just as long as, as close as they had

[KLPNO]

Hello everyone
I'd like to ask about some phrases that are unclear to me in the following passage.

The soldier said something in a language Vega didn't speak.
"If you're saying this is some crazy shite, sib, I'm right there with you.
"My English not good," the soldier said. "But agree is very cracked up."
Vega turned to look at the soldier. "Why'd you fight with us?"
"Was ordered to. Besides, is our world. Humans. Not them. Why you fight with us?
Grinning, Vega said, "Didn't have much choice." He hesitated. "I'm going to find my people. And next time..."
"Next time, I'll kill you, heathen."
"Just as long as we understand each other," Vega muttered as he turned and -- making sure the Nod soldiers didn't follow him -- run back eastward, toward where EVA told him Gallaher was. He figured that was as close to a field base as they had until the Huron finally came and got them.

EVA is a computer device, the Huron is an aircraft.
Does the phrase "just as long as we understand each other" mean we do not kill each other as long as we understand each other?

And I'm not sure what 'as close to a field base as they had' mean. The author says that when Vega reached the place where Gallaher was the Huron was already there.

 

[buggles]

As I understand it, the writer is trying to convey the opposite of what you suggest.
The fact that Vega muttered, "Just as long as we understand each other" means he was saying that they both knew they were enemies and would still kill each other if they got the chance even though neither of them really knew why.
A field base is a kind of mini army camp in a combat zone -somewhere soldiers return to in order to get back together. They must have agreed on a meeting place so that became a kind of makeshift field base.
Hope this helps

 

[KLPNO]

As I understand it, the writer is trying to convey the opposite of what you suggest.
The fact that Vega muttered, "Just as long as we understand each other" means he was saying that they both knew they were enemies and would still kill each other if they got the chance even though neither of them really knew why.
A field base is a kind of mini army camp in a combat zone -somewhere soldiers return to in order to get back together. They must have agreed on a meeting place so that became a kind of makeshift field base.
Hope this helps

Thank you very much, buggles!