Indirect-->direct - you'll be cancelling anyway https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35886969-post5.html .

Do you have the miles to make the direct redemption? If yes you can redeem the direct, then call in to cancel the indirect later (or even see if any disruption to give them an excuse to let you cancel for free).

If you need the miles from indirect to book the direct then cancel with the agent on the line (so you can pay the fee right away) and get the agent to give you a new 24h payment link for the direct. Hopefully the miles are redeposited within the 24h.