Using a local storage device to read desired data stored on a remote storage device that receives chunks of data from the local storage device includes, if the desired data is entirely in a cache of the local storage device, the local storage device returning the data from the cache and, if the desired data is not entirely in a cache of the local storage device, reading data from the remote storage device to the local storage device and the local storage device merging the data from the remote storage device with data from the local storage device at the local storage device. Using a local storage device to read desired data stored on a remote storage device that receives chunks of data from the local storage device may also include, prior to reading data from the remote storage device to the local storage device, creating a temporary storage area at the local storage device if there is data from the local storage device that is to be read. The temporary storage area may be a scratch slot.