Interesting how the pacing has changed. I think I prefer this over having John exit the story and return healed. It makes it easier for him to be a protagonist again, moves him as a character back closer to the center, and feels more realistic. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some important clue to the larger threats that he comes across here, which is a touch contrived, but it's not bad storytelling. He still needs to figure out the stuff around Keon; I hope he can open up about that somewhat at some point.