You're right. It is pretty damn iffy.
For one thing, manipulation of the nervous system to trigger sleep (as Cologne did) will do it. Zonking out from being drugged (intoxication) will do it. But a knock-out blow doesn't? Something's a little fishey there and the Author needs to explain it.
Of course, he could just say not to examine this too closely.
ETA: It also occurs to me that with the Midchildans having pretty much cornered the market on Interdimensional Travel (the only ones with a greater degree of savvy on the subject would be the Time Lords, IMHO), it wouldn't take much effort on Jail Scaglietti's part to lock Our Hapless Hero down to the universe he currently occupies. Right?
For one thing, manipulation of the nervous system to trigger sleep (as Cologne did) will do it. Zonking out from being drugged (intoxication) will do it. But a knock-out blow doesn't? Something's a little fishey there and the Author needs to explain it.
Of course, he could just say not to examine this too closely.
ETA: It also occurs to me that with the Midchildans having pretty much cornered the market on Interdimensional Travel (the only ones with a greater degree of savvy on the subject would be the Time Lords, IMHO), it wouldn't take much effort on Jail Scaglietti's part to lock Our Hapless Hero down to the universe he currently occupies. Right?