"It is an extremely unusual stress phenomenon," Corina said, picking her words with care. "It occurs when two very similar mind patterns are in close physical proximity and under considerable stress. Something--the Order is not sure what, but the most respected theory is both underminds acting as one--apparently `decides' to relieve the stress by combining whatever memories can be used to accomplish that purpose." "But aren't human and Irschchan patterns too different for that to happen?" Medart objected. "That's what you seemed to think earlier, at least." "I believed so, yes," Corina said slowly. "Yet the Order's millennia of experience cannot be totally wrong. It had to be pattern rapport." "Then either human and Irschchan patterns are closer than anyone's ever suspected . . ." "Or it is our own two basic patterns which are in phase." "Uh-huh, that could-- Hey! Remember, I told you I had more trouble reading Sunbeam than I did reading you?" "That must be the case, then, but I would like to know--" Corina cut that thought off before it could go somewhere she didn't want to follow. Medart, though he wasn't about to broadcast it, had a pretty good idea what the pattern rapport might mean. He wasn't at all familiar yet with Talent, granted, but he did know what his problem was. Apparently so did what she called her undermind, and it agreed with him. "I'd suggest a hearty meal and a good night's sleep," he said. "That was a shock to both of us, and we'll solve our problems better in the morning, when we've rested and steadied down." Corina nodded agreement. "That sounds most reasonable. We do both need time to integrate the . . . new experiences. I would say you in particular; I at least knew of the possibility, though I never thought it would happen to me." Medart chuckled. "Don't be too sure who needs it more. I've been through something similar--you studied the Sandeman Annexation, of course." "Of course," Corina agreed, puzzled. "I needed to learn as much as I could about them, as quickly as possible, and Gaelan DarShona, who had sworn personal fealty to Baron Klaes, agreed to a mind-probe. You know about those?" "I have heard of them," Corina said. "An artificial form of telepathy the Order considers repugnant." "Close enough. At any rate, I had Gaelan given a deep, full-experience probe, with myself hooked up as the receiver. So I've already `been' one other person. You haven't." "That may indeed make a difference," Corina agreed. "I wonder if I will experience that part, or if it was bypassed as unnecessary." "I imagine you'll find out. If you do, I'm sure you'll find it both interesting and different. For now, though, let's go eat."