This is the HQ of Stark International. On the upper floors of this place, its officers brainstorm.
Howard Stark is dead. Obadiah Stane, his lifelong friend, has replaced him as CEO of the company. Around him, his fellow officers have assembled. They won't leave until they've properly endowed the Stark family's legacy.
Before Stane, at the head of the table, sits a chessboard. Stane portrays his thoughts-which are mostly indecipherable, as far as his fellow corporate officers are concerned-via moves on the board throughout the meeting.
Near him, Jasper Sitwell, the corporate vice president, sits. He's the officers' middle man between themselves and SHIELD.
Across from him, Vicky Snow sits. She's the head of Project Whiplash.
Marcy Pearson also attends. She's the head of Project War Machine.
Ramona Napier also attends. She's a vulcanologist, and the head of Project Magma.
Talia Kruma also attends. She still grieves for Neil, her lover...but at least she can still work.
The officer team of Stark International isn't as it was under Howard Stark. Many employees who were loyal to Stark Sr have either resigned or been fired. Clearly, no one in California is ready for Obadiah Stane to take the reins of the company. Too bad; no one's stepped forward to replace Stane.
And as far as Stane's concerned, that's just fine. He hates power struggles...and he means that subjectively.