In 2254 the Cortez, under command of Captain John Stone, was surveying the system containing the planetoid Darien 224 when it came across a lost Vulcan colony, founded before the logic of Vulcan philosopher Surak had gained widespread acceptance on his planet. On this planet, the Last-of-all-Cities colony had fractured into two rival factions, both of which vied for absolute control. Likely named after Hernán Cortés, conquistador who conquered Mexico for Spain.