Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10-A

                             COOPERATION AGREEMENT
                          ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
                           AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

                                NKK CORPORATION

                                      AND

                          NATIONAL STEEL CORPORATION

                                  MAY 25, 2000
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                       COOPERATION AGREEMENT ON RESEARCH
                       ---------------------------------
                   AND DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
                   ----------------------------------------

     THIS AGREEMENT is made this 25th day of May 2000 by and between NKK
Corporation, a Japanese corporation, having its main office at 1-1-2,
Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (hereinafter called "NKK") and National
Steel Corporation, a Delaware corporation having its principal office at 4100
Edison Lakes Parkway Mishawaka, Indiana 46545-3440, USA (hereinafter called
"NSC"). NKK and NSC are each hereinafter called the "Party" and both of them are
called the "Parties".

                                   RECITALS
                                   --------

A.  WHEREAS, both NKK and NSC have long experience in operating integrated
    steelworks and have accumulated substantial technology and know-how in the
    field; and

B.  WHEREAS, NKK has been and is providing certain technical assistance,
    business assistance, and consulting services to NSC regarding operation of
    its steel works (i) through Transferred Employees pursuant to The Agreement
    For The Transfer Of Employees dated May 1, 1995, between NKK and NSC, which
    has been amended year by year thereafter (hereinafter called the
    "Transferred Employee Agreement"), and (ii) pursuant to certain separate
    arrangements arising from or related to the Technical Assistance Agreement
    dated June 25, 1990, as amended by Amendment No. 1 effective July 29, 1998,
    between NKK and NSC (hereinafter called the "Technical Assistance
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    Agreement" and, together with the Transferred Employee Agreement, called the
    "Existing Agreements"); and

C.  WHEREAS, each Party is desirous of enhancing and facilitating cooperation
    with the other Party in the area of research and development by obtaining or
    receiving certain technology owned or to be developed by the other Party
    relating to certain steel products, by making use of certain research and
    development facilities at the other Party and by engaging in joint research
    and development projects, based on the mutual understanding that enhancing
    said cooperation in the area of research and development serves the best
    interests of each of them by enabling both Parties to achieve more rapid
    product development, achieve improvement of product capabilities for
    existing and new products, improve understanding of customer requirements in
    this increasingly global marketplace, and facilitate engineer and researcher
    development; and

D.  WHEREAS, each Party is willing to make available such technical assistance,
    consulting services, and other services to the other Party regarding certain
    research and development on existing and future steel products and relevant
    technology developed or to be developed by it, from time to time, to further
    the mutual understanding set out in paragraph C above,

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NOW, THEREFORE, WITNESSETH THAT, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
promises herein contained, the Parties agree as follows:

                             TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ARTICLE 1.  Definitions
            -----------

     For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:

1.1  "Confidential Information" means: (a) all Technical And Business
     Information, whether oral or in writing or embodied in any other medium,
     originated by or peculiarly within the knowledge of the disclosing Party,
     which is not generally available to others and which, if disclosed in
     writing, is marked "Confidential," and if disclosed orally or by other
     means (such as plant tours, demonstrations, or disclosure of samples or
     prototypes) is stated in writing by the disclosing Party to be Confidential
     Information within fourteen (14) business days after such disclosure; and
     (b) Technical and Business Information which contains, constitutes or
     embodies Joint Technology which has been designated "Confidential" by the
     Joint Research Board. Each Party shall be required to mark as
     "Confidential" all Technical and Business Information which contains,
     constitutes or embodies Joint Technology which has been so designated, but
     any failure to so mark shall

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     not excuse either Party from complying with the provisions of Article 9
     with respect to such information.

1.2  "Joint Patent" shall mean a patent granted on a Joint Patent Application.

1.3  "Joint Patent Application" shall mean a patent application filed or
     proposed to be filed by a Party which discloses or claims Joint Technology.

1.4  "Joint Research Board" means the group responsible for overseeing the
     activities undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, consisting of three
     representatives nominated by NSC who must be reasonably acceptable to NKK,
     and three representatives nominated by NKK, who must be reasonably
     acceptable to NSC. The initial members of the Joint Research Board shall
     include the General Manager Technology, Planning and Coordination of NSC;
     the General Manager -Manufacturing Technology of NSC; the General Manager,
     Technical Collaboration, of NKK; the General Manager, Sheet Products
     Research, of NKK; and the General Manager, Coated Products Research, of
     NKK.

1.5  "Joint Research Plan" is a plan as described in paragraph 3.2 hereof.

1.6  "Joint Research Project" means a research and development project having a
     defined scope in which both Parties jointly participate by contributing
     personnel, research and development facilities, equipment, and/or other

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     resources in order to develop Technology which is useful or potentially
     useful to at least one of the Parties.

1.7  "Joint Technology" means all Technology which is jointly developed or to be
     jointly developed by the Parties pursuant to this Agreement. Joint
     Technology shall include any and all Joint Patents and Joint Patent
     Applications.

1.8  NKK's "Exclusive Territory" means Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan,
     Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia
     and New Zealand.

1.9  NSC's "Exclusive Territory" means the United States, Canada and Mexico.

1.10 "Proprietary Technology" means all Technology (other than Joint Technology)
     which a Party owns, controls, or otherwise has the right to disclose and
     license and which has not been publicly disclosed or otherwise become
     generally available to others.

1.11 "Requesting Party" means the Party to this Agreement which, in the
     particular instance, makes a request to receive Technical Assistance or
     initiates a Joint Research Project.

1.12 "Responding Party" means the Party to this Agreement which, in the
     particular instance, receives a request to provide Technical Assistance or
     a request to participate in a Joint Research Project.

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1.13 "Statement Of Work" means a Statement Of Work as described in paragraph
     3.1 or paragraph 3.2 hereof.

1.14 "Technical And Business Information" means all information of a technical
     or business nature, including, without limitation, information relating to
     inventions (whether or not patentable), developments, discoveries, ideas,
     improvements, technical data, designs, formulas, specifications,
     techniques, methods, processes, products, know-how, test procedures,
     research plans, development plans, financial statements, methods of doing
     business, and customer requirements, in any form whatsoever, including,
     without limitation, charts, graphs, memoranda, summaries, prototypes,
     samples, models, blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, oral
     disclosures, manufacturing facilities, or equipment, and whether recorded
     in written, electronic, or any other medium.

1.15 "Technical Assistance" means assistance, consultation, advice, guidance,
     recommendation, and training given to the Requesting Party and/or its
     personnel by the Responding Party and/or its personnel for the purpose of
     improving or enhancing the Receiving Party's ability to develop,
     manufacture, market, and/or sell products or any other purpose consistent
     with the technological or business objectives of the Receiving Party.

1.16 "Technical Assistance Plan" means a plan as described in paragraph 3.1
     hereof.

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1.17 "Technical Assistance Project" means a project having a defined scope in
     which one Party provides Technical Assistance to the other Party in order
     to meet certain technological or business goals of that Party.

1.18 "Technology" means all inventions (whether or not patentable),
     developments, discoveries, ideas, improvements, technical data, designs,
     formulas, specifications, techniques, methods, processes, products, know-
     how, test procedures, and all intellectual property rights pertaining
     thereto which now exist or which may exist in the future (under the laws of
     any country), including patents, patent applications, patent rights, trade
     secrets, utility models, copyrights, and trademarks.

ARTICLE 2.  Prior Agreements
            ----------------

2.1  NSC and NKK acknowledge that they have entered into the Existing
     Agreements, which agreements shall be construed and interpreted as entirely
     distinct agreements from this Agreement and shall remain in full force and
     effect and shall not be superseded by this Agreement. To the extent that
     any Technical Assistance Project or Joint Research Project will involve a
     dispatch of one or more NKK employees to NSC, or an acceptance of one or
     more NSC employees by NKK, then the compensation to be paid by NSC to NKK
     shall be determined in accordance with the Technical Assistance Agreement.
     In addition, to the extent that any Technical Assistance Project or Joint
     Research Project will involve a dispatch of one or more NSC employees to

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     NKK, or an acceptance of one or more NKK employees by NSC, then the
     compensation to be paid by NKK to NSC shall also be determined in
     accordance with the Technical Assistance Agreement, modified to the extent
     necessary to reverse the roles of NKK and NSC.

2.2  To the extent that any Technical Assistance Project or Joint Research
     Project requires the dispatch of one or more employees by one Party to the
     other Party's facilities, the Parties agree that such dispatch shall be for
     a period not to exceed ninety (90) days consecutively or one hundred
     eighty-two (182) days in any one calendar year for any individual employee,
     unless a longer period is unanimously approved by the Joint Research Board.

2.3  In the event that employees of one Party are dispatched or transferred to
     the other Party's facilities and such employees work on a Technical
     Assistance Project or Joint Research Project during the time that they have
     been so dispatched or transferred, then the confidentiality, ownership, and
     rights to use Technology and Technical And Business Information which is
     disclosed or developed by such employees in the course of their work on
     such projects shall be determined in accordance with this Agreement or the
     relevant Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan, without regard
     to any conflicting provisions of the Existing Agreements. In particular,
     such employees shall not be considered employees of the Party to whose
     facilities they have been dispatched for purposes of determining the
     ownership of such Technology and Technical And Business Information.

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ARTICLE 3.  Technical Assistance and Research and Development Plans
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3.1  A Party wishing to receive Technical Assistance (the Requesting Party) from
     the other Party (the Responding Party), other than pursuant to the Existing
     Agreements, shall submit to the Joint Research Board in writing a proposed
     Technical Assistance Plan, which shall include the following:

          3.1.1  a Statement Of Work, which includes:

                 a.  a detailed description of the work to be completed by the
                     Responding Party, including, where possible, a division of
                     the Technical Assistance Project into phases with a
                     detailed description of the work to be completed during
                     each phase;

                 b.  an identification of the types of Technical And Business
                     Information to be disclosed to the Requesting Party during
                     the course of the Technical Assistance Project; and

                 c.  a schedule for completion of the work, including, where
                     appropriate, a target date or time period for completion of
                     each phase of the Technical Assistance Project;

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          3.1.2      a statement regarding the starting date and expected
                     duration of the Technical Assistance Project; and

          3.1.3      a statement regarding whether any compensation (in addition
                     to that which is contemplated by paragraph 2.1) is to be
                     paid by the Requesting Party to the Responding Party, and
                     if so, the amount, or a method for determining the amount,
                     of such compensation.

3.2  A Party wishing to initiate a Joint Research Project (the Requesting Party)
     with the other Party (the Responding Party) shall submit to the Joint
     Research Board in writing a proposed Joint Research Plan, which shall
     include the following:

          3.2.1  a Statement Of Work, which includes:

                 a.  a detailed description of the objectives of the Joint
                     Research Project, including, where possible, a set of
                     milestones and/or tasks to be accomplished during the
                     course of the Joint Research Project;

                 b.  an identification of the types of Technical And Business
                     Information to be disclosed by each Party

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                     to the other Party during the course of the Joint Research
                     Project;

                 c.  a schedule for completion of the Joint Research Project,
                     including, where appropriate, a target date or time period
                     for accomplishment of each milestone and/or task; and

                 d.  a plan for carrying out the Joint Research Project,
                     including an assignment of primary responsibility to one of
                     the Parties for the accomplishment of each milestone and/or
                     task involved in the Joint Research Project;

            3.2.2    a statement regarding the starting date and expected
                     duration of the Joint Research Project; and

            3.2.3    a statement regarding whether any compensation (in addition
                     to that which is contemplated by paragraph 2.1) is to be
                     paid by the one Party to the other Party, and if so, the
                     amount, or a method for determining the amount, of such
                     compensation.

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3.3  Unless otherwise specified in the Technical Assistance Plan or Joint
     Research Plan, a Requesting Party shall not be charged for any testing or
     other similar activities conducted at the facilities of the Responding
     Party, but shall be charged for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the
     Responding Party for payments to any third party in connection with any
     such testing or similar activities.

3.4  The compensation contemplated by paragraphs 2.1, 3.1.3 and 3.2.3 is not
     intended to compensate either Party for the actual or potential market
     value of any Technical And Business Information and/or Technology that is
     disclosed or developed pursuant to a Technical Assistance Plan or Joint
     Research Plan. Compensation for the use of such Technical And Business
     Information and/or Technology in commercial processes or products shall be
     agreed upon by the Parties in advance of commercialization of such
     Technology pursuant to paragraph 6.4 hereof.

3.5  Upon receipt of a proposed Technical Assistance Plan or a proposed Joint
     Research Plan, the Joint Research Board shall use good faith efforts to
     reach an agreement on the terms of the Technical Assistance Plan or Joint
     Research Plan, with the nonbinding goal of reaching an agreement within
     sixty (60) days after its receipt of the proposed Technical Assistance Plan
     or proposed Joint Research Plan.

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3.6  If, after engaging in such good faith negotiations, the Joint Research
     Board is unable to agree on a Statement Of Work or compensation to be paid
     by one Party to the other Party with respect to a proposed Technical
     Assistance Project or Joint Research Project, then that particular project
     shall not be undertaken and neither Party will have any obligation to the
     other Party with respect to that particular project.

3.7  Except to the extent modified in writing by the terms of a Technical
     Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan, the Terms and Conditions of this
     Agreement shall be deemed to be incorporated into such plans (whether or
     not expressly referenced therein), and shall govern the relationship
     between the Parties with respect to all activities carried out under such
     plans.

3.8  In the course of negotiating a proposed Technical Assistance Plan or a
     proposed Joint Research Plan, either Party may propose terms or conditions
     regarding implementation, ownership of technology, rights to use
     technology, confidentiality, or any other matter which differ from,
     supplement, or otherwise modify the Terms and Conditions of this Agreement.
     If the Parties are unable to agree on such proposed modifications, then the
     Terms and Conditions of this Agreement shall be effective and such failure
     to agree shall not excuse either Party from agreeing in writing to the
     proposed Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan or from
     fulfilling its obligations under such plan. Nothing in this paragraph
     modifies paragraph 3.6 of this Agreement.

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3.9  A Technical Assistance Plan or a Joint Research Plan shall become effective
     and enter into force when agreed upon in writing by both Parties.

ARTICLE 4.  Payment Terms
            -------------

4.1  Unless otherwise agreed, payment of the compensation required by this
     Agreement shall be made within forty-five (45) days from the date of
     receipt of an invoice submitted by one Party (hereinafter called the "Payee
     Party") to the other Party (hereinafter called the "Payor Party"), which
     invoice shall be submitted after completion of a particular phase,
     milestone or task of a Technical Assistance Project or Joint Research
     Project and the delivery of any required reports to the Payor Party in
     accordance with the relevant conditions to be set forth in the Technical
     Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan, as the case may be.

4.2  All payments to be made hereunder shall be remitted by wire transfer into a
     bank account designated by the Payee Party.

4.3  The Payor Party hereunder shall deduct from the amount of any payment to
     the Payee Party any withholding tax required in accordance with domestic
     law and after application of the U.S.A. Japan Income Tax Convention, and
     the Payor Party shall provide to the Payee Party, within thirty (30) days
     of any such payment, evidence verifying the payment of such tax as the
     Payee Party may reasonably request in order to obtain credit for such tax.

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ARTICLE 5.   Implementation of Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan
             ------------------------------------------------------------------

5.1  The Joint Research Board shall be responsible for overseeing all Technical
     Assistance Projects, Joint Research Projects, and other activities
     undertaken pursuant to this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of
     the foregoing, the Joint Research Board shall (i) determine whether to
     initiate a Technical Assistance Project or Joint Research Project requested
     by one of the Parties; (ii) determine whether to terminate, modify, or
     amend any Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan which has been
     entered into pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) monitor the manner in which
     technical communications are exchanged between the Parties; (iv) determine
     any human resource issues related to any Technical Assistance Project or
     Joint Research Project, including the transfer or dispatch of employees
     from one Party to the other Party; (v) determine how to address patent,
     confidentiality and other intellectual property issues which arise in
     connection with Joint Technology; and (vi) resolve questions and disputes
     regarding what constitutes Joint Technology or Proprietary Technology.

5.2  In carrying out its responsibilities hereunder, the Joint Research Board
     shall use good faith efforts to achieve consensus on all matters which come
     before it and resolve disputes in a manner which is acceptable to both
     Parties. If the Joint Research Board is not able to reach a consensus on
     any particular issue which comes before it (other than issues arising under
     paragraph 3.5 or

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     3.6 hereof), the matter shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with
     the requirements of Article 14 hereof.

5.3  Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of a Technical Assistance
     Plan or a Joint Research Plan, each Party shall designate one (1)
     individual as its representative to coordinate and generally oversee the
     Technical Assistance Project or Joint Research Project, as the case may be,
     in which such Party will participate, and shall provide the name and
     contact information for such designated individual (the "Project
     Coordinator") to the other Party in writing. Each Party shall promptly
     notify the other Party in writing of any change in its Project Coordinator.

5.4  The Project Coordinators shall communicate with each other and with the
     Joint Research Board on a regular basis and shall be responsible for
     monitoring the progress of the Technical Assistance Project or Joint
     Research Project and taking steps to insure that the phases, milestones,
     and/or tasks are accomplished in accordance with the schedule set forth in
     the Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan. If approved by the
     Joint Research Board, the Project Coordinators may make changes to the
     Statement Of Work to the extent reasonably related to the Statement Of Work
     of any Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan.

5.5  Each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to fulfill its obligations
     under a Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan, as may be amended
     from

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     time to time by the Parties, including, without limitation, assigning and
     making available competent personnel to work on the Technical Assistance
     Project or Joint Research Project; making available appropriate equipment
     and facilities for use in carrying out the project; and completing and
     reporting the results of the project in a timely manner and in accordance
     with the agreed-upon schedule.

5.6  Each Party (the "Disclosing Party") shall use its reasonable best efforts
     to advise the other Party of, and to provide to it, all Technical And
     Business Information that is available to the Disclosing Party and which it
     is obligated to advise and provide to the other Party under a Technical
     Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan, in a form which is accurate and
     complete, utilizing, to the Disclosing Party's knowledge, the best and most
     up-to-date information and experience available to the Disclosing Party
     which is appropriate for utilization under the given circumstances, as of
     the time of such disclosure.

5.7  Each Party shall be responsible for making the final decision as to whether
     or not to implement, use, or adopt the contents or results of any Technical
     Assistance, Joint Research Project, Technology, or Technical And Business
     Information which is provided or undertaken pursuant to this Agreement.

5.8  Neither Party shall be held responsible for any loss or damage (including
     consequential, special, or indirect losses, damages, or claims) incurred by
     the other Party in connection with the implementation, use, or adoption of
     any

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     Technical Assistance, Joint Research Project, Technology, or Technical And
     Business Information, unless such loss or damage arises from gross
     negligence of a Party.

5.9  In the event there is any claim, action, or suit for infringement of a
     third-party patent arising from the implementation, use, or adoption of any
     Technical Assistance, Joint Research Project, Technology, or Technical And
     Business Information which is provided or undertaken by either Party
     pursuant to this Agreement, or for actively inducing infringement or
     contributory infringement arising out of an act of either Party in
     connection with a Technical Assistance Project or Joint Research Project,
     then representatives of the Parties shall meet and attempt in good faith to
     agree upon what actions, if any, shall be taken in response to such claim,
     action, or suit and the extent to which, if any, the Parties will share the
     costs and damages incurred in defending or settling such claim, action, or
     suit. In the event that the Parties are unable to reach such an agreement,
     then the matter shall be finally settled by arbitration in accordance with
     Article 14 hereof.

ARTICLE 6.  Ownership and Rights to Use Technology
            --------------------------------------

6.1  All Joint Technology (including Joint Patents and Joint Patent
     Applications) shall be jointly owned by NKK and NSC, with each Party having
     full rights to practice and grant licenses to third parties to practice
     such Joint Technology

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     throughout the world, provided, however, that neither party shall, without
     the prior written consent of the other party, grant any license to a third
     party to make, use, or sell any product or process embodying Joint
     Technology or a Joint Patent in the other party's Exclusive Territory.

6.2  All royalties and fees, and the fair market value of any nonmonetary
     consideration received by a Party by reason of the grant of a license to a
     third party to practice Joint Technology (hereinafter "Royalties") shall be
     shared equally by the Parties, except that: (a) a Party which grants a
     license to practice Joint Technology within its own Exclusive Territory
     shall be entitled to retain all Royalties it receives by reason of such
     license; and (b) a Party which grants a license under a Joint Patent or
     Joint Patent Application outside its Exclusive Territory shall be entitled
     to retain a portion of any Royalties it receives by reason of such license
     equal to the amount of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Party
     for payments to any third party relating to the filing or prosecution of
     such Joint Patent or Joint Patent Application, and the remainder of such
     Royalties shall be shared equally by the Parties.

6.3  Each Party hereby grants and agrees to grant to the other Party a
     perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide,
     unrestricted right and license to use (subject to the restrictions of
     Article 9 hereof and paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 and without the right to
     sublicense) all Technology and Technical And Business Information, other
     than Proprietary Technology, which is

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     disclosed to the other Party pursuant to this Agreement. This right and
     license shall survive the termination of this Agreement on a perpetual,
     irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide basis.

6.4  Each Party hereby grants and agrees to grant to the other Party a
     perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide right and
     license to use solely for research and development purposes (subject to the
     restrictions of Article 9 hereof and paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 and without the
     right to sublicense) all Proprietary Technology which is disclosed to the
     other Party with no right or license to use such Proprietary Technology in
     commercial processes or products, except pursuant to paragraph 6.5. This
     limited right and license shall survive the termination of this Agreement
     on a perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide basis.

6.5  In the event that a Party desires to use the other Party's Proprietary
     Technology to manufacture, use, offer to sell, sell, export, or import any
     process or product on a commercial basis, it may give written notice to the
     other Party identifying the process or product that it intends to
     commercialize, specifying the Proprietary Technology concerning which it
     seeks a license, and requesting a license. Upon receipt of such a request,
     the other Party shall make a written offer of license to the requesting
     Party. The scope, term, royalty (if any), and other provisions of any offer
     of license shall be no less favorable to the requesting Party than those
     provided in licenses granted to any third party with respect to the
     specified Proprietary

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     Technology, unless such other license was granted (i) in connection with
     the sale, lease, or transfer of substantial equipment or other assets as a
     combined transaction; or (ii) otherwise under substantially different
     circumstances. Upon receipt of an offer to license, the Parties shall
     negotiate in good faith in an effort to reach agreement on the terms of a
     license that would permit the requesting Party to use the specified
     Proprietary Technology. In the event that the Parties are unable to reach
     such an agreement regarding the terms of a license to commercialize
     Proprietary Technology, then the Party from whom a license is sought shall
     have no obligation to grant such a license to the requesting Party. Such
     failure to agree shall not excuse either Party from its obligations under a
     Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan.

ARTICLE 7.  Patent Protection
            -----------------

7.1  Each Party shall have the right to file a Joint Patent Application,
     provided, however, that the Party desiring to file such a Joint Patent
     Application (the "Filing Party") first receives the advice and consent of
     the other Party pursuant to this paragraph. Prior to filing a Joint Patent
     Application, the Filing Party shall provide the other Party (the "Receiving
     Party") a substantially complete draft of the patent application. Should
     the Receiving Party determine in good faith that the proposed Joint Patent
     Application discloses or claims Technology owned solely by the Receiving
     Party or raises

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     strategic patent filing issues related to Joint Technology, the Receiving
     Party shall communicate such determination in writing to the Filing Party
     within fourteen (14) days after receipt of the draft application, and the
     Parties shall thereafter negotiate in good faith to determine the ownership
     interests and filing strategies relating to such patent application. If the
     Receiving Party does not so communicate within such fourteen day period,
     then the Filing Party may file the patent application. In the event that
     the Parties are unable to reach agreement regarding the filing and
     prosecution of a Joint Patent Application, then neither Party shall be
     entitled to file such application.

7.2  The Filing Party shall control the prosecution of a Joint Patent
     Application that it files at its own expense. The Filing Party shall,
     however, promptly provide the other Party with a copy of any Joint Patent
     Application that it files, as well as a copy of any Joint Patent that is
     granted.

7.3  In the event that a Filing Party elects to abandon or let lapse any Joint
     Patent or Joint Patent Application, it shall provide written notice to the
     other Party, which may elect to take over the prosecution or maintenance of
     such Joint Patent or Joint Patent Application at its own expense. In the
     event that a Joint Patent Application has been filed in one country, and
     the Filing Party elects not to file a corresponding application in other
     countries where it has a right of priority under the Paris Convention or
     other similar treaty, law, or convention, it shall provide written notice
     to the other Party, which

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     may elect to file and prosecute the Joint Patent Application in such other
     countries at its own expense. Such written notice shall be provided by the
     Filing Party as far in advance of the date on which such Joint Patent,
     Joint Patent Application, or right of priority will expire, lapse, or be
     abandoned as is reasonably possible under the circumstances.

7.4  At the request of a Filing Party, the other Party shall provide reasonable
     cooperation and assistance to the Filing Party in the preparation, filing,
     and prosecution of a Joint Patent Application. Each Party agrees to
     promptly execute or cause its employees, agents or consultants to execute
     and return any documents reasonably deemed necessary to carry out the
     purposes of paragraphs 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3, including all declarations,
     oaths, assignments, affidavits, pleadings, and powers of attorney.

7.5  Any Joint Patent Application or Joint Patent shall become part of Joint
     Technology and shall be subject to paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 hereof.

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ARTICLE 8. Third-Party Infringement
           ------------------------

8.1  If either Party believes that any Joint Technology has been misappropriated
     by a third party or that any Joint Patent is being infringed by any
     unlicensed third party, it shall promptly notify the other Party in
     writing. Each Party shall have the right, but not the obligation, to take
     appropriate steps to end any alleged unauthorized, third-party use of Joint
     Technology or any unlicensed, third-party infringement of any Joint Patent.
     However, a Party intending to commence legal action against a third-party
     misappropriator or infringer shall provide sixty (60) days written notice
     to the other Party. The other Party shall, within such sixty-day period,
     notify the first Party in writing as to whether it intends to participate
     and share the costs in such legal action.

8.2  Notwithstanding paragraph 8.1, each Party shall have the right, but not the
     obligation, to seek emergency injunctive relief (for example, a temporary
     restraining order or a preliminary injunction) in order to abate a third-
     party misappropriation or infringement and avoid irreparable harm. A Party
     seeking such relief shall provide such advance notice to the other Party as
     is reasonable under the circumstances, but shall not be obligated to await
     a response from the other Party before seeking such emergency injunctive
     relief.

                                       24
<PAGE>

8.3  If both Parties elect to pursue a suit or other enforcement action against
     an infringer or misappropriator, the Parties shall agree on how the costs
     and expenses for such a suit will be shared and agree on a division of any
     net recovery from such third-party infringer or misappropriator. Any
     dispute regarding how such costs and expenses will be shared shall be
     finally settled by arbitration in accordance with Article 14 hereof.

8.4  If either Party (the "Initiating Party") shall bring and maintain the suit
     alone, such Party shall have the right to control the litigation and any
     settlement thereof. If either Party elects to bring suit alone and it is
     awarded a monetary judgment against an infringer, the other Party shall not
     be entitled to any portion of such recovery, even if such Party is
     involuntarily joined in the litigation. The other Party shall cooperate
     with the Initiating Party and execute any and all documentation that may be
     required to permit the Initiating Party to file and maintain any action on
     its own. The other Party shall, upon request, make available to the
     Initiating Party all reasonable information that could assist such Party.
     The other Party shall, at its own expense, be entitled (but not obligated)
     to non-controlling participation through counsel of its own selection.

8.5  In any and all litigation or other contested hearing relating to Joint
     Technology or a Joint Patent in which both Parties elect to participate,
     the following conditions are applicable: Neither Party shall terminate or
     reach final settlement of any claim without first obtaining the other
     Party's written

                                       25
<PAGE>

     consent to do so, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Each
     Party shall keep the other Party advised of all material developments in
     the litigation or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto.

ARTICLE 9.  Confidentiality
            ---------------

9.1  A Party receiving Confidential Information (the Receiving Party) from the
     other Party (the Disclosing Party) shall disclose such information only to
     those employees, officers, directors, representatives, and agents of the
     Receiving Party who have a need to know such information; provided,
     however, that any such Confidential Information which is marked "Top
     Secret" by the Disclosing Party shall be disclosed only to the Receiving
     Party's representatives on the Joint Research Board, unless otherwise
     agreed in writing by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party and its
     employees, officers, directors, representatives, and agents shall use
     Confidential Information supplied by the Disclosing Party solely for
     purposes contemplated by this Agreement or the relevant Technical
     Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan.

9.2  The Receiving Party and its employees, officers, directors,
     representatives, and agents shall keep all Confidential Information
     confidential, handling it with the procedural safeguards customarily
     afforded its own Confidential Information, and shall not disclose or
     transfer any Confidential Information supplied by the Disclosing Party to
     any third party without the prior written

                                       26
<PAGE>

     consent of the Disclosing Party. The Parties understand and acknowledge
     that the need may arise to disclose Confidential Information supplied by
     the Disclosing Party to the customers or potential customers of the
     Receiving Party or at an academic society in which the Receiving Party
     participates; in such cases, the Receiving Party's representatives on the
     Joint Research Board shall give the Disclosing Party's representatives a
     written request for consent to disclose such Confidential Information with
     an explanation of the identity of the customers or the academic society,
     the reason for such disclosure, the scope of Confidential Information to be
     disclosed by the Receiving Party, and the identity of the personnel of the
     Receiving Party who propose to make such a disclosure. The Disclosing Party
     shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to such request made by the
     Receiving Party, but the Receiving Party may not act without the consent of
     the Disclosing Party.

9.3  The Parties agree that any breach of the obligations of the Receiving Party
     and the Receiving Party's personnel or any of their failure to fulfill the
     obligations set forth under paragraphs 9.1 and 9.2 hereof could cause
     irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party, for which monetary damages may be
     difficult to ascertain or an inadequate remedy. Therefore, the Receiving
     Party agrees that the Disclosing Party will have the right, in addition to
     its other rights and remedies, to seek injunctive relief for any violation
     of these provisions of the Agreement. The Receiving Party shall take
     reasonable

                                       27
<PAGE>

     steps to prevent any of its employees, officers, directors,
     representatives, and agents from breaching the obligations under this
     article, including steps to prevent any misappropriation of Confidential
     Information by such personnel after termination of their employment or
     engagement with the Receiving Party.

9.4  The obligations of paragraphs 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 shall survive termination
     of this Agreement. The restrictions contained in paragraphs 9.1, 9.2, and
     9.3 shall not extend to any information:

     (i)   that is already in the possession of the Receiving Party at the date
           of its disclosure by the Disclosing Party;

     (ii)  that at the time of disclosure is, or after disclosure becomes,
           generally known to the public or in the industry through no fault of
           the Receiving Party;

     (iii) that may thereafter become available to the Receiving Party from a
           third party who has no existing obligation of secrecy with the
           Disclosing Party:

     (iv)  that is further disclosed with the prior written consent of the
           Disclosing Party; or

     (v)   that must be disclosed pursuant to a court order or other legal
           requirement, provided that the Receiving Party shall give the

                                       28
<PAGE>

           Disclosing Party reasonable prior notice of the required disclosure
           such that the Disclosing Party may contest such disclosure or seek an
           appropriate protective order if it so elects.

ARTICLE 10.  Force Majeure
             -------------

10.1  Neither Party shall be liable for delay or failure in performing of any
      its duties or obligations under this Agreement caused in whole or in part
      by force majeure conditions, such as acts of God; wars; riots; fires;
      explosions; compliance with governmental rules, regulations, or other
      governmental requirements, or any other like or unlike causes beyond the
      reasonable control of the Party whose performance is affected thereby.

10.2  The Parties agree to comply and cooperate and assist one another in
      complying with any and all laws which restrict the export of information,
      technology, or goods from the United State or Japan. Neither Party shall
      be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this
      Agreement by reason of compliance or attempted compliance with such laws.

                                       29
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 11.  Effective Date and Termination of Agreement
             -------------------------------------------

11.1  The term of this Agreement shall be five (5) years commencing on the date
      set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof (the "Effective Date"), and
      such term shall automatically continue in effect thereafter until
      terminated by either Party on not less than ninety (90) days written
      notice to the other Party.

11.2  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 11.1 above, this Agreement may
      be terminated at any time and for any reasons by either Party on not less
      than ninety (90) days' written notice.

11.3  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 11.1 hereof, in the event of
      failure or neglect of either Party to fulfill any of the covenants or
      provisions of this Agreement or of a Technical Assistance Plan or Joint
      Research Plan in any material respect, and if such default is not cured
      within thirty (30) days after notice of such default has been given, then
      the Party giving such notice shall have the right to terminate this
      Agreement at any time thereafter, provided that the default is still in
      existence, by giving written notice of such termination to the defaulting
      Party.

11.4   Unless otherwise specifically agreed by the Parties, a termination of
       this Agreement shall not result in the termination of any Technical
       Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan already effective, nor shall the
       termination of any Technical Assistance Plan or Joint Research Plan
       result in the

                                       30
<PAGE>

      termination of this Agreement or any other Technical Assistance Plan or
      Joint Research Plan already effective.

11.5  Any termination pursuant to paragraph 11.2 or 11.3 shall neither prejudice
      nor eliminate any available rights or remedies of either Party which
      accrued before the date of termination, nor shall it relieve either Party
      from any obligations which accrued before the date of termination under
      the provisions of this Agreement or any Technical Assistance Plan or Joint
      Research Plan.

ARTICLE 12.  Assignment
             ----------

12.1  The rights and obligations of either Party hereto shall not be assigned
      without the written consent of the other Party, provided, however, that
      either Party (the "Assigning Party") shall have the right to assign this
      Agreement to any wholly-owned subsidiary. In the event of an assignment,
      the Assigning Party shall remain liable to the other Party for any breach
      of the Agreement and shall cause such assignee to perform this Agreement
      as fully and effectively as if it were performed by the Assigning Party,
      and the Assigning Party shall guarantee such performance.

ARTICLE 13.  Governing Law
             -------------

13.1  This Agreement and all performance hereunder shall be construed by and in
      accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

ARTICLE 14.  Resolution of Disputes
             ----------------------

                                       31
<PAGE>

14.1  The Parties agree to work in good faith to resolve all questions,
      disputes, or differences which may arise out of or in connection with this
      Agreement.

14.2  If both Parties are unable to resolve such questions, disputes, or
      difference, they shall be finally settled by arbitration before the
      American Arbitration Association in accordance with then-current rules of
      the association, without recourse to judicial review or decision, and both
      Parties shall be bound conclusively by the arbital decision. Such
      arbitration shall be held in Chicago, Illinois, and shall be conducted in
      the English language.

ARTICLE 15.  Notice
             ------

15.1  All notices, requests, and other communications that shall or may be given
      hereunder shall be made by registered airmail, telex, or telecopy and
      shall be addressed as follows:

          (a)  in the case of NKK:      NKK Corporation
                                        1-1-2 Marunouchi
                                        Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
                                        100-8202  Japan
                                  Attn: Director, Technology
                                        Planning and Coordination Department
                                        Steel Division
                                        Fax:  3-3214-8406

          (b)  in the case of NSC:      National Steel Corporation
                                        4100 Edison Lake Parkway
                                        Mishawaka, In  46545-3440
                                        U.S.A.
                                  Attn: President and
                                        Chief Operating Officer
                                        Fax: 219-273-7867

                                       32
<PAGE>

or to such other address as either Party may from time to time designate.  Such
notice shall take effect upon receipt thereof, provided that such notice shall
be deemed to have been received upon expiration of ten (10) days from the date
of sending in case of mail and twenty-four (24) hours from the hour of sending
in the case of telecopier.  The requirements set forth in this Article 15 shall
not be applicable to routine communications and correspondence between the
parties with respect to Technical Assistance Projects and Joint Research
Projects which are undertaken pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 16.  GENERAL CONDITIONS
             ------------------

16.1  All communications and transfer of information under this Agreement shall
      be accomplished in the English language. 16.2 Nothing in this Agreement
      shall be construed to prevent or prohibit the acquisition of any form of
      technical assistance or technology by NSC or NKK from any third party.

16.3  In case any one or more of the provisions contained herein shall for any
      reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect,
      such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any
      other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed
      as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision or provisions had
      never been contained herein.

                                       33
<PAGE>

16.4  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which
      shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
      one and the same instrument. Upon signature of a counterpart by a Party,
      the Party will transmit immediately to the other Party the signature page
      of the counterpart.

16.5  The provisions of this Agreement shall not be modified or amended except
      by an instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of the Parties hereto.

This Agreement is the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to its
subject matter and replaces all previous discussions and correspondence between
the Parties regarding its subject matter.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives.

NATIONAL STEEL CORPORATION                             NKK CORPORATION

By:    /s/ S. Denner                       By:    /s/ Masayuki Hanmyo
       --------------------------                 ------------------------
Name:  S. Denner                           Name:  Masyuki Hanmyo
       --------------------------                 ------------------------
Title: V.P. Research & Technology          Title: Executive Vice President
       --------------------------                 ------------------------

                                       34<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                              AIRCRAFT DRY LEASE

     This Lease of aircraft is made, effective as of April 1, 2000, by and
                                                     -------------
between Wyoming Associates, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of
        ------------------------
the State of South Carolina, with principal offices at 961 East Main Street,
             --------------                            --------------------
Spartanburg, SC 29302 (hereinafter referred to as "Lessor") and ESA Services,
---------------------                                           ------------
Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, with
principal offices at 450 East Las Olas Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
                     ------------------------------------------------
(hereinafter referred to as "Lessee").

                                   RECITALS

     The parties recite that:

     A.  Lessor owns a 1987 Gates Learjet Model 55B aircraft, Serial No. 132,
                       ----------------------------                      ---
and currently registered as N122SU (hereinafter referred to as the "Aircraft").
                            ------
The Aircraft is available for use by a qualified Lessee; and

     B.  Lessee desires to lease the Aircraft under such terms and conditions as
are mutually satisfactory to the parties.

     The parties agree as follows:

                                  SECTION ONE
                               LEASE OF AIRCRAFT

     For Fifty-Seven Thousand Dollars and No/100 ($57,000.00) monthly, Lessor
agrees to lease the Aircraft to Lessee.  The Aircraft shall be delivered to
Lessee at Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Ft. Lauderdale,
          ----------------------------------------------    --------------
Florida on April 1, 2000, at which time Lessee shall inspect the Aircraft to the
-------    -------------
extent deemed necessary.  Lessee shall have ten (10) flight hours following
                                            ---
delivery of the Aircraft in which to notify Lessor in writing of any defects in
the Aircraft or its equipment or accessories.  If, at the end of such period,
Lessor has not received such notification, it shall be conclusively presumed
between the parties that Lessee has

                                       1
<PAGE>

fully inspected the Aircraft having knowledge that it is in good condition and
repair and that Lessee is satisfied with and has accepted the Aircraft in such
condition and repair.

                                  SECTION TWO
                                     TERM

     This Lease shall commence on April 1, 2000 and continue for one year after
                                  -------------
said date.  Thereafter, this Lease shall be automatically renewed on a month to
month basis, unless sooner terminated by either party as hereinafter provided.
Either party may at any time terminate this Lease upon thirty (30) days written
notice to the other party, delivered personally or by certified mail, return
receipt requested, at the address for said other party as set forth above.

                                 SECTION THREE
                       COMMERCIAL OPERATION RESTRICUTION

     Neither Lessee nor Lessor will make the Aircraft available for hire within
the meaning of the Federal Aviation Regulations.  The Aircraft is to be operated
strictly in accordance with 14 C.F. R. Part 91.

                                 SECTION FOUR
                                   INSURANCE

     At all times during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall cause to be
carried and maintained, at Lessee's cost and expense, physical damage insurance
with respect to the Aircraft in the amount set forth below:

          Aircraft Physical Damage           $5,650,000.00
          (No Deductible While
          In Motion or Not in Motion)

     At all times during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall also cause to be
carried and maintained, at Lessee's cost and expense, third party aircraft
liability insurance, passenger legal liability insurance, property damage
liability insurance, and medical expense insurance in the amounts set forth
below:

                                       2
<PAGE>

          Combined Liability Coverage for
          Bodily Injury and Property Damage
          Including Passengers -
          Each Occurrence                   $100,000,000.00

          Medical Expense Coverage -
          Each Person                       $      5,000.00

     Lessee shall also bear the cost of paying any deductible amount on any
policy of insurance in the event of a claim or loss.

     Any policies of insurance carried in accordance with this Lease:  (i) shall
name Lessor and its assignee as an additional insured; and (ii) shall contain a
waiver by the underwriter thereof of any right of subrogation against Lessor;
and (iii) shall provide that in respect of the interests of Lessor and its
assignee, such policies of insurance shall not be invalidated by any action or
inaction of Lessee or any other person and shall insure Lessor and its assignee
(subject to the limits of liability and war risk exclusion set forth in such
policies) regardless of any breach or any violation of any warranty,
declarations or conditions contained in such policies by Lessee or any other
person; and (iv) shall provide that if the insurers cancel insurance for any
reason whatsoever, or the same is allowed to lapse for non-payment of premium,
or if there is any material change in policy terms and conditions, such a
cancellation, lapse or change shall not be effective as to Lessor.  Each
liability policy shall be primary without right of contribution from any other
insurance which is carried by Lessee or Lessor and shall expressly provide that
all of the provisions thereof, except the limits of liability, shall operate in
the same manner as if there were a separate policy covering each insured.

     Lessee shall submit this Lease for approval to the insurance carrier for
each policy of insurance on the Aircraft.  Lessee shall arrange for a
Certificate of Insurance evidencing appropriate coverage as to the Aircraft and
the satisfaction of the requirements set forth above to be given by its
insurance carriers to Lessor.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                                 SECTION FIVE
                              RESTRICTIONS ON USE

     Lessee may operate the Aircraft only for the purposes and within the
geographical limits set forth in the insurance policy or policies obtained in
compliance with Section Four of this Lease.  The Aircraft shall be operated at
all times in accordance with the flight manual and all manufacturer's suggested
operating procedures.  Furthermore, Lessee shall not use the Aircraft in
violation of any foreign, federal, state, territorial, or municipal law or
regulation and shall be solely responsible for any fines, penalties, or
forfeitures occasioned by any violation by Lessee.  If such fines or penalties
are imposed on Lessor and paid by Lessor, Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for the
amount thereof within thirty (30) days of receipt by Lessee of written demand
from Lessor.  Lessee will not base the Aircraft, or permit it to be based,
outside the limits of the United States of America, without the written consent
of Lessor and its assignee.

     The Aircraft shall be flown only by certificated and qualified pilots and
shall be maintained only by certificated and qualified mechanics.  In the event
the insurance on the Aircraft would be invalidated because lessee is unable to
obtain certificated and qualified pilots and mechanics, Lessee shall not operate
the Aircraft until such time as certificated and qualified pilots and mechanics
are obtained and insurance on the Aircraft is made valid.

     Lessee will not directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or suffer to
exist any lien on or with respect to the Aircraft.  Lessee will promptly, at is
own expense, take such action as may be necessary to discharge any lien not
excepted above if the same shall arise at any time.

                                  SECTION SIX
                             INSPECTION BY LESSOR

     Lessee agrees to permit Lessor or any authorized agent to inspect the
Aircraft at any reasonable time and to furnish any information in respect to the
Aircraft and its use that Lessor may reasonably request.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                                 SECTION SEVEN
                                  ALTERATIONS

     Except in accordance with other written agreements entered into subsequent
to the date of this Lease between Lessee and Lessor regarding maintenance of the
Aircraft, Lessee shall not have the right to alter, modify, or make additions or
improvements to the Aircraft without the written permission of Lessor.  All such
alterations, modifications, additions, and improvements as are so made shall
become the property of Lessor and shall be subject to all of the terms of this
Lease.

                                 SECTION EIGHT
                            MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

     Lessee, at Lessee's own cost and expense, shall repair and maintain the
Aircraft during the term of this Lease so as to keep it in as good and safe
operating condition as when delivered by Lessor to Lessee, ordinary wear and
tear from use and ordinary deterioration excepted.  Lessee shall pay all costs
and expenses of new parts and accessories for replacement, including
transportation charges thereon.  Lessee shall be entitled to any and all salvage
from broken or worn out parts.  The workmen who inspect, maintain, and repair
the Aircraft on Lessee's behalf shall not be employees of Lessor, but shall at
all times be employees of Lessee or independent contractors, and Lessor shall
have no control or authority to direct, employ, discharge or pay compensation to
such employees.  Subject to the foregoing limitations, Lessee agrees to
indemnify Lessor against any liability arising from the negligent repair and
maintenance of the Aircraft, as well as from failure to repair and maintain the
Aircraft, and also against any claim or liability arising out of the repair
work, and the delivery of material to and from the place where such repair and
maintenance work is performed.

     All inspections, repairs, modifications, maintenance, and overhaul work to
be accomplished by Lessee shall be performed by personnel certificated to
perform such work and

                                       5
<PAGE>

shall be performed in accordance with the standards set by the Federal Aviation
Regulations. Lessee shall maintain all log books and records pertaining to the
Aircraft during the term of this Lease in accordance with the Federal Aviation
Regulations. Such records shall be made available for examination by Lessor, and
Lessee, at the termination of this Lease, shall deliver such records to Lessor.

                                 SECTION NINE
                                     TITLE

     The registration of and title to the Aircraft shall be in the name of the
Lessor, and the Aircraft, at all times during the term of this Lease or any
extension, shall bear United States registration markings.  All responsibility
and obligations in regard to the operation of the Aircraft as above owned,
registered, and marked shall be borne by Lessee during the term of this Lease.

                                  SECTION TEN
                               PAYMENT OF TAXES

     Lessee shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes incurred by reason of
ownership of the Aircraft during the term of this Lease, including personal
property taxes.  Lessee shall pay all taxes associated with Lessee's use of the
Aircraft on Lessee's own business, including landing fees, fuel taxes, and any
other taxes or fees which may be assessed against a specific flight by Lessee.

                                SECTION ELEVEN
                                  ASSIGNMENT

     Lessee shall not assign this Lease or any interest in the Aircraft, or
sublet the Aircraft, without prior written consent of Lessor.  Subject to the
foregoing, this Lease inures to the benefit of, and is binding on, the heirs,
legal representatives, successors, and assigns of the parties.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                                SECTION TWELVE
                              ACCIDENT AND CLAIM

     Lessee shall immediately notify Lessor of each accident involving the
Aircraft, which notification shall specify the time, place, and nature of the
accident or damage, the names and addresses of parties involved, persons
injured, witnesses, and owners of properties damaged, and such other information
as may be known.  Lessee shall advise Lessor of all correspondence, papers,
notices, and documents whatsoever received by Lessee in connection with any
claim or demand involving or relating to the Aircraft or its operation, and
shall aid in any investigation instituted by Lessor and in the recovery of
damages from third persons liable therefor.

                               SECTION THIRTEEN
                         RETURN OF AIRCRAFT TO LESSOR

     On the termination of this Lease by expiration or otherwise, Lessee shall
return the Aircraft to Lessor at Spartanburg Downtown Airport in Spartanburg,
                                 ----------------------------    -----------
South Carolina, in as good operating condition and appearance as when received,
--------------
ordinary wear, tear and deterioration excepted, and shall indemnify Lessor
against any claim for loss or damage occurring prior to the actual physical
delivery of the Aircraft to Lessor.

                               SECTION FOURTEEN
                           MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT

     This Lease constitutes the entire understanding between the parties, and
any change or modification must be in writing and signed by both parties.

                                SECTION FIFTEEN
                                 GOVERNING LAW

     This Lease is entered into under, and is to be construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of South Carolina.
                               --------------

                                       7
<PAGE>

                                SECTION SIXTEEN
                          TRUTH IN LEASING STATEMENT

     THE AIRCRAFT, A 1987 GATES LEARJET 55B, MANUFACTURER'S SERIAL NO. 132,
                     ----------------------                            ---
CURRENTLY REGISTERED WITH THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AS N122SU, HAS
                                                                 ------
BEEN MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 DURING THE 12 MONTH PERIOD
PRECEDING THE DATE OF THIS LEASE.

     THE AIRCRAFT WILL BE MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 FOR
OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS LEASE.  DURING THE DURATION OF THIS LEASE,
ESA SERVICES, INC., 450 EAST LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, FT. LAUDERDALE, FORIDA 33301,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
IS CONSIDERED RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT UNDER THIS
LEASE.

     AN EXPLANATION OF FACTORS BEARING ON OPERATIONAL CONTROL AND PERTINENT
FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEAREST FAA FLIGHT
STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE.

     THE "INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH TRUTH IN LEASING RQUIREMENTS"
ATTACHED HERETO ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

     I, THE UNDERSIGNED GEORGE D. JOHNSON, JR. AS PRESIDENT OF ESA SERVICES,
                                                               ------------
INC., 450 EAST LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33301, CERTIFY THAT I
----------------------------------------------------------------
AM RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND THAT I UNDERSTAND MY
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease.

WYOMING ASSOCIATES, INC.

/s/ Dan C. Breeden, Jr.               4/1/00
-------------------------------       --------------------------
DAN C. BREEDEN, JR.                   Date and Time of Execution
Vice President

ESA SERVICES, INC.
------------------

/s/ George D. Johnson, Jr.            4/1/00
-------------------------------       --------------------------
GEORGE D. JOHNSON, JR.                Date and Time of Execution
President

                                       8
<PAGE>

              INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH "TRUTH IN LEASING"
                                 REQUIREMENTS

          1.   Mail a copy of the lease agreement to the following address via
               certified mail, return receipt requested, immediately upon
               execution of the agreement (14 C.F.R. requires that the copy be
               sent within twenty-four hours after it is signed):

                    Federal Aviation Administration
                    Aircraft Registration Branch
                    ATTN:  Technical Section
                    P.O. Box 25724
                    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125

          2.   Telephone the nearest Flight Standards District Office at least
               forty-eight hours prior to the first flight under this lease
               agreement.

          3.   Carry a copy of the lease agreement in the aircraft at all times.

                                       9

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