| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Scientist at age 18 |
| 1 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Scientist at age 22 |
| 2 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Scientist at age 26 |
| 3 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 3 | Forced to muster out. |
| 4 | Became a Free Trader at age 30 |
| 4 | Refuse to smuggle illegal items onto a planet. Gain an Enemy. |
| 5 | Voluntarily left Free Trader |
| 5 | Became a Line/Crew at age 34 |
| 5 | Is now a Crewman |
| 5 | Advanced training in a specialist field |
| 5 | Attempt at commissioned failed. |
| 6 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 38 |
| 6 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 6 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 6 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 7 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 42 |
| 7 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 7 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 2 |
| 7 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 8 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 46 |
| 8 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 8 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 3 |
| 8 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 9 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 50 |
| 9 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 9 | Forced to muster out. |
| 10 | Switched to Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 10 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 4 |
| 10 | Is now a Petty Officer, 1st class |