Swamped

"Well, now that you mention it," Long says, "while you were gone, we were having a talk about that vial you recovered. Apparently it's been giving off slight ether readings."

"We're not one hundred percent sure on that, though," Theodore interjects. "We might be picking up residual ether from what your little wizardly apprentice did earlier. So we won't be certain until Dominique's had a look at it."

You let out a little groan.

"Look, that's all well and good, but I've got Rudolph waiting outside for orders on what to do about the prisoners. And I don't want to keep him waiting long, in case they try something while he's gone."

"My apologies," Long says. "I was getting sidetracked from the main point. Our prisoners brought the vial with them, so it might be worthwhile to see what they think about the fact that we're studying it. Perhaps imply that our examination is further along than it actually is."

"Sounds good to me," you say. "You have anything more specific in mind than that, or should I just tell Rudolph to mention the vial?"