Let a line having direction ratios, 1, $$-$$4, 2 intersect the lines $${{x - 7} \over 3} = {{y - 1} \over { - 1}} = {{z + 2} \over 1}$$ and $${x \over 2} = {{y - 7} \over 3} = {z \over 1}$$ at the points A and B. Then (AB)² is equal to ___________.

If the shortest distance between the lines

$$\overrightarrow r = \left( { - \widehat i + 3\widehat k} \right) + \lambda \left( {\widehat i - a\widehat j} \right)$$

and $$\overrightarrow r = \left( { - \widehat j + 2\widehat k} \right) + \mu \left( {\widehat i - \widehat j + \widehat k} \right)$$ is $$\sqrt {{2 \over 3}} $$, then the integral value of a is equal to ___________.