 What is a Nilly?
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, November 1959. Sure I'm a Nilly, and I've died seven times, always in the blackness of the outer reaches, and I'm not alone, although there aren't very many of us, never were. Interstellar Chief Rexroad knocked the dottle from his pipe in a tray, saying, "Transworld Press is willing to let you have a leave of abscence, if you're interested." "As I recall," Ellason said, "there was something about stunners." They utilized these attributes to set up weapon shops to arm themselves." Being a Nilly is important, probably as important as running the ship, and I think it is this thought that keeps us satisfied, willing to be what we are. The Weblor II had been built in space, as had its predecessor, the Weblor I , at a tremendous cost. A gigantic, hollow spike, the ship would never land anywhere, but would circle Antheon as it circled Earth, shuttling its cargo and passengers to the promised land, the new frontier. Metal walls, no windows, one floor vent, one ceiling vent, and a solitary ceiling molding tube-light. It was a sound he knew would be with him for two years—one year going and one year returning. Janssen's case contained vegetable and flower seeds—thousands of them, according to the Captain's Bulletin, the ship's daily newsletter which went to all hands and passengers.
 A Nilly is a trained operative used by colony transport ships to keep the colonists focused on a common enemy.
 A Nilly is a trained operative used by colony transport ships to keep the colonists focused on a common enemy.  A Nilly is a person who works on the crew on an interstellar ship.  A Nilly is a black ops agent.  A Nilly is a person, who is able to come back from the dead, but like Lazarus, not like a zombie.