| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Field Researcher at age 18 |
| 1 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 1 | Lost eye or limb. Fully recovered. Owe 2,500 for medical bills. |
| 1 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 2 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 2 | Good fortune |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | Entangled in a bureaucratic or legal morass that distracts you from your work. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 5 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Entangled in a bureaucratic or legal morass that distracts you from your work. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | 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. |
| 7 | Nearly killed. Fully recovered. Owe 25,000 for medical bills. |
| 7 | Gain an Enemy |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 8 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 8 | Became a Merchant Marine at age 46 |
| 8 | Is now a Crewman |
| 8 | Make an unexpected connection outside your normal circles. Gain a Contact. |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 8 | Is now a Senior Crewman |
| 9 | Continued as Merchant Marine at age 50 |
| 9 | A romantic relationship deepens, possibly leading to marriage. Gain an Ally. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 9 | Is now a 4th Officer |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |