The author, without claiming the serious title of “science fiction writer,” presents to the reader a small collection of “near-science fiction” stories. The title of the collection, "Deus ex machina", is given after the main work. This Latin expression, translated literally “god ex machina,” means an unexpected outcome, a plot twist, most often for the better and under the influence of external, sometimes supernatural, forces. In one capacity or another, the “god ex machina” is also present in other miniatures: conscience, miracle, happy accident.