Many people say that if World War 2 didn't happen, then the Cold War would never happen. I wouldn't say that's entirely true. So, in this alternate history Earth, since World War 2 never happened, the Cold War was DELAYED. I would think, with the U.S. worrying about the spread of Communism still, eventually, it would still happen.

So, in this universe, the Cold War did not start until the early 1960's, after the failed U.S. invasion of Cuba (The Bay of Pigs Invasion), and ended on the same year that it was in our universe (1991), after the Soviet Union collapsed. And so, because of the Soviet Union's want for new territory, the Soviet-Afghan War still happened. Enjoy!

Characters created by: Rebecca Sugar

Chapter 3: Soviet-Afghan War

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Afghanistan-June 23rd, 1986

"Come with me if you want to live."

Steven complied and took the man's hand. He let go and followed the man. They ran up the mountain as the rest of the ambushing army fired at the convoy of armored vehicles.

"What's going on?! Who are you?!"

The mysterious man replied.

"I'll explain later! Guys, come on!"

The others stopped firing and followed him and Steven. They soon scaled over the mountain, and came running down the other side.

Meanwhile, back at the convoy, the soldiers assessed the damage caused. An officer yelled out.

"Pursue them! Do not let them get away with this!"

Four Miles Away-30 Minutes Later

The group scaled a hill with Steven.

"Alright, we've been running for thirty minutes, when are we stopping."

They then sighted from the top of the hill a nearby hut. The man pointed to it and answered Steven.

"Just over there."

They continued running. They eventually reached the hut and set up camp. Steven took deep breaths after the long run.

"Alright, we've stopped. Now can you please explain to me what's going on? What year am I in?"

The man, who was grabbing magazines for his AK-47, replied.

"You're in 1986."

"And where am I?"

"Afghanistan."

"And who were those soldiers?"

"The Soviets."

Steven thought.

"The Soviets. Like.. the Soviet Union?"

"Exactly."

"But, why are the Soviets here in Afghanistan?"

The man looked to him.

"For years, Afghanistan has gone through countless civil revolts because of bad government. So much, in fact, that they called for the Soviets to help. We've been fighting the Soviets for about seven years now. We're what you would call "Mujahideen". What is a person like you doing here in Afghanistan?"

Steven sighed.

"I'm asking myself the same question."

The Afghan smiled.

"Well, you can stay with us until we can find a way for you to get home."

Steven smiled back.

"Oh, it's okay, I already have a way back home."

Suddenly, a Mujahideen yelled out.

"Soviets! Straight Ahead!"

The Mujahideen looked back to Steven.

"Get down."

He walked over to the window to see a whole horde of Soviets. Tanks, soldiers, even helicopters. The Mujahideen turned to one of his fellow comrades.

"As'ad! Do you have the Stinger?!"

"Yes I do!"

As'ad took out an FIM-92 Stinger homing missile launcher. He put it against his shoulder, with the leading Mujahideen holding the back. The Stinger fired, homing onto the Soviet helicopter.

The missile hit, the helicopter exploding, debris falling. But there was still the tanks and soldiers.

"Take positions!"

They grabbed their guns and ducked behind cover. Shots rang out from both sides. Steven hid behind a chair, watching the Mujahideen fire from their cover. After a few seconds of firing, the Mujahideen were suddenly mowed down by a mounted machine gun from an armored vehicle. Steven ran from the chair outside and waved his arms around.

"Stop stop stop!"

The Soviets ceased firing. Steven took deep breaths and spoke.

"Soviets, you don't have to do this! Please stop! War doesn't solve everything!"

A Soviet officer spoke.

"Hmm, now that you think about it, shut up! Ready!"

The Soviets lifted up their guns. Steven took out the hourglass.

"Aim!"

They aimed their guns at him. He quickly spoke to the hourglass.

"I want to get out of here! Please!"

Steven then found himself beside a winding river. Trees, and mountains around him.

"Where am I now?"

He sighted a nearby dirt path and a sign. He looked to it. It pointed to his right, and the words said…

San Francisco

"So I'm in the state of Golden, but when?"

Steven noticed something shining next to his feet. He examined it. It was a few little yellow shining pebbles. He had stars in his eyes.