What is the missing number in the following sequence? $$$2,\,12,\,60,\,240,\,720,\,1440,\,\_\_\_,\,0$$$

Rahul, Murali, Srinivas and Arul are seated around a square table. Rahul is sitting to the left of Murali. Srinivas is sitting to the right of Arul. Which of the following pairs are seated opposite each other?

Based on the given statements, select the most appropriate option to solve the given question.

If two floors in a certain building are 9 feet apart, how many steps are there in a set of stairs that extends from the first floor to the second floor of the building?

Statements:
(I) Each step is $${3 \over 4}$$ foot high.
(II) Each step is 1 foot wide.