| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Courier at age 18 |
| 1 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 1 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 2 | Voluntarily left Courier |
| 2 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 22 |
| 2 | Is now a Crewman |
| 2 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 2 | Commissioned in Navy/Engineer/Gunner |
| 2 | Is now a Ensign |
| 2 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 2 |
| 2 | Is now a Sublieutenant |
| 3 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 26 |
| 3 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 3 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 3 |
| 3 | Is now a Lieutenant |
| 4 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 30 |
| 4 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 4 | Gain a contact. |
| 4 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 4 |
| 4 | Is now a Commander |
| 5 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 34 |
| 5 | Abuse your position for profit |
| 5 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 5 |
| 5 | Is now a Captain |
| 6 | Voluntarily left Engineer/Gunner |
| 6 | Became a Wanderer at age 38 |
| 6 | Betrayed by a friend. One of your Contacts or Allies betrays you, ending your career. That Contact or Ally becomes a Rival or Enemy. |
| 7 | Switched to Scavenger at age 42 |
| 7 | Betrayed by a friend. One of your Contacts or Allies betrays you, ending your career. That Contact or Ally becomes a Rival or Enemy. |
| 8 | Became a Enforcer at age 46 |
| 8 | Betrayed by a friend. One of your Contacts or Allies betrays you, ending your career. That Contact or Ally becomes a Rival or Enemy. |
| 9 | Returned to Engineer/Gunner at age 50 |
| 9 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 9 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 6 |
| 9 | Is now a Admiral |
| 10 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | You are tormented by or quarrel with an officer or fellow crewman. Gain that character as a Rival. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Retired at age 58 |
| 11 | A romantic relationship deepens, possibly leading to marriage. Gain an Ally. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |