| Term | History |
| 1 | Became a Field Researcher at age 18 |
| 1 | Refuse to join a cheat in some fashion. |
| 1 | Promoted to rank 1 |
| 2 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 22 |
| 2 | Win a prestigious prize for your work. |
| 2 | Promoted to rank 2 |
| 3 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 26 |
| 3 | Advanced training in a specialist field. |
| 3 | Promoted to rank 3 |
| 4 | Continued as Field Researcher at age 30 |
| 4 | 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. |
| 4 | A disaster or war strikes. |
| 4 | Lightly injured, no permanent damage. Fully recovered. |
| 4 | The planetary government interferes with your research for political or religious reasons. You continue working secretely. |
| 4 | Gain an Enemy |
| 4 | Promoted to rank 4 |
| 5 | Voluntarily left Field Researcher |
| 5 | Became a Engineer/Gunner at age 34 |
| 5 | Is now a Crewman |
| 5 | Gained a contact. |
| 6 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 38 |
| 6 | Good fortune |
| 6 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 1 |
| 6 | Is now a Able Spacehand |
| 7 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 42 |
| 7 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 7 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner rank 2 |
| 7 | Is now a Petty Officer, 3rd class |
| 8 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 46 |
| 8 | Display heroism in battle, saving the whole ship. |
| 8 | Commissioned in Navy/Engineer/Gunner |
| 8 | Is now a Ensign |
| 8 | Forced to continue current assignment |
| 8 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 2 |
| 8 | Is now a Sublieutenant |
| 9 | Continued as Engineer/Gunner at age 50 |
| 9 | Vessel participates in a diplomatic mission. |
| 9 | Promoted to Engineer/Gunner officer rank 3 |
| 9 | Is now a Lieutenant |