| Term | History |
|---|
| 1 | Became a Free Trader at age 18 |
| 1 | Imperial trade restrictions force you out of business. |
| 2 | Became a Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 2 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | An expedition or voyage goes wrong, leaving you stranded in the wilderness. |
| 4 | Switched to Scientist at age 30 |
| 4 | Entangled in a bureaucratic or legal morass that distracts you from your work. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 5 | Continued as Scientist at age 34 |
| 5 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 6 | Continued as Scientist at age 38 |
| 6 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 7 | Continued as Scientist at age 42 |
| 7 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 8 | Continued as Scientist at age 46 |
| 8 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 8 | Lost eye or limb. Fully recovered. |
| 8 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 9 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 9 | Continued as Scientist at age 50 |
| 9 | A romantic relationship deepens, possibly leading to marriage. Gain an Ally. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 10 | Continued as Scientist at age 54 |
| 10 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 10 | Forced to muster out. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |