| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Free Trader at age 18 |
| 1 | Given advanced training in a specialist field |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Free Trader at age 22 |
| 2 | Severely injured. Owe 6,250 for medical bills. |
| 3 | Became a Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 3 | Nearly killed. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 3 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working secretely. |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | Work leads to a considerable breakthrough. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 5 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 5 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 6 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 38 |
| 6 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 7 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 42 |
| 7 | A disaster leaves several injured, and others blame you, forcing you to leave your career. Gain a Rival. |
| 7 | Severely injured. Fully recovered. Owe 7,500 for medical bills. |
| 8 | Became a Line/Crew at age 46 |
| 8 | Is now a Crewman |
| 8 | Vessel participates in a notable military engagement. |
| 8 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 8 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 9 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 50 |
| 9 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 9 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 2 |
| 9 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 10 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 54 |
| 10 | Commanding officer takes an interest in your career. |
| 10 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 3 |
| 10 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 58 |
| 11 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 11 | Gain a contact. |
| 11 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 4 |
| 11 | Is now a Petty Officer, 1st class |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 62 |
| 12 | You foil an attempted crime on board, such as mutiny, sabotage, smuggling or conspiracy. Gain an Enemy. |
| 12 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 5 |
| 12 | Is now a Chief Petty Officer |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |