Goldstein, Lisa. "Split Light"
Divergence: 1666 CE
What if: Shabbetai Zevi did not convert from Judaism to Islam in order to save his life.
Summary: After recalling how he came to be imprisoned in Constantinople, Zevi foresees both futures that could arise from his decision.
Published: In Travellers in Magic, Tor 1994 (031285790X), 1997 (0312863012BUY); and The Year's Best Science Fiction, Twelfth Annual Collection (ed. Gardner Dozois), St. Martin's 1995 (0312132220BUY, 0312132212BUY), SFBC 1995.