A method begins by a processing module of a dispersed storage and task (DST) execution unit receiving a data request for execution by the DST execution unit, the data request including an execution deadline. The method continues with the processing module comparing the execution deadline to a current time. When the execution deadline compares unfavorably to the current time the method continues with the processing module generating an error response. When the execution deadline compares favorably to the current time the method continues with the processing module determining a priority level based on the deadline and executing the data request in accordance with the priority level.