| Term | History |
|---|
| 1 | Became a Journalist at age 18 |
| 1 | An investigation, tour, project or expedition goes wrong, stranding you far from home. |
| 2 | Became a Surveyor at age 22 |
| 2 | When dealing with an alien race, you botch an opportunity to gather extra intelligence about them. |
| 2 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Is now a Scout |
| 3 | Voluntarily left Surveyor |
| 3 | Became a Scientist at age 26 |
| 3 | Betrayal. Convert an Ally into a Rival or Enemy. |
| 4 | Continued as Scientist at age 30 |
| 4 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 5 | Continued as Scientist at age 34 |
| 5 | Gained a contact. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 6 | Continued as Scientist at age 38 |
| 6 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 7 | Continued as Scientist at age 42 |
| 7 | Work leads to a considerable breakthrough. |
| 7 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 8 | Continued as Scientist at age 46 |
| 8 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 9 | Continued as Scientist at age 50 |
| 9 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 9 | Promoted to rank 5 |
| 10 | Continued as Scientist at age 54 |
| 10 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 10 | Promoted to rank 6 |
| 11 | Continued as Scientist at age 58 |
| 11 | Caught cheating in some fashion, advancing your career and research by stealing another’s work, using an alien device, taking a shortcut and so forth. |
| 11 | A disaster leaves several injured, and others blame you, forcing you to leave your career. Gain a Rival. |
| 11 | Nearly killed. Fully recovered. |
| 11 | Gain an Enemy |
| 11 | Forced to muster out. |