| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Scavenger at age 18 |
| 1 | Suffer from a life-threatening illness. |
| 2 | Became a Journalist at age 22 |
| 2 | An investigation, tour, project or expedition goes wrong, stranding you far from home. |
| 3 | Became a Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 3 | Scarred. Fully recovered. Owe 2,500 for medical bills. |
| 3 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | Severely injured. Owe 5,000 for medical bills. |
| 5 | Switched to Wanderer at age 34 |
| 6 | Continued as Wanderer at age 38 |
| 6 | run afoul of a criminal gang, corrupt bureaucrat or other foe. Gain an Enemy. |
| 7 | Switched to Scientist at age 42 |
| 7 | Cheated in some fashion, advancing your career and research by stealing another’s work, using an alien device, taking a shortcut and so forth. |
| 7 | Gain an Enemy |
| 8 | Continued as Scientist at age 46 |
| 8 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 9 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 9 | Voluntarily left Scientist |
| 9 | Retired at age 50 |
| 9 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |