A method includes sending data access requests to storage units regarding a set of encoded data slices. The method further includes, when a write transaction is pending for the set of encoded data slices, receiving proposal records from the storage units. The method further includes interpreting the proposal records to determine an ordering of visible versions of the set of encoded data slices stored by the storage units. The method further includes determining whether a threshold number of encoded data slices of a desired version of the set of encoded data slices is visible. The method further includes, when the threshold number of encoded data slices is visible, determining whether to proceed with the data access request. The method further includes, when determined to proceed with the data access request, sending a request to proceed with the data access request to the storage units.