All language subtitles for StarTrek.TNG-s05e21.The.Perfect.Mate

Captain's Log, Stardate 45761.3.

In an effort to bring an end
to their centuries-Iong war

Krios and Valt Minor have agreed
to a ceremony of reconciliation

to be held aboard the Enterprise

at a point midway
between their two systems.

I apologize for the delay

in our arrival,
Ambassador Briam.

We had to stop at Harod IV

to pick up a group
of stranded miners.

Please, Captain.

We are grateful
that the Federation

has taken as much interest
as it has in this matter.

Was Commander La Forge
able to provide you

with the special cargo handling
provisions you requested?

Indeed, he was.

However, until we
reach the rendezvous

with the Valtese, may I ask

that the cargo bay be declared
off-limits to all

but the most
essential personnel?

I trust, Ambassador

that this cargo
is in no way dangerous.

Oh, no. Nothing of the sort.

I'm cautious because

it's quite fragile,
and quite irreplaceable.

Bridge to Captain Picard.

Go ahead.

Captain, we've just picked up
a distress call

from a Ferengi shuttle.

Set a course to intercept.

Aye, sir.

Captain, the timing
of our ceremony

with Alrik is critical.

It cannot be delayed.

We'll be at the rendezvous
on schedule.

Don't worry.
Excuse me.

The Ferengi report

their containment field
is collapsing.

Within visual range, Captain.

On screen.

Their reactor core
is unstable, Captain.

How many on board?

Two, sir.

Bridge to Transporter
Room Three.

Boost your output.

Lock onto the two Ferengi
on board the shuttle.

We may need to attempt
a long-range transport.

Standing by.

Energize.

Got them, sir.

Mr. Worf, escort
our Ferengi guests to quarters.

Not too close to mine.

Understood.

Unless you can arrange
your own transport

you will have to remain
on the Enterprise

until we complete our mission.

That will not be a problem.

We are in no hurry.

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

Hmm... quite acceptable.

It's not what we're used to,
you understand

but it will do.

Perhaps your Captain
would care to invite us

to join him for 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 civilizations

to boldly go
where no one has gone before.

We've been working
from your drawings, Ambassador.

I hope we're in the ballpark.

"Ballpark"?

That's
an old human expression.

Mr. La Forge hopes
that we got close

to achieving what you want.

Computer,
run holodeck program Krios 1.

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, of course.

Commander La Forge
will be entirely

at your disposal, Ambassador.

Just let me know what you need.

Yes, of course.

I must consult several
of the historical volumes

I've brought with me

so perhaps we could
reconvene later.

Excuse me!

Excuse me.

Is it true?

Is a Kriosian ambassador
aboard this vessel?

Yes. Can I help you?

The Ambassador's very busy.

Ah. Do you schedule
his appointments?

I'm the Captain of this ship.

What is it you want?

Allow me to present myself.

Par Lenor,
of the Ferengi Trade Mission.

We are pleased to hear,
Ambassador

that you have at last negotiated
peace with the Valtese.

Peace is good for trade...

unless you happen to be
an arms merchant.

Excuse us.

Arms merchant!

In exchange
for the exclusive rights

to transport
all Kriosian products

to the Valt system...

May I suggest that
you arrange to meet

at another time
after the ceremony.

Perhaps that would be best.

But, but, but...

Listen... have you
had a chance

to see the dolphins yet?

Deck Seven.

This is something you
really don't want to miss.

Dolphins? Yes, but...

Picard to Worf.

Worf here, Captain.

Lieutenant, one of the Ferengi

has just waylaid
Ambassador Briam.

Will you keep them
under a tight leash?

I don't want them
disrupting the conference.

Aye, sir.

Security to Cargo Bay One.

Lieutenant?

One of the Ferengi.

Riker to Captain Picard.

What are you doing?

This is a misunderstanding.

I was looking for a barbershop.

Apparently, I made
an incorrect turn, and...

Mr. Worf.

Get him out of here.

Confine them both
to their quarters.

Put a guard on the door.

What is happening?

Emergence.

I am for you, Alrik of Valt.

No, Kamala.

This is not Alrik.

This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard

of the Federation
Starship Enterprise.

That explains why you don't look
at all like your holographs.

I apologize, Captain.

As an empath,
I could sense your authority.

I assumed you were
Chancellor Alrik.

I'm afraid that I require
an explanation, Ambassador.

As do I, Ambassador.

Why have I been brought
out of stasis prematurely?

It was an accident.

This is quite complicated.

Perhaps you and I...

It is not complicated
at all, Briam.

And the Captain has no tolerance
for prevarication.

I'm a gift to Alrik of Valt.

You mean you are
using this ship

to transport a sentient being
as property?

Not as property.
As a gift.

And I was concerned that you
might not entirely understand.

Your concern was
well-justified, Ambassador.

You're angry. Why?

There is a provision
in the Federation Constitution

that protects an individual's
fundamental rights.

Now, once you came aboard
this ship...

You're coming to my rescue.

What a kind
and generous purpose

but, Captain,
I do not need to be rescued.

Kamala is the key to peace
between our two worlds.

Why?

In our history

there is a woman known as Garuth

who was loved by the brothers
Krios and Valt

with such passion
that an empire fell.

And the wars began
when Krios kidnapped Garuth

and took her to our planet.

Like her,
I'm an empathic metamorph...

the first female metamorph

born on my world
for over 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 him
the greatest pleasure

and then to become that for him.

You mean, you change according
to whatever man you're with.

Until I reach
the final stage of bonding

when I must 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.

So obviously, they are

greatly sought after as mates.

Which 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.

And you do this
of your own accord?

It is my sole purpose in life.

Commander 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
an uncomfortable transition

not only for me,
but for the men around me.

In what way?

My body is producing
an unusually elevated level

of what you would call
pheromones.

The effect can be
quite provocative.

Perhaps you sense it.

Uh... unfortunately,
I'm not an empath.

Oh, 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 com panel,
the replicator.

You can lower the lights
on a verbal command.

If you have any questions,
you can just ask the computer.

I'm beginning to sense
the elevated pheromones

you were referring to.

You were curious, weren't you?

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

You know what's remarkable
about empathic metamorphs?

You mean there's something
even more remarkable about you?

We learn so quickly
what stimulates a man

that the second time's
even better than the first.

Listen...

this has been very educational

but I make it a policy

never to open
another man's gift.

I know my role
in history, Commander

but it's going to 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 simply deliver her,
like a courier

into a life
of virtual prostitution?

Beverly! Arranged marriages
have been the basis

of political alliances
in many cultures

including our own.

I'm surprised at you.

She knows exactly
what she's doing.

She has been conditioned
since the day she was born

to believe it's
perfectly acceptable

to exist only to please men.

But she was born to do this!

And bred by those people
to seal a treaty

with a seductive coup de grace.

All right. Fine, good!

Let's throw the Prime Directive
to the winds.

Let's detain her here
against her will.

Let's destroy any chance
of peace between these worlds.

Let's interfere
in their society.

Their customs.

That slave trader
who calls himself an ambassador?

He has her confined
to her quarters.

She is a virtual prisoner
in there.

I didn't know that.

Well, it is your ship.

Maybe there are a few things
you should find out about.

I'll talk to her about it.

Good.

Lovely breakfast.

Indeed.

Come in.

Captain Picard,
what a delightful surprise.

Come in.

Thank you.

Are you comfortable?

Reasonably,
under the circumstances.

It has been brought
to my attention

that you have been 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 none
of the Ambassador's 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, isn't it?

Oh, yes.

Oh, yes, it is.

Are all Captains' lives
so solitary?

Or just yours?

Don't.

What?

Don't do this.

This-this you do with men.

I'm afraid my premature
emergence from stasis

has left me a little vulnerable
to the desires I sense from men.

Nevertheless,
this is who I am, Captain.

You might as well
ask a Vulcan to forgo logic

or a Klingon to be nonviolent.

I cannot change,
and I don't want to

until the time has come for me
to bond with my permanent mate.

Why does it bother you?

Frankly, it's difficult for me...
for many of us...

to easily accept
that a sentient being

can live only to be what
someone else wants them to be.

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.

Well, under the circumstances

I thought that it would help
if I...

if I learned more about you.

But you know me
better than you realize.

I am independent, forceful

brilliant and adventurous.

Exactly as you would have me be,
Captain.

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 for the conference

and await the arrival
of Chancellor Alrik.

I forbid it.

Forbid it?

It's too dangerous, Captain.

She must remain in her quarters.

You cannot confine her
against her will...

not on board this ship,
Ambassador.

She is requesting
some freedom of movement

and I intend to give it to her.

She is still in the Finiis'ral

the height of her
sexual allure, Captain.

Every man on this ship
will be fighting over her.

Not every man.

A chaperon?

I would be pleased
to escort you around the ship.

But I was hoping we might spend

some more time together,
Captain.

I shall be busy making
arrangements for the conference.

I'm very knowledgeable
about Valt.

I could be helpful.

I think that you should enjoy
the hospitality of the ship.

Mr. Data, here, will see
to your every comfort.

If you will excuse me.

The reason your empathic powers
do not perceive anything

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

I can understand
why Captain Picard

chose you to be my chaperon.

Oh! Whoa!

Help me!

Whoa!

Oh, gracious!

I'll check in with you later.

Excuse me, but I'm
absolutely certain

that we met once
at Paloris Colony.

I've never been
to Paloris Colony.

Neither have I.

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

Extremely rude behavior.

He's just being playful.

Perhaps you would care
for something to drink?

What are you all having, boys?

Aldorian ale's our drink.

Then it's mine, too.

Yeah!

Bartender?

I believe they're having

a minor problem
with the replicator.

Uh, they could use
a hand, Commander.

Excuse me.

I believe I will stay.

Mr. Data's
protecting me tonight.

Oh, protecting you?
From what?

From you, I guess.

I told the Captain not to worry.

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

Come on down to deck seven.
We'll show you a good time.

Get rid of the android,
and we'll have some fun.

Is there a problem here?

No, sir.

- Uh, no problem.
- Tell him, lady.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

The crowd seemed
a bit too ebullient for comfort.

Perhaps you would enjoy

a nice quiet visit
to the arboretum.

Perhaps the Ambassador is right.

Perhaps I should remain
in my quarters.

I have confidence

in the self-control
of my crew, Kamala

but there are guests
and civilians on board.

I understand.

I will volunteer
to stay in my quarters

under one condition...

that you will 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.

A Ventanian thimble.

Early Lapeongical period,
isn't it?

Yes, it is.

Have you seen
the Ventanian woven art

recovered from
the Fourth Colony dig?

Woven art?

Recovered intact?

They say the colors

are remarkably vibrant
for their age.

I've read about them for years,
but they were so delicate

no one expected to find
any preserved.

How do you know about them?

I stay informed
on a wide variety of subjects.

After all, one never knows

when the conversation might turn
to Ventanian archeology.

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...

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.

Oh, 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, Kamala?

There can be only one reason...

because some part of you
wants me to.

Ambassador.

What is the meaning of this?

Ah. I see you got our message.

Is this some sort of bribe?

- Oh!
- I am not amused.

No, Ambassador.

Well, 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 the Kriosian ambassador

is far from comfortable.

You deserve to live a life
of luxury.

How dare you suggest...

The money! What...

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.

And we have a ship waiting

to rendezvous with us
in three hours.

We can all
transport off together.

Yes...

Thank you for sharing
that information.

I shall pass it on
to Captain Picard.

You can't do that!

Wait! Listen!

Let go of me!

Let us discuss...!

Captain's Log, supplemental.

The Ferengi
have been dispatched

via shuttle to Starbase 117.

What charges
will be brought against them

depends on whether or not
Ambassador Briam recovers.

We've been able
to stabilize his condition.

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

Set up a level-1
craniosacral display.

Yes, Doctor.
Right away.

I'll inform
the Valtese delegation

that the conference
will have to be postponed.

That won't be possible.

My ability to imprint on a mate
will only last a matter of hours

after the completion
of the Finiis'ral.

If I hadn't been removed
from stasis prematurely

a delay might have been
possible.

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

But there are points
in the negotiations

that Briam still 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 and rituals

of which I have
no experience at all.

I told you I'm extremely
knowledgeable about Valt.

I will help you prepare.

Ah.

Torze-qua.

Torze-qua.

That's right.

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

preparing
for some dreaded recital.

Do you still play?

No.

I regret that I gave it up.

It used to please 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 am being terribly selfish.

I apologize.

We have something
in common, Captain.

When I was a child,
I took music lessons, too.

Really?
What instrument?

All of them.

The entire orchestra?

Plus a few 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 from her
when I was four

and sequestered
in a royal village

where I was prepared
to fulfill my destiny.

Sounds as if it were
a very Ionely time for you.

On the contrary.

I had servants and tutors
at my side constantly.

You once asked me
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've found myself thinking

about all the curious questions
you asked.

You wanted to know who I am.

And as I continue to ask myself

the only answer
that comes to me 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

and 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 honored to be chosen
to serve my people

as an emissary of peace.

But I find it ironic,
on the eve of this 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.

Captain Picard.

Chancellor Alrik.

Welcome on board the Enterprise.

Your First Officer has
described the details

of the incident
with the Ferengis.

How is the Ambassador?

He has not regained
consciousness.

A tragedy.

Your willingness to assist

is appreciated
by both our peoples.

Well, I'm doing my best,
although I'm finding

some of the rituals
rather demanding.

Rituals.

I am more concerned

about the remaining
provisions of the treaty.

The proposed trade agreements
are not acceptable.

We still must review
the uncommitted territories

as well as discuss the schedule
for exchange of technology.

The Kriosians have authorized me

to make several compromises
favorable to your position.

Good.

Tomorrow, then.

Briam has supervised
the reproduction

of the ancient 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 is 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 10:00.

Would you like some tea?

Thank you, but...

I should prepare
for the ceremony.

Let me help you
with pronunciations.

Oh, I think
I can muddle my way 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 Commander Data, as well?

I shall have to have a talk
with him.

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

I find that 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.

Kamala, have I not done
everything possible

to discourage this?

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

I don't want to 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?

For your thoughts.
Penny for your thoughts.

Do you have one?

I'm sure the replicator
will have one on file.

Beverly, may I take off
the uniform for a moment?

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 in the past few days.

And you're right
about several things, Beverly.

Her entire existence has been
orchestrated for this moment.

And she intends
to go through with it

to help her people end the war.

And 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 into the room.

And I find myself hoping

that the next man won't come in.

But of course, he does

and, 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.

And 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.

Well, 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 to you

what it's like
to be a metamorph.

To feel the inner strength
of someone.

To realize 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
is no greater pleasure...

and no greater wish...
than to bond

with that kind of mate
at the end of the Finiis'ral

as I've bonded with you.

With me?

Who I am today,
I will be forever.

Data to Captain Picard.

Not now, Data.

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 learned
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 greatly appreciated,
Captain.

Your preparations made

the negotiations
simple, Ambassador

and Kamala was able
to guide me through the rituals.

I must admit, I am curious.

Curious?

I was chosen for this mission

for a very simple reason...
I'm 200 years old.

The temptations
of a beautiful metamorph

do not easily reach me.

And yet I would be lying
if I were to claim

that even at my age 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.

Energize.