D'Jure history
In 2118, TriOptimum had negotiated to prospecting rights for several systems. Amongst these was the Epsilon Eridani system, which was confirmed to have at least 2 earth-like planets orbiting its star.
However, further exploration revealed a dense asteroid belt, which had previously gone unnoticed by the visual-scans of previous probes and satellites. Tests conducted on the rocks themselves revealed a high number of precious minerals and metals. Unfortunately for TriOptimum, the UNN got there first. They quickly gained the rights to own the ring of orbiting rock. By April 22nd, 2122, the mega conglomerate had succeeded in the construction of a mining platform, stationed a little distance from the asteroid swarm and orbiting the sun at a similar speed.
It was quickly realised, however, by TriOptimum that the planet, named D'Jure, could still do them some good. TriOptimum decided to construct a base there, later known as Fort Washington.
Such a project was undertaken, in 2123, and several TriOptimum scouting units were 'dropped' on the planet in atmospheric pods, intent on finding a suitable land site for the base.
This decision to place troops on the planet was later considered a tragedy when only one out of the three groups sent, returned. Searches did take place, although the bodies of the twenty-four marines were never found.
Further scans of the planet were conducted from space via orbital telescopes, and it was determined that the squad may have been swept away by one of the severe blizzards which seemed to plague the ice world.
Despite TriOptimum's issues with the protests of the lost marines' families, however, the UNN continued their project. Their mining company began to college enough money for UNN to take over much of TriOptimum's territory back home.
TriOptimum needed a leg up. And fast.
By 2126, the outpost known as Fort Washington was already half-built when disaster struck.
It is believed that recent storms loosened the snow and ice on a nearby mountain. As it was, a tremendous earthquake reading seven on the Richter scale dislodged approximately nine hundred tons of rock and frozen water uphill from the base. Large portions of the newly built base were swept away and it is estimated that over one-hundred were killed in the quake, although not all bodies and persons have been accounted for due the many changes within the construction crew.
Perhaps sheer coincidence linked with this disaster, an attack by large animals quickly led to the destruction of even more of the base along with many of its fleeing workers, raising the estimated dead to over one-hundred forty. These creatures are now known to be a low-sentient species with disturbing physical appearance to the Earth legend, Sasquash. After reviewing the planet’s history, some scientists realized they were the degenerate descendants of the so-called inferior species Ceilon’s Mathari had deported to D’Jure several centuries before. Very few people know their real name, the Crussar.
Although much of the base was destroyed, its two underground generators were saved relatively intact. It was decided that another base could be constructed, and linked directly to the 'old' machines. This time, however, the site would have sufficient protection against the fiends that had savaged the last depot; enough gun-power to halt any attack from both human and semi-sentient beings alike.
Building work for the new base - Fort Mendes - went ahead in November 2129 and was completed early in the year 2133.
