| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Worker at age 18 |
| 1 | You learn something you should not have – a corporate secret, a political scandal – which you can profit from illegally. |
| 2 | Voluntarily left Worker |
| 2 | Became a Free Trader at age 22 |
| 2 | Befriend a useful ally in one sphere. Gain an Ally. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Continued as Free Trader at age 26 |
| 3 | A good deal ensures you are living the high life for a few years. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 4 | Continued as Free Trader at age 30 |
| 4 | Make an unexpected connection outside your normal circles. Gain a Contact. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 4 | Is now a Experienced Trader |
| 5 | Continued as Free Trader at age 34 |
| 5 | Moved to a new world. |
| 5 | Forced to muster out. |
| 6 | Became a Explorer at age 38 |
| 6 | Spend several years jumping from world to world in your scout ship. |
| 7 | Continued as Explorer at age 42 |
| 7 | Psychologically damaged by your time in the scouts. |
| 8 | Returned to Free Trader at age 46 |
| 8 | Make an unexpected connection outside your normal circles. Gain a Contact. |
| 8 | Forced to muster out. |
| 9 | Became a Line/Crew at age 50 |
| 9 | Is now a Crewman |
| 9 | You foil an attempted crime on board, such as mutiny, sabotage, smuggling or conspiracy. Gain an Enemy. |
| 9 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 9 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 10 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 54 |
| 10 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 10 | Gain a contact. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |