Separatists vs Republic vs Neutrals…?

It started small. Little things no one really noticed until something big triggered a series of chain events that both literally and metaphorically punched them in the face.

For example, a few fewer droids on the battlefield. No one noticed when the Separatists seemed to be missing a batch or two when they launched their assaults. It wasn't enough to make a drastic difference, just let a few more clones escape with their lives. Let another dozen or so walk away with only minor cuts and bruises. They all thanked the Force, or their good luck, or their Generals, but didn't seem to dwell on it any longer than a few short seconds of cheer after fighting. There was still a war to be fought, and if they wanted to survive, if they wanted to win, they couldn't waste time on contemplating the past and were quickly dispatched from one fight to the next.

The next change didn't attract any attention until much later either: Ventress's disappearance. It wasn't uncommon for her to fall under the radar and not be seen or heard from for weeks, or even a month or so. After all, much of her work was assassination and espionage, and she was very good at it, so the chances of her getting caught or even spotted were low. After two months of radio silence, however, people - Jedi and vod alike - started to notice. As there were still more pressing matters, and Dooku was still making a nuisance of himself - per usual - there was no investigation or undercover operation assigned. The spies employed by the Republic hadn't reported back any signs of her, nor any big attacks coming, so they declared everything fine. She's probably just skulked off to some cave somewhere after how badly we beat her last time, one particularly energetic Knight exclaimed.

There was a multitude of little changes that helped alert everyone to whatever it was that's going on. The sudden fear of civilians, especially the young female humanoids, instilled in the Separatists' battle droids, the decreasing number of attacks on Republic planets, the increase in security and defensive measures around Separatist planets, the quiet disappearances and assassinations (with slug-slingers no less) of many Separatist leaders, the confusion of many shinies upon meeting their General, the inside jokes and almost secretive way the very new shines talked - as if they knew something important that they weren't supposed to tell, and the way it was becoming harder and harder to contact the Kaminoans.

Eventually, even the Senators started to notice, and it was then the Council could no longer ignore the way the war had started going off the rails. Things were changing and they would have to change with it.

—

"What do you mean we're being put on leave?" The voice of Anakin Skywalker echoed throughout the Resolute.

"I thought it was quite clear, Anakin, they need us back at the temple, and as things have been quiet with the Separatists they have allowed for the men to have a few weeks of leave while their services are not immediately needed," came the exasperated response of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"That's exactly why we need to be out here, making sure the Seppies don't get any ideas. Things have been way too quiet for them not be planning anything, and if we're stuck on Coruscant we'll never be able to stop it in time!" Anakin was pacing back and forth in front of his both bemused and resigned former Master, trying to get his point across through wild hand gestures that enunciated each word.

"Anakin, the Council will likely send a team to investigate the sudden turn the Separatists have taken, calm yourself. I promise you, they will not sit idly by and let them attack unnoticed. They will find out what is going on, and we will put a stop to it." Always the voice of reason, Obi-Wan attempted to prevent his former student from doing anything unduly rash before he had all the information, as per usual.

"Right, because the Council is just so good at keeping us informed and up to date about things like this." Anakin scowled darkly at the floor, no doubt lost in his own thoughts about exactly what he thought of the Council and its workings.

"Anakin, please. It's been a long deployment for all of us, the men and Ahsoka included. We could all use a break, and frankly you especially so. I've seen how these last few missions have been affecting you, and I'm worried. I know war is stressful and unkind to all, but you know you can come to me with anything, right?" The concerned tone in his Master's voice did not escape him, but choosing to ignore it (there's no way I can tell him about Padme, or what happened with my mother, it's just too risky), Anakin just sighed.

"I know Master. I still don't like it though."

"I promise things will be fine. Now, let's just focus on getting back to the Temple in one piece, and then we can unwind and take advantage of our much-needed resting period, alright?"

"Alright."

Just as Anakin reluctantly agreed to their mandatory rest period back at the Temple, they were interrupted by Ahsoka poking her head through the door.

"Master, we're on our way back to Coruscant now. We'll be there shortly."

"Of course, thanks, Snips." Anakin nodded at his Padawan who smiled at him before leaving back the way she came.

"Cheer up, Anakin. When we're back at the Temple we can go out to Dex's and enjoy a nice lunch." Obi-Wan smiled at his former apprentice, clearly excited at the prospect of finally getting a chance to spend time together outside of life or death situations.

"Actually Master, I'm kinda tired. I was thinking about just taking a nap or even just walking around a bit to clear my head." Anakin suddenly realized what being back on Coruscant meant: he would get to see Padme again; for the first time in what felt like forever, he would get to see his wife. And so, oblivious to his Master's careful hope for while they were off deployment, brushed off attempts to socialize so he could be with her.

"Ah, of course. I understand, things have been hectic lately with everything going on. Well, if there's anything I can do to help, all you have to do is ask, my friend." The smile slowly faded from Obi-Wan's face, to be replaced by genuine concern for his once-student. Anakin hated taking naps and almost never admitted when he was feeling unwell, preferring to deal with it himself or simply power through the pain.

Anakin felt a twinge of guilt for deceiving his Master, but it was quickly replaced by the knowledge that if Obi-Wan were to know what he was really up to, he would be kicked out of the Order for sure!

"Right. Thanks, Master. I'll be in my quarters. Tell me when we land."

Obi-Wan watched sadly as his former Padawan left down the hallway, trying to ignore the creeping feeling that something was very wrong: both with Anakin and with whatever was going on with the Separatists. But what it was, he hadn't a clue."

Meanwhile on Kamino. . .

"That's another one of those motherf*****s down. One less evil son of a b**** in the galaxy." A dark-skinned human slammed down a slug slinger, although heavily modified and improved to the point where it's almost unrecognizable as one (affectionately called a 'gun'), chuckling to himself as he took inventory of his weapons and wiped some blood off his face.

A much younger, female human looked up from where the gun had been violently placed on her desk to regard the man in front of her.

"That's good news, as usual, Kincaid, however, also per usual the order was only for their arrest, and not their execution."

The man simply grinned unrepentantly, "true, but if you really had a problem with my methods, we both know you would've stopped me a long time ago."

The girl, for she could be no older than fifteen or sixteen standard years, refrained from rolling her eyes and sighing, instead opting for giving 'Kincaid' a long, hard look to which he only responded by grinning wickedly.

"Oh, come one. You love me and you know it. "

At this, the girl did sigh, although almost imperceptibly, and smiled fondly, if a touch exasperatedly, at the man before replying, "Go, shower and rest. I'm sure your wife is anxious to see you."

At the mention of his wife, the man's grin grew wider, yet more gentile, and he nodded once to the girl with a mocking "Yes ma'am!" and carried on his way in the facility, humming to himself as he went.

As he left, the girl looked back down at the documents she had been filling out, and the list of the dead that she now added to.

"That's getting to be over half the Separatist leaders. We'll need to initiate Phase 2 soon. It wouldn't do for someone worse to come along and try to fill the power vacuum that's forming. "

At this, she motioned to a few guards standing nearby (all of whom looked identical to each other, both in their bulky armor and helmets and out of it).

"Contact Ventress. Ask her if she would meet with me later today. It's time to start prepping for the second stage. "