| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Journalist at age 18 |
| 1 | You are forced out because of censorship or controversy. What truth did you get too close to? |
| 2 | Became a Courier at age 22 |
| 2 | When dealing with an alien race, you have an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. Gain an Ally in the Imperium |
| 3 | Continued as Courier at age 26 |
| 3 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Scout |
| 4 | Continued as Courier at age 30 |
| 4 | Serve as the courier for an important message from the Imperium. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 5 | Continued as Courier at age 34 |
| 5 | Your ship is damaged, and you have to hitch-hike your way back across the stars to the nearest scout base. |
| 5 | Gain 4 Contacts. Gain 1 Enemies. |
| 6 | Became a Scientist at age 38 |
| 6 | An expedition or voyage goes wrong, leaving you stranded in the wilderness. |
| 7 | Switched to Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 8 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 46 |
| 8 | A rival researcher blackens your name or steals your research. Gain a Rival. |
| 9 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 50 |
| 9 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 10 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 54 |
| 10 | Your work is sabotaged by unknown parties. You start again from scratch. |
| 11 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 58 |
| 11 | Refused to perform research that goes against your conscience. |
| 11 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 62 |
| 12 | Your work is sabotaged by unknown parties. You may salvage what you can and give up. |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |