| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Explorer at age 18 |
| 1 | You discover a world, item or information of worth to the Imperium. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 1 | Is now a Scout |
| 2 | Continued as Explorer at age 22 |
| 2 | Perform an exemplary service for the scouts. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Explorer at age 26 |
| 3 | Spend several years jumping from world to world in your scout ship. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 3 | Is now a Senior Scout |
| 4 | Continued as Explorer at age 30 |
| 4 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 5 | Became a Colonist at age 34 |
| 5 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 6 | Continued as Colonist at age 38 |
| 6 | Your business expands, your corporation grows, or the colony thrives. |
| 7 | Voluntarily left Colonist |
| 7 | Became a Scientist at age 42 |
| 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 Scientist at age 46 |
| 8 | 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. |
| 8 | An expedition or voyage goes wrong, leaving you stranded in the wilderness. |
| 8 | Gain an Enemy |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 9 | Continued as Scientist at age 50 |
| 9 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 10 | Continued as Scientist at age 54 |
| 10 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 10 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 11 | Continued as Scientist at age 58 |
| 11 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 11 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 30,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Continued as Scientist at age 62 |
| 12 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 12 | Promoted to rank 5 |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 30,000 for medical bills. |
| 13 | Continued as Scientist at age 66 |
| 13 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 13 | Promoted to rank 6 |
| 14 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 14 | Continued as Scientist at age 70 |
| 14 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 14 | Promoted to rank 7 |
| 15 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |