| 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 | 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. |
| 2 | A disaster leaves several injured, and others blame you, forcing you to leave your career. Gain a Rival. |
| 2 | Scarred. Owe 2,500 for medical bills. |
| 2 | Gain an Enemy |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | Work for an eccentric but brilliant mentor, who becomes an Ally. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | Make a breakthrough in your field. |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 5 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 5 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 34 |
| 5 | Is now a Crewman |
| 5 | Special assignment or duty on board ship. |
| 5 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 5 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 6 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 38 |
| 6 | You are tormented by or quarrel with an officer or fellow crewman. Gain that character as a Rival. |
| 7 | Became a Wanderer at age 42 |
| 7 | Scarred. Fully recovered. Owe 5,000 for medical bills. |
| 8 | Became a Explorer at age 46 |
| 8 | Nearly killed. Owe 22,500 for medical bills. |
| 9 | Returned to Engineer/Gunner at age 50 |
| 9 | A romantic relationship deepens, possibly leading to marriage. Gain an Ally. |
| 9 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 9 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 10 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 54 |
| 10 | Scarred. |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 50,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Retired at age 58 |
| 11 | Lightly injured, no permanent damage. Fully recovered. |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 12 | A romantic relationship ends badly. Gain a Rival or Enemy. |
| 13 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 13 | Good fortune |
| 14 | Aging Crisis. Owe 40,000 for medical bills. |
| 14 | Birth or Death involving a family member or close friend. |
| 15 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |