In certain embodiments, a database system for processing a query request comprises at least one master node operable to communicate a request over a communication channel, the request comprising a request to perform an activity associated with a precompiled query. The system further includes a first slave node and a second slave node each coupled to the at least one master node, each of the first and second slave nodes operable to receive the request on the communication channel. The first slave node is further operable to communicate a first notification over the communication channel indicating that the first slave node is handling the request, and the second slave node is operable to receive the first notification communicated over the communication channel indicating that the first slave node is handling the request.