| Term | History |
|---|
| 1 | Entered Naval Academy at age 18 |
| 1 | Spent the college years partying. |
| 1 | Kicked out of military academy. |
| 2 | Became a Explorer at age 18 |
| 2 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 3 | Became a Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 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 leaves several injured, and others blame you, forcing you to leave your career. Gain a Rival. |
| 3 | Injured. Fully recovered. Owe 2,500 for medical bills. |
| 3 | Gain an Enemy |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 4 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 5 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 5 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 6 | Moved to a new world. |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 7 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 7 | Lightly injured, no permanent damage. Fully recovered. |
| 7 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 8 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 8 | Assigned to work on a secret project for a patron or organisation. |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 9 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 46 |
| 9 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 10 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 50 |
| 10 | Work leads to a considerable breakthrough. |
| 10 | Promoted to rank 5 |
| 11 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 54 |
| 11 | Injured. Fully recovered. Owe 1,250 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Switched to Surveyor at age 58 |
| 12 | Moved to a new world. |
| 12 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 12 | Is now a Scout |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 13 | Continued as Surveyor at age 62 |
| 13 | Your scout ship is one of the first on the scene to rescue the survivors of a disaster but you fail to help. Gain an Enemy. |
| 13 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 13 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 14 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 14 | Continued as Surveyor at age 66 |
| 14 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 15 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |