Survival Methods

Not a plot, but a characterization. Well, maybe a plot.

Rodney's always been smart. Ever since he had his first near-death experience with [citrussy food], survival's been his top priority. When he skipped grades (or got picked on, or whatever, if you don't want him to skip grades), he developed the attitude as a survival strategy- it's the only way he could defend himself. And that was enough to survive when he was on Earth, in academia. But it's not enough once he gets to Atlantis, and survival's still a priority to him, so he does what he can to make himself more likely to survive- learning self-defense and how to use guns and SGC-style first aid (which is far more comprehensive than first aid elsewhere) and diplomacy (or at least how to avoid offending people to the point of them attacking when he can avoid it). It's not easy for him; none of it comes naturally, and for somebody who understands science easily it's very frustrating. But he keeps working at it because if he can avoid death he wants to.

Optional plot: people notice that he's learning this stuff - despite his attitude towards them - and think "hey, maybe I should learn that stuff too". You know, once they've learned that actions speak louder than words. Possibly the training becomes official or semi-official policy. Rodney is all for it, because if other people know these things then a) they're less likely to do stupid stuff and need saving (since going on rescue missions makes him more likely to get killed), and b) more likely to be able to save him, if he needs it.

All ideas are free for the taking.