| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Explorer at age 18 |
| 1 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 1 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 1 | Is now a Scout |
| 2 | Continued as Explorer at age 22 |
| 2 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 3 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 26 |
| 3 | Is now a Crewman |
| 3 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 3 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 4 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 30 |
| 4 | You foil an attempted crime on board, such as mutiny, sabotage, smuggling or conspiracy. Gain an Enemy. |
| 4 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 4 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 5 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 34 |
| 5 | Advanced training in a specialist field |
| 6 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 38 |
| 6 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 6 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 3 |
| 6 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 7 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 42 |
| 7 | Lost eye or limb. Fully recovered. |
| 8 | Became a Field Researcher at age 46 |
| 8 | A rival researcher blackens your name or steals your research. Gain a Rival. |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 9 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 9 | Returned to Engineer/Gunner at age 50 |
| 9 | Gained a contact. |
| 9 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 4 |
| 9 | Is now a Petty Officer, 1st class |
| 10 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 10 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 5 |
| 10 | Is now a Chief Petty Officer |
| 10 | Forced to muster out. |