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.