| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Surveyor at age 18 |
| 1 | You spend a great deal of time on the fringes of Charted Space. |
| 1 | Gain a contact in an alien race. |
| 2 | Continued as Surveyor at age 22 |
| 2 | You survey an alien world. |
| 3 | Continued as Surveyor at age 26 |
| 3 | Perform an exemplary service for the scouts. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 3 | Is now a Scout |
| 4 | Continued as Surveyor at age 30 |
| 4 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 5 | Became a Field Researcher at age 34 |
| 5 | A disaster leaves several injured, and others blame you, forcing you to leave your career. Gain a Rival. |
| 5 | Lost eye or limb. Fully recovered. Owe 5,000 for medical bills. |
| 6 | Switched to Courier at age 38 |
| 6 | Perform an exemplary service for the scouts. |
| 6 | Forced to continue current assignment |
| 6 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 7 | Continued as Courier at age 42 |
| 7 | You survey an alien world. |
| 8 | Continued as Courier at age 46 |
| 8 | You have no idea what happened to you – they found your ship drifting on the fringes of friendly space. |
| 9 | Became a Line/Crew at age 50 |
| 9 | Is now a Crewman |
| 9 | Commanding officer takes an interest in your career. |
| 9 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 1 |
| 9 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 10 | Aging Crisis. Owe 60,000 for medical bills. |
| 10 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 54 |
| 10 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 10 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 2 |
| 10 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 11 | Aging Crisis. Owe 10,000 for medical bills. |
| 11 | Continued as Line/Crew at age 58 |
| 11 | Good fortune |
| 11 | Promoted to Line/Crew rank 3 |
| 11 | Is now a Petty Officer, 2nd class |
| 12 | Aging Crisis. Owe 20,000 for medical bills. |