| Arethas | |
| Fictional Character | |
| Shared Universe Story | |
| "The Fake Pandemic" POD: 535 C.E. | |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Arabian citizen of the Eastern Roman Empire |
| Date of Birth: | 6th century |
| Occupation: | Sailor |
| Military Branch: | Roman Navy |
Arethas was an Arabian citizen of the Roman Empire. He commanded the ship Cosmas and Damian. He participated in Tribonian's efforts to halt the arrival of the plague in Clysma. When Tribonian explained his plan and the danger the plague presented, he was careful to assure Arethas and the others they would not be publicly revered as heroes, though he did promise they'd be compensated financially.[1]
In the summer of 541 (the tail-end of the 4th indiction, just prior to the 5th indiction of the Roman calendar), the Cosmas and Damian encountered a ship holding a burial at sea. Arethas initially hailed the other ship in Greek. When they claimed not to understand him, he switched to Arabic and cursed them violently. The other crew then admitted they had sickness aboard, with one dead, and another two or three sick. The symptoms matched the plague Tribonian described. Arethas ordered his crew to launch fire arrows. As the other crew cursed, their ship burned to the waterline, with no survivors. Arethas returned to port and reported to Tribonian. Tribonian could see that Arethas was disturbed, both by Tribonian's accurate prediction, and by what he'd done to keep the plague at bay. He thanked Arethas profusely and promised he and his crew would be rewarded.[2]
Word spread of what had happened. The Sunday following the sinking, Bishop Stephen preached a fiery sermon thanking God for sending the warning of the plague to Clysma, thanking Arethas and the crew for stopping it, and thanking Tribonian for organizing the efforts.[3] Justinian did pay Arethas' crew, and gave Arethas a medal.[4]
Tribonian left at the beginning of the seventh indiction (September 543). He promised that he would do everything in his power to make sure the naval officers who'd helped him would be posted wherever they wished. Arethas in particular complimented Tribonian for mostly keeping promises.[5]
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