Document:

Exhibit 10

	Exhibit
  10.1

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL
RELEASE

This Separation Agreement and General Release (hereinafter “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Jacques Driscoll (hereinafter “Employee”) and Hudson United Bancorp and Hudson United Bank (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Bank”) as of April 20, 2005.

WHEREAS, Employee has been employed by the Bank since on or about May 28, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Employee and Bank have agreed that Employee’s employment and  position as an officer of the Bank and any affiliates will terminate effective as of April 29, 2005 (“Termination Date”); and

WHEREAS, Employee and the Bank wish to enter into this Agreement to provide for certain consideration to Employee and to address certain rights and obligations of the parties before and following the Termination Date;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, it is agreed as follows:

1.      Upon receipt of a copy of this Agreement signed by Employee, and upon expiration of the revocation period set forth in paragraph 8 below and after the Termination Date terminating Employee’s employment, the Bank agrees to provide Employee with the following consideration:

(a)     The Bank shall pay to Employee salary continuation at Employee’s current base rate of pay continuing through to and including the Termination Date. These payments shall be made in accordance with the Bank’s normal payroll practices and shall be subject to all applicable withholdings and deductions. The period from the date hereof through to the Termination Date shall be considered a transition period and shall be known as the “Notification Period.”

(b)    Subject to the parties’ acknowledgement that Employee’s employment will terminate as of the Termination Date, the Bank shall pay to Employee three (3) months of severance in a lump sum payment, less lawful deductions required by law. Such payment will be made within ten (10) business days after the Bank receives this Agreement signed by Employee (such date being the “Effective Date”) and following the expiration of the revocation period described in paragraph 8 below. Commencing as of the day following the termination date, Employee shall be entitled to elect to continue such medical and dental coverage in accordance with the continuation requirements of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) at Employee’s own expense and
pursuant to the requirements of COBRA. Employee’s coverage under all other employee benefit programs currently provided by the Bank, including, but not limited to the Bank’s pension and 401(k) plans, the 401(k) loan program, and Long Term Disability, shall cease as of the Termination Date. Notwithstanding the severance payments set forth and available under either this subsections, Employee shall be ineligible for any annual or year-end bonus, incentive, or other additional rewards of any kind offered or distributed by the Bank to its employees for the years 2005 and 2006.

 

2.            IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CONSIDERATION SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES IS IN ADDITION TO THAT WHICH EMPLOYEE WOULD OTHERWISE BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE, EMPLOYEE HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY RELEASES AND DISCHARGES THE BANK, ITS PREDECESSORS, SUCCESSORS, PARENT CORPORATIONS, SUBSIDIARIES, OR AFFILIATES, AND EACH OF ITS OR THEIR EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ATTORNEYS, BENEFIT COMMITTEES, TRUSTEES, FIDUCIARIES, PLANS, AND TRUSTS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS (HEREINAFTER COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS THE “RELEASEES”) FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, DEMANDS, AND CAUSES OF ACTION, WHICH EMPLOYEE MAY HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE AGAINST THE BANK OR ANY OF THE RELEASEES RELATING TO EMPLOYEE’S EMPLOYMENT OR THE TERMINATION OF EMPLOYEE
’S
EMPLOYMENT WITH THE BANK. THE CLAIMS RELEASED INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

(a)          all claims for any compensation whatsoever, including but not limited to back wages, front pay, incentive and other bonuses, stock awards, car allowance, moving expenses, fringe benefits, insurance benefits, vacation time or pay, reinstatement, retroactive seniority, pension benefits, 401(k) benefits, restricted stock, stock options, severance pay, or any other form of economic loss;

(b)          all state and federal statutory claims, including claims arising under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;

	
            (c)
 	
            all claims arising under the United States, New Jersey, or New York Constitutions;
 	
             

	
            (d)
 	
            all statutory claims, including but not limited to claims arising under:
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            All claims arising under the United States or any state constitutions
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            All claims arising under any Executive order or derived from or based upon any state or  federal regulations,
 

	
            •
 	
            All common law claims including claims for wrongful discharge, public policy claims, retaliation claims, claims for breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, conspiracy, loss of consortium, tortuous interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, promissory estoppel and negligence;
 

	
            •
 	
            All claims for any compensation including back wages, front pay, bonuses or awards,fringe benefits, reinstatement, retroactive seniority, or any other form of economic loss;
 

	
            •
 	
            All claims for personal injury including physical injury, mental anguish, emotionaldistress, pain and suffering, embarrassment, humiliation, damage to name or reputation, liquidated damages, and punitive damages and
 

	
            •
 	
            All claims for legal fees.
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The National Labor Relations Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            Title VII of the Civil Rights Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            Civil Rights Act of 1991;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Employee Retirement Income Security Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Fair Credit Reporting Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Immigration Reform Control Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Americans with Disabilities Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Rehabilitation Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Age Discrimination in Employment Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Occupational Safety and Health Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Family and Medical Leave Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Equal Pay Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act;
 

 

 

 

	
            •
 	
            Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            Employee Polygraph Protection Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Family Leave Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Equal Pay Law;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Law;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Smokers’ Rights Law;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Genetic Privacy Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Fair Credit Reporting Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing AWorkers’ Compensation Claim;
 
													

	
            •
 	
            The New Jersey Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health Act;
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            New Jersey laws regarding Political Activities of Employees, Lie Detector Tests, Jury Duty, Employment Protection, and Discrimination;
 

	
            •
 	
            Whistleblower Protection, Jury Duty, Witness Duty, Lie Detector Tests,
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            Psychological and Audio Stress Evaluators, and Arrest Records; and
 	
             

	
            •
 	
            And any other federal, state or local civil rights law or any other local, state or federal  laws, regulations or ordinances.
 
				

(e)          all claims arising under any Executive Order or derived from or based upon any state or federal regulations;

 

(f)           all common law claims, including claims for wrongful discharge, public policy claims, retaliation claims, claims for breach of an express or implied contract including claims based upon any employee handbooks, guides, manuals, policies or procedures in effect at the Bank at any time, claims for breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, conspiracy, loss of consortium, tortious interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, promissory estoppel and negligence;

(g)         all claims for personal injury, including physical injury, mental anguish, emotional distress, pain and suffering, embarrassment, humiliation, damage to name or reputation, liquidated damages, and punitive damages;

	
            (h)
 	
            all claims for costs and attorneys’ fees; and
 

(i)          any other claims based upon federal, state or local civil rights laws, whistle-blower or any other local, state or federal laws, regulations or ordinances and any public policy, contract (oral, written or implied), tort constitution or common law.

(j)          Employee represents that Employee has no charge, claim or lawsuit of any kind pending against the Bank and Employee covenants and agrees not to file a lawsuit or initiate any action against the Bank seeking any personal recovery or personal injunctive relief with respect to any matter arising out of or relating in any way to Employee’s employment with the Bank and/or the termination of that employment. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit Employee from (a) bringing any action to enforce the terms of this Agreement; or (b) filing a timely
charge or complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) regarding the validity of this Agreement or filing a timely charge or complaint with the EEOC (although Employee expressly waives any right to personal monetary recovery or personal injunctive relief in connection with any such charge or complaint available to Employee or on behalf of any other parties).

(k)         It is expressly understood and agreed that this Agreement (i) does not waive or release any rights or claims which may arise after the date on which the Agreement is signed by Employee, except as set forth herein; (ii) does not waive or release any vested benefit possessed by Employee as a result of Employee’s employment with the Bank, except as set forth herein; and (iii) does not waive or release any rights which Employee may possess (pursuant to law or pursuant to the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Bank) for indemnification for lawful conduct undertaken by Employee within the scope of Employee’s employment as an officer or employee of the Bank.

 

3.          Employee acknowledges and agrees that during and up to and including the Termination Date, Employee shall be and shall remain an active employee of the Bank. As an active employee of the Bank, Employee shall be required to perform Employee’s duties and responsibilities in accordance with, and at a level the befits, the requirements of Employee’s position and experience.

4.          The Bank hereby releases and discharges Employee from any and all known claims, liabilities, loans, expense obligations, demands, and causes of action, which the Bank may have or claim to have against Employee arising from any lawful conduct undertaken by Employee within the scope of Employee’s employment as an officer or employee of the Bank. Nothing in this paragraph releases Employee from any obligations under this Agreement, or from any claims, liabilities, demands, or causes of action which may arise after the date of this Agreement, or from any claims, liabilities, demands or causes of action which the Bank may have or claim to have against Employee arising from any conduct undertaken by Employee within the scope of Employee’s employment or as an officer or employee of the Bank where a court of
competent jurisdiction deems such conduct to be unlawful.

5.           (a)        Employee agrees to maintain in confidence and not to disclose the terms of this Agreement. It shall not be considered a breach of the obligation of confidentiality for Employee to make disclosure of the terms of this Agreement (i) to Employee’s immediate family (who shall also maintain the terms in confidence); (ii) in order to obtain private and confidential legal, tax or financial advice; or (iii) at any time following the disclosure by the Bank of the terms of the Agreement in any Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Nothing contained in this subparagraph shall preclude the Bank from making disclosure of the terms of this Agreement for purposes of implementing the Agreement, or for purposes of its reporting obligations under the rules of the Securit

ies
and Exchange Commission or the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise.

(b)         Employee affirms that Employee has not filed, caused to be filed, or presently is a party to any claim, complaint, or action against the Bank in any forum or form.

(c)         Employee and the Bank mutually agree not to make any statements or issue any communications, whether written or oral, that disparage, criticize or otherwise reflect adversely upon one another, except if testifying truthfully under oath pursuant to a lawful court order or subpoena or otherwise responding to or providing disclosures to regulatory authorities as required by law.

6.          This Agreement shall not be construed as an admission or acknowledgment of any wrongdoing or liability by the Bank with respect to any aspect of Employee’s employment or the termination of that employment. Employee agrees that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by the Bank of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

 

7.          Employee is hereby advised that Employee should consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement. Employee represents to the Bank that Employee has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with whomever Employee wished, including an attorney of Employee’s own choosing and at Employee’s own cost. Employee also states that Employee has had the opportunity to read, review and consider all of the provisions of this Agreement; that Employee understands its provisions and its final and binding effect upon Employee; and that Employee is accepting the consideration offered to Employee and entering into this Agreement freely, voluntarily, and without duress or coercion.

8.         Employee understands that Employee has twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement before signing it and returning it to the Bank and that, after signing the Agreement, Employee may revoke Employee’s signature within seven (7) calendar days of the Execution Date by providing written notification of Employee’s decision to revoke Employee’s signature to Peter Visaggio, First Senior Vice President, 1000 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ. 07430. Such revocation must be received on or before the seventh day after the Execution Date.

9.          This Agreement and shall be governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to its conflict of laws provision.

10.         In the event either party breaches any provision of this Agreement, Employee and the Bank affirm that either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement, in addition to any other legal or equitable relief permitted by law. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general release language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect.

11.         This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties. Employee acknowledges that Employee has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to Employee in connection with Employee’s decision to enter into this Agreement, except for those set forth in this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement and General Release as of the date set forth below:

 

HUDSON UNITED BANCORP and

HUDSON UNITED BANK

 

 

	
            By:
 	
            
          /s/ Peter
Visaggio                                  
 

 	
            
/s/ Jacques Driscoll                               
 	
             

	
            Name:  
 	
            Peter Visaggio
 	
            JACQUES DRISCOLL
 
	
            Title:
 	
            First Senior Vice President
 	
             

						

Director of Human Resources

	
            DATED:  May 19, 2005
 	
            DATED:  May 13, 2005
 

 

INDIVIDUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT

(Jacques Driscoll)

 

 

	
            STATE OF MINNESOTA  
 	
            )
 	
             

	
             
	
            ) ss.
 
	
            COUNTY OF RAMSEY  
 	
            )
 	
             

					

 

I CERTIFY that on the date set forth below, the above referenced person personally came before me, and signed, sealed and delivered this document as his/her act and deed in his/her individual capacity.

 

Signed and sworn to before me on

this 13th day of May, 2005.

	
            /s/ Lily Krzyzaniak                              
 	
            [ Notary Seal ]
 

Name: Lily Krzyzaniak

Address: 999 Village Ct. DR.

Notary Public, State of  Minnesota

 

 

THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT BINDING ON EITHER PARTY UNTIL SIGNED BY SUCH PARTY AND THIS REQUIREMENT MAY NOT BE WAIVED BY EITHER PARTYDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

                                   PRADO FIELD

                                 BY AND BETWEEN:

                         NEW CENTURY ENERGY CORPORATION,
                   AQUATIC CELLULOSE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                                       AND
                          STRONG PETROLEUM GROUP, INC.

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            PAGE

I.     Parties                                                                 1

       1.01.   New Century                                                     1

       1.02.   Aquatic                                                         1

       1.03.   Strong                                                          1

II.    Interests                                                               1

III.   Work Program                                                            1

       3.01.   Payment of $XXXXXXX                                             1

       3.02.   Strong Responsible for the Work Program                         2

       3.03.   Scope of the Work Program                                       2

       3.04.   Work Program Account                                            3

       3.05.   Work Program Statements and Records                             3

       3.06.   Expenditures in excess $2,000,000.00                            4

       3.07.   Engineering, Geological, and Geophysical Expenses
               Includible only to $100,000                                     4

       3.08.   Overhead                                                        4

       3.09.   Title and Legal Expenses                                        4

       3.10.   Vendors                                                         5

       3.11.   Strong Will Charge Market Rates                                 5

       3.12.   Transportation Charges                                          5

       3.13.   No Lease Operating Expenses to Work Program Account             5

                                       ii
<PAGE>

                                                                            PAGE

IV.    Revenue Interests Operations and Accounting                             6

       4.01.   Interests in Revenues                                           6

       4.02.   Order of Operations                                             6

       4.03.   Administration of Revenues and Expenses                         6

       4.04.   Working Files Transfer                                          6

       4.05.   If Assignment Not Earned                                        7

       4.06.   Prudent Operator Standard                                       7

       4.07.   Access to Books, Records and Data                               7

       4.08.   Force Majeure                                                   8

V.     Assignment                                                              8

       5.01.   Conditions Precedent to Assignment                              8

       5.02.   Delivery of the Assignment                                      9

       5.03.   Memorandum Pending Assignment                                   9

VI.    New Century Group's Option to Increase Its Interest                     9

       6.01.   Option to Increase Working Interest                             9

       6.02.   Notice of Election and Payment                                 10

VII.   Joint Operating Agreement and COPAS Agreement                          10

       7.01.   Joint Operating Agreement                                      10

       7.02.   COPAS Agreement                                                10

VIII.  Acquisition of Assets in Area of Mutual Interest                       10

IX.    Representations of Strong                                              11

       9.01.   Organization                                                   11

                                      iii
<PAGE>

                                                                            PAGE

       9.02.   Authority                                                      11

       9.03.   Knowledge of Operations                                        12

       9.04.   Access to Property                                             12

       9.05.   No Breach of Statute, Decree or Contract                       12

       9.06.   Strong's Property Investigations                               12

       9.07.   Binding Obligation                                             13

       9.08.   No Litigation or Adverse Events                                13

       9.09.   Further Distribution                                           13

       9.10.   Permits                                                        13

X.     Representations of New Century Group                                   14

       10.01.  Organization                                                   14

       10.02.  Authority                                                      14

       10.03.  Binding Obligation                                             14

       10.04.  No Breach of Statute, Decree or Contract                       14

       10.05.  No Litigation or Adverse Events                                15

       10.06.  Taxes                                                          15

       10.07.  Accuracy of Documents                                          15

       10.08.  Disclaimer of Warranty                                         15

       10.09.  Payments                                                       16

       10.10.  Working Interests                                              16

       10.11.  Net Revenue Interests                                          16

                                       iv
<PAGE>

                                                                            PAGE

       10.12.  Compliance with Laws                                           16

       10.13.  Necessary Action                                               16

       10.14.  No Default                                                     17

       10.15.  Operations                                                     17

       10.16.   Existing Burdens                                              17

       10.17.  Inspection of Records                                          18

       10.18.  Permits                                                        18

       10.19.  Environmental Condition of Assets                              18

XI.    Taxes                                                                  19

       11.01.  Apportionment of Ad Valorem and Property Taxes                 19

       11.02.  Sales Taxes, Filing fees, Etc.                                 19

       11.03.  Other taxes                                                    19

XII.   General Provisions                                                     20

       12.01.  Applicable Law                                                 20

       12.02.  Arbitration of Disputes                                        20

       12.03.  No Representations                                             20

       12.04.  Non-alienation Pending Completion                              21

       12.05.  Public Announcements                                           21

       12.06.  Amendments only in Writing                                     21

       12.07.  No Partnership                                                 21

       12.08.  Closing Obligations                                            21

                                        v
<PAGE>

                                                                            PAGE

       12.09.  Survival                                                       22

       12.10.  Payments                                                       22

       12.11.  Further Assurances                                             23

       12.12.  Headings, Time of Essences, etc.                               23

       12.13.  Notifications                                                  23

       12.14.  Construction                                                   23

       12.15.  Entire Agreement                                               24

Exhibits  to  Agreement:

A.     Description  of  Prado  Assets.

B.     Area  of  Mutual  Interest.

C.     Assignment.

D.     Joint  Operating  Agreement.

E.     Memorandum Regarding Development Agreement.

                                       vi

<PAGE>
                              DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

                            PRADO FIELD REDEVELOPMENT

     This  Development  Agreement  (the  "Agreement") is made by and between New
Century  Energy  Corporation  and  Aquatic  Cellulose  International Corporation
(together, the "New Century Group") and Strong Petroleum Group, Inc. ("Strong").
The  Effective Date of this Agreement shall be April 1, 2005 ("Effective Date").
The  Parties  hereby  agree  as  follows:

                                   I. PARTIES

     1.01.     NEW  CENTURY.  New  Century  Energy  Corporation is a corporation
organized  and existing under the laws of Colorado, with offices located at 5851
San  Felipe,  Suite  775,  Houston,  Texas  77057.

     1.02.     AQUATIC.  Aquatic  Cellulose  International  Corporation  is  a
corporation  organized  and  existing  under  the  laws  of Nevada, with offices
located at 2504 43rd Street, Suite 5, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada VIT 6L1.

     1.03.     STRONG.  Strong  Petroleum  Group,  Inc. is corporation organized
and  existing  under  the laws of Texas, with offices at 6161 Savoy Drive, Suite
1030,  Houston,  Texas  77036.

                                  II. INTERESTS

     The  New  Century  Group or its affiliates own certain interests in oil and
gas  leases,  wells, and equipment located and being utilized in the Prado Field
in  Jim  Hogg County, Texas (the "Prado Assets").  These interests are described
in  Exhibit  A  hereto,  which is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

                                III. WORK PROGRAM

     3.01.     PAYMENT OF $XXXXXX.  Upon receipt of the KMF Consent as described
in  section  12.08,  Strong shall, by wire transfer, pay XXXXXXXX ($XXXXXXX), to
the New Century Group.  This represents a total payment of XXXXXXXXX ($XXXXXXXX)
less  the  deposit  of  XXXXXXXXXXX  ($XXXXXXX), to the New Century Group.  This
payment  shall  be  a  condition precedent to any obligations of the New Century
Group, and no assignment of interest as otherwise described herein shall be made
unless  and  until  such  payment  is  made.

                                        1
<PAGE>

     3.02.     STRONG RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORK PROGRAM.  The  parties agree that
Strong  shall  complete  a program of development and redevelopment of the Prado
Assets  (the  "Work  Program").  The  Work  Program  shall  begin  as soon as is
reasonably  practicable.  Strong shall have sole responsibility for the costs of
the  Work Program, calculated in accordance with sections 3.04 - 3.13, up to the
amount  of  $2,000,000.00.

     3.03.     SCOPE OF THE WORK PROGRAM. The  Work Program shall, at a minimum,
include  the  following  activities:

          a.   Strong will conduct a comprehensive study in the Prado Field with
               initial  focus  on  by-pass  pay,  "wedge" up-dip field extension
               locations,  and  drilling  locations  for  the  Yegua  horizon;

          b.   Strong  will  run  a  slick  line,  and  where  possible  swab to
               determine  the plugged back total depth and production capability
               of  the  existing  shut-in  wells;  and  where  merited  perform
               workovers  to  include  such possible activities as to run a case
               hole  log, pull the tubing, squeeze, and re-perforate in the same
               zone  or  re-complete  in  a  new  zone,  including  testing  and
               completing through production facilities. In lieu of working over
               wells,  Strong  may,  at its election, substitute the drilling of
               new  well(s),  or the workover of other wells in adjacent acreage
               hereafter  acquired  and/or  re-enter  wells  that  are presently
               shut-in  or  plugged  and  abandoned.  The alternative operations
               shall be pursued as necessary in combination with other workovers
               until the Work Program required expenditure of $2,000,000 is met.

          c.   Strong  will drill, test, and complete, if commercially viable, a
               minimum of two (2) new wells to a TVD not to exceed five thousand
               five hundred (5500) feet. At least one of the new wells will be a
               Yegua  test  well.

     3.04.     WORK  PROGRAM ACCOUNT.  Strong shall be responsible for keeping a
Work  Program  Account consisting of a written contemporaneous accounting of all
expenses  and  charges  associated with Strong performing the Work Program.  The
costs  includible in the Work Program Account shall include, but are not limited
to  the following: (i) all costs to re-enter, drill, complete, equip, produce or
P&A  in  accordance with the rules and regulations of the Railroad Commission of
Texas  any  wells  worked  on by Strong on the Prado Assets or additional leases
acquired  in  the  AMI; (ii) the cost of abstracts of title, title examinations,
curative,  surveys,  permitting, surface/subsurface agreements and rights-of-way
acquired  before  the  completion  of  the  Work  Program; (iii) the overhead as
provided  in  section  3.08;  (iv)  premiums  for  liability  and  well  control
insurance;  (v) the cost of reprocessing 2D or 3D seismic; and (vi) all drilling
location  costs  including  restoration  costs,  surface damages, payments under
surface  agreements  and  any  required  mitigation  costs  and  waste fluid and
cuttings  disposal  costs associated with the completion of the Work Program.

                                        2
<PAGE>

     3.05.     WORK  PROGRAM  STATEMENTS  AND RECORDS.  Strong shall mail to the
New  Century  Group  a statement of the Work Program Account which shall include
the  then  current total of items charged to the Work Program Account as well as
an  itemization  of  each item posted to the Account since the last statement on
the  following  dates:

     a.     July  11,  2005;

     b.     October  10,  2005;

     c.     November  10,  2005;  and

     d.     December  31,  2005.

Strong  shall  maintain  records  with  respect to all items charged to the Work
Program  Account  including,  but  not  limited  to all third-party invoices and
tickets as well as back-up data with respect to the extent, type and date of any
goods  or  services  charged  to  the  Work  Program  Account  by Strong itself.

                                        3
<PAGE>

     3.06.     EXPENDITURES IN EXCESS $2,000,000.00.  Strong and the New Century
Group  may  agree  to spend in excess of the $2,000,000.00 referenced above.  In
such  event,  Strong  shall  submit  an authorization for expenditure to the New
Century  Group  in  accordance  with  the  Joint  Operating  Agreement.

     3.07.  ENGINEERING, GEOLOGICAL, AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPENSES INCLUDIBLE ONLY TO
$100,000.  All  engineering,  geological,  and  geophysical  analysis  services
provided  by  or for Strong shall only be includible in the Work Program Account
to  the  extent  that  they  do  not  exceed  one  hundred  thousand  dollars
($100,000.00).  All  charges  in  excess  of that amount must be mutually agreed
upon  by  Strong  and  the  New  Century  Group.

     3.08.     OVERHEAD.   Overhead  associated with the Work Program shall only
be  includible  in the Work Program Account in the amount of up to $5,000.00 per
month.  This  will  be  the  only  overhead  charged  until  the Work Program is
completed,  except  for the allowed Producing Well Rate per the COPAS Agreement.
All  overhead associated with the Work Program in excess of that amount shall be
borne  solely  by  Strong.

     3.09.     TITLE  AND  LEGAL  EXPENSES.  All  legal  expenses  and  expenses
related to title work performed by or for Strong shall only be includible in the
Work Program Account to the extent that they do no exceed forty thousand dollars
($40,000.00).  All  charges  in  excess  of that amount shall be mutually agreed
upon  by  Strong  and  the  New  Century  Group.  Reasonable and necessary legal
expenses  directly related to operations on the Prado Assets shall be includible
in  the  Work  Program Account if such expenses are not and cannot be reimbursed
under  Strong's  insurance.

     3.10.     VENDORS.  The  parties  agree  that any costs charged to the Work
Program  Account shall be reasonable and necessary.  The New Century Group shall
supply  a  list  of  approved  third-party vendors (the "Vendors List"), and all
third-party  goods  or  services  that  are  part  of  the Work Program shall be
provided  by  such  Vendors.  Strong  can  add Vendors for any single service or
contract  less  than  $25,000.  Strong  and the New Century Group shall have the
right, upon mutual agreement, to add and eliminate Vendors from the Vendors List
as  necessary.

                                        4
<PAGE>

     3.11.     STRONG WILL CHARGE MARKET RATES.  The parties also agree that any
charges  made  by  Strong  to  the  Work  Program Account for goods and services
provided  directly by Strong shall be priced comparably with the same or similar
types  of  services  provided by parties on the Vendors List, or when such goods
and  services  are  not sold by companies on the Vendors List, other third-party
vendors  servicing  the  Jim  Hogg  County  area.

     3.12.     TRANSPORTATION  CHARGES.  Strong  may, at its election, transport
equipment  and  materials for use in the Work Program from overseas and/or other
Strong  locations.  However, the parties agree that Strong shall solely bear all
costs  associated  with  such  transportation  to  the  Port of Houston and that
transportation  costs  to  that  point  will  not be charged to the Work Program
Account.  All equipment and materials supplied and transported by Strong will be
charged  to  the Work Program Account as if f.o.b. Port of Houston, and any such
charges  must be in accordance with the then-existing market rate as required by
3.11  herein.

     3.13.     NO  LEASE OPERATING EXPENSES TO WORK PROGRAM ACCOUNT.  No charges
for  goods or services related to the normal operation of the oil and gas leases
for  the Prado Assets shall be includible in the Work Program Account.  Instead,
such  lease  operating  expenses  will  be  handled in accordance with the Joint
Operating  Agreement.

                 IV. REVENUE INTERESTS OPERATIONS AND ACCOUNTING

     4.01.     INTERESTS  IN  REVENUES.  Upon the Effective Date, but before the
completion  of the Work Program, Strong shall share in the revenues and expenses
involved  in all the Prado Asset wells in the ratio of eighty-seven and one-half
percent  (87.5%)  and the New Century Group twelve and one-half percent (12.5%).

                                        5
<PAGE>

     4.02.     ORDER  OF  OPERATIONS.  Strong  shall not undertake operations on
existing  producing  wells  unless and until production suitable to maintain the
leases  shall  be  obtained  from  other  wells.

     4.03.     ADMINISTRATION OF REVENUES AND EXPENSES. The parties shall engage
Division  Order  Services, LLC, or some other mutually agreeable third-party, to
administer  the  revenues,  expenses,  and  joint  interest  billings during the
pendency  of  the Work Program.  The costs associated with such engagement shall
be  borne  one-hundred  percent (100%) by Strong since these services fall under
the  category  of  services  provided by an Operator in return for the Producing
Well  Rate  overhead  provided  for  in  the  Joint  Operating  Agreement.

     4.04.    WORKING FILES TRANSFER. The New Century Group shall make available
for  physical  transfer  the Working Files to Strong for the Prado Assets within
three  (3)  business  days  of  the  signing  by  all parties of this Agreement.
Working  Files  shall  include  existing well, operation, engineering, title and
geological files.  If Strong earns the Assignment pursuant to section 5.01, then
the  Working  Files  shall  become  the  property of Strong.   In the event that
Strong  does  not  earn  the Assignment, it shall immediately return the Working
Files,  together  with  all  updates  thereto  including  all  geological  and
engineering  interpretations,  to  the  New  Century  Group.

     4.05.     IF  ASSIGNMENT NOT EARNED.  If, for whatever reason,  Strong does
not  earn the Assignment in accordance with section 5.01, then, unless otherwise
agreed  by  the  New  Century  Group:

          a.   Strong's  rights  shall  terminate  with  respect  to any and all
               producing  wells  associated  with  the  Prado  Assets  effective
               December  31,  2005;

                                        6
<PAGE>

          b.   Strong  shall  cease  to  be  operator  and  shall  cooperate  in
               returning  operations,  including  all  documents  theretofore
               received  or generated in that capacity, to the New Century Group
               or  its  designee;

          c.   Strong  shall execute a release of rights indicating that it does
               not  own  or  claim  any  interest in the Prado Assets and in the
               event  that Strong refuses the New Century Group is authorized as
               Strong's  attorney-in-fact  to,  in  these circumstances only, to
               execute  and  record  such  a  release  on  Strong's  behalf; and

          d.   all  right,  title  and  interest  in  all  equipment theretofore
               installed  on the Prado Assets lease shall become the property of
               the  New  Century  Group.

     4.06.     PRUDENT OPERATOR STANDARD.  Strong shall operate and maintain the
Prado  Assets  as  would  a  prudent  operator  under  similar  circumstances in
accordance  with  good  oil field practices.  Strong shall promptly (and, unless
the  same  are  being  contested  in  good faith and by appropriate proceedings,
before  the  same  are delinquent) pay all costs and expenses (including without
limitation  all  taxes  and  all  costs,  expenses  and  liabilities  for labor,
materials  and  equipment  incurred  in connection with the Prado Assets and all
obligations  to  the  holders of royalty interests and other interests affecting
the  Prado  Assets)  incurred  from  and after the Effective Date in developing,
operating  and  maintaining  the  Prado  Assets.

     4.07.     ACCESS  TO  BOOKS,  RECORDS AND DATA.  In addition to any reports
and  information  specifically  required  by the terms of this Agreement, Strong
agrees  to  furnish  to the New Century Group full information pertaining to the
operation  of  the  Prado  Assets, at all reasonable times, and in such form, as
Grantee  may  reasonably request.  Strong will permit representatives designated
by  the New Century Group, including independent accountants, agents, attorneys,
and  other persons to visit and inspect Strong's books and records pertaining to
the  Work  Program  Account and to make copies and photocopies from such records
and  to  write  down  and  record  such  information as such representatives may
request.

                                        7
<PAGE>

     4.08.     FORCE  MAJEURE.  In  the  event that Strong shall have diligently
prosecuted  the  Work Program, but due to an Event of Force Majeure is unable to
timely  complete  the  Work  Program,  then,  subject to the New Century Group's
agreement,  an  extension may be granted to complete the Work Program.  An Event
of  Force  Majeure is an extraordinary, unanticipated and unavoidable barrier to
performance  including  the  passage of any law, rules, regulations or orders by
any  federal,  state or local governmental body or agency or any court of law or
by the rules, regulations or orders of any public body or official purporting to
exercise  authority  or  control  respecting  the  activities  and  operations
contemplated hereunder, or due, occasioned or caused, directly or indirectly, by
strikes,  action  of  the  elements,  weather  or water conditions, inability to
obtain  fuel  or other critical materials or supplies, or any other cause beyond
the  control  of  the  non-performing  party.

                                  V. ASSIGNMENT

     5.01.  CONDITIONS  PRECEDENT TO ASSIGNMENT.  Strong shall be entitled to an
assignment,  in  the  form  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit C, if and only if, the
following  conditions  are  met:

          a.   the  Work Program as outlined in section 3.03 is completed before
               December  31,  2005;

          b.   Strong  shall  have expended, in accordance with the terms of the
               Work  Program  Account,  no  less  than  two  million  dollars
               ($2,000,000);

          c.   Strong  shall  not then be in any material uncured breach of this
               Agreement;  and

          d.   there shall not be any outstanding unpaid debt incurred by Strong
               which  would  or  could  support a lien against the Prado Assets.

     5.02.  DELIVERY  OF  THE  ASSIGNMENT.  Within thirty (30) days of receiving
written  notice  of  the  satisfaction  of  each of the conditions referenced in
section 5.01, the New Century Group shall deliver to Strong an assignment to the
Prado  Assets in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.  Also within this period
of  time,  New Century Group will also elect or not on increasing the Working as
provided  in  section  6.01  with  the  associated cash payment.  Unless the New
Century  Group  exercises  the  option  provided in section 6.01, the Assignment
shall equal eighty-seven and one-half percent (87.5%) of the working interest in
the  Prado Assets and a proportionate interest in the equipment located thereon.

                                        8
<PAGE>

     5.03.  MEMORANDUM  PENDING ASSIGNMENT.  Within ten days of the execution of
this  Agreement, the New Century Group shall furnish to Strong for filing in the
real  property  records of Jim Hogg County, Texas the Memorandum attached hereto
as  Exhibit  E.  Upon  discontinuation  or  completion  of  the Work Program and
contemplated Assignment or upon it becoming apparent that no Assignment shall be
made, the parties will execute a second memorandum removing any burden placed on
the  Prado  Assets  by  virtue  of  the  Exhibit  E  memorandum.

          VI.     NEW CENTURY GROUP'S OPTION TO INCREASE ITS INTEREST.

     6.01.  OPTION  TO  INCREASE WORKING INTEREST.  The parties agree that, upon
the  receipt  of  the  written  notice described in section 5.01 above and for a
period  of  thirty  (30)  days  thereafter, the New Century Group, or if Aquatic
elects not to, then New Century by itself, shall have an option to acquire up to
an  additional  twenty  and eight-tenths percent (20.8%) working interest in the
Prado  Assets  from  Strong  for  XXXXXXX  ($XXXXXX)  for  each percentage point
increase.  So,  by  way  of  illustration,  if  the New Century Group elected to
acquire  the  entire  20.8%  increase  then the purchase price would be XXXXXXXX
($XXXXXXX).

     6.02. NOTICE OF ELECTION AND PAYMENT.  At the time it exercises its option,
payment  from  the  New  Century  Group shall be paid to Strong for any increase
elected  by  the  New  Century  Group.

                                        9
<PAGE>

               VII. JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT AND COPAS AGREEMENT

     7.01.  JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT. Effective April 28, 2005, Strong shall be
Operator  with  respect  to  the  Prado  Assets.  The  Joint Operating Agreement
attached  hereto  as Exhibit D shall govern the operation of the Prado Assets by
Strong.  All  operations  shall  be  conducted  in accordance with the terms and
conditions  of the Joint Operating Agreement, and such agreement is incorporated
by  reference  into  this  Agreement  as though set forth in full herein. In the
event  of  conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and those
contained  in  the  Joint  Operating Agreement, the terms and conditions of this
Agreement  shall  prevail  until  compliance  with  the  Conditions Precedent in
section  5.01.

     7.02.  COPAS  AGREEMENT. The Council of Petroleum Accountant Societies Form
1984 Onshore ("COPAS Agreement") attached to the Joint Operating Agreement shall
govern the accounting of revenues, expenses, and joint interest billings for the
Prado  Assets,  however,  the  COPAS  Agreement does not govern the treatment of
expenses  for  purposes  of  the Work Program Account, which shall be treated as
described  in  Articles  III  and IV herein. The COPAS Agreement is incorporated
herein  by  reference  into  this  Agreement  as  though  set  forth  in  full.

             VIII. ACQUISITION OF ASSETS IN AREA OF MUTUAL INTEREST

     For  the  purposes  of  this Agreement, the parties establish as an Area of
Mutual  Interest ("AMI") covering Surveys 87 and 88, and any other acreage owned
by  the  Kenedy  Memorial  Foundation  ("KMF")  as  depicted  in  Exhibit B, its
successors  and  assigns,  in Jim Hogg County, Texas. The AMI shall be effective
for a period of two (2) years from the date hereof and so long thereafter as any
oil  or  gas  interest  subject  hereto  is in force and effect.  If, during the
effective  period,  any party to this Agreement acquires any oil or gas interest
which  lies  wholly  or  partially  within the AMI, such party shall immediately
notify  the  non-acquiring  party  of  the  facts  concerning  such acquisition,
including  the  cost thereof.  For a period of thirty (30) days from the receipt
of  such  notice  the other party shall have the right and option to purchase an
interest  therein  in  the  proportion  then existing between the parties in the
working  interests  that  are  the  subject  of  this  Agreement.

                                        10
<PAGE>

                          IX. REPRESENTATIONS OF STRONG

     Strong  represents  and  warrants  to  the  New  Century  Group as follows:

     9.01.  ORGANIZATION.  Strong  is  a  corporation  duly  organized,  validly
existing,  and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas. Strong has
duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by all
necessary  corporate  action,  and  the  same is a binding obligation of Strong,
enforceable  in  accordance  with  its  terms.

     9.02.  AUTHORITY.  Strong has all requisite power and authority to carry on
its business as presently conducted, to enter into this Agreement and to perform
the  obligations  contained  herein.  The  consummation  of  the  transactions
contemplated  by  this  Agreement  will not violate nor be in conflict with, any
provisions  of  Strong's  Articles  of  Incorporation, Bylaws or other governing
documents, or any material agreement or instrument to which Strong is a party or
by  which  Strong  is  bound,  or  any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to Strong. The persons signing this Agreement on behalf of
Strong  are  duly  appointed  and  authorized  by  Strong to bind Strong to this
Agreement.

     9.03.  KNOWLEDGE  OF  OPERATIONS.  As  of the Closing Date, Strong has been
given  full  and complete access to the New Century Group's files and operations
and has apprized itself of all production and legal obligations required therein
to  commence operations as the owner and/or operator of the Property and to meet
all  obligations  associated  therewith.

                                        11
<PAGE>

     9.04. ACCESS TO PROPERTY. Upon execution of this Agreement, Strong warrants
that Strong and/or its authorized representatives have had reasonable and prompt
access  to  the  Prado  Assets in connection with Strong's due diligence review.

     9.05. NO BREACH OF STATUTE, DECREE OR CONTRACT. The execution, delivery and
performance  of  this Agreement by Strong does not and will not breach any legal
requirement,  will  not  conflict with or result in a breach of or default under
any  agreement  or  any  order, writ, injunction, decree, contract, agreement or
instrument  to  which  Strong  is  a  party,  will not result in the creation or
imposition  of  any  lien,  charge  or encumbrance of any nature upon any of the
Prado  Assets  and wells, and will not give to others any interest or rights in,
or  with  respect  to  any  of  the  Prado  Assets.

     9.06.  STRONG'S  PROPERTY INVESTIGATIONS. The New Century Group has allowed
Strong  and  it  authorized  representatives  to  conduct  inspections  or
investigations  on  or  with  respect  to  the  Prado  Assets including, without
limitation,  environmental audits. The New Century Group has consented to Strong
and its authorized representatives entering upon the subject lands and leases to
inspect  same  and  the  equipment  thereon,  conduct  soil  and water tests and
borings,  and conduct such other tests, examinations, investigations and studies
as may be necessary or appropriate in Strong's sole judgment for the preparation
of  appropriate  engineering  and other reports relating to the Prado Assets and
their  condition.  Strong  agrees that it will hold in trust, keep confidential,
and  not  disclose  to  any  third  party  or  make  any use of any confidential
information  obtained  from the New Century Group except to the extent necessary
to  complete  its  investigations  described herein unless the purchase and sale
contemplated  herein  is  accomplished  and  the Prado Assets are transferred to
Strong.

                                        12
<PAGE>

     9.07.  BINDING  OBLIGATION.  This  Agreement  has  been  duly  executed and
delivered  on behalf of Strong. All documents and instruments required hereunder
to  be  executed  and delivered to the New Century Group have been duly executed
and  delivered.  This  Agreement  does and all other documents to be executed in
connection  herewith  shall,  constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
Strong  in  accordance  with  their  terms.

     9.08.  NO  LITIGATION  OR  ADVERSE  EVENTS.  There  is  no  suit, or legal,
administrative,  arbitration or other proceeding, or governmental investigation,
pending  or,  to  Strong's  knowledge,  threatened, by or against Strong, and no
event  or  condition  of  any  character,  to  Strong's knowledge, pertaining to
Strong,  that could prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this  Agreement.  To  the  best  of  Strong's  knowledge and belief, there is no
bankruptcy,  reorganization,  or  arrangement  proceeding  pending  or  being
contemplated  by  or  threatened  against  Strong.

     9.09.  FURTHER  DISTRIBUTION. Strong is purchasing the Prado Assets for its
own  account  and does not currently intend to offer any of the Prado Assets for
resale  in such a manner that would subject the sale of such Prado Assets to the
jurisdiction  of  the  United  States  Securities and Exchange Commission or any
applicable  state  securities  law.

     9.10.  PERMITS.  Strong  is  bonded and qualified to own and/or operate the
Prado  Assets  and  holds  or  will  hold  at  Closing all required governmental
licenses,  permits,  bonds, certificates, orders and authorizations necessary to
own  or  operate  the  wells  and  equipment.

                     X. REPRESENTATIONS OF NEW CENTURY GROUP

     10.01.  ORGANIZATION.  The  New  Century Energy Corp. is a corporation duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Colorado. Aquatic Cellulose International Corp. is a corporation duly organized,
validly  existing  and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  Nevada.

     10.02.  AUTHORITY.  The  New  Century  Group  has  all  requisite power and
authority  to  carry  on its business as presently conducted, to enter into this
Agreement, and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The consummation
of  the  transaction  contemplated by this Agreement will not violate, nor be in
conflict  with, any provisions of its Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or other
governing  document  of  the  New  Century  Group.

                                        13
<PAGE>

     10.03.  BINDING  OBLIGATION.  This  Agreement  has  been  duly executed and
delivered  on  behalf  of  the  New Century Group. All documents and instruments
required  hereunder  to be executed and delivered to Strong shall have been duly
executed  and  delivered.  This Agreement does, and such document and instrument
will,  constitute  legal, valid and binding obligations of the New Century Group
in  accordance  with  their  terms.

     10.04.  NO  BREACH  OF STATUTE, DECREE OR CONTRACT. The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by the New Century Group does not and will not
breach any legal requirement, will not conflict with or result in a breach of or
default  under  any  agreement or any order, writ, injunction, decree, contract,
agreement  or  instrument  to which the New Century Group is a party or by which
the  Prado  Assets  are  or  may  be  bound,  will not result in the creation or
imposition  of  any  lien,  charge  or encumbrance of any nature upon any of the
Prado  Assets  and wells, and will not give to others any interest or rights in,
or  with  respect to any of the Prado Assets, except for the contracts set forth
on  Exhibit  "A"  to  this  Agreement.

     10.05.  NO LITIGATION OR ADVERSE EVENTS. There is no suit, claim or action,
or  legal,  administrative,  arbitration  or  other  proceeding, or governmental
investigation,  pending or, to the New Century Group's knowledge, threatened, by
or against the New Century Group, the Prado Assets, and no event or condition of
any  character,  to  the  New  Century  Group's knowledge, pertaining to the New
Century  Group,  the  Prado  Assets,  that could prevent the consummation of the
transactions  contemplated  by  this  Agreement.  To the best of the New Century
Group's  knowledge  and  belief,  there  is  no  bankruptcy,  reorganization, or
arrangement  proceeding  pending  or being contemplated by or threatened against
the  New  Century  Group.

                                        14
<PAGE>

     10.06.  TAXES.  To the extent that the New Century Group is responsible for
remitting  same,  the  New  Century  Group  has paid and discharged all property
taxes,  assessments,  excises  and  other  levies  which,  if  not  paid,  could
constitute  liens  or  charges  against the Prado Assets, except for taxes being
contested  in  good  faith and by appropriate proceedings. The New Century Group
remains  responsible for its share of any taxes which may become due for periods
prior  to  the  Effective  Date.

     10.07.  ACCURACY  OF  DOCUMENTS.  Exhibit  A  contains a list of all of the
material oil and gas contracts pertaining to the Prado Assets. These oil and gas
contracts  have  not been amended or modified by any written or oral agreements,
except  where  specifically  indicated  on  Exhibit  A.

     10.08.  DISCLAIMER  OF  WARRANTY.  EXCEPT  WHERE  OTHERWISE  SPECIFICALLY
INDICATED  IN  THIS  AGREEMENT,  THE  NEW CENTURY GROUP DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES
EXPRESS  AND  IMPLIED,  INCLUDING  WITHOUT  LIMITATION  ANY  WARRANTIES  OF
MERCHANTABILITY  OR  FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, INCLUDING WARRANTIES WITH
RESPECT  TO  THE  PRESENCE  OF  ENVIRONMENTAL  CONDITIONS OR NATURALLY OCCURRING
RADIOACTIVE  MATERIAL  AFFECTING  ANY  PROPERTY  (REAL,  PERSONAL  OR MIXED), OR
EQUIPMENT  (INCLUDING  PIPELINE  EQUIPMENT)  CONVEYED TO AND ACQUIRED BY STRONG,
WITH  ALL  SUCH  REAL  AND  PERSONAL  PROPERTY  AND EQUIPMENT BEING TRANSFERRED,
ASSIGNED, SOLD, PURCHASED, ACCEPTED AND ACQUIRED "AS IS" AND "WHERE IS." THE NEW
CENTURY  GROUP EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE COVENANTS IMPLIED BY SECTION 5.023 OF THE
TEXAS  PROPERTY  CODE.

                                        15
<PAGE>

     10.09.  PAYMENTS.  To  the  best  of the New Century Group's knowledge, all
royalties,  overriding  royalties,  rentals,  shut-in  royalties,  gas  purchase
payments  and  other  such  payments  due under the oil and gas leases have been
properly  and  timely  paid.  The  New Century Group remains responsible for its
share of any payments which may be determined to be due for periods prior to the
Effective Date. To the best of the New Century Group's knowledge and belief, the
New  Century Group has not been advised in writing by any lessor under any lease
of any material default under any lease which has not been remedied or waived or
of  any  requirement  or  demand  to drill additional wells on any of the leases
which  have  not  been  satisfied.

     10.10. WORKING INTERESTS. To the best of the New Century Group's knowledge,
the  New  Century Group's working interests in the Prado Assets are as set forth
on  Exhibit  A.

     10.11.  NET  REVENUE  INTERESTS.  To  the  best  of the New Century Group's
knowledge,  the  New  Century  Group's Net Revenue Interests are as set forth on
Exhibit  A.

     10.12.  COMPLIANCE  WITH  LAWS.  To  the  best  of  the New Century Group's
knowledge,  the New Century Group has complied in all material respects with all
applicable  laws,  regulations  and  orders  of all governmental agencies having
jurisdiction  over  the  Prado  Assets.

     10.13.  NECESSARY  ACTION.  The New Century Group shall take or cause to be
taken all such actions, as would a prudent businessman under the same or similar
circumstances,  as  may  be  necessary  and  advisable  to  consummate  and make
effective  the  sale  of  the Prado Assets contemplated by this Agreement and to
assure  that  the  New  Century  Group will not be under any material corporate,
legal  or  contractual  restriction  that  would  prohibit  or  delay the timely
consummation  of  such  transactions;  provided, however, that New Century Group
shall  not  be required to (i) file suit or assume any additional liabilities in
performing  its  obligations  hereunder,  or (ii) to perform any title curative.

                                        16
<PAGE>

     10.14.  NO  DEFAULT.  To the New Century Group's knowledge, the New Century
Group  is  not  in  default  under,  and has not received a notice of default or
termination (to include a self-executing termination clause under an oil and gas
lease)  with  respect  to  any  provision  of the Prado Assets or an oil and gas
contract  affecting  the  Prado  Assets,  or  the title of the New Century Group
thereto  and no condition exists that with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute  a  default  under  any mortgage, indenture, loan credit agreement or
other  agreement  or  instrument  evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money, or
create  a  lien,  charge  or  other encumbrance on the Prado Assets, and has not
received  any  notice of default with respect to, any order, writ, injunction or
decree  of any court, commission or administrative agency in connection with the
ownership,  development  or  operation of the Prado Assets, or any part thereof,
which  would  materially  adversely  affect  the  value  of  the  Prado  Assets.

     10.15.  OPERATIONS.  To the New Century Group's knowledge, the Prado Assets
are  being  operated  and produced in substantial compliance with all applicable
oil  and  gas  contracts  and  in compliance, in all material respects, with all
applicable  laws,  rules and regulations and the Prado Assets which constitute a
portion  of  the  oil  and  gas  contracts.

     10.16.  EXISTING BURDENS. To the best of the New Century Group's knowledge,
the  lease  burdens  on  the Prado Assets do not reduce the Net Revenue Interest
below  the  percentages  set  forth  on  Exhibit A. The New Century Group do not
warrant  Net Revenue Interest, except by through and under the New Century Group
as to the interests specifically set forth on Exhibit A, but not otherwise, such
warranty to be several and not joint and several as to the New Century Group Net
Revenue  Interest.

                                        17
<PAGE>

     10.17.  INSPECTION OF RECORDS. The New Century Group has provided and shall
continue to provide Strong with reasonable access to the records relating to the
Prado  Assets. Any and all review of the records relating to the Prado Assets by
Strong  shall  be  conducted  at  the  New  Century Group's office during normal
business  hours.  Any  and  all such review of the records relating to the Prado
Assets  by  Strong  shall  be  at  no  cost  to  the  New  Century  Group.

     10.18.  PERMITS.  All  permits  necessary for the operation of the wells of
which  the  New  Century  Group  is  the  operator are in full force and effect.

     10.19. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF ASSETS. To the New Century Group's actual
knowledge,  there  are no material Environmental Liabilities affecting the Prado
Assets.  "Environmental  Liabilities"  means  obligations,  duties,  losses,
liabilities,  claims, fines, expenses, damages, costs, including attorney's fees
and  expenses,  or  penalties  created  by,  related  to,  or arising out of any
Environmental Law, whether Accruing before or after the Effective Date excluding
all  Plugging  and  Abandonment  Obligations.  "Environmental  Laws"  means  any
applicable  laws,  orders,  rules,  regulations,  judgments,  or  decrees of any
federal,  state,  tribal,  county  or  municipal  governing  authority  having
jurisdiction  over any Asset or Party which related to pollution, the protection
or  cleanup  of  the  environment,  or  the  release  or disposal of Deleterious
Substances  into  the  environment,  including  but  not limited to ambient air,
surface  water,  groundwater,  land  surface or subsurface strata; including all
such  laws,  orders,  rules,  regulations,  judgments  or decrees as they may be
amended,  varied  or  modified  in  the  future.

                                        18
<PAGE>

                                   XI.  TAXES

     11.01.  APPORTIONMENT  OF  AD  VALOREM  AND  PROPERTY TAXES. All ad valorem
taxes,  real  property  taxes,  personal  taxes and similar obligations shall be
apportioned  as  of the Effective Date between Strong and the New Century Group.
All  such taxes allocable to the periods before the Effective Date shall be paid
by  the  New  Century  Group,  and all such taxes allocable to periods after the
Effective  Date  shall be paid by Strong, subject to being handled in accordance
with  the  Joint  Operating Agreement. Any refunds of taxes allocable to periods
prior  to  the  Effective  Date  shall be the property of the New Century Group,
subject  to  being handled in accordance with the Joint Operating Agreement. Any
refunds  of  taxes  allocable  to  periods after the Effective Date shall be the
property  of  Strong. Buyer shall file or cause to be filed all required reports
and  returns  incident  to such taxes which are due on or after the Closing Date
and  shall  pay  or  cause  to  be paid to the taxing authorities all such taxes
reflected  on  such  reports  and  returns,  subject to reimbursement by the New
Century  Group  to  Strong  for  Unocal's  portion  of  such  taxes,  if  any.

     11.02. SALES TAXES, FILING FEES, ETC. The payment provided for hereunder is
net  of  any sales taxes or other transfer taxes. Strong shall be liable for any
sales  tax  or other transfer as well as any applicable conveyance, transfer and
recording  fees,  and  real estate transfer stamp or taxes imposed upon the sale
for the Prado Assets and Strong shall defend any action by a governmental agency
to collect such taxes or fees, and will hold the New Century Group harmless from
any  cost  or  liability  for taxes, fees, penalty, interest or costs, including
reasonable  attorneys  fees,  assessed  as  a  result  of  this  transaction.

     11.03. OTHER TAXES. All production, severance or excise taxes, conservation
fees  and  other similar such taxes or fees relating to oil and gas produced and
sold  from the Prado Assets prior to the Effective Date shall be paid by the New
Century Group, and all such taxes and fees relating to such oil and gas produced
or  sold  after  the Effective Date shall be paid or reimbursed by Strong (or if
attributable  to periods after the Effective Date and the New Century Group pays
such taxes, then Strong shall reimburse the New Century Group therefore). In the
event  such  taxes attributable to the Assets are not assessed on a current year
basis,  it  is agreed that when such taxes are assessed, insofar as they Accrued
to  the  Assets before the Effective Date, they shall be paid by the New Century
Group  upon  receipt  of  a  statement  and  supporting  documentation.

                                        19
<PAGE>

                             XII. GENERAL PROVISIONS

     12.01.  APPLICABLE  LAW.  This agreement shall be governed and construed by
the  laws  of  the  State  of  Texas,  without  reference  to  its choice of law
provisions.

     12.02.  ARBITRATION  OF DISPUTES. Any dispute arising out of or relating to
this  Agreement including breach, termination or validity thereof, which has not
been  resolved  by agreement within fifteen (15) days after a written complaint,
shall  be  finally  resolved by arbitration in accordance with the CPR Rules for
Non-Administered  Arbitration then currently in effect by a sole arbitrator. The
arbitration  shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sec.Sec.
1-16,  and  judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered
by  any  court  having  jurisdiction  thereof. The place of arbitration shall be
Houston, Texas. In the event that the parties cannot agree to an arbitrator, the
parties  shall  ask  the  CPR  Dispute  Resolution  Institute  to  appoint  one.

     12.03.  NO  REPRESENTATIONS.  The  parties  acknowledge  that  they are not
relying on any statement or representation other than those explicitly contained
herein.

     12.04.  NON-ALIENATION  PENDING  COMPLETION.  Until  completion of the Work
Program Account or December 31, 2005, whichever shall occur, none of the parties
will,  without  the permission of the other, sell their interest to anyone other
than  parties  to this Agreement. After the earlier of these events, the parties
shall  be  free,  subject  to  the  preferential  rights  provision of the Joint
Operating  Agreement,  to  sell  their  respective  interests.

                                        20
<PAGE>

     12.05.  PUBLIC  ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Other  than to their affiliates, agents and
advisors,  neither party shall make or cause to be made any disclosure or notice
of this transaction to any third party or otherwise disseminate any news release
and/or  public  announcement  of  any  kind  with  respect  to  the  transaction
contemplated  hereunder  without the express written approval of the other. Such
consent shall not be denied if disclosure is required under applicable law, rule
or  regulation  or  any  stock exchange rules on which any security of the Party
seeking  disclosure,  or  its  affiliate,  is listed. Strong recognizes that New
Century  Energy  Group and Aquatic are publicly listed companies and are subject
to exchange-imposed obligations to make prompt and timely disclosure of material
information  and  to  file  information  with  the  SEC.

     12.06.  AMENDMENTS  ONLY  IN WRITING. The parties agree that this Agreement
may  not  be  amended  other  than  in  a  writing signed by all parties hereto.

     12.07.  NO  PARTNERSHIP.  The  parties  hereto do not intend to create, nor
shall  this Agreement be construed as creating, a mining or other partnership or
association,  nor  does  this  Agreement  render  the  parties  hereto liable as
partners.  The  liabilities  of  the  parties  shall be several and not joint or
collective.

     12.08.  CLOSING  OBLIGATIONS.  At  the  Closing  the following events shall
occur,  each  being a condition precedent to the others and each being deemed to
have  occurred  simultaneously  with  the  others:

          a.   The  New  Century Group and Strong shall execute, acknowledge and
               exchange  this  Agreement  with  each  other;

                                        21
<PAGE>

          b.   The  New  Century  Group  and  Strong shall begin to seek the KMF
               Consent  to  assign,  and

          c.   The  New  Century Group and Strong shall execute, acknowledge and
               exchange  the  Joint  Operating  Agreement attached as Exhibit D.

     Upon  receipt  of KMF's written Consent for the New Century Group to assign
the  interests  in  the subject lease that are contemplated in this Agreement to
Strong,  Strong  shall  make  the  XXXXXXXXXX  ($XXXXXXX)  payment referenced in
section  3.01.  If,  for any reason, the written Consent of KMF to assign cannot
be  obtained  within  twenty (20) days after the Closing Date, then the XXXXXXXX
deposit  referenced in paragraph 3.01 shall be refunded to Strong, all documents
delivered  by  the  New Century Group to Strong shall be returned, the rights of
the  parties  shall  be the same as specified in section 4.05, and neither party
shall  have  any  further  obligation  to  the  other.

     12.09. SURVIVAL. The representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and
indemnities  provided  for in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and shall
not  be  extinguished  by the doctrine of merger by deed or any similar doctrine
and  no  waiver, release, or forbearance of the application of the provisions of
those  paragraphs  in any given circumstance shall operate as a waiver, release,
or  forbearance  of  the  provisions  of  the  paragraphs  as  to  any  other
circumstances.

     12.10.  PAYMENTS. In the event a party is required to pay cash to the other
party, payments shall be by wire transfer unless otherwise agreed by the parties
at the time. When a wire transfer payment is required, the party to whom payment
is  to made shall furnish written wire transfer instructions to the other party.

     12.11. FURTHER ASSURANCES. The Parties agree to execute and deliver to each
other  all  such  other  and  additional  instruments, notices, division orders,
transfer  orders  and  other documents and to do all such other and further acts
and  things  as  may  be  necessary  to more fully and effectively carry out the
obligations  in  and  confer  the  rights  provided  by  this  Agreement.

                                        22
<PAGE>

     12.12.  HEADINGS,  TIME OF ESSENCE, ETC. The descriptive headings contained
in  this  Agreement are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the
meaning  or  construction  of  any  provision  of  this  Agreement.  Within this
Agreement  words  of  any  gender shall be held and construed to cover any other
gender,  and  words  in  the  singular  shall be held and construed to cover the
plural,  unless  the  context otherwise requires. Time is of the essence in this
Agreement.

     12.13.  NOTIFICATIONS.  Any notices or communications required or permitted
pursuant  to  this  Agreement  shall  be  deemed sufficiently given when sent by
certified  mail,  postage  prepaid,  or  facsimile transmission addressed to the
party  for  whom  intended  at  the  following  addresses:

New  Century  Group:                      Strong:

New  Century  Energy  Corp.               Strong  Petroleum  Group,  Inc.
5851  San  Felipe,  Suite  775            6161  Savoy  Drive,  Suite  1030
Houston,  Texas  77057                    Houston,  Texas  77036
Attention:  Edward  R.  DeStefano         Attention:  Mr.  James  Watt
Residence  Phone:                         Residence  Phone:  (713)  722-9405
Business  Phone:   (713)  266-4344        Business  Phone:  (713)  785-9588
Facsimile  Phone:  (713)  266-4358        Facsimile  Phone:  (713)  785-9582
Mobile:  (713)  829-0881                  Mobile:  (281)  610-0098

     12.14.  CONSTRUCTION.  The  Parties  have  participated  jointly  in  the
negotiating  and  drafting of this Agreement. In the event ambiguity or question
of  intent  or  interpretation  arises,  this Agreement shall be construed as if
drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise
favoring  or  disfavoring either Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the
provisions  of  this  Agreement.

     12.15.  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  This  Agreement  reflects  the entire agreement
between  the  parties. There are no other agreements, either written or oral, in
whole  or  in  part,  and the execution of this Agreement supersedes all earlier
representations,  negotiations,  or  agreements  about  this  matter.

                                        23
<PAGE>

     IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  parties  hereto  have  caused their names to be
hereunto  subscribed  by  their  duly  authorized officers, general partners, or
attorneys-in-fact  hereunto  duly  authorized as of the day and year first above
written.

NEW CENTURY ENERGY CORP.                   STRONG PETROLEUM GROUP, INC.

By: /s/ Edward R. DeStefano                 By: /s/ James S. Watt
    ---------------------------------           ----------------------------
    Edward  R.  DeStefano,  President           James  S.  Watt, President

AQUATIC  CELLULOSE  INTERNATIONAL  CORP

By: /s/ Sheridan Westgarde
   -----------------------------------
   Sheridan Westgarde, President

                                       24
<PAGE>

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