A database system can receive, from a client, a query specifying at least one database operation implicating data within a first database and within a second database. The first database can have a first transaction manager and the second database can have a second transaction manager. Thereafter, a plurality of transactions are initiated that are responsive to the query to access the data within the first database and the second database. The first transaction manager and the second transaction manager together coordinate execution of the plurality of transactions. All changes specified by the at least one database operation are persisted in persistence of the first database including changes implicating data stored within the second database. Data responsive to the query can then optionally be provided to the client. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.