| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Free Trader at age 18 |
| 1 | Make an unexpected connection outside your normal circles. Gain a Contact. |
| 2 | Continued as Free Trader at age 22 |
| 2 | Given advanced training in a specialist field |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Continued as Free Trader at age 26 |
| 3 | A series of bad deals and decisions force you into bankruptcy. You salvage what you can. |
| 4 | Became a Barbarian at age 30 |
| 4 | run afoul of a criminal gang, corrupt bureaucrat or other foe. Gain an Enemy. |
| 5 | Became a Line/Crew at age 34 |
| 5 | Is now a Crewman |
| 5 | Advanced training in a specialist field |
| 5 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 5 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 6 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 38 |
| 6 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 6 | Commissioned in Navy/Line/Crew |
| 6 | Is now a Ensign |
| 6 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 2 |
| 6 | Is now a Sublieutenant |
| 7 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 42 |
| 7 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 7 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 3 |
| 7 | Is now a Lieutenant |
| 8 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 46 |
| 8 | Refuse to abuse your position for profit |
| 8 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 4 |
| 8 | Is now a Commander |
| 9 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 50 |
| 9 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 9 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 5 |
| 9 | Is now a Captain |
| 10 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 54 |
| 10 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 10 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 6 |
| 10 | Is now a Admiral |
| 11 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 58 |
| 11 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 11 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 7 |
| 12 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 62 |
| 12 | You join a gambling circle on board. |
| 12 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 8 |
| 12 | Forced to muster out. |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 13 | Retired at age 66 |
| 13 | Birth or Death involving a family member or close friend. |
| 14 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 14 | Victim of a crime |
| 15 | Aging Crisis. Owe 30,000 for medical bills. |