[@Jig] The disparate nature of the opening means that there's plenty of ways for anyone who's currently faded out to rejoin the goings-on without so much as a hiccup, and at this stage especially, characters can account for a gap in time more or less any way they please.  Personally, I think the more the merrier, so if you're feeling it again, plunge back in.  That goes for anyone else who's interested in reappearing, too!