| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Colonist at age 18 |
| 1 | You are rewarded for your diligence or cunning. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Colonist at age 22 |
| 2 | You are rewarded for your diligence or cunning. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 2 | Is now a Settler |
| 3 | Continued as Colonist at age 26 |
| 3 | A romantic relationship ends badly. Gain a Rival or Enemy. |
| 3 | Forced to muster out. |
| 4 | Became a Surveyor at age 30 |
| 4 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 4 | Your ship is damaged, and you have to hitch-hike your way back across the stars to the nearest scout base. |
| 4 | Gain 6 Contacts. Gain 1 Enemies. |
| 5 | Continued as Surveyor at age 34 |
| 5 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 5 | Your ship is damaged, and you have to hitch-hike your way back across the stars to the nearest scout base. |
| 5 | Gain 6 Contacts. Gain 1 Enemies. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 5 | Is now a Scout |
| 6 | Continued as Surveyor at age 38 |
| 6 | Perform an exemplary service for the scouts. |
| 7 | Continued as Surveyor at age 42 |
| 7 | A new romantic starts. Gain an Ally. |
| 8 | Continued as Surveyor at age 46 |
| 8 | Moved to a new world. |
| 8 | Forced to muster out. |
| 9 | Switched to Explorer at age 50 |
| 9 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 10 | Retired at age 54 |
| 10 | A romantic relationship ends badly. Gain a Rival or Enemy. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |