Ascendants of Ancients Sovereign - By Phillip Jones Page 0,2

of knowledge. His unparalleled ability to retain data amazed his professors and the world—but Sam often failed to show his brilliance.

Trying to fit in, Sam would intentionally hold back. He did not like the idea of being the freak, the brain, or the geek the other kids did not want around. He tried to hide his genius, studying only what was necessary to appease his father, but his best efforts to blend were often ruined by his desire to take charge, creating the opposite effect.

Despite Sam’s attempts to please his overbearing father, the medical community had other plans. They turned their backs on the minor, saying a 16-year-old was too immature to perform any type of patient care, let alone surgery. Sam was considered unemployable—simply too young to handle real world responsibilities until the age of 18.

The court supported this assessment after a number of private interviews, ruling that Sam had to be of legal age before becoming a surgeon. To Sam’s father, the medical world was prejudiced—an evil empire bound and determined to hold him and his son back.

The court’s ruling turned out to be the right call. Although a genius, Sam was over-confident, hot-tempered, quick to react, and lacked common sense at times. On the day of the ruling, the 16-year-old proved their point. He stormed out of the courtroom, screaming, “I hate all of you! You’re fools! You’ll need me one of these days, and I won’t be there for any of you!” He slapped the heavy wooden doors as he exited.

Though embarrassed, Sam’s father fought the ruling, appealing the decision to a higher court. With this appeal came another rejection, which thrust an even deeper jab into Sam’s pride.

Unable to control his hostility, Sam’s anger got the best of him. After being caught for public intoxication and vandalism, Sam was arrested.

To save the family further embarrassment after the press swarmed the police station, Sam’s father requested a private meeting with the judge. They determined Sam needed guidance from someone who could remain objective about the boy’s growing hostility. A counselor was brought in to stay with the family, assess Sam’s inability to maintain control, and then determine a course of action.

“This is for your own good, Sam,” was all Howard Goodrich said as he escorted his son into the counselor’s office.

The professional assessment suggested that all Sam needed was a physical outlet to release his suppressed emotions. After many conversations, a decision was made. Sam would take up Mixed Martial Arts as a way to channel his negative energy. The plan worked. In fact, it more than worked. Sam discovered another gift. He could fight—and fight well. Because of this discovery, a genuine smile returned to his face.

Not only did Sam learn he was an excellent fighter, he also learned he was an adrenaline junkie. He felt the brutal sport was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He no longer had to look for happiness. Along with healing people as the doctor his father had forced him to become, he would silence his hatred for the medical profession by beating people up—unknowingly scarring his soul in the process and feeding a demon that lurked within the darkest shadows of his mind.

Despite pleading with his father to give up medicine, Sam’s medical career developed. He hated the decision his father made to open a practice. Nevertheless, family money was to be obeyed, and on the day of Sam’s 19 birthday, the red ribbon was cut.

“Sam, John Marks with the Times. How does it feel to be famous and the head of a 12-story facility? Does it feel overwhelming to be a doctor at your age?”

Sam held up his hands to silence the crowd and then responded. “Okay, okay. First of all, nothing overwhelms me. But let me put today in perspective for you. What my father wants, is what my father gets. I’m not the head of anything, and you’re misguided if you believe otherwise.” Sam walked to the front of the stage and pointed at his father. “This is his dream, not mine.”

Sam’s open hostility forced his father to be flexible. Howard had to allow Sam to abandon his plan for Sam to become a trauma surgeon—a position Howard Goodrich revered—one that would have been a better career choice considering Sam’s need to take charge.

Despite Howard’s disgust for Sam’s barbaric decision to find fame in the cages of MMA, Sam’s life became a balancing act between the family business, patients and his love—fighting.

Now,