STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA                     )
                                            )                              LEASE
COUNTY OF WAKE                              )


                               ARTICLE I. PARTIES

         1.01. THIS LEASE made and entered into to be effective as of the___ day
of May, 1994, between RBC CORPORATION ("Landlord") and BUSINESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. ("Tenant").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

                          ARTICLE II. DEMISED PREMISES

         2.01. Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord certain
office space (hereinafter called the "Demised Premises") in a nine-story office
building currently being renovated (the "Building") situated on certain land
more particularly described by metes and bounds in Exhibit A attached hereto
(the "Land") leased by Landlord at 4300 Six Forks Road in Raleigh, North
Carolina. The Demised Premises consists of the square feet of rentable area in
the Building disclosed on Schedule I attached to this Lease and made a part
hereof (hereinafter called "Schedule I"), all of said space being shown on
Exhibit B attached hereto. All calculations of the rentable area of the Demised
Premises and the Building shall be made in accordance with the BOMA Standard of
Measuring Floor Area of Office Buildings (reprinted in August, 1990). Rentable
square feet for any tenant space which constitutes all of the available office
space on any floor in the Building shall be as set forth in Exhibit B-l attached
hereto. Landlord, at its expense, shall provide Tenant with the Base Building
items set forth on Exhibit C-l

         2.02. The Demised Premises consist of the unfinished interior office
space in the Building. Landlord, at its expense, shall provide Tenant with the
"Base Building" items set forth on Exhibit C-l. Landlord, at Tenant's cost,
shall also install the items and perform the work (collectively "upfitting")
specified in the plans and upfitting requirements set forth in Exhibit C;
however, Landlord shall provide Tenant with an upfitting allowance to subsidize
Tenant's upfitting cost as specified in Schedule I. All work shall be performed
in accordance with the provisions of Article XVI

         2.03. Prior to occupancy of the Demised Premises by the Tenant,
Landlord and Tenant shall enter into a supplement of this Lease in the forth
attached hereto as Exhibit D setting forth the exact measurements of the Demised
Premises calculated as provided hereinabove, the Commencement Date and
Expiration Date of the term of this Lease as provided in Article IV and the
exact amount of the Annual Minimum Rent (hereinafter defined) and monthly
installments of minimum rent required in accordance with Article V herein, with
such terms, conditions and provisions being consistent with the terms set forth
in this Lease as of the date hereof.

         2.04. Exhibits A, B, B-l, C, C-l and D and Schedule I mentioned above
and Exhibit E mentioned hereafter are attached hereto and incorporated herein by
this reference.




                                ARTICLE III. USE

         3.01. Tenant shall use and occupy the Demised Premises solely for the
purpose set forth in Schedule I; however, activities conducted within the
Demised Premises shall bc limited to activities generally conducted in
firstclass office buildings in the immediate vicinity of the Building as
reasonably determined by Landlord.

         3.02. If any governmental license or permit, other than a governmental
license or permit required for occupancy, shall be required for the proper and
lawful conduct of Tenant's business in the Demised Premises, or any part
thereof, and if failure to secure such license or permit would in any way affect
Landlord's operation of the Building, Tenant, at its expense, shall duly procure
and thereafter maintain such license or permit and submit the same to inspection
by Landlord. Tenant shall at all times comply with the terms and conditions of
each such license or permit.

         3.03. Tenant and its employees, invitees, licensees and agents shall
have the right of reasonable ingress to and egress from the Demised Premises
through use of the public entrances, exits, hallways and lobby areas of the
Building located on the first and second floors and the elevator and stairwell
system of the Building twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week (with
appropriate building security measures permitted after normal working hours and
on non-business days); the right of reasonable use of all halls, toilets, and
sanitary facilities on all floors of the Building on which the Demised Premises
are located; and the right of reasonable use of all other general common
facilities located in or about the Building, including sidewalks, areas for
general Building deliveries, and other common appurtenances to the Building.

                         ARTICLE IV. TERM AND POSSESSION

         4.01. Subject to Section 4.02 hereof, the term of this Lease shall
begin OD the date set forth as the "Commencement Date" shown on Schedule I and
end at midnight on the date set forth as the "Expiration Date" shown on Schedule
I.

         4 02. Notwithstanding the Commencement Date and Expiration Date set
forth in Section 4 01 hereof. if the Demised Premises are not substantially
ready for occupancy on the Commencement Date specified herein, the Commencement
Date of the term of this Lease shall be the date Tenant is tendered possession
of the Demised Premises ready for occupancy in accordance with Section 4.03
hereof, or the date Tenant takes possession of the Demised Premises, whichever
date is earlier; provided, however, the Commencement Date shall not occur until
all necessary applicable governmental permits and approvals required for
occupancy have been issued and a copy delivered to Tenant. Irrespective of the
foregoing, the Commencement Date shall not occur prior to November 15, 1994,
unless Tenant occupies the Demised Premises for the conduct of its business.
Landlord shall use its good faith efforts to cause the Commencement Date for the
fifth, sixth and ninth floors of the Demised Premisesto occur on November 15,
1994, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practical subject to events or
circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Landlord. Anything to the
contrary contained herein notwithstanding, with respect to the fifth, sixth and
ninth floors of the Demised Premises,


                                       2



(i) on or before June 30, 1994, Tenant shall provide Landlord with final,
approved pricing documents related to the upfitting of the Demised Premises
(including, without limitation, space plans showing electrical outlets,
telephone jacks, final wall locations and finish parameters); and (ii) on or
before July 31, 1994, Tenant shall provide Landlord with final, approved plans
and specifications and permit drawings released for construction related to the
upfitting of the Demised Premises. In the event Tenant timely complies with the
requirements of the preceding sentence and the Demised Premises are not ready
for reasonable occupancy by Tenant by November 14, 1994, Landlord shall
reimburse Tenant for any actual, out-of pocket loss, cost, expense and/or
damages (including reasonable attorney's fees) incurred by Tenant due to the
delayed delivery of the Demised Premises; provided, however, that (i) Landlord
shall not be liable for damages with respect to delays caused by unavailability
or delay in delivery of any specialty of custom items required by Tenant; and
(iii) if Tenant fails to meet the deadlines referenced in the preceding
sentence, the November IS, 1994 date for delivery of the Demised Premises shall
be delayed by the number of working days corresponding to the number of days by
which Tenant is tardy in complying with such requirements.

         Landlord shall keep Tenant advised as to the progress of construction
of the Building and the improvements to be made in the Demised Premises so that
Tenant can properly plan its relocation into the Building. In the event Tenant
desires to move into the Building in phases, Landlord shall prioritize
completion of the Demised Premises to the extent that Landlord's overall
construction activities are not disrupted. If the Commencement Date is the first
day of a calendar month, the term of this Lease shall expire at midnight on the
last day of the calendar month which corresponds to the 'Number of Months of the
Term of the Lease. shown on Schedule 1. If the Commencement Date is not the
first day of a calendar month, the term of this Lease shall expire as if the
Commencement Date was the first day of the next succeeding month.

         4.03. The Demised Premises shall be deemed ready for Tenant's occupancy
when (i) upfitting of the Demised Premises has been completed substantially in
accordance with Exhibit C and the Demised Premises are made available to Tenant
for reasonable use; (ii) public entrances and exits, parking (as required
hereunder) and the elevator and stairwell system, heating, air-conditioning and
ventilation system, electrical system, restrooms and hallways serving the
Demised Premises are substantially completed, and (iii) all governmental
permits, certificates or approvals necessary for Tenant's lawful occupancy of
the Demised Premises have been issued. The Demised Premises shall not be deemed
unready or incomplete if only minor or insubstantial details of construction,
decoration or mechanical adjustments remain to be completed. Irrespective of the
foregoing, in the event delays are caused by reason of Tenant's failure to
provide approvals of the plans and specifications for the upfitting within a
reasonable period of time or other reasons within Tenant's control (e.g. delays
in delivery of specialty or custom items required by Tenant), then the
"Commencement Date" shall be deemed to have occurred when the Commencement Date
would have occurred had delays not been caused by Tenant. Upon substantial
completion of the Demised Premises and prior to Tenant's occupancy of the
Demised Premises, Landlord and Tenant shall conduct a walk-through inspection of
the Demised Premises and shall agree on a so-called "punch list" which shall
contain items which remain to be done and which Landlord, by signing such punch
list, shall agree to complete or to perform



                                       3



within thirty (30) days of the date of the walk-through inspection (subject to
availability of specialty or custom items required by Tenant).

         4.04. If Tenant shall remain in possession of the Demised Premises
after the expiration of either the original term of this Lease or of any
extended term without Landlord's consent it shall not be deemed or construed to
be a renewal or extension of this Lease but shall only operate to create a
month-to-month tenancy at the then existing rental rate, and said month-to-month
tenancy may be terminated by Landlord at the end of any month upon 30 days prior
written notice to Tenant.

         4.05. Tenant's entry into, and taking possession of, the Demised
Premises shall constitute Tenant's acknowledgment that to its knowledge the
Demised Premises are in good and tenantable condition at the beginning of the
term hereof, subject to completion of punch list items and subject to any
obligations of Landlord to correct any defects in the construction or
workmanship in the Base Building items and, if Landlord performs the work
related to the upfitting of the Demised Premises, the upfitting of the Demised
Premises.

         4.06. Tenant shall not be liable for the payment of rent until Landlord
delivers possession in accordance with Section 4.03 hereof.

         4.07. Tenant shall have the option to extend the term of this Lease-for
the additional Option Period(s) as set forth in Schedule I, by providing written
notice of extension to Landlord of its election to extend the term, such notice
to be given at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the expiration of
the then-current term. During each Option Period(s), the Annual Minimum Rent for
the Demised Premises shall be as specified in Schedule I. For purposes of this
Lease, the term "Market Rate" or "Market" shall mean the annual minimum rent
established by Landlord to reflect Landlord's estimate of the annual minimum
rent which could reasonably be expected from a third party if the Demised
Premises were released for the Option Period; however, the annual minimum rent
so established shall not exceed the annual minimum rent then generally being
quoted by Landlord to prospective tenants for comparable tenant space in the
Building, and if no comparable tenant space is then being leased in the
Building, the annual minimum rent so established shall not exceed the annual
minimum rent then being quoted by landlords for new tenants for comparable
tenant space in first-class, high-rise office buildings in the vicinity of the
Building(in each case as adjusted to allow for a Base Amount and Tax Base Amount
equivalent to that specified in Schedule D. For purposes of the foregoing
definition, all references as to the quotation of annual minimum rent shall mean
the rent quoted for a term comparable to the Option Period to the fullest extent
possible. In the event, Tenant exercises its option to extend the term of this
Lease pursuant to this Section 4.07, at the request of Tenant, Landlord, at its
sole cost, shall cause the Demised Premises to be recarpeted and painted and new
wallcoverings to be installed with all such reupfittings to be of the
substantially same standard and quality as the original upfitting of the Demised
Premises pursuant to Exhibit C attached hereto. In written request of Tenant,
Landlord-shall advise Tenant as to the Annual Minimum Rent which will be
applicable for each Option Period; however, Landlord shall-not be obligated to
provide a written quotation to Tenant regarding any Option Period sooner than
one year prior to the expiration of the then current term of this Lease.



                                       4


         4.08. Tenant shall have .the option to lease the fourth floor of the
Building (the "Option Space") at the end of the fifth lease year and at the end
of each lease year thereafter upon one hundred eighty (180) days prior written
notice to Landlord. Rent for the Option Space shall commence on the date the
Landlord delivers the Option Space to the Tenant free from other tenants and
occupants. The Option Space shall be leased on the same terms and conditions as
all other portions of the Demised Premises as provided herein; provided,
however, that Tenant's upfitting allowance related to the Option Space shall be
limited to S18.00 per rentable square foot for any space which has not been
upfitted previously add S 7.50 per rentable square foot for arty space which has
been previously upfitted, with both allowances subject to adjustment based upon
any percentage increase in the numerical level of the Consumer Price Index for
Urban Consumers - South, All Items (base year 1982-84= 100) as published by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor (the "Index");
provided, however, that such allowances shall not increase more than three
percent (3.0%) per annum (calculated on a cumulative basis) from December 31,
1994. If the base for the Index is changed so that 1982-84 prices &re no longer
taken as representing 100, an appropriate adjustment will be applied to the
published indices so as to rate them to the aforesaid base in which 1982-84
prices are taken as representing 100. In the event the Index is discontinued,
such other substantially similar government index or publication as chosen by
Landlord and Tenant for a reasonable replacement shall be used for such
adjustment.

         Landlord shall not be prohibited from leasing space or providing other
options for space on the fourth floor of the Building for periods which conflict
with Tenant's expansion option. Notwithstanding anything mentioned above, the
actual delivery date of the Option Space may vary up to one hundred eighty (180)
days based upon obligations to the existing tenant(s). Additionally, Tenant will
act reasonably and in good faith to phase its occupancy requirements so as to
promote orderly vacating of the Option Space. Tenant shall pay rent on the
Option Space upon occupancy by Tenant and only for the portion of the Option
Space so occupied.

         4.09. In addition to the option granted to Tenant pursuant to Section
4.08 hereunder, if, during the initial term or any in effect Option Period,
Tenant notifies the Landlord in writing of its need for additional space, the
Landlord will then notify Tenant in writing at least ninety (90) days before
additional space becomes available in the Building, and the Tenant shall have an
option, exercisable by written notice to the Landlord within thirty (30) days
after receipt of the Landlord's notice, to lease all or a portion (so long as
the remaining portion, in Landlord's reasonable opinion, is of such size and is
so configured as to constitute marketable and leasable space) of this additional
space at the same rate and on the same terms and conditions as the Demised
Premises. The provisions of Section 4.08 with respect to the commencement of
rent shall apply equally to the additional space leased by Tenant pursuant to
the provisions of this Section 4.09.

                     ARTICLE V. RENT AND ADJUSTMENTS TO RENT

         5.01. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, during the term of
this Lease, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in equal monthly installments in
advance, the "Annual Minimum Rent" specified in Schedule 1, which rental is
based upon the total square feet of rentable area



                                       5


contained in the Demised Premises. Subject to Additional Provisions A and B of
Schedule I of this Lease, all monthly installments shall be due and payable on
the first day of each calendar month without any abatement, deduction or set off
whatsoever during the term of this Lease, except that the first monthly
installment shall be due and payable upon commencement of the term of the Lease;
however, if the Commencement Date falls on a day other than the first day of a
calendar month, the minimum rent for the period from the Commencement Date
through the last day of such month shall be calculated by dividing the Annual
Minimum Rent for the first lease year by 365 and multiplying the quotient by the
number of days from the Commencement Date to the last day of such month.

         5.02. Subject to Additional Provision B of Schedule 1, for each
calendar year or portion thereof during the term of this Lease, Tenant also
covenants and agrees to pay to Landlord, in the manner hereafter specified as
additional rent, (i) Tenant's pro rata portion of the Operating Expenses
(hereafter defined) which exceeds the Base Amount (hereafter defined) multiplied
times the Total Rentable Area (hereafter defined) and (ii) Tenant's pro rata
portion of the Real Estate Taxes (hereafter defined) which exceed the Tax Base
Amount (hereafter defined) multiplied times the Total Rentable Area.

         Except as set forth in Schedule 1, within ninety (90) days of the end
of each calendar year, Landlord shall provide Tenant with an itemized statement
as to the additional rent due from Tenant, which shall be calculated by stating
the total Operating Expenses and Total Real Estate Taxes for the calendar year,
dividing these amounts by the Total Rentable Area, subtracting the Base Amount
and the Tax Base Amount, respectively from the foregoing quotients, and
multiplying the differences by the number of square feet of rentable area in the
Demised Premises, or by the average daily space if the term of this Lease
commenced or ended during such calendar year or the size of the Demised Premises
changed during the calendar year. "Average daily space" as used in the preceding
sentence means the square footage calculated by adding the number of square feet
of rentable area in the Demised Premises for each day of the calendar year
during which the term of this Lease was in effect and dividing the sum by the
number of days in the calendar year. The statement shall also reflect the
installment payments of additional rent received by Landlord from Tenant as
described hereinbelow and indicate the amount (if any) due from the Tenant,
which amount shall be due and payable within thirty (30) days of the delivery of
the statement to Tenant. If a credit is due Tenant, such credit shall be applied
against future payments of Annual Minimum Rent or additional rent due from
Tenant so long as this Lease remains in effect, and if this Lease is no longer
in effect, remitted by Landlord to Tenant within thirty (30) days of delivery of
the statement to Tenant Landlord shall keep detailed books and records
accurately reflecting the cost of all items related to the calculation of
Operating Expenses and Real Estate Taxes as provided herein and shall provide
reasonable documentation upon the written request of Tenant as to the
calculation of the same. Such books and records shall be available for
reasonable inspection by Tenant during normal business hours at Landlord's
principal place of business or such other location as such books and records are
kept for a period of three (3) years after each statement as to the additional
rent due from Tenant is provided by Landlord.



                                       6


         Subject to Additional Provisions A and B of Schedule I, during the term
of this Lease, Tenant shall pay to Landlord monthly installments of additional
rent as follows:

         (a) On the first day of each month through the month in which the
Tenant receives the first annual statement referred to hereinabove, Tenant shall
pay to Landlord the Initial Operating Expense Installment Payment set forth in
Schedule I; and (b) On the first day of each full month following receipt of
each annual statement referred to hereinabove until receipt of the annual
statement for the next succeeding calendar year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord
one-twelfth (1/12) of the additional rent due as provided above with regard to
the Demised Premises for the calendar year referred to in such annual statement
(without adjustment based on average daily space for partial occupancy by
Tenant). The terms Base Amount,. Tax Base Amount. and Total Rentable Area. shall
have the meanings set forth in Schedule I

         The term Real Estate Taxes shall mean all ad valorem real or personal
property taxes and use and occupancy taxes (excluding income taxes) related to
the land and the Building For the purpose of this Lease a tax assessment, levy
or charge (excluding income taxes) based wholly or partially as a capital levy
or otherwise on the rents received by Landlord, or a license fee measured by the
rent payable by Tenant to Landlord, or any other such additional or substitute
tax, assessment, levy, imposition or charge (excluding income taxes) as the part
thereof so measured or based shall be deemed to be included within the term
"Real Estate Taxes".

         The term "Operating Expenses" shall mean all direct expenses, costs and
charges incurred by Landlord for the operation, maintenance and repair (.repair.
as used in connection with operating expenses shall not include alterations or
other capital expenditures as defined by GAAP] made by Landlord) of the land and
the Building (as a first-class office building) and shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:

         (a) "Labor Costs" (hereinafter defined) for the services of the
following classes of employees performing services required in connection with
the operation, repair and maintenance of the Land and the Building:

         (i) the Building superintendent, his assistants and the clerical staff
attached to the Building superintendent's office;

         (ii) window cleaners and miscellaneous handymen;

         (iii) cleaners and janitors employed in and about the Building for the
performance of services;

         (iv) landscaping contractors;

         (v) watchmen and persons engaged in patrolling and protecting the Land
and the Building;

         (vi) carpenters, engineers, mechanics, electricians and plumbers
engaged in the operation, repair and maintenance of any part of the Building,
the plazas and sidewalks around the Land and



                                       7



the Building and the heating, air-conditioning, ventilating, plumbing,
electrical and elevator systems of the Building; and

         (vii) personnel engaged exclusively in supervision of any of the
persons mentioned above.

         (b) The cost of materials and supplies used in the operation, repair
and maintenance of the Land and the Building;

         (c) The cost of replacement for tools and equipment used in the
operation, repair and maintenance of the Building;

         (d) The amounts paid to managing agents for the Building, if any,
employed by Landlord (but the amount of management fees which Landlord includes
in Operating Expenses shall not exceed 3 % of the gross rental income related to
the Building), or for reasonable legal, accounting or other professional fees
(necessarily incurred in connection with the operation of the Building);

         (e) Amounts charged to Landlord by contractors for services, materials
and supplies furnished in connection with the operation, repair and maintenance
of any part of the Building, and the Land, and the heating, air-conditioning,
ventilating, plumbing, electrical, elevator and other systems of the Land and
the Building;

         (f) Amounts charged to Landlord by contractors for window cleaning, and
cleaning and janitorial services in and about the Land and the Building;

         (g) Premiums paid by Landlord for All Risk Insurance for the Building,
including, without limitation, fire insurance, with such extended coverage,
vandalism, and malicious mischief coverage, and rent insurance coverage, of the
type and character usually earned by landlords of similar first-class buildings
and premiums paid for comprehensive general public liability insurance against
claims for bodily injury, death or property damage, and if carried by Landlord,
boiler and machinery insurance and war risk insurance, and such other insurance
as may from time to time be reasonably required by Landlord to protect Landlord
against other insurable hazards, which at the time are commonly insured against
in the case of premises similar to the Building;

         (h) Water charges and sewer rents;

         (i) The cost of utilities necessary for the operation, maintenance and
repair of the Land and the Building;

         (j) The cost of electricity (including without limitation, fuel
adjustment charges, but excluding any amounts billed directly to tenants of the
Building) used to operate lighting fixtures, power appliances, machinery,
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment and all equipment used in
connection with the operation, maintenance and repair of the Building and the
offices therein located; and



                                       8


         (k) The cost of all taxes related to the operation, maintenance and
repair of the land and the Building, excluding Real Estate Taxes.

         Operating Expenses shall be "net only," and for that purpose shall be
reduced by the amounts of any supplier reimbursement, credit, recoupment,
discount, credit reduction, or allowance received by Landlord in connection with
such expenses and shall exclude all tenant specific pass through items (e.g.
after hours HVAC). Anything to the contrary contained in this Lease
notwithstanding, to the extent that there is more than five (5%) percent of the
Total Rentable Area unoccupied during any calendar year, Operating Expenses
shall he calculated based upon expenses attributable to an assumed occupancy of
ninety-five (95 %) percent of the Total Rentable Area.

         "Labor Costs" for purposes of calculating Operating Expenses shall mean
all expenses incurred by Landlord or on Landlord's behalf which shall be
directly related to employment of personnel for the Land and the Building,
including amounts incurred for wages, salaries and other compensation for
services, payroll, social security, unemployment and other similar taxes,
workmen's compensation insurance, disability benefits, pensions,
hospitalization, retirement plans and group insurance, uniforms and working
clothes and the cleaning thereof, and expenses imposed on or on behalf of the
Landlord pursuant to any collective bargaining agreement. In the event any
personnel do not devote their full time and attention to matters related to the
Building, all of the foregoing costs shall be appropriately prorated.

         The following items shall be excluded from Operating Expenses:

         (a) Labor Costs in respect of individual partners of Landlord or if a
partner or a successor of Landlord be a corporation, then in respect of officers
and executives of such partner or successor Landlord;

         (b) Any insurance premium to the extent that Landlord is reimbursed for
such premium;

         (c) The cost of any items for which Landlord is reimbursed by insurance
or otherwise compensated;

         (d) The cost of any additions to the Building subsequent to the date of
original construction or any alterations or refurbishing of space leased to
other tenants of the Building;

         (e) The cost of any maintenance or repair of interior improvements of
any tenant space (exclusive of normal janitorial services and replacement of the
Building standard items, e.g., light bulbs);

         (f) Cost of any work or service performed for any tenant (including
Tenant) at such tenant's cost;

         (g) Cost of installing, operating, and maintaining any specialty
service such as an observatory, broadcasting facility, retail store, sundry
shop, food service, newsstand, or


                                       9



concession, but only to the extent such costs exceed those which normally would
be expected to be incurred had such space been general office space;

         (h)      Cost of correcting defects in construction;

         (i) Salaries of officers and executives of Landlord or any affiliated
entity;

         (j) Cost of any items for which Landlord is reimbursed by insurance,
condemnation, or otherwise;

         (k) Cost of any repair in accordance with Article X111, entitled
'Damage or Destruction', of this Lease;

         (1) Interest on debt or amortization payments on any note or mortgage
and rental under any groundlease or other underlying lease;

         (m) Any real estate brokerage commissions or other cost incurred in
procuring tenants or any fee in lieu of such commission;

         (n) = and elevators, and rental payments floor equipment not used in
the operation or maintenance of the Building;

         (o) Any expenses for repairs or maintenance which are covered by
warranties and service contracts, to the extent such maintenance and repairs are
made at no cost to landlord; and

         (p) Legal expenses arising out of the construction of the improvements
on the Land or the enforcement of the provisions of any lease affecting the Land
or the Building, including this Lease.

         If the Landlord is not furnishing any particular work or service (the
cost of which if performed by the Landlord would constitute an Operating
Expense) to a tenant who has undertaken to perform such work or service in lieu
of the performance thereof by Landlord, Operating Expenses shall be deemed for
the purposes of this section to be adjusted by an amount equal to the additional
Operating Expense which would reasonably have been incurred during such period
by the Landlord if it had at its own expense furnished such work or service to
such tenant.

         5.03. Tenant shall, during each Tax Year, pay all taxes (if any)
assessed against improvements to the Demised Premises in excess of the generally
prevailing standard of improvements to office space in the Building. Tenant
agrees on request to furnish to Landlord, a list of the permanent leasehold
improvements not taxed as personal property owned by Tenant, together with the
cost thereof, and Tenant agrees to pay, when due, to Landlord, as additional
rent, an amount equal to the taxes assessed (if any) against such extraordinary
leasehold improvements, computed on the basis of the appraised value of such
improvements as determined by the taxing authority, adjusted to establish the
assessed value utilized by such taxing authority, multiplied by the rate of
taxation against real property for such Tax Year.



                                       10


         5.04. All sums payable hereunder by Tenant, or which are at the expense
of Tenant, are deemed and considered to be rent, and, if not paid, Landlord
shall have with respect thereto and the rights and remedies provided for herein
and by law for the non-payment of rent.

         5.05. Rent and all sums payable hereunder by Tenant to Landlord or by
Landlord to Tenant shall be paid promptly as and when the same shall become due
and payable without notice or demand except as expressly provided herein, and
without abatement, deduction or set off to such person or persons and at such
place as Landlord may from time to time designate in writing. Unless otherwise
specified, all sums due hereunder shall be remitted to the "Notice Address" of
the party to receive such payments, as set forth in Schedule I.

         5.06. If this Lease terminates other than at the end of a calendar
year, the additional rent (if any) attributable to Operating Expenses and Real
Estate Taxes for the year during which the Lease terminates shall be prorated,
using the average daily space concept as defined in Section 5.02 and shall he
paid on demand by Tenant or any overage remitted to Tenant, as the case may be,
even though the term may have expired before the demand is made. Landlord may
make a reasonable estimate based on actual expenses of any sums to become due
under this clause (net of any such expenses paid by Tenant for such period) and
may make a written demand therefor at any time during the last two (2) months of
a term which is about to expire. Tenant shall pay the amount of said estimate
(net of any such expenses paid by Tenant for such period) or Landlord shall pay
to Tenant, subject to adjustment upwards or downwards, when all information
necessary for a final calculation shall be available.

         5.07. In the event that any documentary stamp tax, or tax levied on the
rental, leasing or letting of the Demised Premises (excluding income taxes),
whether local, state, or federal, is required to be paid due to the recording
hereof, the cost thereof shall be borne by Tenant.

         5.08. Any payment by Tenant or receipt by Landlord of a lesser amount
than the monthly rent stipulated in this Lease shall be deemed a payment on
account of the earliest rent due, and no endorsement or statement on any check
or on any letter accompanying any check or payment as rent shall be deemed an
accord and satisfaction and Landlord may accept such check or payment without
prejudice to its right to recover the balance of the rent or to pursue any other
remedy provided for in this Lease.

         5.09. As security for Tenant's faithful performance of all of Tenant's
obligations hereunder and for Tenant's payment of any damages to which Landlord
may bc entitled, Tenant has herewith deposited with Landlord the "Security
Deposit" set forth in Schedule 1, to be returned within thirty (30) days after
the expiration or termination of this Lease if Tenant has performed all of
Tenant's obligations under this Lease. Landlord shall be entitled to intermingle
such deposit with its own funds and to use such sum for any purpose as it may
determine. The Security Deposit shall be deemed the property of Landlord, and
Tenant shall not be entitled to any interest on said deposit.

         5.10. Anything to the contrary contained in this Lease notwithstanding,
in the event any payment of Rent or Additional Rent is more than fifteen (15)
days past due, an administrative charge equal to five (5%) percent of such past
due sum shall be due and payable by Tenant to


                                       11



Landlord, upon written demand. In addition, any sum more than thirty (30) days
past due shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the Prime Rate quoted
in The Wall Street Journal from time to time plus 200 basis points (or the
highest lawful rate allowable if less than such rate) until paid in full, with
said interest to be due and payable by Tenant to Landlord upon written demand.

                         ARTICLE VI. LANDLORD'S SERVICES

         6.01. Landlord shall:

         (a) maintain in reasonable condition and repair the roof, foundation,
structure, infrastructure, utilities, HVAC, other Building operating systems,
exterior and common areas of the Building;

         (b) furnish reasonable amounts of heat and air-conditioning (.HVAC.) to
the Demised Premises from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday
except holidays, and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. upon request.
After hours HVAC shall be provided by Landlord upon request of Tenant, so long
as all costs of providing such after hours service, as reasonably estimated by
Landlord, are borne by Tenant. Irrespective of the foregoing, as to each whole
floor occupied by Tenant, in lieu of Saturday HVAC hours, Tenant shall be
provided with three hundred (300) free hours of HVAC service per year (pro rated
for the first and last lease years) at such times as Tenant may request;
however, there shall be no carry over of any unused free hours from one calendar
year to the next. Chilled fluid lines shall be available in the Building to
permit Tenant to obtain supplemental air conditioning on a twenty-four (24) hour
basis, but Tenant shall be responsible for all installation and energy costs
associated therewith;

         (c) provide sufficient elevator service for reasonable access to the
Demised Premises;

         (d) furnish reasonable janitorial services for the Demised Premises;

         (e) furnish a reasonable amount of electricity for normal office use in
the Demised Premises; however, Landlord's agreement to furnish electricity does
not include electricity for electrical equipment requiring voltage greater than
that supplied by the Building's standard receptacle circuits unless Landlord's
prior written consent is obtained, which consent shall not unreasonably be
withheld so long as Tenant is responsible for all costs of installation and
which consent shall be deemed to have been granted if such requirement is
contained in Exhibits! C or C-l of this Lease;

         (f) furnish in the first floor lobby of the Building a directory of the
firm or business names of tenants of the Building: and

         (g) provide access to hookups to any public or private right-of-ways
adjacent to the Land for utilities or other communications systems available to
Landlord or Tenant and accessible by Tenant by air or underground at Tenant's
sole cost and expense

         6.02. If Landlord defaults in the performance or observance of any
provision of Paragraph 6.01 (except to the extent permitted under Paragraph
6.04), Tenant shall give


                                       12



Landlord notice specifying in what manner Landlord has defaulted and if such
default shall not be cured by Landlord within the period of time provided for
elsewhere in this Lease, and otherwise within thirty (30) consecutive days after
the delivery of such notice (except that if such default cannot be cured within
said thirty (30) day period, this period shall be extended for a reasonable
additional time, provided that Landlord commences to cure such default within
the thirty (30) day period and proceeds diligently thereafter to effect such
cure), Tenant may terminate this Lease or pursue any other remedy available at
law or in equity to Tenant; provided, however, that if the Demised Premises is
not supplied with utilities required pursuant to the terms of this Lease due to
circumstances within the control of Landlord for a period in excess of 24 hours
after of receipt by Landlord of Tenant's verbal notice of such failure, Tenant
may terminate this Lease or pursue any other remedy available at law or in
equity. No such termination shall relieve Landlord of its obligations under the
Lease, and such obligations shall survive any such termination. No action on the
part of Tenant shall limit or prejudice the right of Tenant to obtain the
maximum amount of damages allowed by any statute or rule of law related to any
such default by Landlord.

         6.03. If, in Landlord's opinion, any Tenant shall:

         (a) use any utility, including but not limited to electricity or water,
in an excessive, extravagant or unreasonable manner, Landlord may install meters
measuring the quantity of such utility used in the Demised Premises and Tenant,
on demand, shall pay Landlord (i) all costs incident to said installation and
necessary appurtenances thereto and (ii) additional rent equal to the cost of
the utility used at rates equal to the rate that the supplying utility company
with its own equipment would then charge Tenant for such service. If this method
of furnishing utilities to Tenant is utilized, an adjustment will be made to
Operating Expenses under Section 5.02 to reflect Tenant's payment of its own
utilities in such a manner as to avoid requiring Tenant to pay more than the
excess utilities and its ratable share of normal utilities usage included in
Operating Expenses; and

         (b) require removal of refuse and rubbish in larger quantities or more
often than is reasonable in the rendering of janitorial service, Tenant on
demand shall pay the removal cost to Landlord.

         (c) No action will be taken by Landlord under Section 6.03(a) or
6.03(b) without notice provided to Tenant and Tenant having the same opportunity
to cure as provided to Tenant pursuant to Article XIX of this Lease.

         6.04. Landlord reserves the right, without liability or responsibility
to Tenant and without reduction or deduction of rent, to suspend or stop on a
temporary basis and without unreasonable hardship to Tenant in the conduct of
its business in the Demised Premises, from time to time, service of heating,
air-conditioning, elevator, plumbing, electrical or any other system or service
required to be furnished or rendered under the terms of this Lease, when such
shall become necessary due to accident, emergency, strike, repairs, alterations,
improvements, replacements, or any other cause, including laws, orders, or
regulations of any federal, state or municipal authority or inability of
Landlord to obtain electricity, or other suitable fuel.



                                       13


         6.05. Landlord shall not be responsible for any maintenance or repair
of tenant upfitting of the Demised Premises (exclusive of janitorial services
and/or repair or replacement of the Base Building standard items, e.g., light
bulbs).

                 ARTICLE VII. MISCELLANEOUS COVENANTS OF TENANT

         7.01. Tenant shall promptly correct any violation of and comply with
all applicable local, state and federal laws, ordinances, notices, permits, or
statements of occupancy, requirements, orders and regulations, now or hereafter
in effect, with respect to Tenant's conduct or use of the Demised Premises, an<l
on demand, pay to Landlord, as additional rent, any and all increases in
premiums on insurance (hazard and liability) now or hereafter carried by
Landlord on the Demised Premises, the Land or the Building, which increases are
directly caused in any way by the occupancy of Tenant or by breach of any of the
provisions of this Lease.

         7.02.    Tenant shall use its best efforts to:

         (a) use every reasonable precaution against fire, or other casualty;

         (b) give to Landlord prompt written notice of any accident, fire,
casualty or damage occurring on or to the Demised Premises, and of any defects
in the Landlord's apparatus in the Demised Premises;

         (c) request Landlord to repair or replace all of Landlord's electric
lamps and lights, bulbs and tubes in standard building electrical fixtures in
the Demised Premises, as from time to time shall be necessary; and

         (d) lock all doors and turn out all lights in the Demised Premises
before leaving such unoccupied.

         7.03. Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after request therefor by
Landlord, deliver to Landlord in recordable form a certificate to such person as
Landlord may designate certifying (if such be the case) any and all matters
reasonably related to Tenant's possession or use of the Demised Premises or the
terms thereof, including, without limitation, that this Lease is in full Force
and effect and that there are no defaults by Landlord or set-offs by Tenant
hereunder (or stating those claimed by Tenant) and the date to which rent is
paid.

         7.04. Tenant shall furnish Landlord with the name of an employee or
agent who shall contact Landlord with regard to any problems, notices,
complaints, or the like, and who shall have the authority to request
expenditures for which Tenant is liable.

         7.05. Tenant shall not, without the express prior written consent and
approval of Landlord, with consent once given not being deemed further consent,

(a) Occupy the Demised Premises in any manner or for any purpose except as
permitted in this Lease;



                                       14


         (b) Assign, sublease, mortgage, or pledge this Lease or any other
interest in this Lease, or underlet or sublet the Demised Premises or any
portion thereof or any right or privilege appurtenant thereto, nor permit the
occupancy or use of any part thereof by any other person, firm or corporation
nor enter into any agreement or arrangement which has as its effect or intent
the circumvention of the foregoing prohibitions without the written consent of
Landlord first had and obtained, which consent shall be given only in accordance
with Section 25.03 hereof; provided, however, that Landlord's consent shall not
be required with respect to any assignment of the Lease or sublease of any
portion of the Demised Premises to an entity controlling, controlled by or under
common control with Tenant;

         (c) Make any alterations, improvements or additions to the Demised
Premises except as permitted and provided in Article XVI hereof;

         (d) Use or operate any equipment or machinery which as result of noise,
vibration, heat output or otherwise is harmful in any material respect to the
Land or the Building or disturbing in any material respect to tenants occupying
other parts thereof;

         (e) Place any weights in any portion of the Building beyond the safe
carrying capacity of the structure (as determined by Landlord in its sole
discretion);

         (f) Allow the production in part or whole of any commodity. Coffee and
soft drinks dispensers, microwave ovens and vending materials may be utilized by
Tenant in limited areas.

         (g) Do or suffer to be done, any act, matter or thing on the Demised
Premises, the Land or the Building whereby insurance in force shall become void
or suspended, which would result in insurance companies of good standing to
insure the same:

         (h) Permit any unreasonable odor, noise, sound or vibration which, in
Landlord's reasonable judgment, materially impairs the use of any part of the
Land or the Building or materially interferes with the business or occupancy of
any other tenant, or makes or permits any unreasonable disturbance of any kind
in the Building, or materially disturbs the business in the Building, or
occupancy of any other tenant;

         (i) Obstruct any sidewalks, halls, passageways, elevators or stairways
in the Building or the Land or any other part thereof used in common with
Landlord, the various tenants and their invitees (hereinafter called "common
areas"), or use the same for any purpose other than egress and ingress to and
from the Demised Premises;

         (j) Use or permit any of the toilet rooms, water closets, sinks, or
other apparatus or systems to be used for any purpose other than for which
constructed, or permit any sweepings, rubbish, rags, ashes, chemicals, or refuse
or other unsuitable substances to be thrown or placed therein with the expense
of any damage caused by a violation of this provision being borne by Tenant;

         (k) Use or store in the Demised Premises any substance other than those
typically used or stored in commercial office settings similar to the Demised
Premises having an offensive odor or



                                       15



considered "hazardous" by any responsible insurance company, including without
limitation, any substance which is explosive, highly combustible or unusually
volatile;

         (l) Enter upon the roof of the Building except in accord with the terms
of this Lease;

         (m) Use electricity in the Demised Premises in excess of the capacity
of any of the electrical conductors and equipment in or otherwise serving the
Demised Premises, or add to or alter the electrical system servicing the Demised
Premises;

         (n) Attach any awnings, antennae or other projection to the roof or
outside walls of the Demised Premises or the Building; provided, however, that
Tenant, at its expense, shall have the right to locate an antenna and
communications system at a location reasonably suitable to Landlord on the roof
of the Building (in such event the portion of the roof of the Building on which
the communications system is located shall be deemed a portion but not rentable
square footage of the Demised Premises); provided, however, that, (i) prior to
the installation of such antenna or communications system, Tenant must present a
detailed set of plans and specifications of said system for Landlord's approval,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld; (ii) any activities
undertaken by Tenant with respect to the communications system shall be subject
to the reasonable supervision and control of Landlord; and (iii) the
installation of any such system shall be subject to the term of Article 16
hereof. Landlord shall not install, nor shall it permit other parties to
install, communications equipment on the roof of the Building which unreasonably
interferes with the communications system of Tenant. Landlord acknowledges that
the covenants of Landlord in the preceding paragraph are material to the
inducement of Tenant to enter into this Lease.

         (o) Inscribe, paint, affix, erect, make, maintain or attach to any part
of the Demised Premises, the Land or the Building, including the windows and
doors, any sign, television viewer or projection or representation or
advertisement or notice of any kind, other than an appropriate sign or marker
indicating the firm name of Tenant to be approved in writing by Landlord which
may be placed at the entrance to the Demised Premises, but may not be visible
from any location outside the Building or visible from the lobby of the
Building, and any appropriate signs Tenant may choose to locate within the
Demised Premises (except on the inside surface of windows), and no loud speaker
system or any other form of sound or audio transmission system or apparatus
which may be heard outside the Demised Premises or interfere with the Building's
electrical systems shall be used in or at the Demised Premises or the Building;
provided, however, that in accordance with the plans and specifications and at
the location, place and manner set forth in Exhibit E attached hereto, during
the initial term and any in-effect Option Period of this Lease, so long as
Tenant continues to lease 100% of the space located on the fifth, sixth and
ninth floors of the Building, Tenant shall have the exclusive exterior signage
rights to the Building, but all such exterior signage shall be subject to all
rules, laws, ordinances or regulations of any governmental entity having
jurisdiction over the Land, Building or such signage; provided, further,
however, that Landlord shall provide Tenant with a $10,000 signage allowance for
costs and expenses related to such sign, but Tenant shall be responsible for all
expenses in excess of $10,000 incurred in connection with the purchase,
installation, maintenance, removal and operation of such sign, including without
limitation all reasonable


                                       16



costs of repairs to the Building as deemed reasonably necessary by Landlord in
connection with removal of such signs;

         (p) Keep any animals in or about the Demised premises or other portions
of the Building except seeing eye dogs accompanying the visually impaired;

         (q) Park any vehicles in reserved areas or obstruct any parking space,
driveway, or other access area adjacent to the Building without the permission
of Landlord; or

         (r) Burn any article within or on the premises of the Building (except
the smoking of tobacco if permitted by applicable laws, rules and regulations).

         ***



                        ARTICLE VIII. RIGHTS OF LANDLORD

         8.01. Landlord shall have the right, but shall be under no obligation,
to do the following things (at any time or times and from time to time) in or
about the Demised Premises and the Land or toe Building;

         (a) Discontinue any facility or service not required for the operation
of a first-class office building unless expressly covenanted for herein;

         (b) Prevent access to the Building by any person except emergency
personnel necessary to protect and preserve Tenant's property during any
invasion, mob, riot, public excitement, threat to the safety or security of the
Building or other commotion, explosion, fire or any casualty by closing the
doors or otherwise;

         (c) During other than business hours, refuse access to the Building to
any person unless such person seeking admission (i) is properly identified and
(ii) produces a key to the Demised Premises;

         (d) Reasonably prescribe the hours and the method and manner in which
any merchandise, furniture or heavy or bulky object shall be brought in or taken
out of the Building and limit and prescribe the weight, size and proper position
thereof in such a manner as to avoid interfering with elevator service during
business hours;

         (e) Subject to the provisions of Section 7.05(o) install, place upon or
affix to the roof or exterior walls of the Demised Premises and/or the Building,
equipment signs, displays, antennae and any other object or structure;

         (f) Make alterations or additions to the Building or build improvements
adjoining the Building so long as such alterations or additions do not
materially impair Tenant's reasonable use of the Demised Premises or violate any
provisions of this Lease;



                                       17


         (g) Change the arrangement and/or location, or regulate the use, of all
entrances, passageways, doorways, corridors and any other common areas in the
Land or the Building, whether or not connecting with any street, sidewalk,
transportation facility, concourse, garage, or any other building, and of all
elevators, stairs, toilets, and public conveniences which are not within the
Demised Premises so long as such alterations or additions do not materially
impair Tenant's reasonable use of the Demised Premises or violate any provision
of this Lease;

         (h) Change the name of the Building in accordance with the provisions
of Additional Provision E of Schedule I of this Lease;

         (i) Maintain (with right of changes) elevator service that is wholly or
in part automatic or manually operated; and

         (j) Enter and go upon the Demised Premises for the purpose of doing any
of the following things:

         (i) inspect the Demised Premises and make repairs, alterations and
additions thereto and to the Building and run wires, lines, pipes, utility
systems or appurtenances thereto above the ceiling and take material as required
into, upon and through the Demised Premises, all as reasonably required for the
safety, improvement, preservation or restoration of the Building, or the Demised
Premises, or for the safety or convenience of the present or future occupants
thereof; provided, however, that except for emergencies Landlord shall exercise
good faith efforts to cause such work to be performed after regular business
hours;

         (ii) exhibit the Demised Premises to prospective tenants at any time
within 180 days of the expiration of the term of this Lease, or prospective
purchasers and anyone else having an interest or prospective interest therein;
and

         (iii) take possession and alter, renovate and redecorate at any time
within one month prior to the expiration of this Lease if Tenant has removed all
of Tenant's property.

                     ARTICLE IX. COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT

         9.01. Landlord warrants that (a) it has the power and authority to
enter into this Lease; (b) so long as Tenant performs every obligation of Tenant
under this Lease, Tenant shall quietly enjoy the Demised Premises without
hindrance by Landlord or anyone claiming by, under, through, or by operation of
law on behalf of or in lieu of Landlord, subject, however, to all the provisions
of this Lease; (c) it owns the Building; and (d) the lease agreement under which
Landlord leases the Land is for a term greater than the initial term and any
Option Period granted in this Lease.

          ARTICLE X. INDEMNIFICATION FOR CLAIMS MADE BY THIRD PARTIES,
                      INSURANCE AND WAIVER OF SUBROGATION

         10.01. Tenant agrees to indemnify and save Landlord harmless from any
and all liabilities, claims, damages, losses, litigation, expenses and counsel
fees with respect to bodily



                                       18


injury to third parties or damage to property of third parties, arising out of
the use and occupancy of the Demised Premises by Tenant based upon Tenant's
negligence or other wrongful conduct. Landlord agrees to indemnify and hold
Tenant harmless from any and all liabilities, claims, losses, litigation,
expenses, and counsel fees with respect to personal injury to third parties or
damage to property of third parties, arising out of the use and operation of the
Land and the Building by Landlord, based upon Landlord's negligence or other
wrongful conduct. In no ovens shall either of the aforementioned indemnification
provisions be construed to indemnify a party against its own negligence or
willful or intentional acts.

         10.02. Landlord and Tenant shall each maintain and pay for sufficient
public liability insurance to cover the indemnification contained in Section
10.01 herein, in companies reasonably acceptable to the other, naming Landlord,
Landlord's managing agent and Tenant as the insured, as their interest may
appear, with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per person and S2,000,000 for each
accident or occurrence for bodily injury or death, and $1,000,000 for property
damage and umbrella coverage in the amount of s2,000,000. In addition to the
foregoing, prior to Tenant's offering alcoholic beverages for consumption in any
portion of the Demised Premises, Tenant shall acquire host liquor liability
coverage in amounts deemed reasonably sufficient by Landlord. Each party shall
deposit a certificate as to insurance coverage with Landlord together with
evidence that (a) the policy will not be cancelled without at least thirty (30)
days prior written notice to such party and (b) no act or omission of Tenant
will invalidate the interest of any other insured under said insurance.

         10.03. Landlord shall maintain reasonable amounts of fire and extended
coverage insurance on the Building and Tenant shall maintain reasonable amounts
of fire and extended coverage insurance on all Tenants' improvements and
personal property located in the Demised Premises. Landlord and Tenant hereby
release the other from any and all liability or responsibility to the other or
anyone claiming through or under them by way of subrogation or otherwise for any
loss or damage to property covered by any insurance then in force, even if such
loss or damage shall have been caused by the fault or negligence of the other
party, or anyone from whom such party may be responsible; however, this release
shall be applicable and in force and effect only with respect to any loss or
damage occurring during such time as the policy or policies of insurance
covering said loss shall contain a clause or endorsement to the effect that this
release shall not adversely affect or impair said insurance or prejudice the
right of the insured to recover thereunder. Landlord and Tenant shall each have
such clause in its fire and extended coverage insurance policies if available
without extra charge, and if there be a charge, shall notify the other party,
who shall have the right to require such clause upon payment of such extra
charge.

                  ARTICLE XI. WAIVER OF PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS

         11.01. Anything to the contrary contained in this Lease
notwithstanding, so long as any party to this Lease is not guilty of gross
negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct, such party and its agents,
servants and employees shall not be liable for, and each party hereby releases
the other and its agents, servants and employees from 811 claims for loss of or
damage to property (including loss from interruption of business, loss of rents,
income or profits or


                                       19



financial loss of any other nature) sustained as a result of any fire, accident,
occurrence or condition in or upon the Demised Premises, the Land and the
Building, including but not limited to such claims for loss of or damage to
property resulting from (i) any defect in or failure of plumbing, heating,
air-conditioning equipment, elevators, electric wiring or installation thereof,
water pipes, stairs, railings or walks on or about the Demised Premises, the
Land or the Building; (ii) any equipment or appurtenances becoming out of
repair; (iii) the bursting, leaking or running of any tank, washstand, water
closet, water pipe, drain or any other pipe or tank in, upon or about the Land,
the Building, or the Demised Premises; (iv) the backing up of any sewer pipe or
downspout; (v) the escape of hot water; (vi) water, snow or fee being upon or
coming through the roof or any other place upon or Dear the Building or premises
or otherwise; (vii) the &fling of any fixture; (viii) broken glass; (ix) any act
or omission of co-tenants or other occupants of the Building or adjoining or
contiguous property or buildings; or (x) any act or omission of parties other
than a party hereto, its agents, servants or employees. This Article shall not
relieve either Landlord or Tenant from performance of or liability for their
respective obligations under this Lease.

                            ARTICLE XII. CONDEMNATION

         12.01. Tenant hereby waives any injury, loss or damage, or claim
therefor against Landlord resulting from any exercise of power of eminent domain
affecting all or any part of the Demised Premises or the air rights, the Land,
or the Building, except that Tenant reserves against the condemning authority
Tenant's right to, and claim for, any damages for the interruption of Tenant's
business, Tenant's moving expenses and for the taking of Tenant's personal
property and/or fixtures so long as Tenant's claim against the condemning
authority in no way diminishes or reduces any award, judgment, or settlement
receivable by Landlord. All awards by the condemning authority for the taking of
air rights, the Land, or the Building shall belong exclusively to the Landlord.

         12.02. The Tenant will be entitled to terminate this Lease if a part of
the Demised Premises is taken as a result of the exercise of the power of
eminent domain and such a taking results in the inability of Tenant to conduct
its normal business activities, as determined in good faith by the Tenant
exercising its reasonable judgment, or reduces the rentable area contained in
(he Demised Premises by more than fifty percent (50%) or reduces the number of
parking spaces provided to Tenant pursuant to Article XXIX hereof. If the
aforementioned conditions are met, Tenant may, by giving written notice to
Landlord sixty (60) days after the date of taking, terminate this Lease as of a
date (to be set forth in said notice) not earlier than thirty (30) days after
the date of the notice; provided, however, that with respect to loss of parking
spaces, this Lease shall not terminate if landlord provides Tenant with a number
of substitute spaces equal to the spaces taken within a reasonable proximity of
the Building within 15 days of receipt of such notice. Rent shall be apportioned
as of the termination date or as of the date the right to possession vests in
the condemning authority, whichever first occurs. If only a part of the Demised
Premises shall be so taken, and this Lease is not terminated as hereinafter
provided, the tent shall be abated in proportion to the area so taken, as of the
date the right to possession vests in the condemning authority.



                                       20





         12.03. A temporary taking as a result of the power of eminent domain
shall not result in a termination of this Lease unless the period of such
temporary taking is reasonably expected to exceed 90 days; however, such 90 day
period can be extended to not more than 180 days so long as temporary
alternative office space or parking can be located which will permit Tenant to
continue to engage in normal business activities pending recovering ,:~
possession of the Demised Premises. Rent shall abate during the period of any
temporary taking as to all portions of the Demised Premises or parking so taken,
with Landlord entitled to all governmental compensation related to rent.

         12.04. In the event any part of the Building shall be taken as a result
of the exercise of a power of eminent domain (whether or not the Demised
Premises shall be affected) and Landlord determines that the remainder of the
Building does not constitute an economically feasible operating unit, upon
written notice to Tenant given within sixty (60) days after the date of taking,
Landlord may terminate this Lease as of a date (to be set forth in said notice)
not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the notice; rent shall be
apportioned as of the termination date or as of the date the right to possession
vests in the condemning authority, whichever first occurs.

                       ARTICLE XIII. DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION

         13.01. If the Demised Premises are damaged by the elements or fire or
other casualty and this Lease is not terminated under Section 13.02 herein,
Landlord shall promptly repair the damage, and restore and rebuild the Building
and/or the Demised Premises, at its expense, with reasonable dispatch after
notice to it of the damage or destruction; however, Landlord shall not be
required to repair or replace any of Tenant's property and the rent shall not be
abated unless the Demised Premises are thereby rendered untenantable in whole or
in part; if rendered untenantable only in part, the Annual Minimum Rent and
additional rent shall be abated in proportion to the pan of the Demised Premises
rendered untenantable; if rendered wholly untenantable, the entire Annual
Minimum Rent and additional rent shall be abated

         13.02. If the Demised Premises cannot be rendered tenantable, in
Landlord's and Tenant's reasonable opinion, within one hundred eighty (180) days
after any occurrence referenced in Section 13.01, either party may terminate
this Lease as of the date of the occurrence by the giving of written notice to
the other party within sixty (60) days after the occurrence and in which case
the Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent shall be adjusted as of the
occurrence date, and Landlord need not repair or restore. In addition, if the
Building, in Landlord's reasonable opinion, shall be so damaged by the elements
or fire or other casualty, that it is economically undesirable to return the
Building to its prior condition and Landlord elects not to repair, Landlord
shall have the right, by written notice to Tenant to Section 13.01) and, in such
event, this Lease shall end as of the date of such notice and the rent shall be
adjusted accordingly.

        ARTICLE XIV. SUBORDINATION TO LANDLORD'S DOCUMENTS OF POSSESSION
                                  AND MORTGAGES

         14.01. Landlord covenants and warrants that Landlord has the right to
enter into this Lease and that the rights granted hereunder to Tenant, and the
exercise thereof in accordance 



                                       21



with the provisions of the Lease,  will not violate any of Landlord's  financing
documents  or  documents  of  possession  related to the Land or the Building or
constitute a default thereunder.

         14.02. Tenant acknowledges that this Lease and Tenant's rights
hereunder are subject and subordinate to Landlord's documents of possession and
liens (whether currently existing or hereafter arising) securing any financing
of Landlord. Landlord shall exercise its good faith efforts to obtain a
non-disturbance agreement related to this Lease from any such financing source.

         14.03. At the request of Landlord, Tenant shall enter into an
attornment agreement whereby Tenant agrees to attorn to any party holding an
interest in the Land or Building and to recognize such party as landlord for the
balance of the term of this Lease so long as such agreement obligates such party
not to disturb the possession of Tenant if Tenant performs the obligations
imposed upon Tenant under the terms and conditions of this Lease, except that
such party shall not:

         (a) be liable for any previous act or omission of Landlord under this
Lease;

         (b) be subject to any offset which shall have theretofore accrued to
Tenant against Landlord; or

         (c) be bound by any modification of this Lease Dot expressly provided
for in this Lease, or by any previous prepayment of more than one month's fixed
rent, unless such modification or prepayment shall have been expressly approved
in writing by such party.

                        ARTICLE XV. RULES AND REGULATIONS

         15.01. Rules and regulations dealing with the use of the Land and the
Building (including all tenant space) and reasonable additions, alterations or
modifications of said rules and regulations may from time to time be made by
Landlord; however, the same shall not conflict with any provisions of this Lease
and shall amendments thereto, shall be effective and become a pan of this Lease
thirty (30) days after written notice thereof is given to Tenant. Tenant agrees
that Tenant and Tenant's employees and other persons under its control will be
bound thereby.

         15.02. Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for violation of any rule
or regulation by any other tenant or its employees, agents or visitors but shall
use reasonable efforts to prevent violations which affect the peaceful and quiet
enjoyment of the Demised Premises by Tenant. In the case of any conflict or
inconsistency between the provisions of the Lease and any of the rules and
regulations as originally promulgated or as changed, the provisions of the Lease
shall control.

       ARTICLE XVI. ALTERATIONS AND SERVICES BY TENANT AND TRADE FIXTURES

         16.01. Tenant shall Dot do any work in or about the Demised Premises or
make any alterations or additions to the Demised Premises without the prior
written consent of Landlord, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed. All such work to which Landlord 


                                       22



consents shall be performed and installed at Tenant's sole cost and expense in
accordance with plans and specifications to be supplied by Tenant, which plans
and the contractors, sub-contractors and all suppliers of labor or material,
shall in all instances first be subject to Landlord's approval, which approval
will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Tenant shall require all
contractors, subcontractors and any other personnel performing work in or
providing services to the Demised Premises to utilize the service elevator for
ingress to and egress from the Demised Premises and to comply with any rules and
regulations promulgated by Landlord to prevent damage to the Building or to
otherwise provide for the orderly operation of the Building. During the work,
Tenant shall maintain such insurance as Landlord may reasonably require for the
benefit of Landlord or such other parties with insurable interests as Landlord
shall designate including workmen's compensation and general liability
insurance, evidence of which Tenant will furnish to Landlord before any work
under this Article is commenced. Tenant, at its expense, shall obtain all
necessary governmental permits and certificates for the commencement and
prosecution of Tenant's alterations to be performed in compliance therewith and
with all applicable laws and requirements of public authorities, and with all
applicable requirements of insurance bodies. If any of Tenant's alterations
shall involve the removal of any fixtures, equipment or other property in the
Demised Premises which are not Tenant's property, such fixtures, equipment or
other property shall be promptly replaced at Tenant's expense, with new
fixtures, equipment or other property (as the case may be) of like quality and
at least equal value unless Landlord shall other vise expressly consent in
writing.

         16.02. Tenant, at its expense and with diligence and dispatch shall
procure the cancellation or discharge of all notices of violation arising from
or otherwise connected with Tenant's alterations which shall be issued by the
then public authority having or asserting jurisdiction. Tenant shall defend,
indemnify and save harmless Landlord against any and all mechanics' and other
liens filed in connection with Tenant's alterations, including the liens of any
conditional sales, or chattel mortgages upon or financing statements or security
agreements affecting any materials, fixtures, or articles so installed in and
constituting part of the Demised Premises and against all costs, expenses and
liabilities incurred in connection with any such lien, conditional sale or
chattel mortgage or financing statement or security agreement or any action or
proceeding brought thereon. Tenant, at its expense, shall procure the
satisfaction or discharge of or appropriately bond-off all such liens within
thirty (30) days after Landlord makes written demand therefor.

         16.03. Except as waived in Section 16.04 below, any alterations,
improvements or additions made by Tenant which are deemed to be fixtures
permanently attached to the Building shall remain upon the Demised Premises at
the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease and shall become the
property of Landlord unless prior to the termination of this Lease, or upon
default by Tenant in the terms of this Lease, Landlord gives Tenant written
notice to remove the same, in which event Tenant shall remove the same and
restore the Demised Premises to the same good order and condition in which they
were at the time of delivery of possession to Tenant, normal wear and tear
excepted. Should Tenant fail to do this, Landlord may do it, and Tenant shall
pay reasonable costs and expenses thereof to Landlord as additional rent upon
demand.



                                       23


         16.04. All trade fixtures and equipment installed by Tenant without
expense to Landlord shall remain the property of Tenant and shall be removed on
or before the termination date of this Lease but may not be removed without
Landlord's express written consent at any time when Tenant is in default under
any provision of this Lease. At Landlord's option, any trade fixtures or
equipment not removed on or before sixty (60) days after the Lease termination
date may, at the option of Landlord, he deemed abandoned property and shall
either become Landlord's property, or Landlord may remove and dispose of them
and in such event Tenant, upon demand, shall pay reasonable costs and expenses
thereof to Landlord as additional rent upon demand. Tenant shall promptly
restore the Demised Premises to substantially their original order and condition
upon removal of trade fixtures and equipment, normal wear and tear excepted, and
shall repair or pay reasonable cost of repairing any damage to the Demised
Premises or the Building resulting from such removal.

                 ARTICLE XVII. PERFORMANCE OF TENANT'S COVENANTS

         17.01. Except for the payment of rent, which shall be payable when due,
Tenant shall perform all agreements on its part to be performed and upon failure
of Tenant to so perform and without waiving any rights Landlord may have,
Landlord may notify Tenant of such failure and Tenant shall perform the same
promptly upon receipt of such notice of non-performance; if Tenant does not
perform such acts and agreements within thirty (30) business days after delivery
of such notice (or if it cannot reasonably be completed within thirty (30)
business days, begin within such period and thereafter proceed to completion
with due diligence) Landlord, at its option, may perform for Tenant and in so
doing Landlord shall have the right to cause its agents, employees and
contractors to enter upon the Demised Premises without liability to Tenant for
any loss or damage resulting therefrom (other than damages resulting from gross
negligence of Landlord or Landlord's duly appointed agents); and Tenant shall
pay reasonable costs and expenses of such performance to Landlord as additional
rent upon demand.

                             ARTICLE XVIII. NOTICES

         18.01. Any notice or demand given under this Lease shall be in writing
and hand-delivered or forwarded by certified mail with return receipt requested,
postage prepaid. If notice or demand is given to Tenant, it shall . be addressed
to Tenant at the Notice Address set forth in Schedule 1, or to such other
address as Tenant may from time to time designate by written notice to Landlord.
Any notice or demand given under this Lease to Tenant by Landlord shall be
deemed given when hand delivered or mailed by Landlord in accordance with the
terms hereof. If notice or demand is given to Landlord, it shall be addressed to
Landlord at the Notice Address set forth in Schedule I or to such other address
as Landlord may from time to time designate by written notice to Tenant, with a
copy to:

                           Southwind, Ltd.
                           Post Office Box 7547
                           Columbia, South Carolina 29201.

         Any notice or demand given under this Lease to Landlord by Tenant shall
be deemed. given when given in accordance with the terms hereof and received by
Landlord.



                                       24


                         ARTICLE XIX. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         19.01. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default
hereunder with the term "Tenant" including any person, firm or corporation in
possession of any portion of the Demised Premises:

         (a) Tenant failing to take possession of the Demised Premises within
fifteen (15) days after possession is tendered ready for occupancy in accordance
with the provisions of this Lease;

         (b) Tenant using the Demised Premises for some purpose other than the
use permitted under this Lease;

         (c) Any of the following, either before or after the commencement of
the Lease term: the filing under the United States Bankruptcy Act or any law of
like import by or against Tenant of a petition for adjudication as a bankrupt or
insolvent, or for reorganization or appointment of a receiver or trustee of
Tenant's property, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the taking
possession of Tenant's property by any governmental officer or agency pursuant
to statutory authority for the dissolution or liquidation of Tenant;

         (d) Tenant failing to pay when due any installment of Annual Minimum
Rent or additional rent herein required to be paid by Tenant within fifteen (15)
days of the due date or any other amount within thirty (30) days of written
notice of such amount being due;

         (e) Tenant failing to perform any other covenant or condition of this
Lease within thirty (30) days after written notice and demand; or, if the
performance requires more than thirty (30) days to complete, failing to begin
performance within thirty (30) days and completing diligently thereafter;

         (g) Tenant mortgaging or assigning this Lease or subletting the Demised
Premises other than in accordance with the provisions of this Lease or upon the
passing to any person, firm or corporation other than Tenant, by operation of
law or otherwise, any interest in this Lease or the estate created hereby,
except as expressly ,permitted herein.

              ARTICLE XX. RIGHTS OF LANDLORD UPON DEFAULT BY TENANT

         20.01. In the event of the occurrence of an event of default hereunder,
the Landlord, at its option, may:

         (a) Terminate this Lease, whereupon the Tenant shall peacefully
surrender the Demised Premises to the Landlord, and the Landlord may reenter the
Demised Premises and repossess them by force, summary proceedings, ejectment or
otherwise, and may dispossess the Tenant and all other persons and property from
the Demised Premises without being liable for soy loss or damages therefor and
with Tenant waiving any right of redemption, and may have, hold, and enjoy the
Demised Premises and the right to receive all rental income therefrom. At any
time after any such expiration, the Landlord may relet the Demised Premises or
any part thereof, in the name of the Landlord or otherwise, for such term (which
may be greater or less than the 



                                       25



period which would otherwise have constituted the balance of the term of this
Lease) and on such conditions (which may include concessions or free rent) as
the Landlord, in its sole discretion, may determine, and may collect and receive
the rent therefor. The Landlord shall in no way be responsible or liable for any
failure to relet the Demised Premises or any part thereof, or for any failure to
collect any rent due upon any such reletting. No such termination shall relieve
the Tenant of its liability and obligations under this Lease, and such liability
and obligations shall survive any such termination. Whether or not the Demised
Premises or any part thereof shall have been relet, the Tenant shall pay to the
Landlord the Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent required to be paid by the
Tenant up to the time of such termination, and thereafter the Tenant, until the
end of what would have been the term of this Lease in the absence of such
termination, shall be liable to the Landlord for and shall pay to the Landlord
on the days on which the Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent would have been
payable under this Lease if it were still in effect, as and for liquidated and
agreed current damages for the Tenant's default, the equivalent of the amount of
the Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent which would be payable under this
Lease by the Tenant if this Lease were still in effect less the net proceeds of
any reletting effected as set out hereinabove, if any, after deducting all the
Landlord's expenses in connection with such reletting, including, without
limitation, all repossession costs, commissions, legal expenses, reasonable
attorney's fees, alteration costs, and expenses of preparation for such
reletting; provided, however, that any deduction with respect to alteration
costs related to a reletting shall be limited to the unamortized portion of
Tenant's upfitting in the Demised Premises (utilizing the initial term of this
Lease as the amortization period);

         (b) Recover from the Tenant, on demand, whether or not the Landlord
shall have collected any monthly deficiency, as and for liquidated and agreed
final damages for the Tenant's default, an amount equal to any deficiency
between the Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent reserved hereunder for the
unexpired portion of the Lease term ant the then fair and reasonable rental
value of the premises for the same period as the same comes due. Nothing herein
contained shall limit or prejudice the right of the Landlord to prove and obtain
as liquidated damages by reason of such termination an amount equal to the
maximum allowed by any statute or rule of law in effect at the time when, and
governing the proceedings, in which, such damages are to be proved, whether or
not such amount be greater, equal to, or less than the amount of the deficiency
referred to above; and

         (c) Pursue all other remedies available to Landlord under applicable
law.

         20.02. No termination of this Lease nor taking or recovering possession
of the Demised Premises, shall deprive Landlord of any remedies or actions
against Tenant for Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent or for damages for
the material breach of any material covenant herein contained, nor shall the
bringing of any such action for Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent or
breach of such covenant, nor the resort to any other remedy herein provided for
the recovery of Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent or damages for such
breach be construed as a waiver of the right to insist upon the forfeiture and
to obtain possession in the manner herein provided.


                                       26



         20.03. Nothing in this Lease shall require Landlord to give any notice
prior to the commencement of any summary dispossess proceeding for nonpayment of
Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent or a plenary action for the recovery of
Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent on account of any default in the payment
of any rent payable under this Lease.

         20.04. If this Lease or possession of the Demised Premises is
terminated under this Article, in addition to and notwithstanding any other
covenant or provision in this Lease, the following covenants shall apply:

         (a) The Demised Premises shall be in substantially the same condition
as that in which the Tenant has agreed to surrender then to the Landlord at the
expiration of the term hereof;

         (b) Tenant shall perform any covenant contained in this Lease for the
making of any improvement, alteration or betterment on the Demised Premises, or
for restoring or rebuilding any part thereof; and

         (c) In the event of the breach of either subparagraph (a) or (b) of
this Section 20.04, Landlord shall be entitled to recover from Tenant, as
liquidated damages therefor, all costs of performing such obligations.

         20.05. If Tenant is in default in the payment of any rent due and until
such default shall have been cured, Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord all
subleases and subtenancies now or hereafter to be made of the Demised Premises
or any portion thereof, as well as all rents, deposits, and monies incident
thereto which are or may become payable to Tenant. From and after any such
default and until such default is cured, any such sublease or subtenancy may not
be cancelled or modified without the written consent of Landlord, and any
violation hereof shall constitute an immediate default under the terms of such
sublease or subtenancies. Irrespective of the foregoing, Landlord shall be
entitled at its sole and absolute option to cancel and terminate any such
sublease or subtenancy upon the termination of this Lease or at any time
thereafter unless otherwise expressly agreed by Landlord in writing.

         20.06. In case Landlord or Tenant shall retain an attorney to enforce
the provisions of this Lease or because of the breach of any warranty,
representation or covenant herein contained, and if such suit shall result in a
settlement or judgment in favor of either party, the losing party shall pay to
the prevailing party all expenses incurred therefor, including a reasonable
attorney's fee and any court costs.

         20.07. Upon termination of this Lease or the eviction or Tenant from
the Demised Premises as a result of a default by Tenant under the terms of this
Lease, Landlord shall endeavor to relet the Demised Premises for the remainder
of the then current term of this Lease to reduce the liability of Tenant to
Landlord for Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent as otherwise specified
herein; provided, however, that it is expressly agreed between the parties that
Landlord shall have no obligation whatsoever to relet the Demised Premises or
otherwise mitigate damages except as follows:(a) Landlord shall be obligated to
relet the Demised Premises only to a financially responsible third party which
engages in a reputable business that is normally 



                                       27



conducted in first class office buildings and is reasonably compatible with the
businesses then being conducted by other tenants in the Building;

         (b) The reletting shall not result in the violation by Landlord of any
terms or provisions imposed upon Landlord under any then existing leases with
tenants in the Building;

         (c) Landlord may relet the Demised Premises for a longer or shorter
period than the balance of the term of this Lease but shall not be obligated to
relet the Demised Premises for a term of more than twenty-four (24) months
unless the rent which the new tenant agrees to pay equals or exceeds the lesser
of (i) the then current Market Rate; or (ii) the Annual Minimum Rent and
additional rent due under the terms of this Lease; and

         (d) Landlord shall not be obligated to subdivide the Demised Premises
for purposes of reletting to the extent that any such subdividing results in the
creation of office space which is not leasable on an on-going basis 'as
commercial office space because of size, location, configuration or upfitting.

         All expenses incurred in connection with any reletting, including
without limitation, brokerage fees, legal fees, upfitting allowances (subject to
the provisions of Section 20.01(a) related to deduction of alteration costs) and
tenant concessions of any other nature, shall be deducted from the rent
otherwise received in connection with the reletting and only the net amount
shall be credited against the Tenant's obligations to Landlord.

                          ARTICLE XXI. CUSTOM AND USAGE

         21.01. The parties hereto shall have the right at all times to enforce
the covenants and conditions of this Lease in strict compliance with the terms
hereof despite any conduct or custom on the part of a party in refraining from
so doing at any time or times, and despite any contrary law, usage or custom or
any failure by a party to enforce its rights at any time or times.

               ARTICLE XXII. SCOPE AND INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT

         22.01. This Lease is the only agreement between the parties hereto
pertaining to the Demised Premises, and all negotiations and oral agreements
acceptable to the parties are included herein. The laws of the State in which
the Land and the Building are located shall govern the validity, interpretation,
performance and enforcement of this Lease.

                        ARTICLE XXIII. CAPTIONS AND TERMS

         23.01. Any headings preceding the text of the several articles,
sections and subsections hereof are inserted solely for convenience of reference
and shall not constitute a part of this Lease, nor shall they affect its
meaning, construction or effect.

         23.02. The term 'lease year' shall refer to the consecutive twelve (12)
month periods comprising the term of this Lease commencing with the first full
month after the Commencement Date occurs.



                                       28


         23.03. The words 'herein., 'hereunder' and 'hereby' are words of
similar import when used in this Lease, and shall refer to this Lease in its
entirety unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

                           ARTICLE XXIV. SEVERABILITY

         24.01. If any provision of this Lease is held to be invalid, the
remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby but shall continue in full
force and effect.

                  ARTICLE XXV. PARTIES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

         25.01. The term 'Tenant. shall refer to each and every person or party
mentioned as a Tenant herein including subtenants and assignees, be the same one
or more. If there shall be more than one Tenant, they shall be bound jointly and
severally by all the terms, covenants, and agreements of this Lease.

         25.02. The term "Landlord" as used in this Lease refers only to the
owner for the time being of Landlord's estate in the Land or the Building, with
any subsequent owner succeeding to all the rights and interests of Landlord
under this Lease as of the effective date of the relevant transfer. Upon such
transfer Tenant shall be notified in writing by Landlord all sums due from
Tenant hereunder from and after the date of receipt of such notice shall be
remitted as instructed from time to time by the successor Landlord. Landlord
shall be and is hereby relieved from any breach of covenants or obligations of
Landlord hereunder arising or occurring after the date of transfer of Landlord's
estate in the Demised Premises or the Building, but only if the transferee shall
have assumed and agreed to carry out all covenants and obligations of Landlord
hereunder during such time as said transferee shall own or hold Landlord's
estate or interest in the Demised Premises or the Building. The provisions of
this Article XXV shall apply to each successive transfer of Landlord's interest
or estate. The liability of the Landlord under this Lease shall be and is hereby
limited to Landlord's interest in the Demised Premises and the Building of which
it is a part, and no other asset of Landlord shall be affected by reason of any
liability which Landlord may have to Tenant or to any other person by reason of
this Lease, the execution thereof, or the acquisition of Landlord's interest.

         25.03. Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to
the assignment of this Lease to one or more assignees, or the subletting of all
or part of the Demised Premises to one or more subtenants, provided that:

         (a) Tenant delivers to Landlord an assumption of this Lease, duly
executed by the assignee or subtenant, or a copy of the assignment or sublease
agreement in which such assumption is set forth;

         (b) Tenant- shall remain liable under this Lease despite such
assignment or sublease unless Landlord has the opportunity to review the
financial information related to assignee or sublessee as reasonably requested
by Landlord and Landlord determines, in its sold discretion, that such assignee
or sublessee is at least as creditworthy as Tenant;


                                       29



         (c) The proposed assignee or subtenant engages in a reputable business
normally conducted in first class office space which is reasonably compatible
with other tenants in the Building; and

         (d) All other conditions of this Lease are satisfied.

         25.04. Subject to the provisions of 25.02 and 25.03 hereof, all rights,
obligations and liabilities hereupon given to or imposed upon the respective
parties hereto shall extend to and bind the several and respective heirs,
executors, administrators, successors, subtenants and assigns of said parties.

                              ARTICLE XXVI. BROKERS

         26.01. Landlord and Tenant represent that they have not dealt with any
broker in connection with this Lease other than the "Additional Broker" set
forth in Schedule I and Southwind, Ltd. Landlord and Tenant each covenant and
agree to pay and hold harmless and indemnify the other from and against any and
all costs, expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, or liabilities for
any compensation, commission or charge claimed by any other broker or agent with
whom such party has had any dealings or negotiations with respect to this Lease
or the negotiation thereof.

                           ARTICLE XXVII. COUNTERPARTS

         27.01. This Lease has been executed in several counterparts, all of
which constitute one and the same instrument. This Lease shall not be binding
and in effect until at least one counterpart, duly executed by Landlord and
Tenant, has been delivered to each party hereto.

                       ARTICLE XXVIII. MEMORANDUM OF LEASE

         28.01. This Lease shall not be recorded; however, upon the request of
either party, the parties shall execute a memorandum or short form of this Lease
for recording purposes containing the names of the parties, a description of the
Demised Premises, the term and any possible extensions of this Lease, the dates
hereof, and any options and rights of first refusal hereunder, but in no event
shall such document contain any reference to the amounts of rents or other
payments provided for hereunder. The requesting party shall pay all costs of
preparation and recording of such memorandum.

                              ARTICLE XXIX. PARKING

         29.01. Landlord shall provide Tenant parking spaces on the terms and
conditions set forth in Schedule I. Landlord acknowledges that parking
availability on the terms and conditions set forth in Schedule I is a material
inducement to Tenant's execution of this Lease. In the event Landlord fails to
provide such parking to Tenant, Tenant shall have the right to exercise all
remedies granted to Tenant pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Lease.



                                       30


                       ARTICLE XXX. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

         30.01. SCHEDULE AND EXHIBITS. It is further agreed that those
additional sections appearing in Schedule I are incorporated herein by reference
as if fully set forth herein and constitute a part of this Lease. Each Schedule
and Exhibit shall be initialed by the parties. Any Schedule or Exhibit not
attached hereto when this Lease is executed shall be initialed and attached
hereto as soon after execution as reasonably is possible. All Schedules are
deemed to be a part of this Lease and control to the extent the same are
inconsistent with the text of this Lease.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused these presents to be duly
executed as a sealed instrument as of the day sad year first above written.

                 LANDLORD:

                 RBC CORPORATION                                    (SEAL)



                 By: _____________________________________________________
                     Its:_________________________________________________




                 TENANT:

                 BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.                  (SEAL)



                 By: _____________________________________________________
                     Its:_________________________________________________


                                       31



   
                      SCHEDULE I [TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]

                     [Superseded by Schedule I to Amendment
                      No. One to Lease included herewith.]

                       EXHIBIT A [TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]


                          Legal Description of the Land

         BEGINNING at the point of intersection of the eastern edge of the right
         of way of Six Forks Road (said right of way being 80 feet in width)
         with the northern edge of the right of way of Dartmouth Street (said
         right of way being 60 feet in width); thence with said right of way of
         Six Forks Road in a northerly direction along a curve to the right with
         a radius of 3,779.72 feet a distance of 446.41 feet to the point of
         intersection of said right of way with the southern edge of the right
         of way of Lassiter Mill Road (said right of way being 60 feet in
         width); thence with said right of way of Lassiter Mill Road North 74
         degrees 40 minutes East 522.32 feet to a point, the northwest corner of
         Lot 3, Block B, Section 1 of Farrior Hills according to a map recorded
         in Book of Maps 1955, Page 125 of the Wake County Registry; thence with
         the western property lines of Lots 3, 2 and 1, Block B of Farrior Hills
         South 16 degrees 20 minutes East 404.80 feet to a point in the northern
         edge of the right of way of Dartmouth Street; thence with said right of
         way of Dartmouth Street South 73 degrees 34 minutes West 68 feet, in a
         westerly direction along a curve to the left with a radius of 3,322.86
         feet a distance of 296.75 feet, and South 68 degrees 27 minutes West
         130.38 feet to the point of Beginning, and being part of the land shown
         on plat of survey entitled "Property of North Hills, Inc., Raleigh,
         N.C." dated April 22, 1969 prepared by John A. Edwards & Company. Said
         land is also shown on a map of Section 1 of Farrior Hills recorded in
         Book of Maps 1955, Page 125 of the Wake County Registry.

         TOGETHER WITH the following tract of land on which Landlord has been
granted an easement for vehicular traffic and parking of automobiles pursuant to
the terms of that certain Ground Lease dated May 1, 1969 between North Hills,
Inc., as landlord and Landlord, as tenant:

         BEGINNING at the point of intersection of the eastern edge of the right
         of way of Six Forks Road (said right of way being 80 feet in width)
         with the southern edge of the right of way of Dartmouth Street (said
         right of way being 60 feet in width); thence with said right of way of
         Dartmouth Street North 68 degrees 27 minutes East 131.67 feet, in an
         easterly direction along a curve to the right with a radius of 3,262.86
         feet a distance of 291.40 feet and North 73 degrees 34 minutes East 73
         feet to a point, the northwest corner of Lot 5, Block C, Section 1 of
         Farrior Hills according to a map recorded in Book of Maps 1955, Page
         125 of the Wake County Registry; thence with the western property line
         of Lot 5 of Farrior Hills South 16 degrees 25 minutes East 150 feet to
         a point, a comer of Lot 4, Block C; thence with the property line of
         said Lot 4 South 38 degrees 28 minutes West 126.6 feet to a point;
         thence South 68 degrees 04 minutes West 350.04 feet to a point in the
         eastern edge of the right of way of Six Forks Road; thence with said
         right of way of Six Forks Road in a northerly direction along a curve
         to the right with a radius of 3,779.72 feet a distance of 235.61 feet
         to the point of BEGINNING, and being part of the land shown on plat of
         survey entitled "Property of North Hills, Inc., Raleigh, N.C." dated
         April 22, 1969, prepared by John A. Edwards & Company. Said land is
         also shown on a map of Section 1 of Farrior Hills recorded in Book of
         Maps 1955, Page 125 of the Wake County Registry.





                   EXHIBIT B AND B-1 [TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]


                       DESCRIPTION OF THE DEMISED PREMISES

[Floor plans depicting location of common areas (elevator and stair vestibules,
restrooms and telephone, electrical and mechanical) and tenant areas (shown as
open office space) on the fifth, sixth and ninth floors of the BTI Building.]





                       EXHIBIT C [TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]



                         TENANT'S UPFITTING REQUIREMENTS

                                 [Not drafted.]




                      EXHIBIT C-l [TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]


                               Base Building Items

         Reference is hereby made to the Index of Drawings (Landscaping,
Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Electrical)
for 4300 Six Forks Road dated March 17, 1994, as the same may be amended from
time to time. In addition, the Base Building Items shall also include window
blinds and common area/elevator lobby finishes as well as the following:

         1.       Ceiling grid and installed ceiling tiles;

         2.       HVAC system, distribution ducts, grills and sensors as set
                  forth in the Index of Drawings;

         3.       Building standard light bulbs and fixtures (1 fixture per 90
                  rsf);

         4.       Electrical panels and breakers per floor as set forth in the
                  Index of Drawings;

         5.       Drywall on columns, core walls and exterior walls. Tape and
                  bedded ready for finishes;

         6.       Sprinkler system as set forth in the Index of Drawings; and

         7.       Core doors.





                                    EXHIBIT D


                          Attached To and Made Part Of
                              Amended and Restated
                           Lease Dated _______________
                                  Made Between
                                 RBC CORPORATION
                                       AND
                BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. [EXHIBIT 10.8]

                             SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT


         THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT is made by and between RBC CORPORATION, as
Landlord, and BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC., as Tenant, to confirm the
following:

         1. The Building and the Demised Premises and other improvements
required to be constructed and finished by the Landlord in accordance with the
teens of the Lease have been satisfactorily completed by the Landlord and
accepted by the Tenant, subject to the completion of punch list items identified
on the attachment hereto.

         2. The Demised Premises have been delivered to and accepted by the
Tenant.

         3. The Commencement Date of the Lease is the ___ day of       , 19_,
and the Expiration Date is the ___ day of       , 19_.

         4. The Demised Premises consist of _____ square feet of rentable area
in the Building. (as shown on Revised Exhibit C attached hereto, which
supersedes Exhibit C to the Lease).

         5. Annual Minimum Rent and Monthly Rent to be inserted in Schedule I
are as follows:

===================== ============================== ======================
     Lease Year            Annual Minimum Rent           Monthly Rent
- --------------------- ------------------------------ ----------------------

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

===================== ============================== ======================




         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument has been duly executed by the
parties hereto as of this ____ day of        , 19__.


                                            LANDLORD:
                                            RBC CORPORATION            (SEAL)




                                            By:______________________________
                                               Its:__________________________


                                            TENANT:
                                            BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                                                       (SEAL)




                                            By:______________________________
                                               Its:__________________________


                                       2




                       EXHIBIT E [TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]


Landlord agrees to provide exclusive exterior signage to Tenant. Tenant shall
have the right to place any signage (including size, color, location, and letter
style) it desires as long as it complies with all City of Raleigh Sign
Ordinances.






               AMENDMENT ONE TO LEASE AGREEMENT [, EXHIBIT 10.8]


         This Amendment One to Lease Agreement (this "Amendment") is entered
into to be effective as of the 1st day of March, 1995, by and between RBC
Corporation ("Landlord") and Business Telecommunications, Inc. ("Tenant").


                                  INTRODUCTION


         Landlord and Tenant previously entered into that certain Lease (the
"Lease") dated May 13, 1994, whereby Landlord leased to Tenant, and Tenant
leased from Landlord, approximately 43,701 rentable square feet of space (the
"Demised Premises") on the fifth (14,312 rsf), sixth (14,312 rsf) and ninth
(15,077 rsf) floors of that certain nine-story office building (the "Building")
located at 4300 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Additionally, Tenant
had certain rights to occupy 6,299 rentable square feet of space on the second
floor of the Building subject to certain preleasing conditions. Landlord and
Tenant desire to modify certain terms of the Lease related to the original
Demised Premises and to provide for the leasing of the second floor of the
Building by Tenant on the terms and conditions set forth herein. All capitalized
terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth
in the Lease.


         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises set
forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties do hereby amend the Lease as
follows:


         1. The first and last sentence of Section 4.07 of the Lease are deleted
in their entirety, and the following is substituted in lieu of the first
sentence thereof:


                    4.07   Tenant shall have the option to extend the term of
                           this Lease for the additional Option Period(s) set
                           forth in Schedule I. In this regard, Landlord and
                           Tenant shall commence discussions related to Tenant's
                           exercise of such option to extend the term on or
                           before May 1, 2001 and shall negotiate in good faith
                           for a period not to exceed one year related to the
                           extension of the term of this Lease by Tenant.
                           Negotiations shall be completed and Tenant's option
                           to extend the term of the Lease shall be exercised,
                           if at all, prior to May 1, 2002.


         2. Section 4.08 of the Lease is deleted in its entirety, and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof:


                    4.08   Tenant shall have the option to lease certain office
                           space located on the fourth floor of the Building
                           (the "Option Space") pursuant to the terms set forth
                           herein. Landlord shall be entitled to enter into one
                           or more leases for all or any portion of the Option
                           Space so long as termination date for such lease(s)
                           is no later than September 30, 2000. Upon entering
                           into lease(s) with third parties for the Option
                           Space, or any portion thereof, 





                            Landlord shall notify Tenant ion writing of the
                            expiration date(s) of such lease(s) and the
                            portion(s) of the Option Space which is subject to
                            such lease(s). Tenant shall have the option to lease
                            the portion of the Option Space subject to a third
                            party lease upon the termination of such lease (by
                            expiration of the term or otherwise) by providing at
                            least 180 days prior written notice to Landlord. In
                            the event Tenant does not exercise this option, the
                            option related to the portion of the Option Space
                            subject to the lease then terminated shall be
                            rendered null and void. In the event Tenant does
                            exercise the option to lease the space subject to a
                            then terminated lease, the portion of the Option
                            Space shall be leased on the same terms and
                            conditions as all other portions of the Demised
                            Premises as provided in the Lease; provided,
                            however, that (i) Tenant shall have 90 days after
                            Landlord delivers such space to Tenant free and
                            clear of all other tenants and occupants to upfit
                            the same; (ii) Tenant shall pay no monthly
                            installments of Annual Minimum Rent or additional
                            rent related to such space for a period of four (4)
                            months following the 90-day upfit period; and (iii)
                            Tenant's upfitting allowance related to such space
                            shall be limited to $15.00 per rentable square foot
                            contained therein. If any portion of the Option
                            Space has not been leased and upfitted, Tenant shall
                            have the option to lease such space effective on
                            September 30, 2000 upon 180 days prior written
                            notice to Landlord upon the rent, terms and
                            conditions set forth above.


         3. Section 7.05(o) is amended by deleting the last five lines thereof
and substituting the following:


                           building or such signage; provided, further, however,
                           that Tenant shall be responsible for all expenses
                           incurred in connection with the purchase,
                           installation, maintenance, operation and removal of
                           such sign.


         4. On March 1, 1995 Landlord shall deliver the second floor of the
Building to Tenant, free of other tenants and occupants, as a portion of the
Demised Premises. Tenant shall have 60 days thereafter to finalize the design,
construction drawings and pricing related to the upfitting for the second floor
and 90 days thereafter to upfit the second floor. Landlord and Tenant
acknowledge and agree that Tenant initially will complete the upfitting related
to the 6,299 square feet of space located on the second floor and may complete
only a portion of the upfitting on the remaining 19,920 square feet of space
located on the second floor. Confirmation of the leasing of the second floor of
the Building to Tenant shall be accomplished by deleting Schedule I of the Lease
in its entirety, and substituting in place thereof Schedule I (Revised March 1,
1995) attached hereto.

         5. Effective as of March 1, 1995, the floor plan of the second floor of
the Building attached hereto as Exhibit B is deemed to be included within
Exhibit B of the Lease.

                                       2




         6. All terms and conditions of the Lease, except as modified hereby
shall remain in full force and effect.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused these presents to be duly
executed as a sealed instrument as of the day and year first above written.


                            LANDLORD

                            RBC CORPORATION            (SEAL)

                            By:      Southwind, Ltd.
                                  Its:        Managing Agent




                                  By:                Edward R. Bagwell
                                        -----------------------------------
                                          Its:         President




                            TENANT

                            BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                                                        (SEAL)




                            By: _______________________________________
                                 Its. _________________________________


                                       3



                       SCHEDULE I (Revised March 1, 1995)


                                To Lease between
                           RBC Corporation, Landlord,
                  and Business Telecommunications, Inc., Tenant
             Dated as of May 13, 1994, as Amended [, EXHIBIT 10.8]


1.       NAME OF TENANT: (Article I, Section 1.01)

         Business Telecommunications, Inc.

2.       TYPE OF ORGANIZATION: (Article I, Section 1.01) (Partnership,
         Corporation, etc.)

         North Carolina Corporation

3.       DEMISED PREMISES: (Article II, Section 2.01)

         Floor                              Rentable SF
         -----                              -----------
         2nd                                26,219
         5th                                14,312
         6th                                14,312
         9th                                15,077

4.       PURPOSE: (Article III, Section 3.01)

         Tenant shall use and occupy the Demised Premises for general commercial
         office purposes.

5.       COMMENCEMENT DATE: (Article IV, Section 4.01)

         The Commencement Date for the initial term of this Lease shall be
         January 1, 1995.

6.       EXPIRATION DATE: (Article IV, Section 4.02)

         The Expiration Date of the initial term of this Lease shall be April
         30, 2005, subject to the Additional Provision G hereof.

7.       NUMBER OF MONTHS OF TERM: (Article IV, Section 4.02)

         The number of months of the initial term of this Lease shall be one
         hundred twenty-four months.




8.       OPTION PERIOD: (Article IV, Section 4.07)

         The Option Period shall be one five year period to begin on the date
         immediately following the Expiration Dale.

9.       RENTABLE AREA; ANNUAL MINIMUM RENT: (Article l1, Section 2.01, Article
         V, Section 5.01)



        TIME PERIODS                           ANNUAL MINIMUM RENT FOR SQUARE FOOTAGES (l) (2) (3)
                                  43,701 sq. ft.              6,299 sq. ft.                   19,920 sq. ft
                                     5, 6 & 9                  (2nd Floor)                     (2nd Floor)
                                                                             
Jan. 1-31, 1995               Free Rent               N/A                             N/A
Feb. 1-28, 1995               Free Rent               N/A                             N/A
Mar. 1-31, 1995               Free Rent               No Rent - Planning              No Rent - Planning
April 1-30, 1995              Free Rent               No Rent - Planning              No Rent - Planning
May 1-31, 1995                $16.30                  No Rent- Construction           No Rent - Construction
June 1-30, 1995               $16.30                  No Rent - Construction          No Rent - Construction
July 1-31, 1995               $16.30                  No Rent - Construction          No Rent - Construction
Aug. 1-31, 1995               $16.30                  Free Rent                       Free Rent
Sept. 1-30, 1995              $16.30                  Free Rent                       Free Rent
Oct. 1-31, 1995               $16.30                  Free Rent                       Free Rent
Nov. 1-3O, 1995               $16.30                  Free Rent                       Free Rent
Dec. 1-31, 1995               $16.30                  $16.30                          Free Rent
Jan. 1, 1996 -                $16.30                  $16.30                          Free Rent
Jan. 31, 1997
Feb. 1, 1997 -                $16.30                  $16.30                          $16.30
April 30, 2005
OPTION PERIOD                 To be Negotiated        To be Negotiated                To be Negotiated
May 1, 2005 -
Apr. 30, 2010


         (1) The Annual Minimum Rent will be calculated based upon the per
         square foot rental rate set forth above (the "Base Rate") multiplied
         times the rentable square feet in the Demised Premises and shall be
         subject to adjustment based upon the terms of this Lease.

         (2) Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, (1)
         Tenant shall be required to pay Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent
         during the period from May 1, 1995 through April 30, 1996 on only
         71.5622% of the portions of the Demised Premises located on the fifth,
         sixth and ninth floors of the Building; and (2) Tenant shall be
         required to pay Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent during the
         first forty-eight (48) months following the free rent period related to
         6,299 square feet of space on the second floor on only the following
         portions of such space: December 1, 1995 through November 30, 1996 -
         65% of the 6,299 rentable square feet; December 1, 1996 through
         November 30, 1997 -

                                       2



         75% of the 6,299 rentable square feet; December 1, 1997 through
         November 30, 1998 - 85% of the 6,299 rentable square feet; and December
         1, 1998 through November 30, 1999 - 95% of the 6,299 rentable square
         feet.

         (3) During the initial term of this Lease, the rental rate per square
         foot (the "Base Rate") utilized to calculate the Annual Minimum Rent as
         set forth above shall be adjusted annually as of the first day of each
         calendar year commencing with January 1, 1996 to reflect any increase
         (but not any decrease) in the numerical level of the Consumer Price
         Index for all Urban Consumers - South, All Items (base year
         1982-84?100) as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S.
         Department of Labor (the "Index") determined as follows: The Base Rate
         shall be multiplied times a fraction, the numerator of which shall be
         the numerical level of the Index for the monthly period ending next
         prior to the commencement of such calendar year and the denominator of
         which shall be the numerical level of the Index as published for
         December 31, 1994. The product so derived shall become the adjusted
         Base Rate which shall be utilized to calculate the Annual Minimum Rent
         to be paid by Tenant until the next adjustment hereunder. In the event
         the Index is not available in time to make the computation on any
         anniversary date, the rental adjustment will be made retroactively to
         such anniversary date at such time as the Index is available. If the
         base for the Index is so changed that 1982-84 prices are no longer
         taken as representing 100, an appropriate adjustment will be applied to
         the published indices so as to relate them to the aforesaid base in
         which 1982-84 prices are taken as representing 100. In the event the
         Index is discontinued, such other substantially similar government
         index or publication as chosen by Landlord and Tenant for a reasonable
         replacement shall be used for the rental adjustment. Anything to the
         contrary contained herein notwithstanding, in no event shall the Base
         Rate be increased by more than (i) three percent (3.0%) per annum
         calculated on a cumulative basis from December 31, 1994; or (ii) four
         percent (4.0%) from the previous year.

10.      MONTHLY RENT: (Article V, Section 5.01).\

Monthly installments of Annual Minimum Rent shall be calculated for the Demised
Premises based upon one-twelfth (1/12) of the Annual Minimum Rent due for the
applicable calendar year as shown in Item 9, subject to the adjustments called
for by the terms of the Lease; provided, however, that if any portion of the
Demised Premises is subject to a "No Rent" or "Free Rent" period for any portion
of the applicable calendar year, monthly installments of Annual Minimum Rent for
such space (i) shall not be included in calculating monthly installments of
Annual Minimum Rent for the balance of the Demised Premises; (ii) shall not be
due until the month that Annual Minimum Rent first becomes due on such space;
and (iii) shall be appropriately prorated and fractionalized based upon the
remaining months in the calendar year (with percentage free rent deemed to
create to a "Free Rent" period for the percentage of space as to which rent is
not due).


                                       3


11.      BASE AMOUNT: (Article V, Section 5.02)

         The Base Amount, for purposes of Operating Expenses, shall be the
         actual Operating Expenses for calendar year 1995 as set forth in the
         Lease divided by 162,820 rentable square feet.

         The Tax Base Amount, for purposes of Real Estate Taxes, shall be the
         actual Real Estate Taxes for calendar year 1995 (after adjustment for
         full valuation of the Building after renovation is completed but
         excluding any millage increase in 1995) as set forth in the Lease
         divided by 162,820 rentable square feet.

         In the event there is more than 5 % of the Total Rentable Area
         unoccupied during 1995, the actual Operating Expenses and Real Estate
         Taxes for such year shall be calculated based upon expenses
         attributable to an assumed occupancy of 95 % of the Total Rentable Area
         pursuant to the terms of Section 5.02 of the Lease.

         THESE BASE AMOUNTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL MINIMUM RENT AND TENANT
         SHALL ONLY BE LIABLE FOR ITS PRO RATA SHARE OF OPERATING EXPENSES AND
         TAXES IN EXCESS THEREOF.

12.      TOTAL RENTABLE AREA: (Article V, Section 5.02)

         The Building contains 162,820 square feet of rentable space.

13.      INITIAL OPERATING EXPENSE INSTALLMENT PAYMENT: (Article V, Section
         5.02(a))

         None

14.      SECURITY DEPOSIT: (Article V, Section 5.09)

         None

15.      NOTICE ADDRESS FOR TENANT: (Article XVIII, Section 18.01)

         Principal Place of Business:       Raleigh, North Carolina

         Mailing Address:                   BTI Corporate Center
                                            Suite 900
                                            Raleigh, NC 27615

                                       4


         With Copy To:                      Larry E. Robbins, Esquire
                                            Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton
                                            Suite 300
                                            4101 Lake Boone Trail
                                            Raleigh, NC 27607

16.      NOTICE ADDRESS FOR LANDLORD: (Article XVIII, Section 18.01)

         Principal Place of Business:       Raleigh, North Carolina

         Mailing Address:                   RBC Corporation
                                            c/o Southwind, Ltd.
                                            Post Office Box 7547
                                            Columbia, South Carolina 29202

17.      ADDITIONAL BROKER: (Article XXVI, Section 26.01)

         Capital Associates

18.      NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES: (Article XXIX, Section 29.01)

During the initial term of this Lease, at no cost to Tenant other than the
payment of Annual Minimum Rent and additional rent due hereunder, Tenant shall
be entitled to the exclusive use of four parking spaces per 1,000 rentable
square feet of space contained in the Demised Premises; provided, however, that
Tenant shall not be entitled to the use of parking spaces related to the 19,920
rentable square feet located on the second floor of the Building until Tenant
actually occupies such space. Six (6) of such spaces shall be located in the
covered parking facility adjacent to the Building and any remaining spaces shall
be located in the parking facilities located on the Land and on the parcel of
land adjacent to the Land, with such spaces to be divided equally between the
parcel upon which the Building is located and the adjacent parcel. Additionally,
in the event Tenant reasonably requires additional parking spaces during the
last five years of the initial term of this Lease, Landlord shall provide Tenant
with such additional spaces limited to a maximum number of spaces provided to
Tenant hereunder equal to 4.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of rentable space
contained in the Demised Premises total. All fractions shall be rounded to the
lowest whole number. All such parking spaces shall be designated by Landlord,
from time to time.

19.      ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS: (Article XXXI, Section 31.01)

         A.       In addition to the "Base Building" items set forth in Exhibit
                  C-1, Landlord has expended or will expend at Tenant's
                  direction for the 43,701 square feet located on the fifth,
                  sixth and ninth floors of the Building, a total of
                  $1,272,319.00 for Tenant upfittings. In addition, Landlord, at
                  its sole cost and expense, provided sheet rock and
                  preparations for finishes for the columns and perimeters
                  located within the Demised Premises on such floors, a
                  staircase, with no finishes, connecting the fifth


                                       5



                  and sixth floors of the Demised Premises, and carpet on the
                  fire stairs located between the fifth and sixth floors of the
                  Building. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that the upfitting
                  with respect to the fifth, sixth and ninth floors of the
                  Demised Premises has been completed to the satisfaction of the
                  Tenant (with the exception of outstanding punch list items).

                  In addition to the "Base Building" items set forth in Exhibit
                  C-1, Landlord will provide Tenant with an allowance for the
                  upfitting of the portions of the Demised Premises located on
                  the second floor of the Building, limited to $19.00 per
                  rentable square foot with respect to 6,299 rentable square
                  feet of space located on the second floor and limited to
                  $24.00 per rentable square foot with respect to the remaining
                  19,920 rentable square feet of space located on the second
                  floor. Landlord shall pay to Tenant, in cash, on or about
                  October 1, 1995, any portion of the upfitting allowance for
                  the second floor not then utilized by Tenant for the upfitting
                  of the second floor. After such payment, Tenant shall, at its
                  sole cost and expense, be responsible for any additional
                  upfitting on the second floor of the Building, and any such
                  work shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Article
                  XVI of this Lease.

         B.       Tenant will cooperate in good faith with Landlord to make
                  available a long distance telephone program to other tenants
                  in the Building desiring to utilize said program; provided,
                  however, that this Additional Provision C shall in no way
                  require Landlord or any tenants in the Building to utilize
                  said program.

         C.       So long as Tenant leases 100% of the office space located on
                  the fifth, sixth and ninth floors of the Building, the
                  Building shall be known as the "BTI Corporate Center" and
                  Tenant shall have the exclusive exterior signage rights
                  related to the Building pursuant to the provisions of Section
                  7.05(o) and Exhibit E of this Lease; provided, however, that
                  in the event Tenant fails to lease such space, Landlord shall
                  have the option to change the name of the Building and to
                  terminate Tenant's exterior signage rights upon written notice
                  to Tenant. In the event Tenant's exterior signage rights are
                  terminated, upon request, Tenant, at its sole cost and
                  expense, shall remove all exterior signs from the Building and
                  repair any damage done to the Building in connection with such
                  removal. Should Tenant fail to do so, Landlord may perform
                  such acts, and Tenant shall pay reasonable costs and expenses
                  thereof to Landlord as additional rent upon demand.

         D.       Landlord shall pay the initial $1,000 initiation deposit of up
                  to six (6) individual designees of Tenant who join The
                  Cardinal Club located at 150 Fayetteville Street Mall,
                  Raleigh, North Carolina; provided, however, that such
                  designees must join The Cardinal Club on or before the
                  Commencement Date of this Lease in order to receive the
                  benefits stipulated in this Additional Provision.

         E.       Landlord shall construct an exercise room (the "Exercise
                  Room") in the Building at a location designated by Landlord
                  for use by the Building's tenants and their



                                       6



                  respective employees. Tenant shall pay to Landlord each month,
                  as additional rent, its pro rata portion of the rent related
                  to the Exercise Room.

         F.       Tenant shall have the option to cancel one floor of the
                  Demised Premises (but not less than a whole floor) on April
                  30, 2000 upon 180 days prior written notice to Landlord;
                  provided, however, that Tenant shall pay to Landlord, on or
                  before the effective date of cancellation, a termination fee
                  equal to the unamortized portion (calculated on a straight
                  line basis as of a date 9 months after the effective date of
                  such cancellation) of the sum of the upfitting allowance
                  provided by Landlord to Tenant related to such space, plus the
                  leasing commissions paid by Landlord related to such space,
                  plus the next nine months of Annual Minimum Rent related to
                  such space which would have been due but for such
                  cancellation. In the event Tenant exercises this right to
                  cancel a portion of the Demised Premises from the Lease, any
                  future options, rights of first refusal or any other covenants
                  contained in the Lease related to Tenant's use and occupancy
                  of additional space (including, without limitation, the rights
                  provided by Section 4.07, Section 4.08 and Additional
                  Provision G) shall terminate and be rendered null and void.

         G.       On May 1, 1998, Landlord shall notify Tenant of any space in
                  the Building not then occupied or subject to an option or
                  right of first refusal (the "Available Space"), and Tenant
                  shall have ten (10) business days to notify Landlord of its
                  desire to lease all or any portion of the Available Space. In
                  the event Tenant does provide Landlord with such notice, rent
                  on the Additional Space subject to Tenant's notice shall
                  commence ninety (90) days after the date Landlord delivers
                  such Additional Space to Tenant free from other tenants and
                  occupants, and such Additional Space shall be leased on the
                  same terms and conditions as all other portions of the Demised
                  Premises as provided herein; provided, however, that Tenant's
                  upfitting allowance related to such Additional Space shall be
                  limited to $15.00 per rentable square foot contained therein.
                  In the event Tenant does not provide such notice to Landlord,
                  Landlord shall be free to lease all the Additional Space to
                  third parties until such time as it receives written notice
                  from Tenant of Tenant's need for additional space in the
                  Building, whereupon the same procedure shall apply as to all
                  space not then leased or subject to a binding lease commitment
                  from the Landlord. As other space subsequently becomes
                  available in the Building by reason of a tenant's lease
                  termination or otherwise, the same procedure shall be
                  followed, and Tenant shall have the same rights to lease such
                  space pursuant to terms and conditions set forth in this
                  Additional Provision.



                                       7


              EXHIBIT B [TO AMENDMENT ONE TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]

[Floor plan depicting office space on second floor of BTI Building and showing
location of offices and common areas (restrooms, elevator and stairway
vestibules and telephone, mechanical and electrical) within such space.]


    





               AMENDMENT TWO TO LEASE AGREEMENT [, EXHIBIT 10.8]


         This Amendment Two to Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") made and
entered into this 30th day of November, 195 by and between RBC CORPORATION
("Landlord") and BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. ("Tenant").


                                  INTRODUCTION


         Landlord and Tenant are parties to that certain lease dated May 13,
1994, as amended March 1, 1995 (collectively the "Lease"), whereby Tenant leases
certain office space in that certain multi-story office building (the
"Building") located at 4300 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. All
capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective
meanings set forth in the Lease.


         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the release by BTI of its rights
under an option dated March 28, 1995, the parties do hereby amend the Lease by
adding to Schedule I the following additional provisions:


         1. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. Prior to entering into any future
contractual arrangements for vacant space in the Building, or agreeing to the
expansion of any existing space or extension of the term of any lease currently
in existence (including the granting of renewal and expansion options), Landlord
shall notify Tenant, in writing, of the proposed contractual arrangement, by
forwarding to Tenant a copy of the proposed term sheet for the space being
considered by the proposed tenant, including a description of the tenant space
involved therein, proposed delivery date, rental rate, upfitting allowance and
term upon which Landlord desires to offer the subject






space to the designated third party. Upon receipt of such notice, Tenant shall
have thirty (30) days to consent to lease the subject space on the disclosed
terms and conditions by providing notice of such election to Landlord. If notice
of election is not given, then Landlord shall be free to contract for the
subject space with the designated third party on terms and conditions
substantially the same as those set forth in the notice to Tenant; provided,
however, that if after negotiations with the designated third party for the
subject space the proposed contractual arrangement is changed so as not to be
substantially the same in any respect as set forth in the notice to Tenant,
Landlord shall so notify Tenant, in writing, and Tenant shall have ten (10) days
from the delivery of such written notice in which to reconsider its decision as
to the leasing of the subject space. In the event that any such designated space
is not leased to the designated third party within ninety (90) days of the date
upon which Tenant declines to lease such space, the Right of First Refusal in
favor of Tenant for any full space shall continue thereafter in full force and
effect.


         2. FIRST FLOOR LEASES. Landlord shall enter into no lease for space on
the First Floor of the Building which includes an extension, renewal or other
opportunity to extend such Lease in excess of a base term of five years and
shall notify Tenant in writing of the expiration date upon execution of any such
lease. Upon expiration of any such initial five year term for First Floor
leases, BTI shall during the term of its lease, including any options, renewal,
or extension, have the option to expand the Demised Premises to include such
First Floor Space. This option shall be exercised by Tenant by providing written
notice of exercise to Landlord at least 180 days prior to expiration of the then
current lease.


                                       2



         All terms and conditions of the Lease, except as amended hereby, shall
remain in full force and effect.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have caused these presents to
be executed and their seals affixed hereto as of the day and year first written
above.

WITNESSES:                         LANDLORD:

                                   RBC CORPORATION            (SEAL)




________________________           By:________________________________
                                   Its:_______________________________


                                   TENANT:

                                   BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATION, INC.
                                                                 (SEAL)




_________________________          By:________________________________
                                  Its:________________________________
 .


                                       3


              AMENDMENT THREE TO LEASE AGREEMENT [, EXHIBIT 10.8]


         This Amendment Three to Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") made and
entered into this 15 day of May, 1997 (the "Date of this Agreement") by and
between RBC CORPORATION ("Landlord") and BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
("Tenant").


                                  INTRODUCTION


         Landlord and Tenant are parties to that certain lease dated May 13,
1994, as amended and modified (collectively the "Lease"), whereby Tenant leases
certain office space ~n that certain multi-story office building (the
"Building") located at 4300 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. Landlord
and Tenant now which to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, add
certain space on the first floor of the Building to the Demised Premises and
release certain space on the second floor of the Building. All capitalized terms
not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective meanings set forth in
the Lease.


         NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises set
forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties do hereby amend the Lease as
follows:


         1. NEW SPACE. As of the Date of this Agreement, Landlord shall deliver
and Tenant shall accept 20,879 rentable square feet comprising a portion of the
first floor of the Building and more particularly set forth on Exhibit A
attached hereto (the "New Space"), as a portion of the Demised Premises;
provided that Tenant's acceptance of the New Space is conditioned upon
reasonable evidence that the overall air quality of the New Space, including
without limitation moisture and humidity levels, is of equal quality to the
remainder of the Demised Premises. As






of March 1, 1998 (the "Start Date"), Tenant shall commence paying Rent on the
New Space at the Rental Rate of 514 50 per rentable square foot subject to all
escalations and expense pass throughs set forth in the Lease; provided that in
no event shall the Rental Rate for the New Space be increased by more than six
percent (6%) per annum calculated on a cumulative basis from the previous year;
provided further that said Rental Rate increase for the New Space shall be
calculated based on the net rent for the previous year which shall be the Rental
Rate of $14.50 per rentable square foot minus the actual Operating Expenses and
Real Estate Taxes for calendar year 1998.


         2. BASE AMOUNT. With regard solely to the New Space, the Base Amount
and Tax Base Amount, for purposes of Operating Expenses and Real Estate Taxes,
shall be the actual Operating Expenses and Real Estate Taxes for calendar year
1998 as set forth in the Lease divided by 162,820 rentable square feet.


         3. RELEASE OF SPACE. As of January 1, 1998, Tenant shall vacate and
return to Landlord, in the manner set forth in the Lease, approximately 8,912
rentable square feet on the second floor of the Building which space is more
particularly set forth on Exhibit B attached hereto, which space shall as of
January 1, 1998 be deleted from the Demises Premises. Tenant shall nor be liable
for any termination fees, leasing commissions or any unamortized portion of the
upfitting allowance with regard to the Released Space and shall additionally not
be liable for any costs incurred in connection with thc construction of demising
walls for the purpose of separating the Released Space. Tenant shall fully
cooperate with Landlord with regard to any reconfiguration of the Released
Space. Tenant's obligation to pay rent for the Released Space


                                       2




shall cease as of December 31, 1997.. Tenant shall retain all future options,
fights of first refusal on Released Space as amended herein.


         4. UPFITTING ALLOWANCE. Landlord shall provide Tenant with an allowance
for upfitting the New Space, limited to $37.5() rentable .square foot contained
in thc New Space, which allowance shall satisfy all of Landlord's upfitting
obligations under thc Lease with respect to the New Space, except as provided in
Section 1, relating to air quality, and Section 7, Access/Security of this
Agreement. The total upfitting allowance shall be paid by Landlord to Tenant
within thirty (30) days of the Date of this Agreement.


         5. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. As of the Date of this Agreement, Tenant's
existing Right of First Refusal, as contained in that certain Amendment Two to
Lease Agreement, shall be amended so that Tenant shall have fifteen (l5) rather
than thirty (30) days in which to consent to lease subject space.


         6. AFTER HOURS HVAC. Landlord shall forgive Tenant's after hours HVAC
expenses through February 28, 1997. As of March 1, 1997, Tenant shall only be
liable for such after hours HVAC charges that include electrical costs and shall
not be liable for any charges relating to the depreciation of HVAC equipment.
Landlord shall provide Tenant with the cost of the 1996 HVAC electrical costs
within thirty (30) days of this Agreement.


         7. TENANT PARKING. Tenant shall be allocated seven (7) marked reserved
parking spaces in the Building parking area in lieu and in substitution for all
parking allocated under the Lease.



                                       3


         8. ACCESS/SECURITY. Landlord shall, at its sole cost, develop and
implement a plan, which plan shall be mutually agreed upon by Landlord and
Tenant prior to implementation, to improve the access and security features of
the Building's mechanical access system and the Building loading dock area.


         All terms and conditions of the Lease, except as amended hereby, shall
remain in full force and effect.


                            [SIGNATURE PAGE ATTACHED]





                                       4




         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have caused these presents to
be executed and their seals affixed hereto as of the day and year first written
above.

                         LANDLORD:

                         RBC CORPORATION

                         BY:      FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
                         ITS:     AUTHORIZED AGENT  (SEAL)



                         By:____________________________________
                         It:____________________________________





                          TENANT:

                          BUSINESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                                                      (SEAL)



                          By:___________________________________
                          Its:__________________________________




                                       5



             EXHIBIT A [TO AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]

[Floor plan for proposed first floor of BTI Building depicting 34,888 square
feet of office space and showing location of offices and common areas
(restrooms, elevator and stairway vestibules and telephone, mechanical and
electrical) within such space.]




             EXHIBIT B [TO AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO LEASE, EXHIBIT 10.8]


[Floor plan showing location of approximately 8,912 square feet of office space
on the second floor of 4300 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, to be
vacated by Tenant and returned to Landlord.]