| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Explorer at age 18 |
| 1 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 2 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 22 |
| 2 | Is now a Crewman |
| 2 | Commanding officer takes an interest in your career. |
| 2 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 2 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 3 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 26 |
| 3 | Refuse to abuse your position for profit |
| 3 | Forced to continue current assignment |
| 3 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 3 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 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 3 |
| 4 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 5 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 34 |
| 5 | Abuse your position for profit |
| 5 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 4 |
| 5 | Is now a Petty Officer, 1st class |
| 6 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 38 |
| 6 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 6 | Gain a contact. |
| 6 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 5 |
| 6 | Is now a Chief Petty Officer |
| 7 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 42 |
| 7 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 7 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 6 |
| 7 | Is now a Master Chief |
| 8 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 46 |
| 8 | Gained a contact. |
| 8 | Forced to muster out. |
| 9 | Became a Free Trader at age 50 |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 10 | Voluntarily left Free Trader |
| 10 | Became a Scientist at age 54 |
| 10 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 11 | Continued as Scientist at age 58 |
| 11 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 11 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |