It was a bird, a really really big bird.

It didn't matter that it did not have feathers, or that it lived on a ratty backwater planet, thousand of light-years away from Earth.

It had a beak, moved like an ostrich and sounded like a peacock. Consequently Ashley's brain insisted it was a bird, and she was terrified.

"Whoa, that a big one, nasty beak too." Shepard casually leaned on a nearby rock, watching the creature with mild curiosity.

"Think there are more of them?"

"I believe so," Garrus said and briefly touched his visor. "There is some life signs right behind it."

At this point the bird noticed them, cocked its head, and apparently came to the conclusion that they had invaded its territory. It puffed up, lifting the large scales on its back, stepped forward with a hissing sound, and was promptly blown to pieces by a shrieking Ashley.

"What the hell!?" Shepard turned towards the woman, who had hastily taken cover behind a large rock. Garrus, who was closer, quickly moved towards the pale faced gunnery chief, only for her to promptly lash out.

"Don't come any closer!" Ashley snarled, and then exhaled deeply, before glancing at the surprised turian. "Sorry Garrus, I know you mean well, but not right now." She shivered, "not you."

For a moment it was silent, Shepard looked at Garrus, who simply shrugged, then to Ashley, over to the corpse, and back at Ashley.

"You where afraid of it?"

Ashley slowly nodded.

"And of Garrus?"

Ashley winced before nodding again.

"Wait, what? What do I have to do with that thing?" Garrus said, waving at the bird in surprise.

Shepard sniggered, causing Ashley to look up in anger. "It is not funny commander, ornithophobia is a serious anxiety disorder."

"Oh, I don't doubt it Ashley." The commander smiled, moved over and gently padded Ashley's shoulder. "I am simply wondering whenever you had planned on ever telling us."

Ashley blushed. "Not like this." She muttered and slowly followed Shepard back to the Mako, leaving a confused Garrus in their trail.