| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Free Trader at age 18 |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Free Trader at age 22 |
| 2 | Make an unexpected connection outside your normal circles. Gain a Contact. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Free Trader at age 26 |
| 3 | Befriend a useful ally in one sphere. Gain an Ally. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 3 | Is now a Experienced Trader |
| 4 | Continued as Free Trader at age 30 |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 5 | Continued as Free Trader at age 34 |
| 5 | Embroiled in legal trouble. |
| 5 | Forced to muster out. |
| 6 | Became a Scientist at age 38 |
| 6 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 7 | Continued as 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 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 9 | Voluntarily left Scientist |
| 9 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 50 |
| 9 | Is now a Crewman |
| 9 | Abuse your position for profit |
| 10 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | You foil an attempted crime on board, such as mutiny, sabotage, smuggling or conspiracy. Gain an Enemy. |
| 10 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 10 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 11 | Voluntarily left Engineer/Gunner |
| 11 | Switched to Line/Crew at age 58 |
| 11 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 11 | Commissioned in Navy/Line/Crew |
| 11 | Is now a Ensign |
| 11 | Forced to continue current assignment |
| 11 | Promoted to Line/Crew officer rank 2 |
| 11 | Is now a Sublieutenant |