  We present results from our cycle 10 HST program to search for transition
region emission in very low-mass, main-sequence stars in the spectral range
M7-M9. Our program is aimed at 1) detecting emission; and 2) distinguishing
between flaring and quiescent origin for the emission. We have obtained
HST/STIS time series observations of three active, very low mass stars (VB 8,
VB 10, and LHS 2065) which show persistent activity in transition region lines
including Si IV, C IV, He II. Emission in transition region lines appears to be
variable between exposures, but is always observed. A strong flare was also
observed in one 10 minute exposure on VB 10. Our results indicate that active,
very low-mass stars maintain a persistent quiescent chromosphere and transition
region that is similar to those observed in active, earlier type M dwarfs, in
contrast to suggestions that these low-mass, main-sequence stars exhibit only
relatively strong flares and no quiescent emission.

Astrophysics