The Gradualists were a faction within the Orion Alliance, a secret rebel organization and shadow government formed by the Orion slaves dedicated to gaining their freedom from the aliens who enslaved them.
They emerged from a split in the Alliance in 891 BCE (reference stardate -28/9104) over the issue of Orion piracy. The Gradualists argued for a gradual transition towards independence, and felt that the piracy hurt their cause and should be cut back. They were opposed in this view by the Militarists.
The Gradualists were primary made up of Colonial Grey Orions. (FASA RPG module: The Orions: Book of Deep Knowledge)