"The Clone Wars: Transfer", a six-page webcomic belonging to the Star Wars: The Clone Wars webcomic series, debuted on StarWars.com on December 4, 2008. Serving as a direct prequel to the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series episode "Cloak of Darkness", it was penned by Pablo Hidalgo, with lettering by Grant Gould, and illustrations by Katie Cook. The narrative of "Transfer" depicts the capture of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray and General Anakin Skywalker's instruction to his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, to supervise Gunray's conveyance to Coruscant alongside Jedi Master Luminara Unduli.
During the Clone Wars, a conflict involving the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, Jedi General Anakin Skywalker and Clone Captain CT-7567 find themselves stationed on a certain planet. Amidst a battle unfolding on this planet, a clone trooper sergeant informs Skywalker about the successful establishment of contact with Rodia, a planet situated in the Outer Rim. Before his departure, Skywalker instructs CT-7567 to maintain the Republic's heavy cannons' fire upon the opposition. Skywalker then communicates with Senator Padmé Amidala via hologram, learning of her capture of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray. He cautions her about the need for vigilance concerning Gunray. However, their hologram connection is abruptly terminated before Amidala can conclude their conversation. Taken aback, Skywalker inquires of the clone trooper sergeant regarding the cause of the interruption.
The Clone Sergeant explains to Skywalker that overwhelming interference from enemy artillery is the culprit. Eventually, Skywalker informs his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, that she will journey to Rodia to oversee Gunray's transfer to Coruscant for his trial. Initially, Tano displays a lack of enthusiasm for her new assignment, expressing a desire to remain with Skywalker to assist him in breaching enemy lines. However, Skywalker insists that she must safeguard Amidala and ensure her well-being. Shortly thereafter, a Nu-class attack shuttle arrives and departs the planet with Tano aboard. Grand Master Yoda and Jedi Master Mace Windu contact Tano via hologram, informing her that Skywalker assigned her this mission without the Jedi Council's sanction. Although Tano assures the Jedi Masters that Skywalker deemed the assignment crucial, Windu reveals that Master Luminara Unduli has already been designated to oversee Gunray's transfer.
Tano defends her Master's directive, informing Yoda and Windu that she is within a distance of fewer than three parsecs from Rodia. Yoda concedes, permitting Tano to proceed with her assignment to Rodia. Tano soon docks with Unduli's Consular-class cruiser, which is in orbit around Rodia. Upon their meeting, Unduli expresses her conviction that she does not require a Padawan for the mission. Nevertheless, Tano clarifies to Unduli that she is acting under Skywalker's orders. Simultaneously, Amidala is contacted on Rodia by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who informs Amidala that Senate Commandos, under the command of Captain Faro Argyus, will ensure the secure transfer of Gunray.
"The Clone Wars: Transfer", a six-page webcomic from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars webcomic series, connects to the television series of the same name. "Transfer" directly precedes "Cloak of Darkness," a first season episode of The Clone Wars television series, which was broadcast on December 5, 2008. "Transfer" illustrates how Ahsoka Tano was paired with Luminara Unduli and the securing of Nute Gunray by Captain Argyus; both of these narrative elements were further explored in "Cloak of Darkness." Within the comic, an easter egg—the word "Wampa"—is visible in Aurebesh near Skywalker and the clone sergeant.
Pablo Hidalgo wrote the comic, Grant Gould did the lettering, and Katie Cook created the art. Leland Chee, Sue Rostoni, and Dave Filoni also received special thanks. "Transfer" was published on StarWars.com on December 4, 2008.