| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Field Researcher at age 18 |
| 1 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 2 | Assigned to work on a secret project for a patron or organisation. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | Caught cheating in some fashion, advancing your career and research by stealing another’s work, using an alien device, taking a shortcut and so forth. |
| 3 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 3 | Lightly injured, no permanent damage. Fully recovered. |
| 3 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 3 | Gain an Enemy |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 4 | Nearly killed. Owe 6,250 for medical bills. |
| 4 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working secretely. |
| 5 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Moved to a new world. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Assigned to work on a secret project for a patron or organisation. |
| 6 | Forced to muster out. |
| 7 | Became a Surveyor at age 42 |
| 7 | You survey an alien world. |
| 8 | Continued as Surveyor at age 46 |
| 8 | You spend a great deal of time on the fringes of Charted Space. |
| 8 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 9 | Continued as Surveyor at age 50 |
| 9 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 10 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | Is now a Crewman |
| 10 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 10 | Gain a contact. |
| 10 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 10 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 58 |
| 11 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 11 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 11 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |