Crossword Genius

Short indeed being questioned after action (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

debriefed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'questioned after action' is the definition.
'debriefed' can be an answer for 'questioned' (debriefing is a kind of questioning). I am not sure about the 'after action' bit.

'short indeed' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'short' could be 'brief' (synonyms) and 'brief' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'deed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'being' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for debriefed that I've seen before include "Questioned after completing a mission" , "Gathered info on return from a mission, from a soldier say" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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