| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Surveyor at age 18 |
| 1 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 2 | Continued as Surveyor at age 22 |
| 2 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 3 | Became a Line/Crew at age 26 |
| 3 | Is now a Crewman |
| 3 | Abuse your position for profit |
| 3 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 4 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 30 |
| 4 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 5 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 34 |
| 5 | A new romantic starts. Gain an Ally. |
| 5 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 2 |
| 5 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 6 | Voluntarily left Line/Crew |
| 6 | Became a Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 8 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 46 |
| 8 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 8 | Lightly injured, no permanent damage. Fully recovered. |
| 8 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working secretely. |
| 9 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 50 |
| 9 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 9 | Lost eye or limb. Fully recovered. Owe 2,500 for medical bills. |
| 9 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |