| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Scavenger at age 18 |
| 1 | Severely injured. Fully recovered. Owe 5,000 for medical bills. |
| 2 | Became a Free Trader at age 22 |
| 2 | Given advanced training in a specialist field |
| 3 | Continued as Free Trader at age 26 |
| 3 | Make an unexpected connection outside your normal circles. Gain a Contact. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 4 | Continued as Free Trader at age 30 |
| 4 | Imperial trade restrictions force you out of business. |
| 5 | Became a Line/Crew at age 34 |
| 5 | Is now a Crewman |
| 5 | You are tormented by or quarrel with an officer or fellow crewman. Gain that character as a Rival. |
| 6 | Became a Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 6 | Severely injured. Owe 5,000 for medical bills. |
| 6 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | An expedition or voyage goes wrong, leaving you stranded in the wilderness. |
| 8 | Switched to Engineer/Gunner at age 46 |
| 8 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 9 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 9 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 50 |
| 9 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 10 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | Refuse to abuse your position for profit |
| 10 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 10 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 58 |
| 11 | Commanding officer takes an interest in your career. |
| 11 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 11 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 62 |
| 12 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 12 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 3 |
| 12 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |