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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17

                             OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT
                            McLEAN PROFESSIONAL PARK

                                McLean, Virginia


     THIS LEASE AGREEMENT made and entered into on this the 25th day of October,
1999, by and between Young & Skidmore Co., whose address for purposes hereof is
4545 42nd St., N.W. #301, Wash., D.C. 20016 hereinafter called "Lessor", and
Arthur H., Ltd. hereinafter called "Lessee".

     WITNESSETH, That, for and in consideration of the rents, mutual covenants
and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto do hereby mutually
agree as follows:

1. PREMISES LEASED AND DEMISED

     The Lessor does hereby lease to Lessee, and Lessee does hereby lease from
Lessor, for the term and upon the conditions hereinafter provided in the office
building situated at 1477 Chain Bridge Road, (such space being hereinafter
referred to as the "demised premises"). The demised premises have been assigned
Suite S 200, 201 & 202.

2. LEASE TERM

     Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, or in any
exhibit or addendum hereto, the term of this lease shall be for an initial
period of Two years, beginning on the First day of February 2000, and ending on
the 31st day of January 2002.

3. USE OF DEMISED PREMISES

     Lessee will use and occupy the demised premises solely for administrative,
sales & executive offices purposes and under the trade name Arthur H., Ltd.,
which trade name shall be used by lessee throughout the term hereof and lessee
shall not use or trade under or advertise itself under any other name, style or
designation. Lessee's use shall be in accordance with the use permitted under
applicable municipal regulations and without the prior written consent of
lessor, the demised premises will not be used for any other purpose. Lessee will
not use or occupy the demised premises for any unlawful purpose and will comply
with all present and future laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders of the
United States of America, the State of Virginia, and any other public authority
having jurisdiction over the demised premises, to which the lessee is subject.

4. BASE RENTAL

     The annual rent to be paid for said premises during said term, which lessee
hereby agrees to pay to lessor in advance, and lessor hereby agrees to accept,
shall be the sum of Fifty One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty One Dollars & 25/100
($51,881.25) payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each
calendar month during the term of this lease. Such rental shall be base rental
and subject to escalation as hereinafter provided. The annual base rent to be
paid for said demised premises during the term hereof, and any additional rent
shall be paid without demand, diminution, deduction, or set-off, or prior
demand, in monthly installments during the term of this lease, all as together
with additional rent hereinafter provided. If the obligation of the lessee to
pay rent hereunder begins on a day other than on the first day of a month, rent
from such date until the first day of the following month shall be prorated at
the rate of one-thirtieth (1/30) of the fixed monthly rental for each day
payable in advance. The lessee will pay, without demand, said rent by check to
Thomas P. Brown Management, Inc., 4545 42nd Street, N.W. #301, Wash., D.C.
20016, or to such other party or to such other address as lessor may designate
from time to time by written notice to lessee, without demand and without
deduction, set-off or counterclaim. If lessor shall at any time or times accept
said rent after it shall become due and payable, such acceptance shall not
excuse delay upon subsequent occasions, or constitute, or be construed as, a
waiver of any or all of the lessor's rights hereunder.

     Lessor acknowledges receipt form lessee of transfer of security deposits
of $1,050, under lease dated 1/30/98 & $2,240, under lease dated 1/14/97 to be
held as collateral security for the payment of any rentals and other sums of
money payable by lessee under this lease, and for the faithful performance of
all other covenants and agreements of lessee hereunder. The amount of said
deposit shall be repaid to lessee after the termination of this lease and any
renewal thereof, provided lessee shall have made all payments and performed all
covenants and agreements. Upon any default by lessee hereunder, all or part of
said deposit may, at lessor's sole option, be applied on account of such
default, and thereafter lessee shall promptly restore the resulting deficiency
in said deposit.

5. ADDITIONAL RENT -- COST OF LIVING INCREASE

     Commencing with the beginning of the second lease year and for each
succeeding one year term of this Lease, the annual rent reserved herein shall
be computed as follows:
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     The initial Annual Base Rent shall be multiplied by a fraction the
denominator of which shall be the Consumer Price Index (CPI) now known as the
"U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index,
United State City Average for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. All items
for the month which is two months prior to the commencement of this lease (i.e.
*    ) and the numerator of which shall be such CPI for the month which is two
months prior to the first month of the succeeding lease year. In the event that
the Consumer Price Index is no longer published, the parties hereto agree to
substitute a comparable index therefor.

The numerical figure for the C.P.I. for December 1999, to be inserted when
available. In no event shall the annual rent payable by Lessee during a lease
year be less than the prior year's annual rent as adjusted herein.
Notwithstanding the above formula, in no event will the annual CPI increase be
less than 3%, and no more than 6%. The anniversary date for the C.P.I. increase
will be February each year.

6. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

     a. Lessee will not assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber this lease
without obtaining written consent of lessor; nor shall any assignment or
transfer of this lease be effectuated by operation of law or otherwise without
the prior written consent of lessor, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
Lessee will not sublet (or permit occupancy or use by another of) or the demised
premises, or any part thereof, without obtaining the prior written consent of
Lessor. The consent by lessor to any assignment, transfer, or subletting to any
party, shall not be construed as a waiver or release of lessee from the terms of
any covenant or obligation under this lease, nor shall the collection or
acceptance of rent from any such assignee, transferee, subtenant or occupant
constitute a waiver or release of lessee of any covenant or obligation contained
in this lease, nor shall any such assignment or subletting be construed to
relieve lessee from obtaining the consent in writing of lessor to any further
assignment or subletting. In the event that lessee defaults hereunder, lessee
hereby assigns to lessor the rent due from any subtenant of lessee and hereby
authorizes each such subtenant to pay said rent directly to lessor.

     b. If lessee is a corporation and if any transfer, sale, pledge or other
disposition of 50% or more of the common stock shall occur, or power to vote
the majority of the outstanding capital stock be changed, then lessee shall so
notify lessor.

7. INSURANCE

     a. Lessee shall obtain and at all times during the term hereof maintain,
at its sole cost and expense, policies of insurance covering its fixtures and
equipment installed and located on the demised premises, or otherwise
constituting a part of the lessee's work in an amount of not less than eighty
(80) percent of the replacement cost of said items within the classification
"fire and extended coverage," together with insurance against vandalism,
malicious mischief, and sprinkler leakage or other sprinkler damage; and any
proceeds of such insurance, so long as this lease shall remain in effect, shall
be used only to repair or replace the items so insured.

     b. Lessee shall also provide and keep in force during the term of this
lease, for the benefit of lessor and lessee, general liability insurance in any
insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Virginia in the amount
of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) dollars. Any insurance policies herein
required to be procured by lessee shall contain an express waiver of any right
of subrogation by the insurance company against the lessor. Neither the issuance
of any insurance policy required hereunder, nor the minimum limits specified
herein with respect to lessee's insurance coverage, shall be deemed to limit or
restrict in any way lessee's liability arising under or out of this lease. In
addition, all insurance required of lessee hereunder shall be written as a
primary policy coverage, and not contributing with or in excess of any coverage
which lessor may carry, and shall cover and insure lessor as an additional
insured. All public liability and property damage policies shall contain a
provision that lessor, although named therein as an insured, shall nevertheless
be entitled to recovery under said policies for any loss occasioned to it, its
officers, servants, agents or employees, by reason of the negligence or fault of
lessee, its servants, agents, employees, invitees or customers.

     c. Lessee agrees to deliver certificates of such insurance to lessor at
the beginning of the term of this lease and thereafter not less than five (5)
days prior to the expiration of any such policy. In the event that lessee shall
fail promptly to furnish any insurance herein required, lessor may effect the
same and pay the premium therefor for a period of not exceeding one year and
the premium so paid by lessor shall be immediately payable by lessee as
additional rent.

     d. Indemnity. Lessee shall indemnify and hold harmless lessor from and
against any and all liabilities, fines, claims, damages and actions, costs and
expenses of any kind or nature, including attorney's fees, and of anyone
whatsoever (1) relating to the demised premises due to or arising out of any act
or neglect of lessee or of anyone holding under lessee or of any of their
employees, agents or invitees, (2) due to or arising out of mechanics's liens
filed against the land and the building in which the demised premises are
located for labor performance or for materials furnished to lessee, and (3) due
to or arising out of any breach, violation or non-performance of any covenants,
condition or agreement in this lease set forth and contained on the part of
lessee to be fulfilled, kept, observed and performed.

8. MAINTENANCE BY LESSEE

     a. Lessee will keep the demised premises and the fixtures and equipment
therein in clean, safe and sanitary condition, will take good care thereof,
will suffer no waste or injury thereto, and will, at the expiration or other
termination of the term of this Lease, surrender the same, broom clean, in the
same order and condition in which they are on the commencement of the term of
this Lease, ordinary wear and tear and damage by the elements, fire and other
casualty not due to the negligence of the Lessee, excepted; and upon such
termination of this Lease, Lessor shall have the right to re-enter and resume
possession of the leased premises.

     b. When necessary by reason of accident or other cause occurring in the
building or in the demised premises, or in order to take any repairs or
alterations or additions or improvements in or relating to the building or the
demised premises lessor reserves the right to interrupt the supply to the
demised premises or to the common areas of steam, electricity, water, and other
utilities and also to suspend the operation of the heating or air-conditioning
system, in or to any portion of the building and the building, until said
repairs, alterations, additions or improvements shall have been completed.
Provided lessor shall pursue such work with reasonable diligence, there shall
be no abatement in rent because of any such interruption or suspension.

2) One Million Dollars in respect to injuries to one person, one accident, and
One Hundred Thousand Dollars in respect to any property damage in any one
occurrence.


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<PAGE>   3
                                McLean, Virginia

     THIS LEASE AGREEMENT made and entered into on this the 25th day of October,
1999, by and between Young & Skidmore Co., whose address for purposes hereof is
4545 42nd St., N.W. #301, Wash., D.C. 20016 hereinafter called "Lessor", and
Arthur H., Ltd. hereinafter called "Lessee".

     WITNESSETH, That, for and in consideration of the rents, mutual covenants
and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto do hereby mutually
agree as follows:

1. PREMISES LEASED AND DEMISED

     The Lessor does hereby lease to Lessee, and Lessee does hereby lease from
Lessor, for the term and upon the conditions hereinafter provided in the office
building situated at 1477 Chain Bridge Road, (such space being hereinafter
referred to as the "demised premises"). The demised premises have been assigned
Suite S 200, 201 & 202.

2. LEASE TERM

     Subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, or in any
exhibit or addendum hereto, the term of this lease shall be for an initial
period of Two years, beginning on the First day of February 2000, and ending on
the 31st day of January 2002.

3. USE OF DEMISED PREMISES

     Lessee will use and occupy the demised premises solely for
administrative, sales & executive offices purposes and under the trade name
Arthur H., Ltd., which trade name shall be used by lessee throughout the term
hereof and lessee shall not use or trade under or advertise itself under any
other name, style or designation. Lessee's use shall be in accordance with the
use permitted under applicable municipal regulations and without the prior
written consent of lessor, the demised premises will not be used for any other
purpose. Lessee will not use or occupy the demised premises for any unlawful
purpose and will comply with all present and future laws, ordinances,
regulations, and orders of the United States of America, the State of Virginia,
and any other public authority having jurisdiction over the demised premises,
to which the lessee is subject.

4. BASE RENTAL

     The annual rent to be paid for said premises during said term, which lessee
hereby agrees to pay to lessor in advance, and lessor hereby agrees to accept,
shall be the sum of Fifty One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty One Dollars & 25/100
($51,881.25) payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each
calendar month during the term of this lease. Such rental shall be base rental
and subject to escalation as hereinafter provided. The annual base rent to be
paid for said demised premises during the term hereof, and any additional rent
shall be paid without demand, diminution, deduction, or set-off, or prior
demand, in monthly installments during the term of this lease, all as together
with additional rent hereinafter provided. If the obligation of the lessee to
pay rent hereunder begins on a day other than on the first day of a month, rent
from such date until the first day of the following month shall be prorated at
the rate of one-thirtieth (1/30) of the fixed monthly rental for each day
payable in advance. The lessee will pay, without demand, said rent by check to
Thomas P. Brown Management, Inc., 4545 42nd Street, N.W. #301, Wash., D.C.
20016, or to such other party or to such other address as lessor may designate
from time to time by written notice to lessee, without demand and without
deduction, set-off or counterclaim. If lessor shall at any time or times accept
said rent after it shall become due and payable, such acceptance shall not
excuse delay upon subsequent occasions, or constitute, or be construed as, a
waiver of any or all of the lessor's rights hereunder.

     Lessor acknowledges receipt from lessee of transfer of security deposits
of $1,050, under lease dated 1/30/98 & $2,240, under lease dated 1/14/97, to be
held as collateral security for the payment of any rentals and other sums of
money payable by lessee under this lease, and for the faithful performance of
all other covenants and agreements of lessee hereunder. The amount of said
deposit shall be repaid to lessee after the termination of this lease and any
renewal thereof, provided lessee shall have made all payments and performed all
covenants and agreements. Upon any default by lessee hereunder, all or part of
said deposit may, at lessor's sole option, be applied on account of such
default, and thereafter lessee shall promptly restore the resulting deficiency
in said deposit.

5. ADDITIONAL RENT -- COST OF LIVING INCREASE

     Commencing with the beginning of the second lease year and for each
succeeding one year term of this Lease, the annual rent reserved herein shall
be computed as follows:


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<PAGE>   4

in the type of business permitted to be carried on by lessee hereunder, without
the express prior written consent of lessor (which consent may be granted or
withheld in lessor's sole and absolute discretion, and with or without
statement of or necessity for reason therefor, and which, if granted, may be
conditioned, among other things, upon lessee's agreement to comply with new and
additional requirements not set forth or contained in this lease which may be
applicable to all or any part of the demised premises without regard to the
prior or prospective use thereof, and including but not limited to requirement
of payment of an increased or additional rent over the rent prescribed herein)
may be deemed to be a breach and violation of this lease at lessor's sole and
absolute discretion.

     h.  Lessee shall not permit the accumulation or placing of rubbish, trash,
garbage, debris, boxes, cans or other articles of any kind or description
whatsoever in the demised premises, or in the area immediately surrounding the
demised premises or in any other part of the building. Lessee shall not permit
any vehicle used by it in its business to be parked in such manner and for such
period of time as to create traffic hazards and congestion in or about the
building, and all deliveries to and pickups from the demised premises whether
made by lessee's vehicles or by other vehicles, shall be promptly expedited and
the vehicles making such deliveries or pickups shall be promptly removed after
making same.

     i.  Lessee shall be responsible for and shall pay before delinquency all
municipal, county or state taxes assessed during the term of this lease against
any leasehold interest or personal property of any kind, owned by or placed in,
upon or about the demised premises by the lessee.

     j.  Lessee shall provide on the exterior of the demised premises a sign or
signs of such size, design and character, and in such location only, as lessor
shall approve in writing. Lessee hereby expressly covenants and agrees that such
signs shall comply in all respects with the provisions and requirements of the
Sign Regulations of the State of Virginia and those promulgated by lessor and as
the same may be amended or modified from time to time by lessor in its sole
option and discretion. No other signs, lights, lettering or other forms of
inscription or advertising or display devices shall be displayed on the exterior
of the demised premises or on the inner or on the outer face of the windows,
entrances, doors, or transoms or in any other location within the demised
premises from which such signs, lights, or other forms of inscription or
advertising or display devices may readily be seen from outside the demised
premises, without prior written approval of lessor. If lessee shall erect,
install or maintain any sign, lights, or other forms of inscription or
advertising or display devises may readily be seen from outside the demised
premises, without prior written approval of lessor. If lessee shall erect,
install or maintain any sign, lights, or other forms of inscription or
advertising or display device outside, in or upon the demised premises in
violation of this paragraph, and shall not immediately upon notice from lessor,
cause the same to be removed or discontinued, lessor, in addition to any other
rights or remedies to which it may be entitled hereunder or as a matter or law
or in equity, may enter upon the demised premised without thereby causing an
eviction of lessee from said premises or interference with lessee's right of
quiet use and enjoyment thereof, and cause said sign, lights, or other form of
inscription or advertising or display device to be removed or discontinued, and
the costs of such removal or discontinuance shall be paid by lessee as
additional rent on the first day of the month following said removal or
discontinuance. Lessee shall not at any time display on the exterior of the
demised premises or on or in any other location therein from which it may
readily be seen from outside the demised premises any sign or notice of removal
of lessee or its business to any other location, except, with lessor's prior
written approval.

12. ENTRY FOR REPAIRS AND INSPECTIONS

     a.  Lessee shall permit lessor to erect, use and maintain all pipes and
conduits in and through the demised premises as shall be contemplated by the
plans for the building, including any changes or additions as lessor may from
time to time make thereof. Lessor or lessor's agents shall have the right to
enter upon the demised premises at all reasonable times to examine same for the
purpose of determining whether or not they are being kept neat, clean and in
good order by lessee, as required by the terms hereof, and to make
recommendations or requirements with respect to performance of lessee's
obligations hereunder, and to make such decorations, repairs, alterations,
improvements or additions in the building or in the demised premises as may be
required of or permitted to lessor pursuant hereto and lessor shall be allowed
to take all materials into and upon said premises that may be required therefor
without the same constituting an eviction of lessee, or interference with
lessee's right of quiet use and enjoyment thereof, in whole or in part, and the
rent shall in no-wise abate while such examinations, decorations, repairs,
alterations, improvements or additions are being made by reason of loss or
interruption of the business of lessee because of the prosecution of any such
work.

     b.  Lessor or lessor's agents shall also have the right to enter upon the
demised premises at reasonable times to show them to prospective purchasers or
lessees of the building. During the six (6) months prior to the expiration of
the term of this lease lessor may show the demised premises to prospective
tenants. During said period, lessor may also place upon the demised premises
"For Rent," sign, which notices lessee shall permit to remain thereon without
molestation. If, during the last month of the term Lessee shall have removed all
or substantially all of its property therefrom, lessor may immediately enter and
alter, renovate and redecorate the demised premises without elimination or
abatement of rent or other compensation and such action shall have no effect
upon this lease. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be deemed or construed
to impose upon lessor any obligations, responsibility or liability whatsoever
for the care, supervision or repair of the building or of the demised premises,
other than as is in this lease otherwise provided.

13. INSURANCE RATING

     Lessee will not conduct or permit to be conducted any activity, or place
any equipment in or about the demised premises, which will, in any way increase
the rate of fire insurance or other insurance on the building; and if any
increase in the rate of fire insurance or other insurance is stated by any
insurance company or by the applicable Insurance Rating Bureau to be due to
activity or equipment in or about the demised premises, such statement shall be
conclusive evidence that the increase in such rate is due to such activity or
equipment and, as a result thereof, lessee shall be liable for such increase
and shall reimburse lessor therefor.

14. LESSEE'S EQUIPMENT

     No installation of any of the following shall be made by lessee without
lessor's prior written consent:

     (1) Ventilating or air-conditioning apparatus, other than as merchandise
held for, or for demonstration purposes in connection with, sale, pursuant to
the business purposes for which lessee is permitted to occupy the demised
premises.

     (2) Machines or machinery of any kind, other than as merchandise held for,
or for demonstration purposes in connection with, sale, pursuant to the
business purposes for which lessee is permitted to occupy the demised premises,
excepting office equipment normally used in an administrative, sales, executive
office.


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<PAGE>   5
     (3)  Safes or other objects whose weight exceeds the lawful load for the
area upon which it would stand.

     (4)  Awnings or other projections over or around the windows or entrances
of the demised premises.

     Movable office furniture and trade fixtures which are installed by lessee
at its expense, shall remain its property and may be removed at any time,
provided lessee promptly repairs any damage caused by such removal, and
provided that lessee shall not then be in default under the terms of this
lease, in which event such furniture, fixtures or equipment shall be and become
a part of the real property and the property of lessor, and provided further
that all rent due hereunder as of and through the date of removal of such
property shall have been paid. Business machines and mechanical equipment
belonging to lessee which cause noise or vibration that may be transmitted to
the structure of the building or to any space therein to such a degree as to be
objectionable to lessor or to any tenant in the building shall be installed and
maintained by lessee, at lessee's expense, on vibration eliminator or other
devices sufficient to eliminate such noise and vibration.

15. INDEMNITY

     Lessee will indemnify and hold harmless lessor from and against any loss,
damage or liability occasioned by or resulting from any default hereunder or
any willful or negligent act on the part of lessee, its agents, employees, or
invitees, or persons permitted on the demised premises by lessee.

16. UTILITIES

     (a) Installation by Lessor - Lessor shall install, without expense to
Lessee, the necessary mains, feeders, pipes, ducts and conduits to bring
electricity, water and telephone services into the leased premises.

     (b) Electricity - Lessee shall pay directly to the public utility company
promptly when and as due all separately metered charges for electricity
supplied to the leased premises.

     (c) Telephone - Lessee will pay for its own telephone service equipment.
Lessor shall be responsible for the maintenance of heating/air conditioning/
plumbing. Interruption or impairment of any such utility or other service
provided by lessor, caused by or necessitated by repairs, improvements,
alterations or additions in or to the building or any part thereof, or by
hazard, failure or interruption beyond the reasonable control of lessor shall
not give rise to any right or cause of action against lessor by lessee in
damages or any claim for rebate of rent on account of such interruptions in
service. Lessor shall furnish the described services at such times, in such
amounts normally and usually furnished commercial tenants in modern buildings in
the State of Virginia.

17. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CERTAIN DAMAGE AND BREAKAGE

     All injury to the demised premises or the building of which they are a
part, and all breakage and damage caused by lessee or the agents, servants,
employees and visitors of lessee, shall be repaired by the lessee, at the
expense of the lessee. In the event that the lessee shall fail so to do, then
the lessor shall have the right to make such necessary repairs, alterations and
replacements, structural, non-structural, or otherwise, and any charge or cost
so incurred by the lessor shall be paid by the lessee with the right on the
part of the lessor to elect in its discretion to regard the same as additional
rent payable with the installments of rent next becoming due or thereafter
falling due under the terms of this lease. This provision shall be construed as
an additional remedy granted to the lessor and not in limitation of any other
rights and remedies which the lessor has or may have in said circumstances.

18. BANKRUPTCY

     If at any time after the execution and delivery of this lease and before
commencement of the term or if during the term hereby demised, a petition shall
be filed, either by or against the lessee, in any Court or pursuant to any
Federal, State or Municipal statute whether in bankruptcy, insolvency, for the
appointment of a receiver of the lessee's property or because of any general
assignment made by the lessee of the lessee's property for the benefit of the
lessee's creditors, then immediately upon the happening of any such event, and
without any entry or other act by the lessor, this lease, at lessor's option,
shall cease and come to an end with the same force and effect as if the date of
the happening of any such event were the date herein fixed for the expiration of
the term of this lease. It is further stipulated and agreed that, in the event
of the termination of the term of this lease by the happening of any such event,
the lessor shall forthwith, upon such termination, and any other provisions of
this lease to the contrary notwithstanding, become entitled to recover as and
for liquidated damages caused by such breach of the provisions of this lease, an
amount equal to the difference between the then cash value of the rent reserved
hereunder for the unexpired portion of the term and the then cash rental value
of the demised premises for such unexpired portion of the term hereby demised,
unless the statute which governs or shall govern the proceeding in which such
damages are to be proved limits or shall limit the amount of such claim capable
of being so proved, in which case the lessor shall be entitled to prove as and
for liquidated damages an amount equal to that allowed by or under any such
statute. The provisions of this paragraph of this lease shall be without
prejudice to the lessor's right to prove in full damages for rent accrued prior
to the termination of this lease, but not paid. This provision of this lease
shall be without prejudice to any rights given to the lessor by any pertinent
statute to prove for any amounts allowed thereby. In making any such
computation, the then cash rental vale of the demised premises shall be deemed
prima facie to be the rental realized upon any re-letting, if such re-letting
can be accomplished by the lessor within a reasonable time after such
termination of this lease, and the then present cash value of the future rents
hereunder reserved to the lessor for the unexpired portion of the term hereby
demised shall be deemed to be such sum, if invested at four percent (4%) simple
interest, as will produce the future over the period of time in question. In the
event of lessee's bankruptcy, lessor has the right to enter and re-let the
demised premises.

19. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND PERSON

     All personal property of the lessee, its employees, agents, business
invitees, licensees, customers, clients, family members, guests or trespassers,
in and on said demised premises, shall be and remain at their sole risk, and
lessor shall not be liable to them for any damage to, or loss of such personal
property arising from any act of negligence of any other persons nor from the
leaking

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<PAGE>   6
of the roof, or from the bursting, leaking or overflowing of water, sewer or
steam pipes, or from heating or plumbing fixtures, or from electrical wires or
fixtures, or from air-conditioning failure, or from any other cause whatsoever,
nor shall the lessor be liable for the interruption or loss to lessee's
business arising from any of the above described acts or causes, nor shall the
lessor be liable for any personal injury to the lessee, its employees, agents,
business invitees, licensees, customers, clients, family members, guests or
trespassers arising from the use, occupancy and condition of the demised
premises; the lessee especially agreeing to save the lessor harmless in all
such cases.

20.  DAMAGE TO THE DEMISED PREMISES

     If the demised premises shall be partially damaged by fire or other cause
without the fault or neglect of lessee, lessor shall diligently and as soon as
practicable after such damage occurs (taking into account the time necessary to
effectuate a satisfactory settlement with any insurance company) repair such
damage at the expense of the lessor, and the rent and additional rent shall be
reduced in proportion of the extent the demised premises are rendered
untenantable, until such repairs are completed, provided, however, that if the
building is damaged by fire or other cause to such extent that the damage
cannot be fully repaired within sixty (60) days from the date of such damage,
lessor shall have the option of terminating this lease by giving written notice
to lessee of such decision and the term of this lease shall terminate on the
day such notice is given. Except as set forth in this paragraph, lessor shall
not be liable for any damage that may be suffered by lessee by reason of any
casualty damage to the demised premises and the deprivation of lessee's
possession thereof.

21.  DEFAULT OF LESSEE

     If lessee shall fail to pay any monthly installment of rent as aforesaid
(although no legal or formal demand has been made therefor), or shall violate
or fail to perform any the other conditions, covenants or agreements herein
made by lessee, and such violation or failure shall continue for a period of
ten (10) days after written notice thereof to lessee by lessor, (but no written
notice to lessee is necessary in the event of failure to pay a monthly
installment of rent), then and in any of said events this lease shall, at the
option of lessor, cease and terminate and shall operate as a notice to quit,
any notice to quit or of lessor's intention to re-enter being hereby expressly
waived, and lessor may proceed to recover possession under and by virtue of the
provisions of the laws of the State of Virginia, or by such other proceedings,
including re-entry and possession, as may be applicable. If lessor elects to
terminate this lease, everything herein contained on the part of the lessor to
be done and performed shall cease without prejudice to the right of lessor to
recover from lessee all rental accrued up to the time of termination of the
term of this lease, the demised premises may be relet by lessor for such rent
and upon such terms as are not unreasonable under the circumstances and, if the
full rental hereinabove provided shall not be realized by lessor, lessee shall
be liable for all damages sustained by lessor, including, without limitation,
deficiency in rent, reasonable attorney's fees, brokerage fees, and expenses of
placing the demised premises in first class rentable condition. Lessor shall
not be required to so relet the demised premises, either pursuant to this lease
or by any requirement of law or equity, to any person who, in lessor's sole
judgment, shall not be of sound financial standing and ability, and possess
good reputation, business judgment and operating ability, or for any use or
purpose which, in lessor's judgment, shall not be the same or substantially the
same as the uses of the demised premises permitted under this lease, or shall
not be in keeping with the caliber and quality of the building and its other
tenants. In addition, if lessee shall have failed to move into or take
possession of the demised premises within fifteen (15) days after the
commencement of the term of this lease if the date fixed for such commencement
shall be postponed as herein provided and to open the demised premises for
business fully fixtured, stocked and staffed within the time herein provided,
then the lessor shall have, in addition to any and all remedies herein
provided, the right at its sole option and discretion to collect the minimum
rent herein provided, for each and every day that the lessee shall fail to
commence to do business as herein provided. Any damage or loss of rental
sustained by lessor may be recovered by lessor at lessor's option, at the time
of relocation in separate actions, from time to time, as said damage shall have
been made more easily ascertainable by successive relettings, or, at lessor's
option, may be deferred until the expiration of the term of this lease, in
which event the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the
date of expiration of said term. If lessor should commence any summary
proceeding for non-payment of rent by lessee, lessee shall not interpose any
counterclaim of any nature or description in any such proceeding. The
provisions contained in this paragraph shall be in addition to and shall not
prevent the enforcement of any claim lessor may have against lessee for
anticipatory breach of the unexpired term of this lease. In the event that
lessee continues to occupy the demised premises after the expiration of the
term of this lease, with the express or implied consent of lessor, such tenancy
shall be from month to month and shall not be renewal of the term of this lease
or a tenancy from year to year. All rights and remedies of lessor under this
lease shall be cumulative and shall not be exclusive of any other rights and
remedies provided to lessor under applicable law.

22.  WAIVER

     If under the provisions hereof lessor shall institute proceedings and a
compromise or settlement thereof shall be made, the same shall not constitute a
waiver of any covenant herein contained nor of any of lessor's rights
hereunder. No waiver by lessor of any breach of any covenant, condition or
agreement herein contained shall operate as a waiver of such covenant,
condition, or agreement itself, or of any subsequent breach thereof. No payment
by lessee or receipt by lessor of a lesser amount than the monthly installments
of rent herein stipulated shall be deemed to be other than on account of the
earliest stipulated rent nor shall any endorsement or statement on any check or
letter accompanying a check for payment of rent be deemed an accord and
satisfaction and lessor may accept such check or payment without prejudice to
lessor's right to recover the balance of such rent or to pursue any other remedy
provided in this lease. No re-entry by lessor, and no acceptance by lessor of
keys from lessee, shall be considered an acceptance of a surrender of the lease.

23.  SUBORDINATION

     This lease is subject and subordinate to the lien of all and any first
mortgages (which term "mortgages" shall include both construction and permanent
financing and shall include deeds of trust and similar security instruments)
which may not or hereafter encumber or otherwise affect the real estate
(including the building) of which the demised premises form a part, and to all
and any renewals, extensions, modifications, recastings or refinancings
thereof. In confirmation of such subordination, lessee shall, at lessor's
request, promptly execute any requisite or appropriate certificate or other
document. Lessee hereby constitutes and appoints lessor as lessee's
attorney-in-fact to execute any such certificate or certificates for or on
behalf of lessee. Lessee agrees that in the event that any proceedings are
brought for the foreclosure of any such mortgages, lessee shall attorn to the
purchaser at such foreclosure sale, if requested to do so by such purchaser and
to recognize such purchaser as the lessor under ??? lease, and lessee waives
the provisions of any statute or rule of law, now or hereafter in effect, which
may give or purport to give lessee any right to terminate or otherwise
adversely affect this lease and the obligations of lessee hereunder in the
event that any such foreclosure proceeding is prosecuted or completed.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
24. CONDEMNATION

     If the whole or a substantial part of the demised premises shall be taken
forceably, leased or condemned by any governmental authority for any public or
quasi-public use of purpose, then the term of this lease shall cease and
terminate as of the date when title vests in such governmental authority, and
lessee shall have no claim against lessor or the condemning authority for any
portion of the amount that may be awarded damages as a result of such taking or
condemnation or for the value of any unexpired term of the lease. Lessee,
however, shall be entitled to claim, prove and receive in the condemnation
proceeding such awards as may be allowed for fixtures and other equipment
installed by it which shall not, under the terms of this lease be or become the
property of the lessor at the termination hereof, but only if such awards
shall be made by the condemnation court in addition to and stated separately
from the award made by it for the land and building or part thereof so taken.
The annual rental, however, shall be abated on the date when such title vests
in such governmental authority. If less than a substantial part of the demised
premises is taken or condemned by any governmental authority for any public or
quasi-public use of purpose, the rent shall be equitably adjusted on the
proportion which the floor area of the demised premises included in the space
taken bears to the floor area of the entire demised premises immediately prior
to such taking on the date when title vests in such governmental authority and
the lease shall otherwise continue in full force and effect. For purposes of
this Article, a substantial part of the demised premises shall be considered to
have been taken if more than fifty percent (50%) of the demised premises are
unusable by lessee. For purposes of this provision any purchase by competent
authority of the whole or a substantial part of the demised premises in lieu of
condemnation thereof under the power of eminent domain shall be deemed an
actual taking.

25. RULES AND REGULATIONS

     Lessee, its agents, servants and concessionaires and employees shall abide
by and observe the rules and regulations promulgated by lessor. Lessee, its
agents, servants, employees and concessionaries shall abide by and observe the
rules or regulations promulgated from time to time by lessor for the operation
and maintenance of the building provided that the same are in conformity with
common practice and usage in similar buildings and are not inconsistent with
the provisions of the lease and a copy thereof is sent to lessee. Such rules
shall apply generally to all tenants, shall not unreasonably interfere with the
conduct of lessee's business and in no way shall limit any of the lessor's
covenants and obligations hereunder. Lessor shall use its best efforts to
enforce its rules as to all tenants and the breach or failure to comply with
any rule shall constitute a breach of the terms of this lease. Lessor, however,
shall not be liable to lessee for violation of the same by any other tenant,
its employees, agents, business invitees, licensees, customers, clients, family
members or guests.

26. RIGHT OF LESSOR TO CURE LESSEE'S DEFAULT

     If lessee defaults in the making of any payment of, in the doing of any act
herein required to be made or done by lessee, then lessor may, but shall not be
required to, make such payment or do such act, and the amount of the expense
thereof, if made or done by lessor, with interest thereon at the rate of eight
percent (8%) per annum from the date paid by lessor, shall be paid by lessee
to lessor and shall constitute additional rent hereunder due and payable with
the next monthly installment of rent; but the making of such payment or the
doing of such act by lessor shall not operate to cure such default or to estop
lessor from the pursuit of any remedy to which lessor would otherwise be
entitled.

27. NO REPRESENTATIONS BY LESSOR

     Neither lessor nor any agent or employee of lessor has made any
representations or promises with respect to the demised premises or the
building except as herein expressly set forth, and no rights, privileges,
easements or licenses are acquired by lessee except as herein set forth. The
lessee, by taking possession of the demised premises, shall accept the same
"as is," and such taking of possession shall be conclusive evidence that the
demised premises and the building are in good and satisfactory condition at the
time of such taking of possession.

28. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     Lessor and lessee hereby waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding or
counterclaim brought by either of the parties hereto against the other on or in
respect of any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with
this lease, the relationship of lessor and lessee hereunder, lessee's use or
occupancy of the demised premises, and/or claim of injury or damage.

29. NO OPTION

     The submission of this lease for examination or consideration by lessee or
discussion between lessee or lessor does not constitute a reservation of or
option for the demised premises, and this lease shall be and become effective
as a lease and agreement only upon executive and delivery hereof by lessor and
lessee.

30.  MODIFICATIONS

     Notwithstanding acceptance and execution of this lease by the parties
hereto, it is understood and agreed that the terms hereof shall be modified, if
so required, for the purpose of complying with or fulfilling the requirements
of any mortgagee or trustee named in or secured by a first mortgage or first
trust deed that may not or hereafter be placed or secured upon the demised
premises provided, however, that such modification shall not be in substantial
derogation or diminution of any of the rights of the parties hereunder, nor
substantially increase any of the obligations or liabilities of the parties
hereunder.

31. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES

     Lessee agrees, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than five
(5) days prior to written notice by lessor, to execute, acknowledge and deliver
to lessor a statement in writing (i) certifying that this lease is unmodified
and in full force and effect (or if there have been modifications), (ii)
stating the dates to which the rent and other charges hereunder have been paid
by lessee (iii) stating whether or not to the best knowledge of lessee, lessor
is in default in the performance of any covenant, agreement or condition
contained in this lease, and, if so, specifying each such default of which
lessee may have knowledge, and (iv) stating the address to which notices to
lessee should be sent. Any such statement delivered pursuant hereto may be
relied upon by any owner of the Building, any prospective purchaser of the
Building, any mortgage or prospective mortgagee of the Building or of Lessor's
interest, or any prospective assignee of any such mortgage.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
32. HOLDING OVER

     In the event that Lessee shall not immediately surrender the demised
premises on the date of expiration of the term hereof, Lessee shall, by virtue
of the provisions hereof, become a Lessee by the month at the monthly rental in
effect during the last month of the term of this lease, which said monthly
tenancy shall commence with the first day next after the expiration of the term
of this lease. The Lessee as a monthly Lessee shall be subject to all of the
conditions and covenants of this lease as though the same had originally been a
monthly tenant. In the event of hold over, Lessee shall give to Lessor at least
thirty (30) days written notice of any intention to quit the demised premises,
and Lessee shall be entitled to thirty (30) days written notice to quit the
demised premises, except in the event of nonpayment of rent in advance or of the
breach of any other covenant by the Lessee, in which event Lessee shall not be
entitled to any notice to quit, the usual thirty (30) days notice to quit being
hereby expressly waived. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
paragraph, in the event that Lessee shall hold over after the expiration of the
term hereby created, and if Lessor shall desire to regain possession of the
demised premises promptly at the expiration of the term of this Lease, then at
any time prior to Lessor's acceptance of rent from Lessee as a monthly tenant
hereunder, Lessor, at its option, may forthwith re-enter and take possession of
the demised premises without process, or by any legal process in force in the
County of Fairfax, Virginia.

33. COVENANTS OF LESSOR

     Lessor covenants that it has the right to make this lease for the term
aforesaid, and that if lessee shall pay the rental and perform all of the
covenants, terms, and conditions of this lease to be performed by lessee, lessee
shall, during the term hereby created, freely, peaceably and quietly occupy and
enjoy the full possession of the demised premises without molestation or
hindrance by lessor or any party claiming through or under lessor. Lessor agrees
to provide char service Monday through Friday of each week, except holidays.

34. LIEN FOR RENT

     In consideration of the mutual benefits arising under this agreement,
lessee hereby grants to lessor a lien on all property of lessee now or
hereafter placed in or on the premises (except such part of any property as may
be exchanged, replaced, or sold from time to time in the ordinary course of
business operation or trade) and such property shall be and remain subject to
such lien of lessor for payment of all rent and other sums agreed to be paid by
lessee herein. Said lien shall be in addition to and cumulative upon the
lessor's liens provided by law.

35. GENDER

     Feminine or neuter pronouns shall be substituted for those of the
masculine form, and the plural shall be substituted for the singular number, in
any place or places herein which the context may require such substitution or
substitutions.

36. BENEFIT AND BURDEN

     The provisions of this lease shall be binding upon and shall inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and each of their respective representatives,
successors and assigns. Lessor may freely and full assign its interest
hereunder.

37. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     This lease together with Exhibits Addendum, attached hereto and made a
part hereof, contain and embody the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
no representations, inducements, or agreements, oral or otherwise, between the
parties not contained and embodied in said lease and exhibits, shall be of any
force or effect, and that same may not be modified, changed or terminated in
whole or in part in any manner other than by an agreement in writing duly
signed by all parties hereto.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor has hereunto set his hand and seal, and Lessee
has signed these presents and affixed his seal the day and year first
hereinabove written.

                                         LESSOR:

WITNESS:                                 Young & Skidmore Co.

                                         By
--------------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                                        Partner

WITNESS:                                 LESSEE:   ARTHUR H., LTD.

/s/ Terri P. Decatur                     /s/ Christopher Brittin, President
--------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
                                         By: Christopher Brittin, President

--------------------------------------   --------------------------------------

--------------------------------------   --------------------------------------


     The undersigned hereby guarantee the faithful performance by lessee of all
the conditions, covenants and agreements of the foregoing lease including, but
not limited to, the payment of all rent due and we hereby waive any right to
notice of any default by lessee.

WITNESS:

/s/ Terri P. Decatur                     /s/ Christopher Brittin, President
--------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
                                         By: Christopher Brittin, President

--------------------------------------   --------------------------------------

--------------------------------------   --------------------------------------


                                      -8-

<PAGE>   9
                   ADDENDUM TO McLEAN PROFESSIONAL PARK LEASE

This Addendum is hereby made a part of the Lease bearing even date between the
undersigned parties hereto covering premises at 1477 Chain Bridge Road, McLean,
Virginia, Suites 200, 201 and 202.

Premises is leased in "AS IS" condition.

It is agreed that if any monthly installment of rent shall remain unpaid for
more than seven days after the due date, the amount of the installment shall be
increased by five percent of the installment as a service charge for the
purpose of defraying expenses incident to handling delinquent payments.
Fourteen days after the due date, the amount of the installment shall be
increased by an additional five percent (a total of ten percent), and after
twenty-one days, the amount of the installment shall be increased by an
additional five percent (a total of fifteen percent) of the amount of the
installment. In addition, a service charge of $25.00 will be added to any
installment for handling a returned check.

The hereto attached Lease Agreement, as amended by this Addendum, shall
constitute the entire Agreement between the parties hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THE Lessor and Lessee have hereunto set their hands and
acknowledge having read the entire Lease, all this ___ day of ____________,
1999.

WITNESS:                                LESSOR:
                                        YOUNG & SKIDMORE COMPANY
                                        BY:


---------------------------             -------------------------------
                                        BERNARD J. YOUNG

WITNESS                                 LESSEE:
                                        ARTHUR H. LTD.
                                        BY:


/s/ TERRI P. DECATUR                    /s/ CHRISTOPHER M. BRITBER
---------------------------             -------------------------------

<PAGE>   10
                              CORPORATE RESOLUTION


RESOLVED, that Arthur H. Ltd., a Virginia Corporation, enters into a Lease with
Young & Skidmore Company, for the premises known as 1477 Chain Bridge Road,
Suites 200, 201 and 202, McLean, Virginia, under the terms and conditions
contained in the Lease, hereto annexed and made a part hereof, that the
President be, and is hereby authorized to execute and acknowledge all papers
and documents necessary for the proper execution of said Lease.

I, Susan R. Hopley, Secretary of Arthur H. Ltd., do hereby certify that the
foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution, unanimously adopted at the Board of
said Corporation, held on the 25th day of October, 1999, due notice of such
meeting having been given.


                                                            /s/ SUSAN R. HOPLEY
                                                            -------------------
                                                            SECRETARY



CORPORATE SEAL