System: Victoria

Victoria contains a recently uncovered subterranean BattleMech research center from the Star League era. Although the technology appears advanced for its time, none of the 'Mechs under development here were ever used. The reason for abandonment of the facility is not known.

The severe weather conditions on Victoria have made subterranean existence a way of life. Almost-daily hailstorms have let to the strictest building code ever developed. To satisfy the inhabitants' instinctual desire for sunlight, Victoria has developed a beautiful array of domed parks, which have become a tourist attraction throughout the Capellan sector.

The economy of Victoria is booming, however. Children that show early aptitude for engineering vie for appointments to the justly famed Victoria Institute of Engineering, whose graduates command huge fees and are in demand nearly everywhere. A portion of their fees automatically go to the Victorian Exchequer in acknowledgement of training provided.

[3061] The Victoria Academy of Arms and Technology is the Confederation's newest training center. It has yet to graduate a class, though a small number of students will graduate early in December 3063. Construction began in 3061, and the academy opened its doors to a few applicants in the same year. Many see these events as evidence that the Chancellor planned even then to make Victoria the capital world of a new Commonality.

With the Shengli Arms factory nearby, students can easily become involved with this facility. In fact, the Victoria Academy currently enrolls more technicians than cadets in combat disciplines. Tech students spend time working in the factories in order to earn the occasional hour with an off-duty master technician or engineer.

[3063] The newly raised Prefectorate Guard regiment is permanently stationed on Victoria, so it may select from the Victoria Academy's graduating class a reasonable number of the best recruits. Until the academy's training schedule comes fully up to speed, which is expected to happen in 3065, selections are likely to remain few.