Quietly coming between factionally divided vets (8)
I believe the answer is:
inspects
'vets' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with perception as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
(Other definitions for inspects that I've seen before include "Examines, subjects to scrutiny" , "Examines carefully" , "acts as an Observer" , "Looks closely at something" , "Scrutinises" .)