates.

Explains the Ferengis' interest.

This mating with Alrik
was arranged since her birth

by the leaders of both worlds,
in the hopes of restoring peace.

You do this of your own accord?

It is my sole purpose in life.

Cmdr Riker, escort her to quarters.

There's no need for you
to travel in the cargo bay.

Kamala, remain in your room.
I will speak with you shortly.

Why were you in stasis?

Metamorphs have a long and complex
sexual-maturing process.

I'm in the Finiis'ral,
the third and final stage.

It can be uncomfortable, not only
for me but for the men around me.

In what way?

My body is producing an unusually
elevated level of pheromones.

The effect can be provocative.
Perhaps you sense it?

Unfortunately, I'm not an empath.

I think you're more empathic
than you admit.

At least when it comes to women.

I think you have me
at a disadvantage.

This is the comm panel,
the replicator.

You can lower the lights.
Any questions, ask the computer.

I'm beginning to sense the elevated
pheromones you referred to.

You were curious, weren't you?

Curious isn't exactly
how I'd describe it.

You know what's remarkable
about metamorphs?

There's something more remarkable
about you?

We learn so quickly
what stimulates a man

that the second time's even better.

Listen.

This has been very educational,

but I never open another man's gift.

I know my role in history,
Commander.

But it's gonna be a long voyage.

It certainly is.

We'll try to make you
as comfortable as possible.

Riker to bridge. If you need me,
I'll be in holodeck four.

How can you deliver her
into a life of virtual prostitution?

Beverly! Arranged marriages
have been the basis of many cultures.

- I'm surprised at you.
- She knows what she's doing.

She has been conditioned since birth
to exist only to please men.

She was born for this.

And bred to seal a treaty
with a seductive coup de grace.

Alright! Let's throw
the Prime Directive to the winds.

Let's detain her against her will.
Let's destroy any chance of peace.

Let's interfere in their society,
their customs.

That sl*ve-trader
who calls himself an ambassador

has her confined to quarters.
She is a virtual prisoner in there.

I didn't know that.

Well, it is your ship.
Maybe you should find out.

- I'll talk to her about it.
- Good.

- Lovely breakfast.
- Indeed.

Come in.

Capt Picard,
what a delightful surprise. Come in.

Thank you.

Are you comfortable?

Reasonably,
under the circumstances.

It was brought to my attention
that you were told to remain in here.

- That's true, I'm afraid.
- Against your wishes.

At the request of the Ambassador

who believes
I might be disruptive to your crew.

The performance of my crew
is not his business.

You care about my well-being.
Thank you, Captain.

I care about...

I care about
what happens on board my ship.

Yes, I know. This ship
is very important to you.

Yes.

Yes, it is.

Are all captains' lives so solitary?

Or just yours?

Don't.

What?

Don't do this.
This... you do with men.

I'm afraid my premature emergence
has left me a little vulnerable

to desires I sense from men.

Nevertheless,
this is who I am, Captain.

You might as well ask
a Vulcan to forego logic,

or a Klingon to be non-violent.

I cannot change.

And I don't want to
until I bond with my permanent mate.

Why does it bother you?

Frankly, it's difficult
for many of us to accept

that a sentient being can live

only to be what someone else wants.

But that's what gives
a metamorph pleasure.

But what about your wishes?
Your needs?

They are fulfilled
by what I give to others.

But what
about when there are no others?

When you're alone?

I'm incomplete.

What curious questions, Captain.

Under the circumstances,

I thought that it would help
if I learned more about you.

But you know me better
than you realise.

I'm independent, forceful, brilliant

and adventurous.

Exactly as you would have me be.

I'll speak to the Ambassador
about easing your restrictions.

Thank you, Captain.

Captain's log, stardate 45766.1.

We have reached
the designated coordinates

and await
the arrival of Chancellor Alrik.

- I forbid it.
- Forbid it?

It's too dangerous.
She must remain in her quarters.

You cannot confine her
against her will on this ship.

She requests freedom of movement.
I will give it.

She is still in the Finiis'ral,
the height of her sexual allure.

Every man on this ship
will be fighting over her.

Not every man.

A chaperone?

I would be pleased to escort you.

But I hoped we might spend
more time together.

I shall be busy
with the conference.

I'm knowledgeable about Valt.
I could be helpful.

I think you should enjoy
our hospitality.

Mr Data will see
to your every comfort.

The reason your powers
do not perceive anything

is because, as an android,
I have no emotion.

I can understand why Capt Picard
chose you to be my chaperone.

I'll check in with you later.

Excuse me, but I'm certain
that we met at Paloris Colony.

- I've never been there.
- Neither have I.

Why don't we find out
what else we have in common?

Extremely rude behaviour.

He's just being playful.

- Something to drink?
- What are you having, boys?

- Aldorian ale's our drink.
- Then it's mine, too.

- Bartender.
- They have a minor problem.

- They could use a hand.
- Excuse me.

- I believe I will stay.
- Mr Data's protecting me.

- Protecting you? From what?
- From you.

I told the Captain not to worry.

I just want to have a good time
like anybody else.

Come down to deck seven
for a good time.

Get rid of the android.
We'll have some fun.

- Is there a problem here?
- No, sir.

- No problem.
- Thank you, Lieutenant.

The crowd seemed
a bit too ebullient.

Perhaps you would enjoy
a visit to the arboretum?

Perhaps the Ambassador is right.

I should remain in my quarters.

I have confidence
in the self-control of my crew,

but there are guests
and civilians on board.

I understand.

I will volunteer to stay
in my quarters on one condition.

That you visit me.

- There it is again.
- What?

The wall you put between us.

Kamala, you are one day away
from an arranged mating.

Why would you want me
to visit you in your quarters?

I said a visit. I didn't
ask you to make love to me.

Ventanian thimble.
Early Lapeongical period, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

Have you seen the woven art
from the fourth colony dig?

Woven art? Recovered intact?

They say the colours
are remarkably vibrant.

I've read about them, but no one
expected to find any preserved.

How do you know about them?

I stay informed
on a wide variety of subjects.

One never knows when conversation
might turn to Ventanian archaeology.

Or to the dark woman of raven brows
and mournful eyes

in Shakespeare's sonnets.

Or to the gardens of Les Eyries
near the village where you grew up.

Your empathic powers
told you all this about me?

Not quite that much.
Mr Data helped a little.

I see.

My empathic powers can only sense

a man of deep passion and conviction.

So controlled. So disciplined.

I'm simply curious
to know what lies beneath.

Nothing.

Nothing lies beneath.

I'm really quite dull.

I fall asleep each night
with an old book in my hands.

When a metamorph finds you
interesting, do not take it lightly.

I'm not taking it lightly.
I'm just trying...

...to be as dull as possible.

Will you visit me?

It would be inappropriate.

Is that a yes or a no?

I'm sorry.

Even the walls of Jericho fell,
Captain.

Why are you doing this?

There can be only one reason.

Some part of you wants me to.

Ambassador.

What is the meaning of this?

I see you got our message.

Is this some sort of bribe?
I am not amused.

No. Your attitude
is quite understandable.

This is just a sample.

The bribe is 10,000 more.

Ludugial gold.
The purest in the galaxy.

We know the lifestyle
of a Kriosian ambassador

is far from comfortable.

You deserve to live
a life of luxury.

- How dare you suggest...!
- Our money!

You drive a hard bargain.

20,000, but not an ingot more.

We must have the metamorph.

She is the answer
to a Ferengi prayer.

We have a ship
rendezvousing in three hours.

We can all transport off together.

Thank you
for sharing that information.

I shall tell Capt Picard.

- You can't do that.
- Stop!

Let go of me.

Captain's log, supplemental.

The Ferengi have been dispatched
to Starbase 117.

What charges will be brought

depends on whether
Ambassador Briam recovers.

We've stabilised his condition.

If we're lucky, he'll regain
consciousness in a few days.

Set up a level-one
craniosacral display.

I'll inform the Valtese delegation

that the conference
has to be postponed.

That won't be possible.

My ability to imprint on a mate
lasts a matter of hours

after the completion
of the Finiis'ral.

If I hadn't been removed
from stasis,

a delay might have been possible.

But now I have to bond with Alrik
within two days.

There are points in the negotiation
that Briam has to address.

You are familiar with the issues.

Familiar, yes. But...

...I can't represent
your people's interests.

You can represent
the interests of peace.

My people will agree,
I'm certain of it.

But there are customs
of which I have no experience.

I told you, I'm extremely
knowledgeable about Valt.

I will help you prepare.

That's right.

I'm reminded of piano lessons
when I was a child.

Preparing for some dreaded recital.

- You still play?
- No.

I regret that I gave it up.
It pleased my mother.

But I didn't like performing
in front of an audience.

Shy?

No. Just not very good.

Thank you.

For letting down your guard,
if only for a moment.

You will have to help me
in the pronunciation of this scroll.

What is it about me you fear?

- Kamala...
- Do you find me unattractive?

I find you unavailable.

I'm being terribly selfish.
I apologise.

We have something in common.

When I was a child,
I took music lessons.

- Really? What instrument?
- All of them.

The entire orchestra?

Plus Valtese horns that sound like
braying Targhee moonbeasts.

They are said
to soothe the nerves of Valtese men.

My mother never even heard me play.

I was taken when I was four
and sequestered in a royal village,

where I was prepared for my destiny.

It sounds a very lonely time for you.

On the contrary.

I had servants and tutors
at my side constantly.

You once asked
what I'm like when I'm alone.

I've never been.
There was always somebody there

to educate me in literature,
history, art, sex.

But I've been alone on this journey

and I find myself thinking about
the curious questions you asked.

You wanted to know who I am.

And as I ask myself,
the only answer that comes is,

"I am for you, Alrik of Valt."

Because that's the truth.

In a day, I will bond
with a man I've never met.

I will turn myself
into what he wants me to be,

for the rest of my life.

I also once asked you

if you were doing this
of your own accord.

I'm honoured to serve my people
as an emissary of peace.

But it is ironic that,
on the eve of the ceremony

which I've spent my entire life
preparing for,

that I should meet a man like you.

- Riker to Picard.
- Go ahead, Number One.

The Valtese ship has arrived.

Chancellor Alrik
is ready to beam aboard.

Capt Picard.

Chancellor Alrik.
Welcome on board the Enterprise.

Your first officer has described
the incident with the Ferengis.

How is the Ambassador?

- He is not conscious.
- A tragedy.

Your willingness to assist
is appreciated by both our peoples.

I'm doing my best,

although I find some of the rituals
rather demanding.

Rituals? I'm more concerned
about the provisions of the treaty.

The proposed trade agreements
are not acceptable.

We must review
the uncommitted territories

and discuss the schedule
for the exchange of technology.

The Kriosians authorised me to make
compromises favourable to you.

Good. Tomorrow, then.

Briam supervised a reproduction of
the Temple of Akadar on our holodeck.

Such a sentimental people,
these Kriosians.

It's hard to believe
we have a common ancestry.

Please.

I suppose
they've sent the metamorph.

Kamala? Yes. She's looking forward
to meeting you.

I'm sure she'll be satisfactory.

Between you and me, Captain,

I am far more interested
in the trade agreements.

So tell me quickly.
What is he like?

First impressions?
He's a thoughtful man. Informed.

- Did he ask about me?
- Yes.

What did you tell him?

That you were looking forward
to meeting him.

When am I to be presented?

It'll be the first order
of business tomorrow. At ten.

Would you like some tea?

Thank you, but I should
prepare for the ceremony.

Let me help you
with pronunciations.

I can muddle through.

Please don't leave. Talk to me.

I love the sound of your voice.

I'll turn out the lights
and just listen.

I don't want to be alone.

The lights stay on.

Earl Grey tea. Hot.

Did you learn that from Data?

I shall have to talk with him.

Now that I know
that you're listening to my voice,

I can't think of anything to say.

A starship captain must encounter
all sorts of life forms.

Am I one of the most unique
you've ever met?

- Please say yes.
- Yes.

What a nice thing to say.

Have I not done everything possible
to discourage this?

Maybe that's the perfect way
to attract a metamorph.

I won't use you as other men do.

But you're not other men.
You could never use me.

That's the very reason
why I'm with you tonight.

I should go.

And you have an appointment
tomorrow morning early.

Light years away.

Quiet this morning.

I'm sorry.

- Penny.
- What?

Penny for your thoughts.

Do you have one?

I'm sure the replicator
will have one.

Beverly, may I take off the uniform?

Captain...

- I need to talk to a friend.
- Of course.

- Actually, it's all your fault.
- Mine?

You insisted
that I look into her situation.

The metamorph?

The metamorph. Kamala.

I've spent quite a lot of time
with her.

And you're right
about several things.

Her entire existence has been
orchestrated for this moment,

and she intends
to go through with it

to help her people end the w*r.

You're saying there's nothing
you can do about it?

It isn't that simple.

I barely know who she is, and...

And who she is changes the moment
the next man comes in.

And I find myself hoping
that the next man won't come in.

But, of course, he does.

In a few hours, the ceremony
will begin, and she will...

She will mate with a man who cares
more about trade agreements

than he cares about her.

I can't help thinking
how she will be with him.

How she will change
to accommodate him.

I wish I knew how I could help.

Perhaps I just needed a shoulder.

It's there for you, Jean-Luc.
It always has been.

Come in.

Is it time?

Soon.

Do you have any questions
about the ceremony?

Many.

I will never truly love him.

- You've not even met him.
- It no longer matters.

I wish I could convey
what it's like to be a metamorph.

To feel the inner strength
of someone.

To realise that being with him

is opening your mind and heart
to endless new possibilities.

To hear yourself say,
"I like myself when I'm with him."

Kamala.

For a metamorph
there's no greater pleasure,

and no greater wish
than to bond with that kind of mate

as I've bonded with you.

With me?

Who I am today, I will be for ever.

- Data to Capt Picard.
- Not now.

But, sir, Chancellor Alrik is waiting
to receive you in holodeck seven.

Acknowledged.

You can't go through
with the ceremony.

Would you ask me to stay
and ask two armies to keep fighting?

Having bonded with you,
I've learnt the meaning of duty.

He'll never know. I'm still empathic.

I will be able to please him.

I only hope he likes Shakespeare.

I am for you, Alrik of Valt.

Your service to both our peoples
is appreciated, Captain.

Your preparations
made the negotiations simple.

Kamala was able to guide me
through the rituals.

- I must admit, I'm curious.
- Curious?

I was chosen for this mission
for a simple reason.

I'm 200 years old.

The temptations of a beautiful
metamorph do not easily reach me.

Yet I would be lying if I were
to claim they do not reach me at all.

But you, you worked with her
side by side for days.

How could you resist her?

Ambassador, have a safe trip home.

Energise.
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