The Daimon

From Turtledove

"The Daimon" is an alternate history short story by Harry Turtledove. It was published in Worlds That Weren't in 2002.

The story's point of departure focuses on Sokrates' decision to join Alkibiades' expedition against Syracuse. When Alkibiades is recalled by Athens, he choses to stay and take Syracuse after seeking Sokrates' advice. The expedition then moves against Sparta, defeating it and winning the Peloponnesian War. When Alkibiades and his men return to Athens, the city government refuses to allow them entry. With his men's support, Alkibiades takes the city, and becomes a dictator. He quickly silences his enemies, including Sokrates, and prepares a new war against Persia.