The structure of society is a fragile concept. Omega's, the backbone of it all, some might say. Natural born subservient to their dominant counterparts, the yin to an Alpha's yang. More often then not providing support from the home, keeping Alphas and Betas alike in tip-top condition, caring for their packs like a mother would her pups.

Which is why, when the governments finally caught onto to the rapid decline in Omegan birth-rates, the world panicked. With Omegas growing outnumbered, one Omega for every twenty fifty Alpha's out there, the futured looked bleak. The scarcer the beloved secondary gender became, the more dire their situations became. While not much could be done for the already-mated Omegas, already serving society by serving their packs, the same could not be said for the unmated Omegas...

It happened at night, something nobody had foresaw, no matter how bad the circumstances.

Rounded up and dragged forcefully from their homes, of-age unmated Omegas ripped from their parents arms, they were corralled from place-to-place with little regards as to what their lives had been beforehand; they were now out and on display for Alphas deemed worthy enough to be given the opportunity to still have a mate. Politician's, CEO's, Military Officer's and Official's - the list was never ending.

Leading to now.

John had never given much thought into settling down with a mate, despite his growing age. He had just simply assumed that one day, he would meet a pretty Omega and settle down. They'd live somewhere quiet, maybe a pup or two. However, with the change in circumstances and his fantasy fleeting before his very eyes, John knew he could not just sit idle anymore and wait for things to happen. Which is why, when the Captain was told of a group of Omegas being brought to base on a first-come first-serve basis; he, along with a hoard other other Alphas, now roamed the base in search of their potential mates.

The base had been cleared for this special, ancient tradition. Only those hand selected Alpha's allowed to participate and remain on-grounds. The Omegas set free at different points through the base for the Alphas to track and catch.

It was an old practice - hunting an Omega down and capturing them, one that pre-dated many of the young, stocky Alphas now roaming the halls. However, with time being of the upmost importance and the days of long courtships before markings long behind them, this was the easiest way to show an Omega what a good Alpha they could be. They could hunt, provide, care for - all shown by catching their prey, or in this sense, their Omega.

"Come on," John growled to himself, feeling frustration claw up his throat, sniffing the air to catch and catch the scent of one of the Omegas. He'd come across a few, by this point, all whom had unfortunately already been apprehended and claimed by other Alphas. His patience dwindling as an announcement came over the overhead speakers, announcing that there were only five Omegas left to be caught. The cream of the crop, John supposed - scene as they'd managed to avoid capture for so long. "I've looked everywhere, where could one-"

He paused, hearing a soft pitter-patter above his head. Slowly craning his head to look up, he saw the faint pressure applied to the air-ducts above his head. Eyes going wide with realisation, an amused smile splitting across his face.

An Omega had climbed into the air-ducts and had been using them to hide around base. What a clever little thing...

Following the metal tubing to a supply closet, listening through the door until he heard the hatch squeak open. Stepping to the side as his heart pounded, he waited with the patience only an older Alpha could muster. The door swung open, a head cautiously peeking out, oblivious to the Captain hiding behind the door.

It had been a long day for you, and would be an even longer day yet. Having thought the coast was clear, you take a quiet step, and then another. Only for an arm to wrap around you waist and tug you back.

"Easy, easy," John cooed as you squirmed. "You're alright."