| Term | History |
|---|
| 1 | Became a Field Researcher at age 18 |
| 1 | Caught cheating in some fashion, advancing your career and research by stealing another’s work, using an alien device, taking a shortcut and so forth. |
| 1 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 1 | Scarred. Owe 1,250 for medical bills. |
| 1 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 1 | Gain an Enemy |
| 2 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 2 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 22 |
| 2 | Is now a Crewman |
| 2 | You are tormented by or quarrel with an officer or fellow crewman. Gain that character as a Rival. |
| 3 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 26 |
| 3 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 3 | Attempt at commissioned failed. |
| 3 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 4 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 30 |
| 4 | Abuse your position for profit |
| 4 | Attempt at commissioned failed. |
| 4 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 4 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 5 | Voluntarily left Engineer/Gunner |
| 5 | Switched to Line/Crew at age 34 |
| 5 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 5 | Commissioned in Navy/Line/Crew |
| 5 | Is now a Ensign |
| 5 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 2 |
| 5 | Is now a Sublieutenant |
| 6 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 38 |
| 6 | A romantic relationship ends badly. Gain a Rival or Enemy. |
| 7 | Voluntarily left Line/Crew |
| 7 | Became a Courier at age 42 |
| 7 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 8 | Continued as Courier at age 46 |
| 8 | Gained a contact. |
| 9 | Continued as Courier at age 50 |
| 9 | You spend a great deal of time on the fringes of Charted Space. |
| 9 | Your ship is damaged, and you have to hitch-hike your way back across the stars to the nearest scout base. |
| 9 | Gain 4 Contacts. Gain 1 Enemies. |
| 10 | Continued as Courier at age 54 |
| 10 | Spend several years jumping from world to world in your scout ship. |
| 10 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 10 | Is now a Scout |
| 11 | Continued as Courier at age 58 |
| 11 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 11 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |