This sounds exactly like the kind of stuff you tell the new guy on his first day on the job when you send him off to go find the non-existent tool that everyone knows is a joke you play on the new guy. Like when you send the new cadet off to get a bucket of prop wash or a 100' spool of flight line. "They keep it in the back. You'll have to ask for it. They'll act like they don't know what you're talking about, but just keep after 'em..."
OMG... you're so right!
I'm going on a Snipe Hunt!