| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Field Researcher at age 18 |
| 1 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 2 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | Cheated in some fashion, advancing your career and research by stealing another’s work, using an alien device, taking a shortcut and so forth. |
| 4 | Gain an Enemy |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 5 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Nearly killed. Owe 6,250 for medical bills. |
| 6 | Became a Courier at age 38 |
| 6 | When dealing with an alien race, you have an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. Gain an Ally in the Imperium |
| 7 | Continued as Courier at age 42 |
| 7 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 7 | Lost eye or limb. Fully recovered. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 8 | Continued as Courier at age 46 |
| 8 | Your scout ship is one of the first on the scene to rescue the survivors of a disaster but you fail to help. Gain an Enemy. |
| 8 | Nearly killed. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 8 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 8 | Is now a Scout |
| 9 | Continued as Courier at age 50 |
| 9 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 9 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 10 | Continued as Courier at age 54 |
| 10 | Psychologically damaged by your time in the scouts. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Retired at age 58 |
| 11 | A romantic relationship deepens, possibly leading to marriage. Gain an Ally. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 30,000 for medical bills. |