putting it simply with 'core' having the major power play on what new updates can change the protocol.

if Wlad disapeared without passing on access to the core github repo. or github just froze access to the github repo of core. bitcoin will continue under its current version, without updates for a while.

whilst devs then re-organise under a new development tool platform and regain the trust of the community that their new platform access of sourcecode/new versions has no bugs/flaw/trojans.

this will take a little time for a new trusted power base to form which can have the same power to make updates the community follow en-majority.

bitcoin wont cease to function as a network. just a lengthy delay between new updates