| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Surveyor at age 18 |
| 1 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 1 | Psychologically damaged by your time in the scouts. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 1 | Is now a Scout |
| 2 | Voluntarily left Surveyor |
| 2 | Became a Corporate at age 22 |
| 2 | You befriend a superior in the corporation or the colony. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Continued as Corporate at age 26 |
| 3 | Your business expands, your corporation grows, or the colony thrives. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Is now a Manager |
| 4 | Voluntarily left Corporate |
| 4 | Became a Free Trader at age 30 |
| 4 | Imperial trade restrictions force you out of business. |
| 5 | Became a Physician at age 34 |
| 5 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 6 | Continued as Physician at age 38 |
| 6 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 7 | Voluntarily left Physician |
| 7 | Became a Line/Crew at age 42 |
| 7 | Is now a Crewman |
| 7 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 7 | Gain a contact. |
| 7 | Attempt at commissioned failed. |
| 7 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 7 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 8 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 46 |
| 8 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 8 | Gain a contact. |
| 8 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 2 |
| 8 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 9 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 50 |
| 9 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 9 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 3 |
| 9 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 10 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 54 |
| 10 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 10 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 4 |
| 10 | Is now a Petty Officer, 1st class |
| 11 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 58 |
| 11 | Commanding officer takes an interest in your career. |
| 11 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 5 |
| 11 | Is now a Chief Petty Officer |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 62 |
| 12 | You are tormented by or quarrel with an officer or fellow crewman. Gain that character as a Rival. |
| 12 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 6 |
| 12 | Is now a Master Chief |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 13 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 66 |
| 13 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 13 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 7 |
| 14 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |
| 14 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 70 |
| 14 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 14 | Forced to muster out. |
| 15 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 15 | Retired at age 74 |
| 15 | A romantic relationship deepens, possibly leading to marriage. Gain an Ally. |
| 16 | Aging Crisis. Owe 30,000 for medical bills. |