| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Explorer at age 18 |
| 1 | Spend several years jumping from world to world in your scout ship. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 1 | Is now a Scout |
| 2 | Continued as Explorer at age 22 |
| 2 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 3 | Became a Colonist at age 26 |
| 3 | You learn something you should not have – a corporate secret, a political scandal – which you can profit from illegally. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 4 | Continued as Colonist at age 30 |
| 4 | You befriend a superior in the corporation or the colony. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 4 | Is now a Settler |
| 5 | Continued as Colonist at age 34 |
| 5 | You learn something you should not have – a corporate secret, a political scandal – which you can profit from illegally. |
| 5 | Forced to muster out. |
| 6 | Became a Flight at age 38 |
| 6 | Is now a Crewman |
| 6 | Gained a contact. |
| 6 | Promoted to Flight rank 1 |
| 6 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 7 | Continued as Flight at age 42 |
| 7 | You foil an attempted crime on board, such as mutiny, sabotage, smuggling or conspiracy. Gain an Enemy. |
| 7 | Promoted to Flight rank 2 |
| 7 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 8 | Continued as Flight at age 46 |
| 8 | A romantic relationship ends badly. Gain a Rival or Enemy. |
| 8 | Promoted to Flight rank 3 |
| 8 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 9 | Continued as Flight at age 50 |
| 9 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 9 | Promoted to Flight rank 4 |
| 9 | Is now a Petty Officer, 1st class |