 In describing the Conclave's reaction to the Maternite emergency, the author is making a comparison to:
Prayers and supplications were offered to the gods, priests were sent to sacrifice, and finally, as the light of the sun was falling between the pillars, the High Priest of the Maternite Machine was heard. "I know well the legend of the animals, but what does it have to do—" The heads of the Conclave were turning to me, quizzically. I hoped that the youngsters, Xeon and Melia, had not heard, but as I turned they were listening most attentively to Rocsates, who, amid cries of "Heresy" and "Treason", went on: "I should like to ask the Conclave for permission to search the ancient records, in the hope of finding some such knowledge that would prove or disprove my words."
 how modern leaders revert to ceremony and argument instead of problem-solving
 how authoritarian governments, though less humane, are often more effective in executing policies  how modern leaders revert to ceremony and argument instead of problem-solving  how the filibuster prevents governments from making real progress for its people  how young members and elder members of governments typically reach an impasse