| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Courier at age 18 |
| 1 | Moved to a new world. |
| 2 | Continued as Courier at age 22 |
| 2 | You survey an alien world. |
| 3 | Continued as Courier at age 26 |
| 3 | Spend several years jumping from world to world in your scout ship. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Scout |
| 4 | Continued as Courier at age 30 |
| 4 | You inadvertently cause a conflict between the Imperium and a minor world or race. Gain a Rival. |
| 5 | Became a Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Birth or Death involving a family member or close friend. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 8 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 46 |
| 8 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 8 | Severely injured. Owe 3,750 for medical bills. |
| 8 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working openly and gain an Enemy. |
| 9 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 50 |
| 9 | An expedition or voyage goes wrong, leaving you stranded in the wilderness. |
| 10 | Became a Scavenger at age 54 |
| 10 | Find valuable salvage. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Continued as Scavenger at age 58 |
| 11 | Betrayed by a friend. One of your Contacts or Allies betrays you, ending your career. That Contact or Ally becomes a Rival or Enemy. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Retired at age 62 |
| 12 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |
| 13 | Good fortune |
| 14 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 14 | Birth or Death involving a family member or close friend. |
| 15 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |