I do have 2n3906. I did try it with all schematic configurations restored. Same result.
Tried it with x8 disabled and the lead that went to pin3 of the 555 to ground. Voltage remained low while the lead was inserted to ground or removed.
I documented the voltage readings of the 555 in idle, ontimer, and expired timer.
1) 0.0 - 0.0 - 0.0
2) 5.2 - 5.2 - 5.2
3) 0.0 - 4.7 - 0.0
4) 0.0 - 4.7 - 4.7
5) 3.4 - 3.4 - 3.4
6) 0.0 - 2.5* - 0.0
7) 0.0 - 2.5* - 0.0
8) 5.2 - 5.2 - 5.2
* steadily climbed passed 3.0