Yen Ju Simons, also known as Yannick Simmons, is the current commander-in-chief of the Andurien Defense Force. Born and raised on Andurien, General Simons is fiercely loyal to House Humphreys, even though he disagrees with Ari Humphreys on numerous things. Some shouting matches can be heard far down the halls of the Humphreys palace, but the two always end up drinking their disagreement away.

Early life

Yen Ju Simons was born from a noble family from Xanthe. As one of the younger sons, he decided his future was likely more secure if he joined the military. At 13, his parents enrolled him in the Humphreys Training Academy. His results were average at best, outside of his skills at “rapid deployment in defensive situations”. Trained as a MechWarrior, he also was trained as a logistics officer. He joined the 2^nd Andurien Guards with a lieutenant billet.

Sixth Andurien War

For most of his early career, Yen Ju Simons was deployed on various worlds to prevent raids. His dedication to his career led him to slowly go up in the ranks. During the Oriente – Andurien war of 3138, the then Captain Simons protected humanitarian convoys with his unit. While the whole operation was catastrophic, it raised his profile in the unit, granting him a promotion to Major and a transfer to the First Andurien Guards.

Operation TRIUMVIR

The next major operation by the Andurien Defense Force came in 3146. Colonel Simons was now in charge of the First Andurien Guards, after the retirement of Sanford Juarez. He focused on defensive operations on the Andurien side of the border. His forces were taxed fighting Marik-backed mercenaries. His talent made him popular with Ari Humphreys, who met with him later. This is when the position of commander-in-chief of the Andurien Defense Force was created, naming him General.

Time as a General

Operation REBOUND

The first major offensive planned by Ari Humphreys and his new commander-in-chief was a power play to take over former League worlds which had been independent since the Jihad. 11 worlds were targeted. Each of them had a regiment of the Andurien Defense Force assigned to it as part Operation REBOUND. The former Regulan Fiefs criticized the Anduriens for not aiding them while the FWLM invaded them at the same time. Yen Ju Simons had planned this from the start, eliminating a rival to the Duchy while also growing the state.

Most worlds captured during this operation were unhappy with being forcefully annexed. The Duchy of Andurien extended guarantees to the new nationals, making sure they would be taken care of the same as “old worlds”. This whole operation was very successful and military presence on those new holdings was quite limited.

War against the Magistracy

The collapse of the agreements between the Magistracy and the Duchy after the death of Ilsa Centrella taxed General Simons. Both armies being quite equal, the only real advantage they held was that the Andurien had was their superior Navy. Yen Ju Simons mobilized multiple militia regiments to reinforce the front line against the Magistracy. This also prevented objective raids against key infrastructure of the Andurien State.

Personal life

Yen Ju Simons has been married since his graduation from the Humphreys Training Academy. His wife, Charlene Simons, serves in the Andurien Diplomatic Corps. They have 3 children, two of whom serve in the Andurien Defense Force, while one works in the Hawk Eyes Intelligence services.

Yen Ju Simons’ BattleMech

Yen Ju Simons pilots a Stalker.