| Term | History |
| 1 | Entered University at age 18 |
| 1 | Spent the college years partying. |
| 1 | Graduated with honors at age 22. |
| 2 | Became a Scavenger at age 22 |
| 2 | Survived a risky adventure but gained nothing. |
| 2 | Forced to muster out. |
| 3 | Became a Explorer at age 26 |
| 3 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 3 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Scout |
| 4 | Continued as Explorer at age 30 |
| 4 | Your ship is damaged, and you have to hitch-hike your way back across the stars to the nearest scout base. |
| 4 | Gain 3 Contacts. Gain 3 Enemies. |
| 5 | Became a Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 8 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 46 |
| 8 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 9 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 50 |
| 9 | Assigned to work on a secret project for a patron or organisation. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |
| 10 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 10 | Retired at age 54 |
| 10 | A new romantic starts. Gain an Ally. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |