At a remote hospital station in an interstellar conflict, an alien appears that is genetically linked to a familiar Earth creature. Joseph Walter, raised in a strict Hutterite pacifist tradition like that of the Amish, finds himself wrenched out of everything familiar and plunged into the heart of a personal war.
A fun short story that explores pacifism and the ethics of war. It also presents a fascinating alien, and explores the recognition of intelligence creative communication. There is a lot packed into this story. I find myself wondering, if a certain change hadn't happened half way through, how might things have turned out differently. If you're looking for a quick but meaty sci-fi read, then check out Unknown Biologic.