Did the Rebel Alliance and Separatist Alliance Have Any Relationships During the Clone Wars?

The Confederate Separatists and the Galactic Republic were once at odds during the Clone Wars, fighting for control over the galaxy. But what about their relationship after the separation of the warring factions? Did these two opposing sides ever have any connections post-Clone Wars? This article explores the linkages between the Rebel Alliance and the Separatist Alliance, focusing on both Legends and Canon narratives.

The Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) and the Rebel Alliance

The Confederacy of Independent Systems, known in short as the Separatists, was a massive political party led by Count Dooku, Senator Palpatine, and other influential Separatist Council members. The CIS sought independence from the Galactic Republic, leading to the outbreak of the Clone Wars. However, the CIS collapsed long before the establishment of the Rebel Alliance. With the deaths of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and the final fall of the Separatist Council in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the CIS lost its power and influence over the galaxy.

On the other hand, the Rebel Alliance emerged much later, approximately 2 BBY (Canon) or 5 BBY (Legends) from the fall of the Empire. The Rebel Alliance was a group of activists and military forces opposed to the rise of Emperor Palpatine and his New Order. They sought to restore a more democratic form of government and re-establish freedom in the galaxy.

From Former Separatists to Rebel Troopers

Despite the clear separation between these two sides, some former Separatists did choose to join the Rebel Alliance and its various offshoots. This was not an uncommon phenomenon, especially as the galaxy recovered from the trauma of the Clone Wars and the Empire's ruthless rule. In fact, some former Separatists contributed their unique skills and insights to the Rebel cause, helping to challenge the Empire.

Collaborating with the Rebel Alliance: Former Separatists

In the Canon Tarkin novel, by James Luceno, a former Republic Intelligence agent named Berch Teller leads a rebel cell comprising several former Separatists. This cell included Hask Taff, a Zygerrian filmmaker, and several Koorivar, notably Cala, who was a munitions expert. These individuals brought their expertise in various fields, making a significant impact on the Rebel Alliance's efforts.

Similarly, in Star Wars Rebels, a Canon animated television series, one of the standout collaborations involved a group of rebels called the Spectres, led by a Mandalorian named Kanan Jarrus. In the episode "The Last Battle," the Spectres teamed up with General Kalani and his droid army to escape an Imperial siege on Agamar. Although Kalani was technically from the Empire, his background as a clone of the Separatist General Kalani added a layer of complexity to the Rebel Alliance's strategies and tactics.

New Frontiers: Separatists in the Rebel Universe

Under the Legends continuity, we find another fascinating story about a former Separatist senator’s descendant joining the Rebel cause. In Battlefront 2: Inferno Squad, written by Christina Golden, Lux Bonteri, the son of former Separatist senator Mina Bonteri, took up arms against the Imperial regime. Lux became the leader of a Partisan offshoot called the Dreamers, further illustrating how the boundaries between old enemies were blurred in the galaxy's shifting politics.

These stories not only demonstrate the evolving nature of political and military alliances but also highlight the complexity of interpersonal relationships within the Star Wars universe. From Count Dooku to Mina Bonteri, the line between friend and foe was often blurred, making for a rich tapestry of characters and narratives.

Conclusion

While the Rebel Alliance and the Separatist Alliance were once bitter enemies, the Star Wars universe offers compelling stories of former Separatists joining the cause of freedom. Whether through personal choices or strategic thought, many Separatists found it in their hearts to fight for a better future, leading to unexpected alliances and collaborations. These tales underscore the universal theme of change and the complex nature of ideological evolution in the galaxy far, far away.

Keywords: Rebel Alliance, Separatist Alliance, Clone Wars, Cassus, Hask Taff, Kalani