Darson was a 24th century Starfleet officer, an Academy classmate of Will Riker.
Darson was the captain of the starship USS Adelphi when that ship made First Contact at Ghorusda. Forty-seven crewpeople, including Captain Darson, died there. Many blamed Betazoid contact specialist Tam Elbrun for the mistakes that led to the misunderstanding that caused the deaths, although Elbrun pointed out procedural errors made by Adelphi crewmembers. (TNG: "Tin Man")