Kamala

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference

Kamala was an Kriosian empathic metamorph from Krios Prime. Since her birth, she was intended to be Valtese Chancellor Alrik's Kriosian peace bride in an effort to reunite the two planets and restore peace and commerce to the two worlds through marriage. Ambassador Briam of the Kriosian government was assigned to be her guide and counsel throughout her training in the Valtese way. He had been with her since she was a young child and assisted in her becoming a pleasing mate for Alrik.

In 2368, Kamala was being transported to Valt aboard the USS Enterprise-D, unknown to Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Kamala was kept in a stasis cocoon in the cargo bay due to her empathic and metamorphic abilities and because she was in the finiis'ral, a stage in a metamorph's life which can be likened to late-stage puberty. She was only meant to be released upon her meeting Alrik. Unfortunately, when a Ferengi attempted to probe the coccoon and/or possibly steal her, she released from stasis.

The Ferengi attempted to bribe Ambassador Briam to sell Kamala to them and Briam was hurt and rendered unconscious. Kamala asked Picard to take over Briam's duties of negotiation and performing the marriage ceremony between herself and Alrik.

[edit] Physiology

As an empathic metamorph, Kamala could detect what her mate wanted and would become what the mate desired. She changed based on those around her, and it also affected how she felt about herself. This change occurred during the late stages of the Finis'raal. During this period, she would be ready to morph for the final time. This imprinting stage would take about two days, as she would be reaching absolute sexual maturity.

[edit] Relationship with Picard

When she was accidentally released from stasis prematurely by the Ferengi, Picard was required to take over the duties of the injured Ambassador Briam, and Kamala found herself especially attracted to the caring ways and gentle nature of Picard who tried very hard to resist her attractiveness both physically and psychologically.

Picard was torn in his affections because he was in love with a woman who kept on changing when anyone else was around; he felt like he was unsure of whether he knew her or not. Equally as disturbing to him was the fact that Alrik stated that the Kriosians were too sentimental regarding ceremony and love, and that he cared more about the trade terms of the peace treaty than about any bride.

Before the wedding ceremony, Kamala told Picard that she imprinted him onto herself and chose to bond with him instead of Alrik as she liked who she became when around Picard. However, despite Picard's urging, she still went through with the wedding as she told Picard that her contact with him also imprinted on her his sense of duty. This allowed her to place her duty to reuniting the two worlds before any personal desire. (TNG: "The Perfect Mate")