Let $$e_1$$ and $$e_2$$ be two distinct roots of the equation $$x^2 - ax + 2 = 0$$. Let the sets
$$\{a \in \mathbb{R} : e_1, e_2 \text{ are the eccentricities of hyperbolas}\} = (\alpha, \beta)$$, and
$$\{a \in \mathbb{R} : e_1, e_2 \text{ are the eccentricities of an ellipse and a hyperbola, respectively}\} = (\gamma, \infty)$$.
Then $$\alpha^2 + \beta^2 + \gamma^2$$ is equal to:

A

18

B

22

C

26

D

34