May 14, 1995

Serge Tanzic sits inside the helicopter as it flies through the night sky above Manhattan. He had boarded the helicopter following a flight landing at John f. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

"At least we beat the traffic," says the helicopter pilot, clad ins some blue uniform.

"Yes," replies Tanzic.

The helicopter continues its flight, soon flying over the East River to Manhattan. Tanzic could see the forest of skyscrapers that all but covers the whole island.

"I see your boss to discuss building of refugee center," says Tanzic. "So many displaced from war in Yugoslavia. I was colonel in Yugoslav army. I even fight in Vukovar. So many killed, so many homeless. I want help."

"I only saw it on the news." The pilot glances at Tanzic, noting the scar on his face running down from his right eye, figuring that must have been an old war wound.

"Tensions still. War may break out tomorrow. I want to help those homeless because of war."

"How are you feeling?" the pilot asks the other passenger.

"Very alert," replies Goran, who had accompanied Serge Tanzic. "I sleep for most of the flight. Wake up just before landing."

"We're getting close."

Tanzic looks ahead. He sees a very tall skyscraper, rising high above the others. That is the Eyrie Building, the tallest building in New York City. Atop the Eyrie Building is a castle- Castle Wyvern, which used to be in Scotland, but had since been rebuilt here last year.

The helicopter soon lands inside the courtyard of the Castle. The door opens, and the former Yugoslav colonel and his aide step out.

The walls of Wyvern block his view of Manhattan Island. Still, Tanzic is impressed with the place, having read about it less than a month after its completion in 1994.

A man walks out into the courtyard. He has blond hair and wears eyeglasses. He wears a black business suit. A white button shirt with a red necktie is visible.

"Welcome to Castle Wyvern," the man says.

"Thank you."

"Follow me."

"I'll take the chopper back to the hangar," says Derek Maza, who had flown the helicopter. Tanzic glances as Derek flies the helicopter away.

Castle Wyvern's newest guest is escorted through the halls. The two visitors note the architecture.

"This castle was advanced for its time," says his host.

"Very difficult to attack," says Goran.

Less than ten minutes later, Tanzic enters a large office. Its centerpiece is a desk. A large television is built into the wall ion the left. Behind the desk there is a large window showing the southern end of Manhattan, including the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

A man sits behind the desk. He has tanned skin, brown hair, and a brown beard. He wears a gray suit and shirt with a Mandarin collar.

"Serge Tanzic, I presume," says the man.

"That is me. This is my trusted aide, Goran. We fight in war together." Memories of the civil war that followed the disintegration of Yugoslavia in 1991 briefly surface in the former colonel's mind.

"David Xanatos, founder of Xanatos Enterprises." Xanatos extends a hand. "Let's talk business."